Impact of Adaptive Protections in Electric Microgrids, Challenges and Future Trends

Abstract

This paper reviews and discusses the use of adaptive protections in microgrids. The main goal of the paper is to review the progress made in the last 10 years, to identify the challenges that are still present, and to note the current trends in the use of these protections in microgrids. The analysis is based on applications implemented since 2007, and on a wide bibliographical review of books, theses, patents, scholarly papers, conferences, technical reports, and experts' experiences. The paper includes a comparative table that summarizes the reviewed literature and its findings. The paper is of interest to academics who do research on development and implementation of new robust and reliable protection schemes in microgrids, and to those in the industrial sector, who implement electric microgrids, and who want to understand the impact of their protection schemes.

The Why of Adaptive Protections in Modern Electrical Networks

“…In this way, adaptive protections also makes sense under the concept of smart grids, where the grid tends to integrate the users and generators at any scale, in order to provide a more secure, economical, reliable and efficient electricity (Sampo Voima & Kauhaniemi, 2012). Then, adaptive protections can be defined as "a set of functions that allows the adjustment of their parameters according to modifications or new system requirements, making use of communication protocols" (Gómez- Luna, Candelo, Marlés, Guardiola, & de la Cruz, 2017).…”

New Approach for Validation of a Directional Overcurrent Protection Scheme in a Ring Distribution Network with Integration of Distributed Energy Resources Using Digital Twins

“…These variations depend on the DER's type, size, location, and operation mode [8][9][10]. In addition, selectivity losses, false tripping, or blinding protection are caused by coordination problems and compromised protection schemes adjust settings in the distribution grid [11,12].…”