Aggressive 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. There is always 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 had been discussed and several possible options were explored. This paper addresses the process in the development of a microprocessor based relay replacement panel. Also discussed is the successful installation of 170 retrofit panels in 2004 and plans to replace an additional 1030 panel in the next three to four years. This paper also discussed the issues associated with undertaking such a project and will provide a glimpse on how the project is going.