Critical power system studies initiated for high-capacity industrial facility

  • Power Projects has been engaged to carry out Short Circuit and Protection Coordination Studies for a large industrial electrical network in Bihar.
    • The scope covers medium-voltage and low-voltage systems supplying high-power process loads and auxiliary systems.
    • This assignment strengthens Power Projects’ role in supporting heavy industrial facilities with reliable, standards-based power system engineering.

Table of Contents

  1. Project Overview
  2. Scope Highlights
  3. Protection Studies Developed to Match Industry Standards
  4. Technical Scope and Methodology
    4.1 Input Review and Network Modelling
    4.2 Short Circuit Study
    4.3 Protection Coordination Study
    4.4 Simulation Review and Validation
  5. Timeline
  6. Supporting Industrial and Utility Protection Needs
  7. Note to Editors
    7.1 About Power Projects
  1. Project Overview

Power Projects has been selected to perform detailed power system protection studies for a large industrial electrical network supplying energy-intensive manufacturing processes.
The system includes medium-voltage switchgear, power transformers, large motors and reactive power compensation equipment.

The objective of the assignment is to verify fault levels, ensure correct protection coordination and support safe, selective and reliable operation of the electrical system.

  1. Scope Highlights

Under this engagement, Power Projects will carry out focused protection-related power system studies.
The scope addresses fault current assessment and relay coordination across the medium- and low-voltage network.

The studies are intended to confirm equipment duty compliance, ensure selective fault clearance and reduce the risk of unnecessary outages during system faults.

  1. Protection Studies Developed to Match Industry Standards

All studies will be carried out in line with applicable IEC, IEEE and utility-accepted engineering practices.
The protection philosophy considers the operational requirements of large motors, transformers and capacitor banks connected to the system.

The final study outputs will support engineering approval, commissioning readiness and long-term operational safety of the facility.

  1. Technical Scope and Methodology

Power Projects will execute the studies using a structured and simulation-driven approach with ETAP.

4.1 Input Review and Network Modelling

All available inputs will be reviewed and validated prior to analysis, including:

  • Electrical single line diagrams
    • Transformer ratings and impedance data
    • Switchgear and breaker ratings
    • Motor ratings and starting characteristics
    • Capacitor bank details
    • CT and relay configuration data

A detailed ETAP model will be developed to represent the actual system configuration.

4.2 Short Circuit Study

The short-circuit analysis will determine:

  • Fault currents at various voltage levels
    • Line-to-line, line-to-ground and three-phase fault levels
    • Equipment duty verification against calculated fault currents
    • Identification of any overstressed equipment
    • Engineering recommendations, if required

This ensures system safety and equipment adequacy during fault conditions.

4.3 Protection Coordination Study

The protection coordination study will include:

  • IDMT overcurrent protection coordination
    • Instantaneous overcurrent protection checks
    • IDMT earth fault protection coordination
    • Instantaneous earth fault protection checks
    • Time-current curve (TCC) coordination across feeders and transformers

The objective is to achieve selective fault isolation without affecting healthy sections of the network.

4.4 Simulation Review and Validation

Simulation results will be reviewed to confirm:

  • Selectivity between upstream and downstream protection devices
    • Adequate fault clearing times
    • Compliance with equipment thermal and mechanical limits

This validation ensures practical and reliable protection performance.

  1. Timeline

Despite the presence of large motors and high fault levels, the complete short-circuit and protection coordination study will be delivered within a 8-week schedule upon receipt of the PO and complete input data.

  1. Supporting Industrial and Utility Protection Needs

Industrial power systems supplying large process loads demand precise protection coordination to avoid production losses and equipment damage.
Even minor protection mismatches can result in widespread outages or unsafe operating conditions.

Through assignments like this, Power Projects supports industrial and utility systems by:

  • Ensuring accurate fault level assessment
    • Improving protection selectivity and reliability
    • Reducing risks of nuisance tripping
    • Protecting high-value electrical equipment
    • Supporting safe commissioning and long-term operation
    • Enhancing overall system availability
  1. Note to Editors

7.1 About Power Projects

Established in 2006, Power Projects provides specialised engineering services in power system studies, protection coordination, grid compliance and industrial electrical design.
The company supports industrial, utility and renewable energy projects using advanced tools such as ETAP, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD and PSS®E.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerprojectsindia