Out-of-step protection of synchronous generator in multi-machine power network by utilizing local variable

One of the major concerns of engineers in power networks is out-of-step protection applied to the synchronous generators. Conventional out-of-step protection methods utilize a distance relay with blinders in the R–X plane and a timer. Many problems about the setting and incorrect operation of these relays has been reported in literature. Therefore, in order to overcome, some of the difficulties associated with the previous techniques, a new out-of-step detection algorithm, based on the local measurements of the generator in multi-machine power network, has been introduced in this paper. The measured angular velocity and acceleration data from active power of the machine are used to detect out-of-step conditions. The results of the simulation studies show that the application of the proposed technique is straightforward and can be directly applied to a multi-machine power network without any need to cumbersome methods of network reduction. Furthermore, the results verify the effectiveness, speed and sensitivity of the proposed method.