Mapping Based Technique for Distance Relays Setting in Presence of IPFC

In this paper, a new technique is proposed for distance relays setting in presence of Interline Power Flow Controller (IPFC). IPFC presence in power network impacts on conventional protection systems, particularly distance relays. The main impact of IPFC on distance relays is to deviate impedance region seen by distance relays from relays tripping characteristic. The proposed technique employs active and reactive power injected by series converter to adjust distance relay first zone boundaries by mapping so that the new boundary has the most overlap with impedance region. Since the technique needs off-line calculations, it does not impose significant computational burden on the relay during the fault. The efficiency of the proposed technique is shown by simulation results of a four bus system containing a two-converter IPFC.