2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Developing Hands-On Exercises for Teaching Transmission Protection for Systems with Inverter Based Generation

Presented at Hands-on Learning and Industry-Relevant in ECE Curriculum Development

The growing penetration of Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) in modern power systems has introduced significant challenges for traditional transmission protection schemes. These challenges arise from the unique characteristics of IBRs, including their low short-circuit current contribution and fast dynamic response, which differ significantly from the short circuit response of conventional synchronous generators. Consequently, there is an urgent need for the evolution of both industry practices and educational approaches to help the power industry to address these issues. This paper presents the development of comprehensive, hands-on laboratory exercises specifically designed to teach advanced transmission protection concepts in systems with substantial large scale IBR integration. The laboratory exercises focus on a critical protection element: line differential (87L) protection. Utilizing a real-time digital simulator integrated with physical digital relays, the exercises replicate realistic system conditions, approximating a real utility system. This setup provides an interactive and immersive learning environment, allowing students to explore the configuration of digital relays, analyze the impact of IBR response characteristics on relay performance, and investigate more effective relay setting strategies. The methodology, design, and implementation of the laboratory setup are detailed, with an emphasis on creating a bridge between theoretical concepts and practical application. Students are guided through the process of configuring and testing digital relays under various IBR controls, fostering a deeper understanding of protection challenges and solutions in IBR-dominated networks. This paper highlights the pedagogical advantages of this approach, demonstrating how these exercises enhance the learning experience and prepare students for addressing modern power system protection challenges effectively.

Authors

Mr. Derrick Korsi Agbenya University of Idaho [biography]

Derrick Korsi Agbenya is a PhD student in University of Idaho with a strong academic background in electrical engineering, having earned his BSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana. Currently, he serves as a research and teaching assistant in the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) department at the University of Idaho, working under the supervision of Professor Brian K. Johnson.
Derrick’s research is centered on power system protection, with a specific focus on the integration of Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) into modern power grids. His work aims to address the challenges and opportunities that arise from incorporating renewable energy sources into existing power systems, ensuring reliable and stable grid operations.
Dr. Brian K. Johnson P.E. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0747-2794 University of Idaho [biography]

Brian K. Johnson received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1992. Currently, he is a Distinguished Professor and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Endowed Chair in Power Engineering in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Idaho. His teaching and research interests include power system protection, integration of inverter-based generation, HVDC transmission, FACTS devices, cyber-physical systems security, and power system resilient control. He is a registered professional engineer in the State of Idaho.
Dr. Herbert L. Hess http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1099-3854 University of Idaho [biography]

Herb Hess is Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Idaho. He received the PhD Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1993. He is currently Program Chair of the ASEE Instrumentation Division. He was named an ASEE Fellow in 2018. His research and teaching interests are in power electronics, electric machines and drives, and analog and mixed signal electronics.
Paulo Henrique Barbosa de Souza Pinheiro University of Idaho [biography]

Paulo Henrique Pinheiro received his master's degree in electrical and telecommunications engineering from the Fluminense Federal University (2021). Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D at the same institution. His research interests include power system protection, digital substations, and modeling and analysis of power systems. He has experience with power system protection studies, R&D projects in the field of transmission line protection, HVDC transmission lines, and the impact of inverter-based resources on power system relaying. He is a student member of CIGRE in the subcommittee B5.
Amani A Alomari University of Idaho [biography]

Amani A. Alomari is pursuing her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and serves as a research assistant in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Idaho, USA. She has contributed to projects examining the effects of incorporating inverter-based resources (IBRs) into power system protection. Her research interests include power system applications, inverter-based protection, and advancements in smart grid technologies.
Hangtian Lei University of Idaho

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