An Adaptive Overcurrent Protection Scheme for Distribution Networks

Distribution networks are evolving toward the vision of smart grids, with increasing penetration of distributed generation (DG), introduction of active network management (ANM), and potentially islanded modes of operation. These changes affect fault levels and fault current paths and have been demonstrated to compromise the correct operation of the overcurrent protection system. This paper presents an adaptive overcurrent protection system which automatically amends the protection settings of all overcurrent relays in response to the impact of DG, ANM, and islanding operation. The scheme has been developed using commercially available protection devices, employs IEC61850-based communications, and has been demonstrated and tested using a hardware-in-the-loop laboratory facility. A systematic comparison of the performance of the proposed adaptive scheme alongside that of a conventional overcurrent scheme is presented. This comparison quantifies the decrease in false operations and the reduction of mean operating time that the adaptive system offers.

[1]  J. Mutale.  Benefits of Active Management of Distribution Networks with Distributed Generation , 2006, 2006 IEEE PES Power Systems Conference and Exposition.

[2]  Reza Mohammadi Chabanloo,et al.  Reducing the impact of DG in distribution networks protection using fault current limiters , 2010, 2010 4th International Power Engineering and Optimization Conference (PEOCO).

[3]  Johann Jaeger,et al.  Adaptive protection system for distribution networks with distributed energy resources , 2010 .

[4]  A.A. Chowdhury,et al.  Islanding operation of distributed generators in active distribution networks , 2008, 2008 43rd International Universities Power Engineering Conference.

[5]  G Tang,et al.  APPLICATION OF A FAULT CURRENT LIMITER TO MINIMIZE DISTRIBUTED GENERATION IMPACT ON COORDINATED RELAY PROTECTION , 2005 .

[6]  Kimmo Kauhaniemi,et al.  Impact of distributed generation on the protection of distribution networks , 2004 .

[7]  A. Girgis,et al.  Effect of distributed generation on protective device coordination in distribution system , 2001, LESCOPE 01. 2001 Large Engineering Systems Conference on Power Engineering. Conference Proceedings. Theme: Powering Beyond 2001 (Cat. No.01ex490).

[8]  Peter Crossley,et al.  Distance relaying of 11 kV circuits to increase the installed capacity of distributed generation , 2005 .

[9]  Zhe Chen,et al.  A Simple Adaptive Overcurrent Protection of Distribution Systems With Distributed Generation , 2011, IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid.

[10]  Walid El-Khattam,et al.  Resolving the impact of distributed renewable generation on directional overcurrent relay coordination: a case study , 2009 .

[11]  J.C. Gomez,et al.  Distributed generation: Exploitation of islanding operation advantages , 2008, 2008 IEEE/PES Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition: Latin America.

[12]  K.L. Butler-Purry,et al.  Impact of Distributed Generators on Protective Devices in Radial Distribution Systems , 2006, 2005/2006 IEEE/PES Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exhibition.

[13]  M. S. Sachdev,et al.  Topology detection for adaptive protection of distribution networks , 1995, Proceedings 1995 International Conference on Energy Management and Power Delivery EMPD '95.

[14]  M. Baran,et al.  Adaptive over current protection for distribution feeders with distributed generators , 2004, IEEE PES Power Systems Conference and Exposition, 2004..

[15]  Charles Mozina.  Impact of Green Power Distributed Generation , 2010, IEEE Industry Applications Magazine.

[16]  Ibrahim Faiek Abdulhadi,et al.  Adaptive protection architecture for the smart grid , 2011, 2011 2nd IEEE PES International Conference and Exhibition on Innovative Smart Grid Technologies.

[17]  Cungang Yang,et al.  Network-based Adaptive Protection Strategy for Feeders with Distributed Generations , 2007, 2007 IEEE Canada Electrical Power Conference.

[18]  P.P. Barker,et al.  Determining the impact of distributed generation on power systems. I. Radial distribution systems , 2000, 2000 Power Engineering Society Summer Meeting (Cat. No.00CH37134).