Application of Firefly Algorithm for Optimal Directional Overcurrent Relays Coordination in the Presence of IFCL

Abstract

This paper considers the impact of the Inductive Fault Current Limiter (IFCL) on directional overcurrent relays coordination. The coordination problem is formulated as a non-linear constrained mono-objective optimization problem. The objective function of this optimization problem is the minimization of the operation time of the associated relays in the systems, and the decision variables are: the time dial setting (TDS) and the pickup current setting (IP) of each relay. To solve this complex non linear optimization problem, a variant of optimization algorithms named Firefly Algorithm (FA) is used. The proposed method is tested on 8-bus power transmission systems test systems considering the influences of current relay under three-phases short-circuit with and without IFCL for different locality. The results show the effectiveness of the solution.