Documenting Protection System Coordination Studies & Other PRC-027 Tips

Maintaining coordinated Protection System settings is an important factor for the safety and reliability of the Bulk Electric System (BES). For each BES element with Protection System functions listed in Attachment A of PRC-027-1, Transmission Owners, Generator Owners, and Distribution Providers are required to complete a Protection System Coordination Study according to the options laid out in Requirement R2.

Entities should thoroughly document the boundaries of the Protection System(s) being studied and the methods used (static and/or step analysis). Include specific details for the scenarios and configurations reviewed, and which models were used for Fault analysis. Entities should consider developing a spreadsheet to outline the primary and backup coordination pairs. Document the results of the study and any further changes to the proposed settings that may result from review processes or collaboration with connected entities to resolve coordination issues.

Entities may benefit from an additional review once coordination of settings is complete to confirm that no errors were introduced during that process. A checklist for each coordination project outlining when key milestones were completed, who completed them, and references to any associated documentation can be helpful to stay organized and ensure that all applicable portions of the entity’s process are completed and that Protection System settings are properly coordinated prior to implementation.