Simulation and Modeling of Optimal Protective Coordination of Overcurrent Relays for the Integration of Distributed Generation Sources in Distribution Systems

Subject Areas : Power Engineering

Hamidreza Sezavar ¹ , Saeed Hasanzadeh ²

1 - Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Qom University of Technology, Qom, Iran.
2 - Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Qom University of Technology, Qom, Iran.

Received: 2024-11-02 Accepted : 2025-01-14 Published : 2026-06-21

Keywords: Overcurrent relays, Distributed generation, Fault detection, Power system, Algorithm modeling,

Abstract :

The performance of overcurrent relays is crucial in fault detection and protection of power networks. With the increasing integration of Distributed Generation (DG) sources into distribution networks, new challenges have emerged in the operation of these relays. The presence of DG sources can reduce fault currents, leading to delays in relay operation. This delay can potentially cause damage to existing equipment due to the prolonged fault in the network. Additionally, DG sources may cause malfunctions in relays, resulting in the disconnection of a healthy feeder instead of the faulty one. This paper introduces and models an algorithm that allows the integration of DG sources into the network without altering the overcurrent relay settings. The goal of this algorithm is to determine the optimal location for connecting DG sources to the network. In this study, the proposed algorithm was implemented in MATLAB, and the model was validated using DigSilent software. The results of this research can contribute to optimizing the performance of distribution systems and mitigating issues related to network protection with the presence of distributed generation sources.

References:


[1] M. H. Moradi, M. Abedini, and S. M. Hosseinian, "A combination of evolutionary algorithm and game theory for optimal location and operation of DG from DG owner standpoints," IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 608-616, 2015. doi: 10.1109/TSG.2015.2422995
[2] M. Uzair, L. Li, M. Eskandari, J. Hossain, and J. G. Zhu, "Challenges, advances and future trends in AC microgrid protection: With a focus on intelligent learning methods," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 178, p. 113228, 2023. doi: 10.1109/TSG.2014.2357813
[3] H. H. Zeineldin, H. M. Sharaf, D. K. Ibrahim, and E. E.-D. Abou El-Zahab, "Optimal protection coordination for meshed distribution systems with DG using dual setting directional over-current relays," IEEE transactions on smart grid, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 115-123, 2014. doi: 10.1109/TSG.2014.2357813
[4] H. Zhan et al., "Relay protection coordination integrated optimal placement and sizing of distributed generation sources in distribution networks," IEEE Transactions on Smart grid, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 55-65, 2015. doi: 10.1109/TSG.2015.2420667
[5] C. Reiz and J. B. Leite, "Optimal coordination of protection devices in distribution networks with distributed energy resources and microgrids," IEEE Access, vol. 10, pp. 99584-99594, 2022. doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3203713
[6] P. Thararak and P. Jirapong, "Implementation of optimal protection coordination for microgrids with distributed generations using quaternary protection scheme," Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering, vol. 2020, no. 1, p. 2568652, 2020. doi: 10.1155/2020/2568652
[7] T. E. Sati and M. A. Azzouz, "Optimal protection coordination for inverter dominated islanded microgrids considering N-1 contingency," IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 2256-2267, 2021. doi: 10.1109/TPWRD.2021.3108760
[8] F. Alasali et al., "The recent development of protection coordination schemes based on inverse of AC microgrid: A review," IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 1-23, 2024. doi: 10.1049/gtd2.13074
[9] A. Kurmaiah and C. Vaithilingam, "Design of adaptive protection coordination scheme using SVM for an AC microgrid," Energy Reports, vol. 11, pp. 4688-4712, 2024. doi:10.1016/j.egyr.2024.04.021
[10] O. Merabet, A. Kheldoun, M. Bouchahdane, A. Eltom, and A. Kheldoun, "An adaptive protection coordination for microgrids utilizing an improved optimization technique for user-defined DOCRs characteristics with different groups of settings considering N-1 contingency," Expert Systems with Applications, vol. 248, p. 123449, 2024. doi:10.1016/j.eswa.2024.123449
[11] H. Fayazi, M. Moazzami, B. Fani, and G. Shahgholian, "Coordination of protection equipment in synchronous generator-based microgrids with regard to maintaining first swing stability," Journal of Intelligent Procedures in Electrical Technology, vol. 14, no. 53, pp. 1-14, 2023. doi: 20.1001.1.23223871.1402.14.54.2.8
[12] P. Kumar and A. S. Rana, "Review of optimization techniques for relay coordination in consideration with adaptive schemes of Microgrid," Electric Power Systems Research, vol. 230, p. 110240, 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.epsr.2024.110240
[13] A. K. Soni, A. Mohapatra, and S. N. Singh, "Protection Coordination in AC Microgrid via Novel Voltage-Supervised Directional Over-Current Relays," IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 2024. doi: 10.1109/TPWRD.2024.3368624
[14] I. N. Trivedi, S. V. Purani, and P. K. Jangir, "Optimized over-current relay coordination using Flower Pollination Algorithm," in 2015 IEEE International Advance Computing Conference (IACC), 2015, pp. 72-77: IEEE. doi: 10.1109/IADCC.2015.7154671
[15] J. Duan, K. Zhang, and L. Cheng, "A novel method of fault location for single-phase microgrids," IEEE Transactions on smart grid, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 915-925, 2015. doi: 10.1109/TSG.2015.2480065
[16] P. Li, D. Xu, Z. Zhou, W.-J. Lee, and B. Zhao, "Stochastic optimal operation of microgrid based on chaotic binary particle swarm optimization," IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 66-73, 2015. doi: 10.1109/TSG.2015.2431072