UFLS is a protective mechanism in power systems designed to prevent blackouts by automatically disconnecting load in response to a drop in frequency. When a significant imbalance between generation and load occurs, the system frequency may drop. If the frequency drops too low, it can damage equipment or lead to a complete system collapse. UFLS acts as a last resort, shedding pre-determined blocks of load to restore balance and stabilize the frequency.
The system uses relays connected to circuit breakers to automatically disconnect pre-defined blocks of load when the frequency reaches certain thresholds. This action is coordinated and designed to arrest the frequency drop and prevent a complete system blackout.
● Importance:
UFLS is crucial for maintaining the stability and reliability of the power system, acting as a last defense against cascading failures.