Out-of-step tripping and blocking schemes are essential protective measures in power systems, particularly in transmission lines and generators. Here's a detailed look at each:
### Out-of-Step Tripping
**Purpose:**
Out-of-step tripping is designed to protect the power system from potentially severe consequences that can occur when parts of the system become unsynchronized, or "out-of-step." This typically happens during major disturbances or faults.
**Key Points:**
1. **Synchronization Loss:**
- When there is a significant disturbance, such as a large fault or a sudden load change, parts of the power system may fall out of synchronization. This means that different parts of the system are no longer operating at the same frequency and phase angle.
2. **Risk of System Damage:**
- If not addressed, these unsynchronized conditions can cause mechanical stress on generators and equipment, potentially leading to damage or failure. For example, if generators are out of step, their mechanical parts could suffer from severe stress due to the mismatch in torque and speed.
3. **Tripping Action:**
- Out-of-step tripping schemes detect these unsynchronized conditions and disconnect the affected parts of the system to prevent damage. This is typically done by detecting abnormal phase angle differences or discrepancies in system frequency.
4. **Implementation:**
- These schemes use devices like distance relays, impedance relays, and special algorithms to monitor system conditions. When out-of-step conditions are detected, the relay sends a trip signal to isolate the problematic section of the grid.
### Out-of-Step Blocking
**Purpose:**
Out-of-step blocking aims to prevent unnecessary tripping of circuits or equipment during temporary out-of-step conditions that do not pose an immediate threat to system stability.
**Key Points:**
1. **Preventing Unnecessary Trips:**
- During transient disturbances, the system might temporarily experience out-of-step conditions that self-correct without causing long-term issues. Out-of-step blocking prevents relays from tripping during these temporary conditions.
2. **Avoiding System Instability:**
- Unnecessary tripping can lead to cascading outages or further system instability. By blocking tripping during transient disturbances, the system maintains stability and allows for self-correction.
3. **Blocking Action:**
- Out-of-step blocking schemes are implemented alongside out-of-step tripping schemes. They involve monitoring system conditions to determine if an out-of-step situation is likely to resolve itself or if it requires tripping.
4. **Implementation:**
- These schemes use similar detection methods as out-of-step tripping but include additional logic to assess whether the disturbance is likely to self-correct. They may delay tripping or block it entirely based on system behavior.
### Summary
- **Out-of-Step Tripping:** Protects the system by isolating sections that have become unsynchronized to prevent damage.
- **Out-of-Step Blocking:** Prevents unnecessary tripping during temporary disturbances, helping to maintain system stability and avoid cascading failures.
Both schemes are crucial for maintaining the reliability and stability of power systems, especially during large disturbances or faults.