Solving Synchronization Challenges

Using Distributed Signal Acquisition

With Fiber-Optic Links

Sruty Singh, Michael Thompson, and Hardesh Khatri

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.

Presented at the
47th Annual Western Protective Relay Conference
Virtual Format
October 20–22, 2020
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Solving Synchronization Challenges

Using Distributed Signal Acquisition
With Fiber-Optic Links
Sruty Singh, Michael Thompson, and Hardesh Khatri, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.

Abstract—The challenges of designing synchronizing systems on either side of the open breaker to be closed are synchronized.
for utility and industrial power systems have become more In such applications, there are no controls for adjusting the
complex. New and existing generation are separated from frequency and voltage on the synchronizing panel.
transmission points of interconnection by ownership and distance,
requiring isolation between facilities. Distributed energy resources Synchronizing systems are usually found in industrial power
located throughout the power system are becoming more common distribution systems where onsite cogeneration systems are
and are usually used to form microgrids with diverse used. Cogeneration systems often provide combined heat,
synchronizing points. Often, voltage transformer (VT) and control process steam, and electric power to support the industrial
signals across synchronizing breakers are not available. Further, production process. In such systems, the trend has been to
automatic synchronizing systems are being favored over manual upgrade the plant control systems to create a reliable islanding
systems to reduce operator workloads and improve performance,
response times, and flexibility. system that allows the industrial plant to separate, survive, and
Traditional synchronizing technology limits the possible re-synchronize [2]. This allows the plant to operate islanded
solutions to these challenges. Designers are frequently faced with from the grid when normal grid power is not available. These
the choice of adding expensive VTs at various synchronizing systems often have very robust distribution systems with
points, relying on operators to go to remote locations to multiple ways to feed critical loads and many separation points.
synchronize manually, or designing complex systems for Each separation point requires a synchronizing system.
analog-digital-analog conversion using amplifiers to recreate a
Centralized, plant-wide synchronizing systems are commonly
remote signal for the synchronizing circuits. The complexity of
these systems makes them less reliable. used in these applications.
An advanced automatic synchronizer (A25A) that uses digital The latest trend creating requirements for novel
secondary system (DSS) technology enables cost reduction and synchronizing systems is leveraging the decentralized nature of
improved reliability, performance, and personnel safety. Using the renewable energy sources to create local microgrids to improve
A25A, we can design systems not considered possible using service reliability for neighborhoods, college campuses,
traditional technology. A DSS replaces hardwired analog and industrial parks, and commercial districts. These systems are
binary signals with merging units that are located wherever
needed and interface to the A25A via point-to-point fiber-optic not new. However, the term microgrid has become common to
links. In this paper, we discuss the challenges of conventional describe these localized grids that can disconnect from the
synchronizing systems and show the advantages of using the A25A traditional grid to operate autonomously. The U.S. Department
with new DSS technology as a practical solution. of Energy defines a microgrid as:

I. INTRODUCTION A group of interconnected loads and distributed

energy resources within clearly defined
Synchronizing systems are used in diverse applications
throughout the power system. The first application that comes electrical boundaries that acts as a single
controllable entity with respect to the grid (and
to mind is connecting an incoming generator to a running grid.
This is the origin of incoming and running, the common terms can) connect [emphasis added] and disconnect
used to describe synchronizing systems. The controlled system from the grid to enable it to operate in both
grid-connected or island-mode. [3]
(i.e., the system that can be adjusted for matching frequency,
voltage, and angle) is the incoming system; the larger power As the definition states, one important requirement for a
system that the incoming system is being connected to is the microgrid control system is the ability to synchronize (i.e.,
running system. However, synchronizing systems are also used reconnect) the microgrid back to the main grid.
in many other applications such as transmission substations, The challenges of designing synchronizing systems for these
industrial distribution systems, and microgrids. diverse applications are more complex than the traditional
For example, you may find a synchronizing panel in a generator synchronizing application. However, it is now
transmission substation. A synchronizing panel includes a common for new and existing generation to be separated from
synchroscope, at a minimum, and usually incoming and transmission points of interconnection by ownership and
running voltmeters and synchronism lights [1]. Operators can distances, requiring isolation between facilities. Often, the
turn on the synchronizing panel to ensure that the two systems voltage transformer (VT) and control signals may not be
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available to implement synchronizing systems using • Systems where an A25A can be located near the
conventional technology. Further, automatic synchronizing synchronizing breaker and synchronizing signal
systems are being favored over manual systems to reduce sources, and control signaling can be performed via
operator workloads and improve performance, response times, communication links.
and flexibility. Therefore, designing conventional generator • Systems where both sensing and control signals must
synchronizing systems has become more challenging. be connected to the A25A via communication links.
Conventional synchronizing systems can include both The paper also briefly discusses the two types of DSS
manual and automatic synchronizing functions. For manual systems available: Ethernet networked DSS systems based on
systems, a synchronizing panel is necessary to provide the international standards, and DSS systems that use simple
information required for an operator to complete the process. point-to-point communication links based on proprietary
For this function, there is no substitute for a synchroscope. devices and protocols. The second type of DSS solution is
Traditional synchroscopes require that incoming and running emphasized for its greater simplicity in solving problems where
voltage signals be available for direct connection to the device. networked DSS is not the backbone of the system design
Traditional automatic synchronizers share this limitation as architecture.
well.
Soft synchroscopes are only suitable for allowing operators II. SYNCHRONIZING SYSTEM IN A
to monitor an automatic synchronizing system. The variability TRADITIONAL SUBSTATION DESIGN
of latencies involved in a computer-generated soft Synchronization is an intricate process. It requires the
synchroscope does not allow an operator to time the close correct operation of a variety of mechanisms and systems, i.e.,
command to anticipate closure at exactly zero degrees phase mechanical, electrical, and human. Synchronization must be
coincidence [1]. It has been proposed that synchrophasor performed carefully to prevent damage to the generator and to
technology may be suitable for such applications; however, this ensure there are no impacts to the power system as a whole. The
technology has never been commercialized [4]. requirement for a proper synchronization is that the voltage
In the past, if synchronization with remote signals was amplitude, frequency, and phase angle of the incoming
required, one approach was to build a system that: (a) digitized generator and running power system or bus should closely
the remote VT signal; (b) transmitted it over a low-latency match.
communication link; (c) converted the digital signal back to Faulty synchronization can cause significant surges,
analog; (d) amplified the signal; (e) used the reconstituted disturbances, and oscillations to the power system [1]. The
voltage signal to drive traditional synchronizing equipment. impact is more severe if the system is weak compared to the
Such systems were complex and had many components, and size of the generator. Faulty synchronization can also result in
therefore had relatively low reliability and performance. the generator tripping and being unable to pick up load.
However, they eliminated issues with long VT signal runs A synchronizing system monitors the power system
where induced noise and possible ground potential rise made condition, controls the governor and exciter/automatic voltage
hardwired connections impractical. regulator (AVR) of the incoming generator, and issues a close
An advanced automatic synchronizer (A25A) can overcome command to the synchronizing breaker to bring the generator
many of the limitations of traditional synchronizing equipment. online. The synchronizing system is used to synchronize a
The A25A has been available for many years [1]. But with the single generator, an inverter, or multiple gensets. The breaker
advent of full function digital secondary system (DSS) should be closed when the angle difference between the
technologies, even better systems for addressing the challenges incoming and running voltages is minimal. Per
of complex synchronizing systems are possible. DSS IEEE C37.102-2006, the requirements of synchronization are
technology has been in development for many years. that the breaker closing angle should be between ±10 degrees,
Originally, this technology was used to replace binary the voltage difference should be less than 5%, and the
input/output (I/O) signaling with messages transmitted over frequency difference should be less than 0.067 Hz [6].
serial, and later Ethernet, communication links. In substation
applications, these serial or Ethernet communication links A. Conventional Synchronizing Systems
could use fiber-optic cables to replace large numbers of copper In a conventional manual synchronizing system, proper
control cables between the protection and control panels in the synchronization is largely dependent on the operator. The
substation control enclosure and the high-voltage yard operator must perform two jobs. First, the operator is
equipment [5]. DSS technology has evolved so that copper responsible to match the frequency and voltage of the incoming
instrument transformer signal cables can also be replaced with generator with the running bus by controlling the governor and
fiber-optic communication links for analog sensing signals. the AVR set points. Second, the operator must close the breaker
This paper reviews challenging synchronizing applications when the phase angle difference between incoming and running
and demonstrates how A25A technology can solve many voltages is as close to zero as possible.
difficult problems and provide improved simplicity, reliability, A conventional synchronizing system consists of a
and performance. We discuss three classes of solutions: synchronization panel with meters and indications like
• Systems where hardwired sensing and control voltmeters, a synchroscope, and lamps to provide the operators
signaling is acceptable. information for manual synchronization. The synchroscope is
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connected between the incoming and running voltages as The main advantage of an automatic system is that it can
shown in Fig. 1. The VTs are hardwired to the synchroscope ensure a consistent close with a near zero angle difference every
and the voltmeters. The operator uses the synchroscope as a time, unlike a manual system that relies on an operator. Like
visual indication to determine the correct instant to close the the manual system, the automatic synchronizer can send control
breaker. If there are multiple synchronizing points in the or error pulses to bring the voltage and frequency of the
system, the operator uses a synchronizing switch or controls generator within the synchronism acceptance criteria. Once the
programmed into the plant distributed control system (DCS) to frequency and voltage are matched, it closes the breaker at the
physically switch the VT circuits and control signals based on slip-compensated advanced angle calculated using (1).
the generator and breaker selected for close. Once the correct The synchroscope is generally also a part of the automatic
incoming and running voltages are selected, the operator synchronizing system, but the synchronizing system does not
controls the frequency and voltage magnitude to bring them rely on the operator and synchroscope to close the breaker at
within the acceptable range. When the frequency and voltage the correct instant. The dependency on an operator to
magnitude are within range, the operator uses the dial on the synchronize systems based on visual information is thereby
synchroscope (shown in Fig. 1) to close at a near zero angle reduced. The automatic synchronizer still requires operator
difference. interference to manually switch the voltage signals if more than
one synchronizing breaker exists. If multiple synchronizing
breakers are controlled through one automatic synchronizer, the
associated VT circuit wiring becomes very complex. Although
the automatic synchronizer is an improvement to the manual
system, it still requires signal switching and complex wiring to
route the voltage and control signals from the synchronizer to
the VT, breaker, and generator control system (GCS).
B. A25A Systems
A25A systems have all the capabilities of a typical
synchronizer, and offer enhanced flexibility in terms of system
configurations and improved reliability when compared to their
conventional counterparts. Reference [1] covers the
components, features, and benefits of an A25A system in detail.
The major points of A25A systems are highlighted in this
Fig. 1. Electromechanical synchroscope section.
An A25A system has six independent single-phase voltage
As stated previously, a manual synchronizing system
inputs, which remove the need to switch the VT signals
requires the VT inputs and the control signals to be hardwired;
manually. With multiple isolated VT inputs, A25A systems can
therefore, design of such circuits requires complex wiring. The
be programmed to account for multiple synchronization points
problem with wiring complexity is multifarious; complex
and system configurations. The operator can select the
wiring could result in hidden wiring failures. It is difficult to
synchronizing breaker from the A25A user interface. The
expand such systems because of the pre-existing complex
A25A can be programmed to automatically use the
wiring, and it is also difficult to test such systems. Additionally,
measurements from the correct VT source from the six voltage
human error can cause faulty synchronization in manual
inputs, depending on the circuit breaker selected for
systems with heavy reliance on operators.
synchronization.
An advancement on the manual synchronizing system is the
A25A systems interface with a GCS to send control pulses
automatic synchronizing system. An automatic synchronizing
to the governor and the AVR, bringing the generator speed and
system can compensate for the breaker close mechanism delay
voltage into the synchronism acceptance limits. This can be
to ensure the breaker closes at the correct instance to secure a
achieved in multiple ways. The A25A device has a
near zero angle difference. It measures the slip and calculates
human-machine interface (HMI) with an LCD display and
the advanced angle at which to energize the close coil. The
various LED indicators that the operator can use to telemeter
slip-compensated advanced angle is calculated using (1):
the data to a control center for manual adjustments.
 ( SLIP ) cyc   sec  Alternatively, the A25A can be configured to issue correction
ADVANG 0 =     pulses to a dedicated remote I/O (RIO) module to control
 sec
   60 cyc  generator speed and voltage. The RIO module is in the GCS
(1)
 3600  and is connected to the A25A device via fiber-optic
  ( ( TCLS) cyc )
communication links. The correction pulses can also be
 cyc 
transmitted via the IEC 61850 GOOSE protocol.
where: Ideally, the A25A is located close to the VTs and the
ADVANG is the advanced close angle. breaker. In such a scenario, close signals can be hardwired to
TCLS is the circuit breaker close mechanism delay. the breaker. But if a single A25A device is used to control
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multiple breakers, the distance between the breaker and the alarms are integrated into the plant DCS so that all pertinent
A25A might be an issue. In such a case, a dedicated RIO information is available in the control room. To retain the
module for the breaker can be used to issue the close command operator controls for supervisory checks, the A25A systems can
if the A25A is located far from the synchronizing breaker. be programmed to allow for multi-level operator supervision, if
Fig. 2 shows the analog, digital, and I/O signals of an A25A desired. The operator controls the overall process, including
system in a traditional substation. permissive prior to a dead bus close or parallel close, while the
A25A system secures operator command by performing
parallel checks. Fig. 3 shows a typical front-panel layout of an
A25A device.

III. COMPLEX SYNCHRONIZING SYSTEMS AND CHALLENGES

The challenges of designing synchronizing systems for
utility and industrial systems have become more complex
primarily because of the diversity in the application of
synchronizing systems. The benefits offered by existing
conventional synchronization devices are rather limited. This
section discusses applications that have complex synchronizing
system requirements.
A. Generation and Transmission Interconnections
Generation and transmission interconnections are required
to pool power plants and load centers to minimize the total
Fig. 2. A25A system in a traditional substation power generation capacity and cost. Generation and
transmission services are provided by separate, independent
The A25A can also be programmed to allow for various entities. With the separation of these service providers, the
indications, alarms, and event recording. Alarms can be interconnection points (also referred as points of common
configured throughout the stages of the synchronization coupling [PCCs]) may be separated by distance, ownership, or
process—from the selection of a breaker to issuance of a both. This requires isolation between the two facilities. Often,
successful close command or a failed breaker close. These the analog and control signals across the breakers may not be

Fig. 3. A25A device front-panel indications and controls

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available for use. In such scenarios, designing a synchronizing switching in the case of smart A25A, for every synchronizing
system that can cater to those needs is challenging. A solution point. Complex network configurations of these systems and
is that the generating station can install a local synchronizing the demand for highly reliable synchronizing systems have
breaker and associated VTs to synchronize the generation with resulted in a shift toward the use of a centralized synchronizing
the transmission network; however, this solution may not be system.
cost effective. Alternatively, long cable runs are required to be
D. Synchronization Challenges With Complex Systems
installed from the VTs in the transmission substation to the
A25A device in the generating station. Longer cable runs are Designing a synchronization system for such challenging
expensive and can result in ground potential rise and induced applications is difficult. To design a robust synchronization
voltages along with complexity in wiring. The following system, it is necessary to understand the potential challenges of
section discusses a newer, more robust solution to this problem. the application and design a system that addresses those issues.
The system should have no single points of failure or common-
B. Distributed Energy Resources and Microgrids mode failure problems to be completely reliable. The
A microgrid generally operates while connected to the grid instrument transformer circuits must have proper isolation and
and can be separated from the main grid automatically in case grounding. The dc control circuits must also have proper
of a crisis or separated manually to function as an island. These isolation. Synchronizers for these complex systems could be
islands have multiple synchronizing points (i.e., PCCs) that can designed with multiple control interfaces located separately or
be used to resynchronize back to the main grid or to a single plant-wide centralized control interface.
synchronize two islands to each other. In any case, the Complex system arrangements described in this section
synchronizing system must account for all possible island and require multiple VT circuits to be brought into the
grid configurations to provide a flexible and reliable solution. synchronizing system. This becomes a bigger issue in
These decentralized grids improve service continuity under conventional synchronizing systems because of manual VT
abnormal system conditions. When a microgrid is islanded, it signal switching. In manual systems, this results in complex
needs to be synchronized with the utility grid at the PCC before schematic designs and wiring. Troubleshooting such systems is
reconnection. Microgrid resynchronization is different from difficult as intricate cabling can result in hidden wiring failures
traditional grid resynchronization because of unpredictable and reduce the overall reliability. A similar problem arises in
loads and the presence of distributed generation with renewable automatic synchronizing systems because of complex wiring.
and non-renewable sources of power. When a distributed Moreover, detailed planning, careful programming, and
energy resource (DER) is operating with a load while the DER thorough testing is required to verify that the A25A device can
is synchronizing, the dynamics of the load can affect successfully synchronize in all scenarios.
synchronizing speed and accuracy. It is common to have a Lastly, the close signals need to be sent to multiple breakers
synchronizing system at every PCC in microgrid applications, situated in different locations. Control circuits needed for this
but if a centralized synchronizing system is used then application, including status inputs, can be complex and long.
measuring voltage at different points in the microgrid and Dead bus permissive, synchronizing close indicators, and
bringing the VT signals to the A25A device can be a difficult anti-paralleling interlocks are often required to improve the
task. safety and continuity of service. These interlocks could be
hardwired, or they could be programmed in the synchronizing
C. Industrial Systems
systems.
It is common for larger industrial facilities to have
cogeneration systems. Similar to microgrids, these systems can IV. DIGITAL SECONDARY SYSTEMS
be disconnected from the grid, operated as an independent
One area of power system protection and control that has
island, and re-connected to the grid. Depending on the type of
remained virtually unchanged is the use of copper cabling to
industry and the load it is serving, critical load islanding may
bring instrument transformer data and control signals from the
be necessary. In critical load islanding, critical loads are
substation yard to the microprocessor relay in the control house.
islanded under abnormal system conditions to ensure service
An alternative approach is to replace copper with fiber-optic
continuity to these loads. The distribution network is designed
communication links. This solution is called a digital secondary
such that there are multiple ways to serve these critical loads.
system (DSS) or a digital substation solution.
Multiple routes result in multiple synchronizing points with
Fig. 4 shows a simplified diagram of a traditional substation
each point requiring a synchronizing system. These
and how the signals are routed over copper. Fig. 5 shows a
synchronizing points could be located next to each other or
simplified diagram of a digital substation where a device(s)
hundreds of yards apart, depending on the facility design. With
separate from the relay performs the analog-to-digital
multiple synchronizing breakers, long and complex cable runs
conversion of instrument transformer signals and has contact
are installed to the synchronizer for VT and close signals.
I/Os to interact with the primary equipment, such as circuit
Careful planning is required to design one or multiple A25A
breakers. The device that performs this function is called a
systems to account for all possible topology permissive, and VT
merging unit (MU). The MU is installed in the substation yard.
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The information is digitized by the MU and transmitted over control. The data from the MUs must be synchronized and time
fiber-optic digital communication links to the intelligent aligned because of the switched nature of the Ethernet network.
electronic devices (IEDs) in the control house. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 Time alignment is usually performed by a satellite-
show two different architectures for streaming digital data synchronized clock in the network that synchronizes all MU
between the MU and the IED based on what is inside the cloud and IED clocks via IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol.
in Fig. 5.

Fig. 4. Connections for a traditional substation

Fig. 6. Switched network DSS solution

B. Point-To-Point Architecture Approach

A point-to-point architecture greatly simplifies a digital
substation. In a point-to-point architecture, the MU is connected
to the IEDs by a point-to-point fiber-optic link. Fig. 7 shows a
simplified version. The data from the MU are not multicast and
routed via managed Ethernet switches. Instead, they are sent
over a direct fiber link using the manufacturer’s proprietary
protocol. Therefore, switches and satellite-synchronized clocks
are not required in this configuration [9]. The reduced number
of devices and the fact that the point-to-point architecture does
not require network engineering offer great simplicity over a
switched network solution.
Fig. 5. Connections for a digital substation

A DSS solution can be employed in two different

architectures. The first approach is to implement a process bus
using a switched (i.e., Ethernet-based) network architecture.
The other is a point-to-point architecture. Both use fiber-optic
communication links. The following sections provide details on
the two approaches.
A. Switched Network Architecture Approach
Switched network architecture is based on the Sampled
Value (SV) Process Bus concept in the IEC-61850-9-2 standard
[7] [8]. In this architecture, the instrument transformer data are
digitized at the source and communicated to the IEDs in the
substation control room over a switched network. Fig. 6 shows
a simplified version of the switched network architecture
solution. The instrument transformer data are digitized in the Fig. 7. Point-to-point DSS solution
MU and brought to a switch in the control house, which C. Autosynchronization With DSS
distributes the information to the IEDs in the network. The
Switched network and point-to-point architectures can be
Ethernet packets in the switched network architecture are
applied to DSS-based synchronizing systems. Each has its own
multicast, meaning the data from the MU are sent to all devices
advantages. The question of which technology to choose for the
in the network, even those that did not subscribe to the data. For
synchronizing system design depends on a variety of factors. If
this reason, network management tools need to be employed to
the synchronizer is part of an overall protection system that uses
ensure that network traffic arrives only at the desired location
networked DSS technology, using the switched network
and that excess network traffic does not impact protection and
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architecture provides many benefits. All relays in the protection house, fiber-optic cable is run from the MU(s) in the yard to the
system and the A25A can be tied to a single network. The data A25A system in the control house. The MU can send these data
from the MUs can also be shared with multiple devices in this to additional IEDs, if desired, by adding more fiber-optic links.
setup. Another advantage of the switched network solution is Instead of running multiple long and heavy copper cables, thin
that IEDs from different vendors can be used because all and sturdy fiber-optic cables are easy to install and occupy less
devices use the same protocols as defined in IEC-61850-9-2. space.
Ethernet traffic can be controlled in the switched network Once the VT inputs are made available to the A25A, the
solution with virtual local-area networks (VLANs). system compares the two voltages against the user-defined
If an autosynchronizer is being added to an existing synchronism acceptance criteria. If G requires adjustment to
substation, point-to-point architecture provides many benefits, match the running bus, raise or lower control pulses are
but the simplicity that it brings in the design, commissioning, transmitted to the governor and AVR controls in the control
maintenance, and operation makes it a striking choice for an house. The pulses are transmitted through a dedicated MU over
autosynchronizer application [9]. The point-to-point solution is fiber-optic communication links. The generator MU is
inherently simpler to install in an existing generating station hardwired to the governor and AVR system to control the
because it does not require any complex network engineering. generator frequency and voltage, respectively. When all
Therefore, switches and a robust time-synchronization system synchronizing conditions are met, the generator is ready to be
are not required, and the fiber-optic links can be directly applied connected to the grid. The A25A computes the
between the synchronizer and the MU. Because the links are slip-compensated advanced close angle to issue the close signal
point-to-point, the system uses channel-based time to CB1. The close signal is transmitted to the BKR1 MU via
synchronization, so the system is not dependent on GPS clocks fiber-optic cable. The issuance of a close signal can be
or other sources of high-accuracy time. The direct links provide monitored via the front panel of the A25A system.
the flexibility of future expansion of synchronizing breakers.
With a networked architecture, the network requirements,
bandwidth, and traffic management all need to be re-evaluated
for expansion. For a point-to-point architecture, simply connect
the MU to the synchronizer and recommission it with the new
topology.
The point-to-point solution is designed such that it is simple
to deploy and maintain. The next section describes the design,
features, and benefits of the A25A system when applied with a
point-to-point DSS solution.

V. IMPROVED A25A WITH DSS SOLUTION

The benefits of the point-to-point DSS are immense.
Because the DSS protects and controls the primary equipment
using digital devices in the secondary system that transmit data
via fiber-optic cables, the point-to-point DSS not only
simplifies the synchronizing system, but also offers Fig. 8. A25A system with a point-to-point DSS solution
improvements to the overall design when compared to its B. Features
traditional counterpart. An A25A system with a DSS performs This section covers the features and benefits of the
all the functions of a typical A25A system, overcomes the point-to-point DSS solution when used with the A25A system.
challenges posed by complex system designs, and offers
additional benefits not considered possible previously. 1) Merging Unit Design
The MU for a point-to-point architecture is purpose-built
A. System Design with enhanced capabilities for better performance of the DSS.
To understand the design and connections for an A25A with The MU hardware has an LED interface that includes
a point-to-point DSS solution, consider a simple system shown indications for each port and overall hardware health.
in Fig. 8. An A25A system is used to synchronize generator G The MU has four small form-factor pluggable fiber ports,
across circuit breaker CB1. The A25A system monitors the which can share data from a single MU to as many as four IEDs.
voltage on both sides of CB1, transmits pulses to the GCS, and The MU can also be connected to other relays in the control
issues a close to CB1 at the right instant. The minimum inputs house along with the A25A. The MU is available with either
needed to perform the synchronization are the single-phase eight CT inputs or four CT and four VT inputs. Connections for
voltage signals. The MU for a point-to-point architecture is digitizing additional signals for use by other relays is not
purpose-built. In a DSS setup, an MU will be installed in the shown. The CT terminal blocks on the MU are self-shorting for
yard by CB1. The single-phase voltage signals from the VTs safety. The MU also features 16 contact inputs and 7 contact
and breaker status from CB1 are hardwired to the breaker MU. outputs. The inputs are universally rated with a programmable
To bring the signals to the A25A system located in the control pickup level. The outputs include three Form A hybrid,
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high-speed, high-current interrupting contacts, two configuration complexity. Moreover, configuring the A25A
conventional Form A contacts, and two standard Form C systems to account for a new breaker in the system is achieved
contacts. Additionally, the A25A has I/Os for direct connection by simply mapping the new analog input from the MU into the
to the DCS I/O modules or any other function. The A25A can automatic synchronizer logic.
accept fiber-optic links to as many as eight MUs. Smart A25A devices are designed to reduce the amount of
The MU design is simplified to the point that it does not copper needed for an installation and to minimize the number
require a microcontroller or user settings. This simplified of MUs. In turn, this offers high-speed protection and faster
design is an important attribute of the point-to-point DSS. The data transmission time. The absence of switches or other
devices mounted in the field have no need for complex network devices in the point-to-point architecture leads to low
configuration. A failed unit can be replaced easily. Mapping of latency and low jitter, and there is no need to time synchronize
current and voltage signals is performed in the A25A settings. all devices.
2) Design Benefits 4) Security
As discussed previously, generation and transmission Cybersecurity becomes a concern in DSS solutions because
interconnection points can be separated by long distances. The of the increased number of devices, location of these devices,
distances are so long in some cases that using copper wiring is and the fact that instrument transformer data are sent over a
not practical. In a DSS solution with many analog and control communications medium with some level of exposure.
signals moved from copper cables to a single fiber-optic cable Point-to-point architecture is inherently secure because of the
run for digital data transmission, the design is simplified lack of entry points into the data [10]. A point-to-point solution
already. Implementing this in a complex system with multiple uses proprietary protocol that is not compatible with standard
synchronizing points where multiple voltage signals need to be switched networks; if connected to a switch, the Ethernet packet
brought in to the A25A device, a single MU can transmit will simply be discarded.
voltage signals from four single-phase VTs. Given that the The MUs have no settings and no programmability, limiting
A25A device can functionally accommodate as many as six the exposure outside of the established controlled security
single-phase voltage inputs, two MUs can be used to bring in perimeters. MUs do not have a microcontroller in their
six voltage inputs to the A25A using only two direct fiber hardware design, which greatly simplifies cybersecurity
cables. This can significantly reduce the quantity of copper compliance and exposure requirements.
cables in the substation yard. It also reduces the system Most cybersecurity exposure does not come from a lack of
installation time, material and space expenses, and installation features or equipment, but rather from human error. In a
labor expenses required for cable routing, commissioning, point-to-point solution, all data are communicated via direct
documentation, and the need for qualified technicians. These fiber-optic links. Therefore, the requirements to design a
qualities make the overall design flexible, scalable, and network, manage traffic, and configure VLANs are completely
economical. removed. The point-to-point solution does not require clocks
It is worthwhile to note that expanding the system to add a and switches, which require their own management and
synchronizing breaker in a traditional substation is a security assessment, and therefore greatly simplifies overall
cumbersome task—from the design of copper installs in the design and maintenance [9].
yard, to testing, finding, and correcting wiring errors and testing
5) Commissioning and Troubleshooting
the A25A system in a live circuit. Further, fully automated
In a DSS solution, the high-energy control cables are located
systems, like a smart A25A system that does not rely on
away from the control room. This decreases, or even eliminates,
operators, generally require redundancy. The data sharing
several potential electrical safety hazards like open-circuited
capability of the MU is a huge benefit in both cases. In case of
CTs or short-circuited VTs. Fiber cables do not conduct electric
system expansion, a new MU with a single fiber cable run will
currents, making fiber data connections resistant to
need to be planned; or, an existing MU and its fiber channel can
electromagnetic interference, lightning, or fire. Fewer cables
be used for data transmission. For redundancy in the system,
mean a reduced number of routing paths and connections. This
the same voltage inputs on the MU can be shared with as many
reduces wiring errors and wrong connections, thus reducing
as four IEDs, multiple A25A devices, and/or other protective
time spent rewiring. These benefits lower the chances of a
relays (e.g., synchronism check relays) in the control room.
faulty synchronization, thereby offering a more reliable system.
Such a setup reduces maintenance and capital costs. The A25A
Further, commissioning and testing of A25A systems with
device can monitor the health of the fiber link to the MU. If the
fiber is convenient and simple. With a conventional system, one
communication link is compromised, an alarm is generated in
would need to isolate the VT circuit by opening it, verifying the
the A25A system and the synchronization process can be stalled
isolation with a live-dead-live check, then carrying the test set
until healthy signals return.
to the yard to inject voltages from the terminals in the VT
3) Configuration junction box. If VTs are spread across the yard or separated by
The point-to-point architecture supported by the MUs long distances, isolation and testing are extremely difficult.
greatly simplifies A25A implementation. With zero network Alternatively, with fiber-optic cables and MUs, testing can be
engineering, mapping the analog and digital quantities in the performed by placing a test MU by the A25A system to inject
internal A25A logic is simple and intuitive, reducing system voltages. The solution could also be preconfigured and
 9

commissioned in a test environment (e.g., lab or office), then switch yard operator could close the breaker to synchronize the
use the status LED indicators for healthy signal indication and generator to the grid.
debug wiring errors during onsite installation. Additionally, With the modernization to a system similar to Fig. 11,
each port has an individual LED indicator to speed up operations could remotely enable the A25A from the power
troubleshooting if the communication channel is disrupted. plant or the SCADA operations center. The A25A would adjust
This greatly reduces commissioning time. the generator and synchronize the unit quickly and accurately.
In that application, redundant A25A devices were installed to
VI. UTILITY GENERATING STATION EXAMPLE ensure these generators could always be quickly brought online
An A25A can solve many challenges in the utility bulk to support the bulk electric system.
electric system as well as generator synchronizing systems. For
example, in many hydroelectric generating stations the
generator control room is near the base of the dam, close to the
generating units. Often, the high-voltage synchronizing
breakers are in the switching station a significant distance away,
above the river valley that was dammed to create the
impoundment reservoir. Sometimes a similar situation occurs
when a generation owner locates their generating plant not far
from the utility transmission substation. With conventional
synchronizing technology, a local synchronizing breaker and
VTs must be installed at the power plant as shown in Fig. 9 and
Fig. 10. In these applications, the limitations of conventional
synchronizing systems may require installation of expensive Fig. 10. Unit-connected generator with a high-side synchronizing breaker
primary equipment that might not be needed otherwise.

Fig. 9. Generator with a low-side synchronizing breaker Fig. 11. Unit connected generator with an A25A and RIO
A. A25A With Binary I/O DSS B. A25A With Full DSS Merging Unit
Compare the synchronizing system shown in Fig. 10 with In many applications, it is desirable for the A25A to be
the one shown in Fig. 11. The A25A with a remote binary I/O located in the control room with the power plant operators. The
module eliminates the requirement for a local synchronizing A25A has a rich information display that provides operators
breaker (CB3 in Fig. 9) and running signal VT. This type of with useful information when monitoring the synchronizing
A25A has been available for many years [1]. process. The new, full DSS-capable A25A makes this possible.
In one application, the A25A was used to significantly The A25A is mounted in the synchronizing panel in the
improve operations at a large hydroelectric power plant. power plant control room. An MU is mounted near the
Because of their high capacity, the generators did not have low- generator VT, governor, and AVR to digitize the incoming VT
side synchronizing breakers. There was not room for signal and adjust the generator during synchronizing. A second
installation of high-side 500 kV synchronizing breakers at the MU is mounted at the breaker control panel in the switch yard
power plant. The 500 kV switch yard where the synchronizing to digitize the running VT signals and close the breakers.
breakers were located was a 20- to 30-minute drive from the Notice in Fig. 12 that an incoming VT is no longer needed
power plant, or longer during inclement weather. in the switch yard for the synchronizing system. The A25A can
Prior to modernizing the synchronizing system, to compensate for the voltage difference between the low-side
synchronize a generator it was necessary for an operator to go generator VT and the high-side bus VTs. Of course, it is always
to the switch yard and enable the manual synchronizing panel. recommended that a synchrocheck relay be installed for
The switch yard operator then called power plant operators over two-level supervision of the close circuit [1]. An incoming VT
a telephone link and instructed them to manually adjust the would still be required for the synchrocheck relays on CB1 and
voltage and frequency of the incoming generator until the CB2. A variation on Fig. 12, shown in Fig. 13, requires only the
 10

MU in the switch yard connected to an incoming VT in addition communication links using fiber pairs in each of the diversely
to the two running VTs. In this case, the generator frequency routed fiber-optic cables.
and voltage correction pulse outputs are connected directly to
the A25A and the second MU is eliminated. VII. INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION EXAMPLE
It is becoming increasingly common for industries to have
their own generation. In such a scenario, synchronizing the
local generation to the grid and forming critical generator and
load islands under certain conditions is desired. Such a system
generally requires a robust autosynchronizer that can receive
voltage inputs from different locations on the plant. This section
provides an example of an industrial facility with cogeneration
that employed an A25A system with a point-to-point DSS.
The system consists of as many as three generators and
multiple synchronizing breakers connecting the facility to the
utility. Before installing the A25A with a DSS, some of the
synchronizing circuits were brought to a single synchronizing
Fig. 12. Unit-connected generator with an A25A and MU panel located by the generator control room. The panel featured
Fig. 13 shows a project using an A25A with full DSS multiple VT connections, auxiliary relays, switches, and long
capability. In this application, the power plant is owned by a lengths of copper cables for voltage measurements and control
generation company and the switch yard is owned by a signals. The panel included auxiliary relays to switch the
transmission utility. In this application, the power plant owner voltages and control signals for synchronizing different
wanted to own and maintain the major components of the breakers. When the utility is islanded from the grid, the operator
generator synchronizing system. For this reason, the uses the synchronism check panel in conjunction with manually
configuration shown in Fig. 11 was unacceptable. Further, the adjustable generator voltage and frequency controls to connect
two entities wanted complete separation between protection back to the utility.
and control systems in each of their facilities. The utility agreed The system required an upgrade from the outdated manual
to install the MU because it is a simple, low-maintenance synchronizing system to a more robust and reliable technology.
device. The new system also accounts for additional synchronizing
breakers between the plant and the utility. In addition to
replacing the existing functionality, the facility also wanted to
simplify the implementation and commissioning of the new
system. Based on the synchronizer requirements and the fact
that the generators and synchronizing breakers are spread
across the facility, an ideal solution was an A25A with a
point-to-point DSS. The smart autosynchronizer with MUs was
proposed to gather the incoming VTs and breaker signals,
control the generator governor and AVR system to match
voltage and frequency, and close the selected breaker as the
slipping systems come into phase. This system minimizes
operator interaction and replaces the existing synchronism
check panel.
The electrical system of the facility consists of two distant
locations: the utility substation and the power plant. The three
Fig. 13. Separating facilities with different ownership
generators (GA, GB, and GC) in the power plant are tied to
In this system, the only interconnection between the two three utility transformers in the substation. Three A25A
facilities is two sets of fiber-optic cables with diverse routing systems (A25A X, A25A Y, and A25A Z) are used to
paths. The high-voltage leads between the high side of the synchronize each of the three generators across fifteen breakers
generator step-up (GSU) transformer, owned by the generating located throughout the electrical system. Fig. 14 shows a
company, and the synchronizing breakers, owned by the utility, simplified one-line drawing of the upgraded system. The figure
are protected by redundant line current differential relays; there only shows two incoming utility lines (UT 1 and UT 2), two
is one system on each diverse fiber-optic cable. Fig. 13 only generators (GA and GB), and two A25A systems (A25A X and
shows one system for simplicity. The generator and GSU zone A25A Y) for the sake of simplicity. The design of the A25A
relays trip the utility breakers over the DTT link embedded in system of the third generator is very similar to A25A X and
the 87L channels. While the automatic synchronizing system is A25A Y.
not fully redundant, the A25A and the MU have redundant
 11

Fig. 14. Simplified one-line drawing of an A25A with a DSS

A25A X and A25A Y are used to control five breakers each. The front panel of the A25A had all five controllable
The A25A X breakers are shown in orange: utility breaker A1, breakers programmed for selection. The operator can select any
utility bus-tie breaker A2, utility power plant tie breaker C1, of the five circuit breakers for synchronization via the A25A
generator bus breaker GA1, and reactor bus breaker GA2. device front panel. The A25A device then automatically selects
Similarly, the A25A Y system breakers are shown in green. Six the incoming and running voltages based on predefined
voltage inputs are required for each A25A system to control and topologies to close the selected breaker. Table I shows the
synchronize across these five breakers. The distance between voltages needed to synchronize across different breakers
the utility substation and power plant, and the addition of new controlled by A25A X. There are different conditions and
breakers, made long copper cable runs for voltage and control supervisions that need to be met before the breakers can be
signals an uneconomical and complex solution. For simplicity closed. These additional conditions were programmed as
and safety, MUs were deployed with the A25A device to multiple topology permissive in the A25A X. The status bits
physically isolate both I/O terminations and VT terminations between the A25A device and breaker control device used
from the A25A device. Two MUs were used for each A25A IEC 61850 GOOSE communication protocol, which eliminated
device. MU X1, placed in the power plant, is connected to VTs the need for a dedicated breaker RIO or an MU. Further, the
V1X, V2X, and V3X. MU X2, placed in the utility substation, synchronism check capabilities of the breaker control IEDs
is connected to VTs V4X, V5X, and V6X. Similarly, MU Y1, provided the desired supervisory check. The A25A Y is
placed in the power plant, is connected to VTs V1Y, V2Y, and programmed similarly to create different topologies to
V3Y. MU Y2, placed in the utility substation, is connected to synchronize across the five breakers.
VTs V4Y, V5Y, and V6Y. By using DSS technology, MUs Generator MUs were used to send control pulses from the
were located close to termination points, which minimized A25A to the GCS system to bring the generator within
copper cable runs and guaranteed a reliable solution. The small synchronism acceptance criteria. The manual synchronizing
copper runs between the primary device and VTs are panel was retained to back up the A25A solution. Installation
represented by orange lines for A25A X and green lines for of the three new A25A systems with point-to-point DSS
A25A Y. The MUs bring these voltages to A25A X and technology made the synchronizing system more robust, less
A25A Y as digital data by using point-to-point fiber-optic links complex, and less reliant on operators.
represented by purple lines.
 12

TABLE I [2] S. Manson, B. Nayak, and W. Allen, “Robust Microgrid Control System
INCOMING AND RUNNING VOLTAGES FOR A25A X for Seamless Transition Between Grid-Tied and Island Operating
Modes,” proceedings of the 44th Annual Western Protective Relay
Circuit Breaker Incoming Voltage Running Voltage Conference, Spokane, WA, October 2017.
A1 V4X V5X [3] IEEE Standard 2030.7-2017, IEEE Standard for the Specification of
Microgrid Controllers, pp. 1–43, April 2018.
A2 V4X V6X
[4] M. J. Thompson and K. G. Ravikumar, “New Developments in Generator
C1 V2X V4X Synchronizing Systems,” proceedings of the 13th Annual Western Power
Delivery Automation Conference, Spokane, WA, March 2011.
GA1 V1X V2X
[5] M. J. Thompson, M. López, D. González, J. Ayala, N. Juárez, G. Pérez,
GA2 V1X V3X and J. Villaverde, “Fault-Tolerant Integrated Protection and Control
System for KM20 Substation Modernization Project,” proceedings of the
18th IEEE Mexico Section Summer Power Meeting, Acapulco, Gro.,
VIII. CONCLUSION Mexico, July 2004.
As the electrical grid becomes more convoluted with [6] IEEE Standard C37.102-2006, IEEE Guide for AC Generator Protection.
multiple generator owners and islanded microgrids, the need for [7] IEC 61850-9-2, Communication Networks and Systems in Substations –
Part 9-2: Specific Communication System Mapping (SCSM) – Sampled
control systems that are easy to implement and deploy is Values Over ISO/IEC 8802-3, First Edition, May 2004.
increasing. A25A systems are powerfully equipped to [8] Implementation Guideline for Digital Interface to Instrument
overcome most challenges posed by conventional system Transformers Using IEC 61850-9-2, UCA® International Users Group.
designs. The challenges include, but are not limited to, [9] G. Rzepka, S. Wenke, and S. Walling, “Choose Simplicity for a Better
automatic switching of voltage signals, reduced operator Digital Substation Design,” proceedings of the 70th Annual Conference
for Protective Relay Engineers, College Station, TX, April 2017.
dependency for a proper synchronization, and a close at zero
[10] J. Casebolt, “Security Through Simplicity in Digital Secondary Systems,”
degrees. However, in cases with multiple points of interconnect January 2019. Available: https://selinc.com.
separated by distance and limited availability of VTs and
breakers, the solution offered by conventional systems becomes X. BIOGRAPHIES
limited. Integrating complex VT and breaker circuits from
Sruty Singh received her B.Tech. degree in electrical and electronics
various physically separated locations needs a simple yet engineering from VIT University in Vellore, India, in 2012 and an M.S. in
complete solution. The evolution from conventional electric power systems engineering from North Carolina State University in
copper-based substations to fiber-optic-based digital 2015. She also received a graduate certificate in renewable electric energy
systems in 2015. She has experience in design, development, implementation,
substations offers advantages to these challenges. and commissioning of protection and control systems. She joined Schweitzer
The DSS solution combined with the smart A25A system Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (SEL) in 2016, where she is presently a project
simplifies the design by eliminating copper cable runs and, engineer specializing in protection at SEL Engineering Services, Inc.
therefore, lessens the probability of hidden wiring failures. This
Michael J. Thompson received his B.S., magna cum laude, from Bradley
allows for numerous benefits. While the design substantially University in 1981 and an M.B.A. from Eastern Illinois University in 1991.
reduces substation costs including planning, material, and labor Upon graduating, he served nearly 15 years at Central Illinois Public Service
expenses, it also improves reliability and performance with the (now AMEREN). Prior to joining Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
(SEL) in 2001, he worked at Basler Electric. He is presently a Fellow Engineer
dedicated MU units. Replacing copper removes dangerous high at SEL Engineering Services, Inc. He is a senior member of the IEEE, Officer
voltage from the control room, making working conditions of the IEEE PES Power System Relaying and Control Committee, past
safer. The MU units can be located at any synchronizing point. chairman of the Substation Protection Subcommittee of the PSRC, and received
the Standards Medallion from the IEEE Standards Association in 2016.
Fiber cables are run between the MUs and the A25A system. In Michael is a registered professional engineer in six jurisdictions, was a
turn, the A25A is pre-configured with the incoming MU data, contributor to the reference book Modern Solutions for the Protection Control
which simplifies the user-friendly mapping at the A25A device and Monitoring of Electric Power Systems, has published numerous technical
end. While the A25A includes robust features to ensure proper papers and magazine articles, and holds three patents associated with power
system protection and control.
and safe synchronization, the MUs assist in continuous
monitoring of the system all the way from the voltage and Hardesh Khatri received his B.E. in electrical engineering from NED
breaker signals in the yard to the generator control room. These University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan in 2012 and his
digital data can also be shared between redundant A25A M.S. in electric power systems engineering from North Carolina State
University in 2015. He was also awarded a graduate certificate in renewable
systems or with other supervisory IEDs in the control room, electric energy systems in 2015. Hardesh joined Schweitzer Engineering
thus providing an extremely flexible solution. The self-testing Laboratories, Inc. (SEL) in 2016 and is currently a protection application
capabilities of the A25A systems with DSS assists fast engineer. His responsibilities include providing application support and
technical training for protective relay users. Hardesh is a registered professional
commissioning times. Testing and troubleshooting are engineer in the state of California, a member of IEEE and PES, and actively
straightforward with simplified system architecture. involved in the Power System Relaying and Control Committee.

IX. REFERENCES
[1] M. J. Thompson, “Fundamentals and Advancements in Generator
Synchronizing Systems,” proceedings of POWER-GEN International,
Orlando, FL, December 2010.
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