Development of measures to improve the reliability of the unified power system (UPS) of Russia (based on the results of the accident consideration at the Reftinskaya GRES)

The paper investigates the accident at the Reftinskaya GRES occurred in August 22, 2016 due to the destruction of the coupling capacitor. A retrospective of the accident with a detailed description of the events is given. The paper provides data on the occurred deactivations and the volumes of load-shedding. The main causes and risks of the accident are identified. They are divided into three groups: organizational, technical and those which caused difficulties in emergency response. An organizational reason for the accident was unsatisfactory service of power system protection devices and automation. The existing emergency disturbance is non-normative and therefore affected all elements of the UES of Russia. The authors emphasized that the occurrence of such non-normative disturbances is possible on any site of the UES of Russia. Based on the results of the accident consideration, measures have been developed and proposed to improve the reliability of the UES of Russia. These measures will increase the level of energy security of the Russian Federation.