Coordination Of Overcurrent Relays Research Articles

A New Method for Optimal Coordination of Overcurrent and Distance Relays

A New Method for Optimal Coordination of Overcurrent and Distance Relays

Design and analysis of power distribution systems for optimum over-current relay coordination using voltage component of fault current limiters

Design and analysis of power distribution systems for optimum over-current relay coordination using voltage component of fault current limiters

Optimal coordination of directional overcurrent relays and distance relays using different optimization algorithms

The focus of this study is on solving the coordination problem between distance relays (DISRs) and directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs), which is a complex nonlinear problem with various constraints. Ensuring proper coordination between DOCRs and distance relays is critical for maintaining the security of electrical networks. The primary objective of employing optimization algorithms is to determine the optimal operating time for zone-2 of distance relays, as well as the DOCRs setting, time dial setting (TDS), and pickup current (Ipickup). The optimization techniques must also guarantee that the primary and backup relays operate in sequence without any violation. To this end, both recent and well-established optimization algorithms are evaluated using an 8-bus network, with the aim of determining the DOCRs setting and the optimal operating time for zone-2 of distance relays. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of different optimization algorithms, including both traditional and recent techniques, is conducted.

Evaluating the Effect of the Communication Link of the Relays on the Operation Time of the Protection System

In case of an error in the power system, it is the duty of the protection relays to isolate the faulty part from the rest of the system as soon as possible. Overcurrent and distance relays are usually used to protect the transmission and super distribution systems. The optimum coordination of these relays is very important. In this article, communication links are used to improve the optimal coordination of overcurrent and distance relays. In the proposed plan, the overcurrent relays on both sides of the line are equipped with a communication link for immediate action in the event of an error. Using this communication link, the complete coverage of the line is also provided by distance relays. The number and place of installation of the communication link greatly affect the operation time of overcurrent relays and the distance and coordination between them. The coordination problem is formulated by considering the location and number of communication links, and to solve it, the combined optimization algorithm of genetics and linear programming will be used. With the help of the genetic algorithm, the location and setting of the second zone of the distance relay, and by using the linear programming algorithm, the setting of the overcurrent relays is determined. The proposed method has been tested on the IEEE 14-bus (the simulation in MATLAB software) network and its results examined, and it will be seen how much the existence of a communication link can improve the performance time of the protection system.

Analysis the securable operation and protection coordination indices on multi‐objective sitting and sizing of synchronous distributed generations on distribution networks

AbstractDespite improving various technical indices such as operation and voltage profile, the integration of synchronous distributed generations (SDGs) may lead to the loss of protection coordination in the distribution network (DN). To tackle the problem, this paper presents a multi‐objective siting and sizing of SDGs on DN considering operation, economic and protection coordination indices simultaneously. The proposed scheme is structured in the framework of a four‐objective optimization problem, which aims to minimize the energy losses, the worst voltage security index (VSI), planning cost of SDGs and the protection index (PI) (the deviation of coordination time interval). Therefore, it is constrained to power flow equations, VSI, and protection coordination of overcurrent relays (OCRs). Then, the Pareto optimization based on the method of the weighted functions summation obtains an integrated single‐objective problem for the proposed scheme. Next, a hybrid evolutionary algorithm formed by merging particle swarm optimization (PSO) and crow search algorithm (CSA) is incorporated to achieve the optimal solution with unique response approximate conditions. Eventually, the suggested scheme is applied on distribution portion of IEEE 30‐bus ring and IEEE 69‐bus radial DN and numerical results confirm the efficient performance of SDG planning in terms of technical indicators and protective devices coordination.

Comparative study of optimization methods for optimal coordination of directional overcurrent relays with distributed generators

<span lang="EN-US">Due to the growing penetration of distributed generators (DGs), that are based on renewable energy, into the distribution network, it is necessary to address the coordination of directional overcurrent relays (DOCR) in the presence of these generators. This problem has been solved by many metaheuristic optimization techniques to obtain the optimal relay parameters and to have an optimal coordination of the protection relays by considering the coordination constraints. In this article, a comparative study of the optimization techniques proposed in the literature addresses the optimal coordination problem using digital DOCRs with standard properties according to IEC60-255. For this purpose, the three most efficient and robust optimization techniques, which are particle swarm optimization (PSO), genetic algorithm (GA) and differential evolution (DE), are considered. Simulations were performed using MATLAB R2021a by applying the optimization methods to an interconnected 9-bus and 15-bus power distribution systems. The obtained simulation results show that, in case of distributed generation, the best optimization method to solve the relay protection coordination problem is the differential evolution DE. </span>

Application of Equilibrium Optimizer Algorithm for Solving Linear and non Linear Coordination of Directional Overcurrent Relays

The safety and reliability of an electrical network depend on the performance of the protections utilized. Therefore, the optimal coordination of the protective devices plays an essential role. In this paper, a new algorithm, Equilibrium Optimizer (EO), which is based on the physical equation of the mass balance, is implemented in the problem of the Optimal Coordination of Directional Overcurrent Relays (DOCRs). Moreover, the proposed method uses Linear Programming (LP), Nonlinear Programming (NLP) and Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) in order to optimize the Time Dial Setting (TDS), as well as the Plug Setting (PS), satisfying all possible constraints. Additionally, the performance of EO is evaluated using several benchmarks with different topologies. The results demonstrated the applicability and efficacy of the proposed approach. A comparison with other studies reported in specialized literature is provided to demonstrate the benefits of the proposed approach.

Automated Settings of Overcurrent Relays Considering Transformer Phase Shift and Distributed Generators Using Gorilla Troops Optimizer

The relative protective devices are cascaded in a proper sequence with a proper min/max coordination time margin (CTM) to minimize the outage area of the network in case of fault condition. This manuscript addresses a new methodology based on the gorilla troops optimizer (GTO) to produce the best automated settings for overcurrent relays. In the GTO, the exploration and exploitation phases are realized using five methodologies. Three of them are used in the exploration phase and the other two in the exploitation phase. In the exploration phase, all gorillas are considered as candidate solutions and the best one is considered as the silverback gorilla. Then again, the exploitation phase comprises two steps: (i) the first one is the follow of silverback gorilla, and (ii) the second one is the competition for adult females. The latter mentioned offers an added advantage to the GTO framework to move forward steadily to global minima and to avoid trapping into local minima. Two test cases under numerous scenarios are demonstrated comprising an isolated real distribution network with distributed generations for the Agiba Petroleum company which is in the Western Desert of Egypt. The relay coordination problem is adapted as an optimization problem subject to a set of predefined constraints which is solved using the GTO including fixed and varied inverse IEC curves, in which the practical constraints including transformer phase shift and other scenarios for min/max fault conditions are dealt with. In due course, this current effort aims at proving the best strategy for achieving the smoothest coordination of overcurrent relays (OCRs), with the least obtained value of CTMs for the studied cases being established via the automated relay settings. At last, it can be pointed out that the GTO successfully dealt with this problem and was able to produce competitive answers compared to other competitors.

A Communication-less adaptive protection scheme for Self-Healing distribution systems

Network reconfiguration has allowed supply restoration to disrupted areas after fault events. However, changes in network topology can alter the direction and magnitude of fault currents and jeopardize the coordination of overcurrent relays. Adaptive protection schemes using system-wide communications have been developed to solve this issue by performing dynamic relay recalibration. Unfortunately, system-wide communications are also associated with huge economic costs, data integrity issues, and limitations of infrastructures. Moreover, in less developed communities, such schemes are less applicable. Although various communication-less schemes have been proposed, they mainly focused on adapting overcurrent relay protection for different distributed generation penetrations and microgrid islanding statuses. Currently, no communications-less adaptive protection method has been proposed to address the miscoordination of protection relays caused by network reconfiguration for supply restoration. Thus, this paper presents a communication-less adaptive protection scheme to maintain relay coordination in a reconfigurable distribution network that performs supply restoration. The scheme deploys microcontroller units to predict the correct relay settings by monitoring load flows through the relays. The scheme is demonstrated on the IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus test distribution systems using two different relay placement strategies, non-directional and directional relays. The proposed scheme achieved up to 10.8 times lower disruptions than the existing system in N-1–1 contingency scenarios. Overall, the scheme provides a simple and low-cost alternative to improve the effectiveness of power system protection in a reconfigurable network.© 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Adaptive Protection for Active Distribution Networks: An Approach Based on Fuses and Relays With Multiple Setting Groups

Protection schemes are essential in active distribution networks and microgrids’ reliable, efficient, and flexible operation. However, the protection of these networks presents significant challenges due to operational changes, such as variations in topology, distributed energy resources connection/disconnection, and microgrid operating modes, among others. This paper proposes an adaptive protection scheme based on overcurrent devices with several setting groups based on artificial intelligence algorithms. The developed strategy is composed of two stages. In the off-line stage, a clustering technique is employed to group the active distribution network operating scenarios exhibiting similarities. The optimal settings for the protection devices are determined for each set of scenarios. On the other hand, in the on-line stage, the protection strategy’s implementation and operation, considering the active distribution network’s existing communication system, are defined. Furthermore, the approach formulates the overcurrent relay coordination as a mixed-integer non-linear optimization problem, and as a result, the optimal setting of the overcurrent protection devices is obtained. It aims to minimize the operating time, considering the transformers’ thermal limits, fuse operating curves, and overcurrent relay settings. The solution is determined by using an Augmented Lagrangian genetic algorithm. The presented protection scheme is validated on the modified IEEE 34 node test feeder, considering the main operating scenarios of the active distribution networks, such as topology changes, distributed energy resource connection/disconnection, and microgrid operating modes (on-grid and off-grid). The results obtained and its easy implementation indicates the high potential for real-life applications.

Adaptive OCR coordination in distribution system with distributed energy resources contribution

<abstract> <p>More and more distributed energy resources (DERs) are being added to the medium-voltage (MV) or low-voltage (LV) radial distribution networks (RDNs). These distributed power sources will cause the redistribution of power flow and fault current, bringing new challenges to the coordination of power system protection. An adaptive protection coordination strategy is proposed in this paper. It will trace the connectivity of the system structure to determine the set of relay numbers as a tracking path. According to the topology of the system structure, the tracking path can be divided into two categories: the main feeder path and the branch path. The time multiplier setting (TMS) of each relay can be used to evaluate the operation time of the over-current relay (OCR), and the operation time of the relay can be used to evaluate the fitness of the TMS setting combination. Furthermore, the relay protection coordination problem can be modeled to minimize the accumulated summation of all primary and backup relay operation time (OT) subject to the coordination time interval (CTI) limitation. A modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO) algorithm with adaptive self-cognition and society operation scheme (ASSOS) was proposed and utilized to determine TMS for each relay on the tracking path. A 16-bus test MV system with distributed generators (DGs) will be applied to test the adaptive protection coordination approach proposed in this paper. The results show that the proposed MPSO algorithm reduces the overall OT and relieves the impact on protection coordination settings after DG joins the system. The paper also tests and compares the proposed MPSO with other metaheuristic intelligence-based random search algorithms to prove that MPSO possesses with increased efficiency and performance.</p> </abstract>

Optimisasi Setting Directional Overcurrent Relay Dengan Menggunakan Hybrid Algoritma (DE – PSO)

To prevent interference and damage to equipment in the electric power system, the role of a protection system is needed. An unreliable protection system has the impact of economic losses, this is the basis for engineers to conduct research on the optimization of protection coordination in the electric power system. This study aims to ensure that the protection system can run properly in the event of a short circuit fault in the system. In addition, this research is to facilitate engineers in the calculation of the Directional Overcurrent Relay (DOCR) coordination study. In contrast to previous studies, this research implements a hybrid algorithm method on a real electrical system by considering the generator operating scheme. Due to the generator operating conditions that are always changing, it affect DOCR working time. To overcome these problems, it is necessary to set an optimal DOCR using the meta-heuristic method. This is the basis for researchers to conduct research on optimization of protection coordination settings. Each meta-heuristic method such as Differential Evolution Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization has its own advantages and disadvantages in the process of searching the optimization. Therefore, this research implements a hybrid strategy of Differential Evolution Algorithm – Particle Swarm Optimization (DE-PSO) to get the DOCR Time Dial Setting (TDS) value. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that using a hybrid algorithm is 83% more efficient than the non-hybrid method.

Alpha Harris Hawks Optimization based Overcurrent Relay Coordination with Hybrid Time-Current-Voltage Characteristics Considering the Grid-Connected Distributed Generation

The conventional protection schemes may lead towards the inadvertent operation of the protection devices with the increased penetration of renewable energy sources based distributed generation (RES-DG) in distribution networks (DN). The miscoordination and the malfunctioning of directional overcurrent relays (DOCR) may occur due to significant change in the fault current level (FCL) and the change in the network topology form the radial to ring topology caused by the RES-DG. Optimization algorithms (OA) and modification in relay characteristics were mostly used to tackle the DOCR miscoordination problem. However, in this paper, a fast and an accurate protection coordination scheme is proposed to eliminate the DOCR miscoordination and to reduce the overall operation time of DOCRs by employing an advance optimization algorithm along with an innovative modification in the relay characteristics. In the first step, time-current characteristics (TCC) of the conventional DOCR are modified to a hybrid time-current-voltage (TCV) characteristics by including the effect of the fault voltage in the relay characteristics equation. Thereafter, the performance of conventional Harris Hawk’s optimization (HHO) is enhanced with an improvement in the exploration strength of the HHO by an adaptive mutation-selection of the alpha hawks during each iteration named as alpha-HHO (α-HHO). The protection coordination problem is formulated as a non-linear constrained optimization problem. The proposed protection scheme is evaluated on the IEEE-8 bus meshed DN. The standard IEEE-8 bus test system is modified by integrating multiple squirrel cage induction generators and PV-based RES-DGs at optimal bus locations. Detailed numerical studies are carried out with the help of simulations to show the performance of the proposed scheme. The results are compared with the existing protection schemes reported in recent literature. The investigation results show that the highest reduction in overall relay operating time with zero mis-coordination is achieved with the proposed scheme.

New DOCR coordination via non-conventional time curves to achieve bounded relay times

In this paper, the new coordination of directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) is presented to obtain expected relay times. The objective of traditional DOCR coordination is to determine the shortest possible relay time, a non-limited minimization is considered. However, a functional dependence between relays is obtained due the sequence of operation between primary and backup functions, resulting in an uncertainty in the relay times. In the proposed method, the DOCRs are delimited in time intervals resulting in bounded coordination times. The conventional coordination criterion is not used hence there are no coordination pairs, since the commitment of each relay is that its time curve complies with the time intervals. This proposal avoids the incertitude in the relay times in the coordination process, very long or very short times that can affect the operation or safety of the electrical network. In the proposed method, the setting of each relay is stand-alone, the design of time curve must guarantee the relay times for each interval considered, non-conventional curves are used in this proposed. The results in the test systems show that the proposed method is feasible, obtaining the desired results.

A Novel Proposed Algorithm to Enhance the Overcurrent Relays’ Performance in Active Distribution Networks

This research addresses two topics: the first is the optimal coordination of overcurrent relays (OCRs), which has recently become a major challenge to ensure reliability and speed of relays’ operation, and the second is a modified circuit added to the OCR to vanquish the barriers caused by the ever-increasing participation of distributed energy resources (DERs), at a lower cost. For robust and reliable OCRs coordination, various types of optimization techniques are frequently used to find optimal OCRs settings in distribution networks (DNs). In this study, the improved wild horse optimization (IWHO) algorithm is used as a novel metaheuristic method for solving optimization issues in coordination of OCRs in a distribution network, for the first time. This technique is used to determine the optimal time multiplier setting (TMS) and optimal pickup setting (PS) of OCRs in order to minimize the overall operating time. The results of the proposed algorithm are compared with those obtained from other recent metaheuristic techniques. The obtained TMS and PS settings of each relay show the effectiveness of the proposed IWHO technique in terms of accuracy and speed in a medium scale radial network configuration. To replace the costly mitigation methods employed in the DN comprising DER, a simple circuit was proposed to be added to the OCR. Using the angle’s sign of positive sequence current component (PSCC) of fault current solely, this proposed circuit can detect the fault direction and assist the OCR in making the correct decision in fault detection and clearing with high penetration of DERs. IEEE-33 bus electrical power system has been used to validate the newly proposed protective solutions.

Optimal coordination of directional overcurrent relay based on combination of Firefly Algorithm and Linear Programming

Optimal coordination and settings of directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) are crucial task to ensure reliable and effective protection in power system networks. The settings of DOCRs are plug setting current (PSC) and time multiplier setting (TMS). The DOCRs coordination is well-known as a highly constrained nonlinear optimization problem. Its complexity in terms of non-linearity increases along with the network size increment. This paper proposes a hybrid optimization algorithm which consists of Firefly Algorithm and Linear Programming (FA-LP) to relax the search space by linearizing the equation of the DOCRs coordination to attain an optimal solution. Furthermore, this paper also considers a mixed type of IEC relay characteristics to attain effective relay operation. The proposed method is tested on the IEEE 8-, 15- and 30-bus test systems. The results show the reduction of total relay operating time between 15.6% and 85.5% as compared to other techniques in the literature and also being verified using the ETAP software.

Optimal Coordination of Time Delay Overcurrent Relays for Power Systems with Integrated Renewable Energy Sources

With the gradual increase in load demand due to population and economic growth, integrating renewable energy sources (RES) into the grid represents a solution for meeting load demand. However, integrating RES might change the power system type from radial to non-radial, where the current can flow forward and backward. Consequently, power system analysis methods must be updated. The impact on power systems includes changes in the load flow affecting the voltage level, equipment sizing, operating modes, and power system protection. Conventional power system protection methods must be updated, as RES integration will change the power flow results and the short circuit levels in the power system. With an RES contribution to short circuit, existing settings might experience missed coordination which will result in unnecessary tripping. This paper considers the impact of integrating renewable energy sources into power system protection on overcurrent time delay settings. A new method to upgrade/adjust time delay settings is developed utilizing genetic algorithm (GA) optimization. The proposed optimization method can be used to evaluate the impact of integrating RES on the exiting overcurrent setting, and can provide new settings without the need to replace existing protection devices when the short circuit is within equipment thermal limits.

Innovative Optimal Nonstandard Tripping Protection Scheme for Radial and Meshed Microgrid Systems

The coordination of optimal overcurrent relays (OCRs) for modern power networks is nowadays one of the critical concerns due to the increase in the use of renewable energy sources. Modern grids connected to inverter-based distributed generations (IDGs) and synchronous distributed generations (SDGs) have a direct impact on fault currents and locations and then on the protection system. In this paper, a new optimal OCR coordination scheme has been developed based on the nonstandard time–current characteristics (NSTCC) approach. The proposed scheme can effectively minimize the impact of distributed generations (DGs) on OCR coordination by using two optimization techniques: genetic algorithm (GA) and hybrid gravitational search algorithm–sequential quadratic programming (GSA–SQP) algorithm. In addition, the proposed optimal OCR coordination scheme has successfully employed a new constraint reduction method for eliminating the considerable number of constraints in the coordination and tripping time formula by using only one variable dynamic coefficient. The proposed protection scheme has been applied in IEEE 9-bus and IEC MG systems as benchmark radial networks as well as IEEE 30-bus systems as meshed structures. The results of the proposed optimal OCR coordination scheme have been compared to standard and nonstandard characteristics reported in the literature. The results showed a significant improvement in terms of the protection system sensitivity and reliability by minimizing the operating time (OT) of OCRs and demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method throughout minimum and maximum fault modes.

Optimal coordination of over-current relay in a power distribution network using aggrandized class topper optimization (A-CTO) algorithm

Optimal coordination of over-current relay in a power distribution network using aggrandized class topper optimization (A-CTO) algorithm

An Approach to Improve Mathematical Formulation of Directional Overcurrent Relays Coordination for Interconnected Power Systems

The coordination of a large number of protective relays in an interconnected power system is a crucial task. In recent years, researchers have adopted various approaches to attain minimal discrimination time between primary and backup relay pairs for directional overcurrent relay coordination. Researchers have suggested various objective functions to overcome relay mis-coordination and to achieve optimum value of relay plug setting and time multiplier settings. This paper discusses an approach to improve the mathematical formulation for the coordination of directional overcurrent relay for an interconnected power system. Various objective functions reported in the literature are compared with the proposed objective function precisely adopting the overcurrent relay coordination philosophy. To check & analyze the robustness and suitability of the proposed objective function, a modified IEEE14-bus distribution system & IEEE 30-bus system, and IEEE8- bus system is employed. A comparative analysis of the proposed objective function and reported objective functions is presented.