Microprocessor systems and architectures for applications to the control and protection of electric power systems

Some design concepts for microprocessor applications to the control and protection of electric power systems are presented. A formal design methodology is outlined. Present microprocessor applications to the control and protection of the electric power generation, transmission and distribution systems are summarized. These applications are generalized to provide a basis for identifying a set of "standardized application modules." A projection is made of probable future developments in microprocessor applications to the electric power industry. A probable development is believed to be the use of hierarchically structured networks of microprocessors to provide, through distributed processing, more cost-effective and reliable control and protection than is possible through centralized processing.