A Novel Framework for the Co-Optimization of Selective Coordination and Arc Flash Hazard Mitigation in Low-Voltage Industrial Power Systems Using Advanced Digital Relays
Keywords:
Time-Current Curve (TCC), Selective Coordination, Arc Flash Hazard, Digital Protective Relays, Zone-Selective Interlocking, Power System Protection, ETAPAbstract
The design of overcurrent protection systems in industrial electrical networks represents a complex optimization challenge, traditionally balancing equipment protection with selective coordination. The imperative for enhanced personnel safety, driven by NFPA 70E, has introduced a third, often conflicting objective: the reduction of Arc Flash Incident Energy. This paper proposes and validates a novel framework for the co-optimization of these objectives through the strategic application of modern, microprocessor-based digital protective relays. The research demonstrates that advanced relay features—including user-defined Time-Current Curves (TCCs), light-time pickup settings, and zone-selective interlocking (ZSI)—enable a paradigm shift in protection strategy. A real-world industrial power system was modeled and simulated in ETAP, utilizing relay models analogous to the SEL-735 and Siemens SIPROTEC 5 series. The ZSI communication was modeled using digital peer-to-peer signals with a latency of ≤ 8 ms, conforming to typical manufacturer specifications. The results confirm that the proposed framework maintains coordination within studied scenarios while simultaneously reducing the maximum Arc Flash Incident Energy at critical buses by an average of 66% compared to a traditional baseline. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis demonstrates system robustness against communication failures. This work provides a validated, practical methodology for engineers to design industrial electrical systems that concurrently achieve high reliability and enhanced personnel safety.
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