Electromechanical Relay Panel Replacement Project at TXU Electric Delivery

TXU Electric Delivery is quite similar to most utility companies in the United States that have been around for over 100 years. We like everyone else have a need to track aging equipment and to decide when it is time to maintain, repair or replace equipment, and that includes relays. For several years the issue of what to do with aging electromechanical relaying systems was discussed and several possible options were explored. This paper addresses the process in the development of a microprocessor based relay replacement panel. The successful installation of 460 retrofit panels from mid June 2004 through March 2006 and our plans to replace an additional 397 panels in the next two years. This paper also discusses the issues associated with undertaking such a project and will provide an insight view on how the project is going