Universal islanding detection technique based on rate of change of sequence components of currents for distributed generations

This study presents a universal islanding detection technique for distribution network containing synchronous, induction and inverter-based distributed generations (DGs). The proposed scheme is based on rate of change of sequence components of current signals acquired at the point of common coupling of the targeted DG. Various non-islanding events along with islanding conditions have been simulated by modelling IEEE 34 bus system using PSCAD/EMTDC software package. Utilising three-phase current samples for full cycle duration of each simulation case of islanding/non-islanding conditions, robust performance of the proposed scheme is achieved. The simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme is capable to detect islanding condition rapidly even with zero active and reactive power mismatches for both synchronous and inverter-based DGs. Further, it eliminates non-detection zone completely, works perfectly for multiple DG systems and avoids nuisance tripping during various non-islanding events. Moreover, the performance of the proposed scheme is not affected by change in capacity of DG, location of DG and length of distribution line. Comparative evaluation of the proposed scheme with the existing scheme clearly indicates the superiority of the proposed scheme.