Resilient bus-bar protection scheme for DC microgrids connected to AC electric grids

Abstract

ABSTRACT In recent years, there has been a growing interest in incorporating microgrids into existing electrical power networks to reduce reliance on conventional grids. This is further due to the numerous benefits of microgrids, most notably the ability to operate in either autonomous or grid-connected mode, making microgrids a highly versatile structure to incorporate intermittent production and energy storage. However, despite the many benefits, it is difficult to present resilience protection for DC bus bar to ensure the efficient operation of a DC microgrid, as there is a non-zero crossing phenomenon of DC fault current, while zero crossing phenomenon of an AC fault. Additionally, the DC bus bar has both an AC side with rectified DC and a DC line current, creating protection concerns for microgrids. To address these issues, this article proposes a novel fast fault detection scheme for DC microgrids with multiple renewable energy sources, energy storage, and loads. The scheme incorporates current and voltage sensing through current and voltage transformers, along with advanced digital relays, to detect and isolate faults on the DC microgrid. By analyzing rectified AC and DC line data, the scheme employs a differential current-based protection strategy to safeguard the DC bus bar. Validated through comprehensive fault simulations in PSS/SINCAL, the method proves effective in maintaining DC bus voltage stability and enhancing microgrid flexibility.