Project type

• Semester project
• Internship

Contact point

mayank.nagendran@zaphiro.ch

Project description and objectives

Zaphiro uses different algorithms for faulted area identification and fault distance estimation based on the type of grids and types of faults. Zaphiro’s algorithms are based on power system protection principles such as differential, directional and distance relaying and they are adapted to include PMUs.

The objective of this project is to continue the migration of the tools used by our R&D team towards pandapower, an open-source tool for power system modelling, analysis and optimization. The choice of pandapower is mainly driven by its relatively large user base and the support for importing the network via CGMES files.

Tasks

Implement and test the following:

• An algorithm to divide the grid into smaller regions based on the position of sensors.
• Algorithm for fault detection
• Algorithm for fault classification
• Algorithm for fault distance estimation

Required skills

• Strong understanding of distribution grids, especially fault analysis
• Knowledge of Python and Matlab is required, knowledge of go is a plus
• Knowledge of Pandapower and/or CGMES is a plus

Project type

• Semester project
• MSc – Master of Science

Contact point

mayank.nagendran@zaphiro.ch

Project description and objectives

Zaphiro uses different algorithms for faulted area identification and fault distance estimation based on the type of grids and types of faults. Zaphiro’s algorithms are based on power system protection principles such as differential, directional and distance relaying and they are adapted to include PMUs.

The objective of the project is to generate datasets and to test the fault location approaches on several practical grids to identify gaps in the algorithms.

Tasks

• Understand the algorithms implemented by Zaphiro for fault location.
• Import the model of the electrical network and develop scripts in PowerFactory to create multiple fault scenarios.
• Collect the faulty waveforms and feed them to our fault location algorithms. Collect in a structured manner the fault locator outputs.
• Analysis of the results to identify the strengths/weaknesses of each approach.
• Perform a literature survey to identify remedies for the gaps.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of distribution grids, especially fault analysis.
• Knowledge of Power Factory.
• Knowledge of Python for scripting faults.

Other benefits and/or compensation

Depending on the final project type, scope and deliverables, Zaphiro may consider providing additional adequate compensation.

Zaphiro student projects – Testing Fault Location Algorithms

Project type

• Semester project
• MSc thesis

Contact point

mayank.nagendran@zaphiro.ch

Project description and objectives

Zaphiro would like to explore the state of the art of fault location using point-on-wave measurements. As a pioneer in PMU technology in distribution grids, we would like to explore the application of waveform-based approaches specifically for identifying and locating faults in distribution grids.

The objective of this project is to help augment the fault location solution with point-on-wave capabilities. This is helpful to clients as it enables new use cases like incipient fault detection and improvements to the accuracy of the current fault location.

Students will conduct a literature survey, identify the requirements for waveform-based fault location, the challenges for application to distribution grids along with a comparison of all the best techniques. The most suitable techniques are expected to be tested in an offline environment against waveforms collected from field installations as well as synthetic waveforms that can be generated to simulate any scenario of particular interest.

The project structure is flexible. Its content and the expected outcomes can be tailored to the project type (Semester or MSc thesis). This project is an opportunity to learn about the state of the art in fault location with a focus on medium voltage grids. Students will improve their understanding of how distribution utilities deal with faults and how this process can be improved by deploying additional monitoring devices.

Tasks

Literature survey with the following goals:

• Requirements to apply waveform-based fault location
• Comparison of available techniques
• Identify open challenges for application in distribution grids

Required skills

• Strong understanding of distribution grids, especially fault analysis
• Basic understanding of phasor estimation, synchrophasors and waveforms
• Knowledge of Python

Project type

• Semester project
• Internship

Contact point

info@zaphiro.ch

Project description and objectives

Modern electrical distribution networks increasingly require advanced monitoring to maintain high-quality power delivery. In line with this, Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) are becoming indispensable tools. However, the current generation of PMUs often focuses predominantly on fundamental frequency analysis. This project aims to extend the capabilities of PMUs by integrating harmonic analysis directly into the units in order to increase the types of electrical events that can be detected and analysed on the PMU itself.

Tasks

• Develop New File Formats for Saving on PMU: Currently, PMUs use specific file formats for data storage. This task involves developing additional file formats like COMTRADE and PQDIFF to enhance the PMU’s data compatibility and interchangeability.
• Study Types of Harmonic Analysis: Before diving into implementation, it’s important to perform a comprehensive study on what types of harmonic analysis could be valuable.
• Online Integration: Upon determining the types of harmonic analysis to implement, the next step involves incorporating these algorithms for real-time, online monitoring.

Required skills

• Understanding of Signal Processing Concepts: A foundational grasp of signal processing techniques, particularly those relevant to power systems, is important for understanding and developing harmonic analysis algorithms.
• LabVIEW RT: This project will employ Labview Real Time for algorithm implementation and integration into our PMUs. Experience with this platform is important.
• Basic Software Engineering Knowledge: Understanding the principles of modularity in software design, as well as techniques for robust code testing, will be important for creating maintainable and reliable code.
• Use of GitLab: GitLab will serve as the version control system for this project. Familiarity with GitLab’s features—such as repositories, branching and merge requests.

Other benefits and/or compensation

Depending on the final project type, scope and deliverables, Zaphiro may consider providing additional adequate compensation.

Project type

• Semester project
• Internship

Contact point

kevin.develle@zaphiro.ch

Project description and objectives

The purpose of this internship project is to develop a COMTRADE (Common Format for Transient Data Exchange) library for disturbance recording in electrical power systems. COMTRADE is a widely adopted standard for storing and exchanging fault and disturbance data from power systems and is critical in the analysis, simulation, and troubleshooting of electrical network events.

This project aims to create or embed a versatile and robust software library that can read, write, and manipulate COMTRADE files, enabling power engineers and analysts to seamlessly work with disturbance data. The COMTRADE library shall support the latest COMTRADE formats, including ASCII and binary data storage, and provide a comprehensive API that can be easily integrated into various software applications used in the analysis of power system disturbances.

During this project the intern will gain hands-on experience in software development, data management, and power systems engineering, as well as an understanding of the importance of data standards in the energy sector.

Tasks

• COMTRADE Standard analysis
• Library implementation
• Library testing and validation
• Library documentation

Required skills

• Good proficiency in at least one of the following programming languages: C, C++, LabVIEW, Python
• Strong analytical skills to identify and resolve issues in data interpretation and file handling
• Ability to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable tasks and develop solutions

Project type

• Semester project
• Internship

Contact point

info@zaphiro.ch

Project description and objectives

The IEEE C37.118.2 communication protocol used in most Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) deployments nowadays does not encrypt the traffic. VPN solutions allow to add an extra layer of security by sending the traffic into a secured tunnel.

Zaphiro’s PMU is based on out-of-the-shelf components (an NI cRIO from NI, an optional router from DIGI, etc). Its modularity, for example, allows to add or remove the router according to the communication technology in place. As of today, it is possible to have VPN tunnels between the router and the destination. However, in all the cases where the communication is wired (e.g., fiber) the router is not present, and the VPN tunnel is not created.

The objective of the project is to integrate a VPN technology inside the NI cRIO device to establish a VPN tunnel also when using wired communication technology. Few VPNs technologies that can be run on cRIO have to be evaluated. The chosen technology has to be implemented and tested.

Tasks

• Evaluate compatible VPN technologies that can be seamlessly integrated into the NI cRIO device for wired communication scenarios.
• Select the most suitable VPN technology based on criteria such as security features, compatibility, and performance benchmarks.
• Implement the chosen VPN technology into the NI cRIO, followed by rigorous testing to ensure secure and efficient data tunnelling over wired connections.

Required skills

• Confidence with command line on Linux systems
• No LabVIEW knowledge required 
• Previous knowledge of VPN is desirable

Other benefits and/or compensation

Depending on the final project type, scope and deliverables, Zaphiro may consider providing additional adequate compensation.