An Extensive Review and Analysis of Islanding Detection Techniques in DG Systems Connected to Power Grids

Abstract

Nowadays, the integration of distributed generators with the main utility grid is highly increasing due to the benefits which can be obtained, such as increasing the system efficiency and reliability. Apart from that, many technical and safety issues appear in the system due to this integration. One of these issues is the islanding condition, which has to be detected effectively and quickly before having any detrimental effects on the protection, stability, and security of the system. This study provides a detailed overview of several islanding detection approaches, which are divided into traditional methods, including local and remote methods, and modern methods, including methods based on signal processing and computational intelligence. Moreover, a comparison between each method based on various criteria, such as non-detected zone, quality factor, response time, implementation cost, degrading power quality, reliability, suitability for the type of distributed generators, suitability for multi-distributed generators system, and sensitivity to cyber-attacks, is carried out. Therefore, this review will offer a solid background in order to help researchers interested in this field distinguish between islanding detection methods and their relative advantages and disadvantages, as well as to be able to choose the most suitable islanding detection method among the others to be implemented in the network.