Investigation of the Effects of Distributed Generation on Protection Coordination in a Power System

M A Raza,M Muzammil,A Tariq,M I U Haque,S Ahmed,K L Khatri

doi:10.48084/etasr.4338

Abstract

The rapid increase of the electrical power demand gave rise to many challenging situations for power system control engineers as the transmission lines are operating at their maximum capacity in most developing economies. To solve this, Distributed Generation (DG), i.e. the generation of electrical power in a distribution network that provides clean energy, is gaining popularity. There are several challenges the protection of distribution networks faces after DG installation, such as variations in short circuit levels, protection blinding, reverse power flow, protection coordination, change in fault impedance, recloser-fuse coordination, selectivity, unsynchronized reclosing, false tripping, etc. In this paper, an IEEE 13-Bus System Radial Distribution System is simulated using Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP), various scenarios of DG placement are considered, their impact on the protection system is analyzed, and different techniques are proposed to minimize the effect on protection coordination. The use of directional relays, current limiting reactors, and small magnitude DGs is tested and analyzed. The way this effect varies by changing the location of DG is also analyzed.

Highlights

In traditional power generation, large central generators at a remote end control the flow of power in transmission and distribution networks
In this paper, the effect caused by Distributed Generation (DG) on the power system’s protection network is analyzed and possible techniques for the addition of DGs to the distribution network have been proposed that result in minimum impact on protection coordination in the IEEE 13-bus system
Since it is costly and technically challenging to improve the settings of original relay systems or to upgrade the relays, the proposed techniques would help network operators install DGs with minimum impact on the distribution network

Summary

Introduction

Large central generators at a remote end control the flow of power in transmission and distribution networks. Duting the '90s, a revolution caused by the connection of power generators in the distribution network as Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) or Distributed. DGs can be connected to voltages from 230V to 150kV. Small power generators are coupled at smaller voltage networks. Larger generators of capacity ranging around 100MW are connected to high voltage buses. With the insertion of DGs, the electricity supply by central generators reduces. DGs need additional facilities for the power system to function with fewer central generators being utilized [1]. There are several types of DGs, e.g. solar, wind, fuel cell, small hydro, and rotating machines [2]

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