Optimizing the protection of an auto-recloser in a DG integrated distribution network.

Abstract

The integration of distributed generation into distribution networks is growing as most of the distributed generators have a sustainable power supply and can be used to improve the voltage profile. However, the type of a distributed generator and location in the distribution network can determine how a voltage profile behaves in a distribution feeder. They also contribute fault current in a new or same direction as the fault current from the utility. With this change in the fault current, the existing protection scheme may maloperate since the protection scheme was designed for fault current from the utility generator. One of the protection devices that can mal-operate is the auto-recloser. This is a device used for the self-remediation of the distribution network when there is a temporary fault. The IEEE and IEC standard for the international use of auto-reclosers in voltages between 1000 V and 38 kV states that the minimum tripping current shall be stated by the manufacturer with a tolerance not exceeding +/- 10% or 3 A, and the preferred operating sequence for auto-reclosers shall be; open – time delay of 0.5 seconds - close and open-second time delay 2 seconds - close and open - third-time delay of 5 seconds - close and open then lock out. However, these parameters can be violated when distributed generators are introduced into the distribution network. The change in the fault current may vary the operating time of the auto-recloser and it may not operate in this manner. The inverse time-current characteristics of the auto-recloser relay cause this. However, the operating time problem can be optimized. The inverse time-current characteristic of the auto-recloser relay can be used to formulate the auto-recloser operating time problem. The settings can be optimized to reduce the time and mitigate mal-operations such as protection blinding, fuse and auto-recloser losing coordination, and sympathetic tripping. To optimize the settings, optimization algorithms can be applied. In this research, the development of a single-shot auto-recloser is conducted. The IEEE 13-node and 34- node radial distribution feeders are used as a passive distribution network. The Wind Turbine and Solar Photovoltaic systems are distributed generators. MATLAB/Simulink is used for simulations, and the results obtained show that the integration of the distributed generators into a passive distribution network causes mal-operations in the auto-recloser when there is a fault. The factors that contribute to these mal-operations is the fault location, fault type, distributed generator type, distributed generator penetration and location. However, the auto-recloser shows improvement when the settings are optimized in these conditions.