Protection Coordination of Radial Distribution Networks Connected with Distributed Generation Considering Auto-reclosing Schemes by Resistive Superconducting Fault Current Limiters

Abstract

AbstractRadial distribution networks are normally protected against fault currents by fuses and reclosers. This protection is coordinated in a way that reclosers clear temporary faults before the melting of fuses and fuses melt to clear permanent faults. Distribution networks, which are recently connected with distributed generations (DGs), incur a variety of issues that are certainly worthy of closer considerations. One of these issues is the operation of protection devices. Recloser-fuse coordination may be lost when DGs are integrated with distribution networks due to the effect of current flowing from DGs during fault period and the breaking of the radiality nature of these networks. The impact of DGs on recloser-fuse coordination depends on penetration level, location, and type of DG. Recloser-fuse coordination of radial distribution networks connected with DGs can be kept by connecting resistive superconducting fault current limiter (R-SFCL) in series with the DG to limit the fault current contribution of DG during the fault period. However, when considering the auto-reclosing scheme of the recloser, recloser-fuse coordination may be lost even if R-SFCL is connected. This paper shows the effectiveness of R-SFCL to restore recloser-fuse coordination without considering auto-reclosing scheme. It also proposes solution methods based on three different configurations of R-SFCL to maintain recloser-fuse coordination when auto-reclosing scheme is considered. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed configurations of R-SFCL to keep recloser-fuse coordination. All simulations are performed using MATLAB/Simulink package.