Subject Matter Expert Protection Systems & Testing

Key Responsibilities

Protection System Testing & Commissioning

• Lead commissioning, testing, and validation of protection systems for Solar, Wind, BESS, and Substation assets.
• Perform Secondary Injection Testing and Primary Injection Testing of protection relays.
• Verify protection schemes including feeder, transformer, busbar, capacitor bank, inverter, and transmission line protections.
• Conduct commissioning of Numerical Relays from OEMs such as ABB, Siemens, Schneider, GE, SEL, Areva, Easun Reyrolle, and NR Electric.

Numerical Relay Configuration & Maintenance

• Configure, parameterize, and maintain numerical protection relays.
• Review protection settings and ensure compliance with design requirements.
• Manage firmware upgrades, relay backups, and version controls.
• Diagnose relay malfunctions and implement corrective measures.

Relay Coordination Studies

• Perform Protection Coordination Studies and TCC (Time Current Coordination) analysis.
• Review relay settings for feeder, transformer, line, generator, inverter, and BESS applications.
• Optimize relay settings to improve selectivity, reliability, and system stability.
• Coordinate with engineering and commissioning teams for implementation of revised settings.

Disturbance Record & Event Analysis

• Analyze Disturbance Records (DR), Fault Records, and Sequence of Events (SOE).
• Investigate electrical faults, relay operations, nuisance tripping, and grid disturbances.
• Prepare detailed Root Cause Analysis (RCA) reports.
• Recommend corrective and preventive actions for improving system reliability.

Protection Health Assessments

• Conduct periodic protection system audits and health assessments.
• Monitor relay performance and identify potential risks.
• Prepare condition assessment reports and reliability improvement plans.
• Establish maintenance standards and protection testing schedules.

Grid Compliance & Statutory Testing

• Ensure compliance with CEA, Grid Code, SLDC, RLDC, and utility requirements.
• Perform annual and periodic statutory testing of protection systems.
• Support grid synchronization, shutdown planning, and protection verification activities.
• Maintain testing records, relay settings database, and compliance documentation.

Reliability & Performance Improvement

• Minimize plant downtime through proactive maintenance practices.
• Identify recurring protection issues and implement long-term solutions.
• Support availability improvement initiatives across renewable assets.
• Develop SOPs, testing procedures, and protection maintenance guidelines.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical guidance to O&M and site teams.
• Conduct training sessions on relay testing, fault analysis, and protection maintenance.
• Support troubleshooting activities across multiple sites when required.
• Coordinate with OEMs, EPC contractors, utilities, and internal stakeholders.

Required Technical Skills

Protection Relays

• Distance Protection
• Differential Protection
• Transformer Protection
• Feeder Protection
• Busbar Protection
• Overcurrent & Earth Fault Protection
• Directional Protection
• Under/Over Voltage Protection
• Under/Over Frequency Protection
• Reverse Power Protection

Testing Equipment

• Omicron CMC Series
• Megger Relay Test Sets
• Freja Test Kits
• Primary Injection Test Kits
• Secondary Injection Test Kits

Software & Analysis

• ETAP
• DigSILENT PowerFactory
• Relay Configuration Software
• DR & SOE Analysis Tools
• MS Excel & Reporting Tools

Desired Competencies

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Expertise in fault investigation and root cause analysis.
• Knowledge of Grid Codes and regulatory standards.
• Ability to work independently at remote renewable energy sites.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness to travel across project locations.

Preferred Industry Experience

• Utility Scale Solar Power Plants
• Wind Power Plants
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• Transmission & Distribution Networks
• Renewable Energy O&M Projects