Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for automatically testing the operation of a protective relay system is disclosed. The system and method provide for continuous testing to ensure proper operation of the protective relay system while the relay remains in service and without interrupting the normal operation of the relay. This testing is performed by storing reference data corresponding to test signals, generating test signals, sampling a specific test signal, processing that test signal through the relay and comparing the processed test signal with the corresponding reference data. Upon detection of an error in the relay, the system and method further provide for isolation of the relay from the electric power system and automatic testing of individual electrical components within the protective relay system to determine the identity of the malfunctioning component. The method of determining the malfunctioning component requires: selecting a component for testing, generating a test signal, providing the test signal as an input to the selected component, processing the test signal through the selected component and the subsequent component in the protective relay system and comparing the processed test signal with corresponding reference data. Finally, the system and method further provide for automatic correction of the malfunctioning component, if possible.

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First Claim