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A pioneering fault-detection application by John Oliveira of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro earned top honors in the SEL Engineer Design Challenge. His new application describes how utilities can apply the SEL-FT50 and SEL-FR12 Fault Transmitter and Receiver System to more reliably detect high-impedance ground faults, protecting customers and workers from downed live conductors.

The Engineer Design Challenge tasked participants with developing new ways to use the SEL-FT50 and SEL-FR12 System to improve power systems. Oliveira’s application won against competitors from around the world. The two runner-up entries from KMGP, an engineering and consulting firm in Kazakhstan, included ideas for an improved feeder protection coordination scheme and a fuse-blowing/fast protection hybrid scheme.

Oliveira selected the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, as the charity to receive his $500 (USD) first-place winnings. SEL will also donate $350 ($250 for second place and $100 for third place) to Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on behalf of the remaining finalists.

Learn more about the winning entry and other finalists on the event page .