Hardware-in-the-loop Testing of Generator and Transformer Protection at BC Hydro

BC Hydro is the third-largest utility in Canada with major hydro-electric generation assets in the northern Peace and southeastern Columbia regions of the province. The generation is far from the bulk of the demand located in the Vancouver area in the south-west corner. The main transmission system consists of long 500 kV lines. BC Hydro serves over 95% of the province’s population, with a service area stretching from the U.S. border to the 59th parallel — over 1,300 km north. This area is uniquely diverse in terms of geography, culture, and power system infrastructure, including many remote communities.

As a leading utility, BC Hydro continually assesses the security and reliability of their power system protection and control. Their RTDS® Simulator, a powerful NovaCor processing unit with both conventional and communications-based I/O options, has supported their efforts in upgrading protection on 500 kV lines. This case study focuses on recent work in upgrading generator and transformer protection. Recent transformer protection upgrades took place at Masset substation, where diesel generators serve a thriving community on the remote, wild, and beautiful islands of Haida Gwaii — the traditional territory of the Haida Nation.