Power system protection for enhanced grid safety

The increasing penetration of power electronic components, along with the continued expansion of transmission and distribution networks, is reshaping the requirements for the design and coordination of protection relays of power grids. These technologies introduce different fault characteristics and faster dynamics, challenging traditional protection approaches and requiring more advanced methods to detect, isolate, and mitigate faults effectively.

As power grids evolve, utilities face the dual challenge of maintaining high protection performance while managing cost, coordination, and operational reliability. Conventional schemes may struggle under new conditions, increasing the risk of mal-trips, equipment damage, and wider system impacts. These pressures highlight the need for modern protection strategies that support safe and resilient grid operation.

About DNV's power system protection services

DNV supports grid operators, developers, and utilities with comprehensive protection engineering services designed to enhance system safety, selectivity, and reliability. Our services combine detailed modelling, coordination studies, and technology‑specific expertise to ensure protection systems operate effectively across a wide range of conditions.

• Relay protection setting: Precision configuration of relay settings to ensure accurate fault detection and isolation, minimizing the risk of damage to critical equipment.
• Protection coordination and selectivity studies: Detailed analysis and coordination of protection devices across the network to achieve optimal selectivity, fast fault clearance and uninterrupted operation for the healthy part of the network.
• System Integrity Protection Schemes (SIPS): Designing wide‑area schemes that use system‑level measurements and event detection, such as Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) to maintain system stability where local, component‑based protection schemes are not sufficient.
• Testing of protection relays using Real Time Simulation system (RTS): Using DNV’s state-of-the-art digital test lab, we can test and verify the performance of protection relays in complicated grid conditions with high fidelity. The RTS-based testbench ensures that the communication delay,  non-perfection of meterings etc are accurately represented and tested.
• Fault-clearing strategies in HVDC systems: Advising on protection concepts for HVDC networks, including selectivity requirements, DC circuit breaker application, and converter‑based fault‑clearing options.

Integrated within this service offering are subservices focused on delivering tailored solutions to specific protection challenges, including dynamic simulation for protection validation, system vulnerability assessments, and customized training programs for operational staff.

Why DNV

DNV brings deep expertise in protection engineering, converter‑based system behaviour, and HVDC technology, supported by decades of experience across complex transmission and distribution networks. Our independent, evidence‑based assessments help operators design protection solutions that are robust, cost‑effective, and aligned with system‑wide performance needs. By applying advanced analytical tools and proven methodologies, DNV enables organisations to strengthen protection performance and confidently manage emerging grid‑integration challenges.