Improving real-time fault analysis and validating relay operations to prevent or mitigate cascading blackouts

This paper proposes a new strategy at the local (substation) level, aimed at preventing or mitigating the cascading blackouts that involve relay misoperations or inadequate local diagnostic support. The strategy consists of an advanced real-time tool that combines neural network based fault detection and classification (NNFDC) algorithm and synchronized sampling based fault location (SSFL) algorithm with a relay monitoring tool using event tree analysis (ETA). The fault analysis tool provides a reference for conventional distance relay with its better performance and the relay monitoring tool provides detailed local information about the disturbances. The idea of the entire strategy is to meet several NERC recommendations to prevent blackouts using wide area protection and control.