Review of distributed generator integratedACmicrogrid protection: issues, strategies, and future trends

Abstract

In the recent power system scenario, the concept of microgrid is evolving rapidly. The architecture should be robust enough to cater the complexity of integration of distributed generation sources, demand-side management, and storage. The fast growth of embedded generation with other advanced power electronic interfaces and components along with energy storage devices change the operating pattern of the integrated power system scenario. In this context, protection is the vital aspect for qualitative uninterrupted power and making the system resilient to adverse, and faulty conditions. Many associated issues, particularly related to AC microgrid systems like the large difference in the short-circuit level between integrated and isolated mode of operation, bidirectional power flow, unsynchronized reclosing, the blindness of protection, lack of natural zero-crossing current, and false tripping are needed to be focused. In light of the above factors, it motivates us to survey the previous research works on the existing protection strategies to redesign and present the critical analysis of the predicted protection issues of microgrid protection with upcoming advanced technology and methodology. This article presents a critical review of the issues and protection schemes for the DG integrated AC microgrid extensively. Here, the merits, and demerits of each protection scheme, and visible possibilities for any advancement in protection strategies to enhance the reliability, selectivity, and security of AC microgrid is emphasized keeping in mind the different connections and configurations. In addition, this work also focuses on integrating the intelligent approaches/devices that help to elevate the current protection schemes to be smarter and efficient.

Understanding Microgrid Sustainability: A Systemic and Comprehensive Review

“…Protection of the microgrid refers to the equipment and techniques used to protect the elements of the energy system from any malfunction, whether internal or external to the element [38]. An extensive review has been conducted to present all the protection possibilities in AC [39] and DC [40] grids and different standards [41].…”

“…Regulation on a small time frame and a specific location [143] Secondary loop regulation of the voltage and frequency [144] Operation of the microgrid through disturbances [42] Operation of the microgrid through failure, notably short circuits [41] Coordination and improvement of the energy fluxes [145] Entire microgrid improvement [146] Implementation Droop, PID, model predictive, fuzzy, neuro-fuzzy, learning, virtual generator [147] P/Q control, parallel BIC operation and harmonic mitigation [148] Islanding detection, grid sync, and the BIC management [149,150] Over/under I/V, fault detection, ground leakage, black start [40], cybersecurity, and other [103,151] Storage coordination, V/f improvement, and demand response [152] Economic dispatch, optimal load dispatch or prediction, and forecasting algorithms [153][154][155][156] Table 6 shows system dynamics (fast vs. slow) and geographic range (near vs. far) tendencies in the literature [43].…”

Energy Management Systems Using Smart Grids: An Exhaustive Parametric Comprehensive Analysis of Existing Trends, Significance, Opportunities, and Challenges

“…It has increased capacity, controllability, and flexibility as a result. However, connecting DC loads, DC sources, and energy storage devices to the AC bus via a DC/AC inverter reduces efficiency dramatically [119][120][121].…”

Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of Overcurrent Protection in Active Distribution Systems

“…Besides, technological improvements have led to the integrating of these sources into the system, making a leap from radial distribution systems to the active distribution network (ADN), which contains multiple generation and storage systems [2]. However, this process has resulted in a considerable change in the power flow and short-circuits capability of the distribution system, making it difficult to control, operate, and protect [3], [4]. Therefore, this paper analyzes some of the protection approaches proposed to surpass the ADN issues.…”