Expert Systems and the Teaching of Electrical Power Distribution

This paper describes PC-based software used for undergraduate teaching which integrates a distribution protection simulator to an expert system. The simulator may be used to set up any desired configuration of lines, breakers, etc and models overcurrent timing relays. A user may interactively change breaker statuses, introduce single faults and adjust relay parameters. The expert system carries out fault diagnosis, lockout of the faulted element and system restoration. The scheme provides training in distribution protection as well as an introduction to expert systems.