Abstract: To improve functional security in electric power systems, a fault detector is provided in the electric power system that is connected to the data communication bus and that evaluates streamed values of at least one process parameter. In order to detect an electric fault in the electric power system, the fault detector is arranged to send a fault present indication to the switching element when an electric fault is detected. The fault present indication is sent to and received by the switching element, before the tripping operation of the switching element is triggered upon receipt of the switching command from the automation system, and the switching element triggers the tripping operation of the switching element only when a fault present indication has been received.

Abstract: To improve functional security in electric power systems, a fault detector is provided in the electric power system that is connected to the data communication bus and that evaluates streamed values of at least one process parameter. In order to detect an electric fault in the electric power system, the fault detector is arranged to send a fault present indication to the switching element when an electric fault is detected. The fault present indication is sent to and received by the switching element, before the tripping operation of the switching element is triggered upon receipt of the switching command from the automation system, and the switching element triggers the tripping operation of the switching element only when a fault present indication has been received.

Abstract: In a method, operation of an electric power system which has a power utility automation system (1981-1984, 1991-1994) is monitored. The power utility automation system (1981-1984, 1991-1994) comprises a plurality of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) (1981-1984, 1991-1994) communicating via a communication network. During operation of the electric power system, properties of the electric power system are monitored, the monitored properties comprising monitored data messages which are transmitted by the plurality of IEDs (1981-1984, 1991-1994) over the communication network. The monitored data messages are evaluated based on configuration information for the power utility automation system (1981-1984, 1991-1994) to detect a critical event. An alert signal is generated in response to detection of the critical event.

Abstract: In a method, operation of an electric power system which has a power utility automation system (1981-1984, 1991-1994) is monitored. The power utility automation system (1981-1984, 1991-1994) comprises a plurality of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) (1981-1984, 1991-1994) communicating via a communication network. During operation of the electric power system, properties of the electric power system are monitored, the monitored properties comprising monitored data messages which are transmitted by the plurality of IEDs (1981-1984, 1991-1994) over the communication network. The monitored data messages are evaluated based on configuration information for the power utility automation system (1981-1984, 1991-1994) to detect a critical event. An alert signal is generated in response to detection of the critical event.