Experimental Validation of a New Impedance-Based Protection for Networks With Distributed Generation Using Co-Simulation Test Platform

Abstract

Combined real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulations and modeling of communication networks (co-simulation platforms) is a powerful testbed for development and validation of relay protection schemes utilizing communication links especially for applications in Smart Grids. This paper introduces laboratory tests in such environment of a new protection scheme for medium voltage networks with distributed generation. It is based on impedance measurements with compensation of remote infeed currents and high fault resistances. Since the scheme utilizes multi-terminal measurements, a communication network emulator has been developed to model Ethernet network impairments. The test method uses Monte-Carlo approach for evaluation of protection dependability. The results demonstrate enhancement of impedance relay performance compared to the conventional protection. Moreover, fault location capability is preserved with sufficient accuracy. Nevertheless, communication network imperfections, such as jitters and data loss, deteriorate scheme functionality.

A Coordinated Multi-Element Current Differential Protection Scheme for Active Distribution Systems

“…The complete settings of the DRs in each DPZ are presented in Table II. As for DPZ1,1΄ and DPZ5,5΄, the time delay setting td of the intermediate differential elements between the slowest and the fastest one (as determined in Table I), is calculated using (11). The 𝐼𝐼 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 min and 𝐼𝐼 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 min setting of each differential element of a DPZ is set based on a detailed simulation study (refer to Subsection III.A), ensuring that, under any fault/system conditions, a fault detected by this element will not result in miscoordination between the corresponding DRs and a fuse inside this DPZ.…”

“…bidirectional short-circuit current flow and/or closed-loop configuration) resemble those of transmission systems, protection principles traditionally encountered in the latter, have been also considered for the former. Within this context, distance-based protection schemes have been proposed for DG-integrated distribution systems [11]- [13]. Nevertheless, a drawback of such schemes is the requirement for a voltage transformer, along with each relay.…”

A Method for Performability Study on Wide Area Communication Architectures for Smart Grid

“…1) Real time Hardware-in-the-loop prototyping: Hardwarein-the loop testing platform combined with communication network emulator have been proposed for testing of protection algorithms in inter-substations and even wide area networks. It enables modelling of communication network impairments to study impact on overall protection performance [21], [22].…”

A novel distance protection scheme using single‐ended transient voltage based on generalized S transform

“…The probability of single-phase-to-ground fault is the highest, and there are usually tens to hundreds of ohms of transition resistance at the short-circuit point. This will cause steady-state over-reach or under-reach [5,6] and even lead to cascading failures.…”