Relay protection sensitivity integrated optimal placement and capacity of inverter interfaced distributed generators in distribution networks

• Published in: Heliyon 2024-04, Vol.10 (8), p.e29138-e29138, Article e29138
• Main Authors: Li, Fei, Wang, Deming, Li, Yingliang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: algorithms; Capacity; Distribution network; Inverter interfaced distributed generation; Optimization; Relay protection sensitivity; system optimization
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29138

The relay protection sensitivity is one of the determined factors in the power system, however, it is often overlooked in current distribution network (DN) planning. The relay protection sensitivity can be decreased to below the minimum values, failing to meet the requirements for electrical installations. To address this challenge, a new optimization model integrated with the relay protection sensitivity to maximize the inverter interfaced distributed generator (IIDG) penetration level while minimizing IIDG investment was proposed in this paper. The IIDG effect on the relay protection sensitivity was analysed and the relay protection sensitivity re-evaluation method was developed. The relay protection sensitivity evaluation was integrated into the proposed model and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was developed to solve the nonlinear issue. The proposed optimization method was tested on different cases, and results confirmed the effectiveness of the method. Furthermore, the relay sensitivity profiles obtained through the proposed method and the optimization without considering the relay sensitivity limits were compared. The proposed method improves the average and minimum sensitivity factors by 28.77 % and 51.76 %, respectively, when the DTO protection functions as the backup for the protected line in the thirty-three-node system. When DTO acts as the backup for the adjacent line, the average and minimum values increase by 29.91 % and 50.95 %, respectively. Comparative analysis confirms the efficacy of the proposed method. The new method extends the power system panning approaches and can be integrated into the DN planning tools to support the low-carbon initiatives. •Considering the IIDG effect on fault currents, the relay protection sensitivity was re-evaluated in distribution networks.•A new optimization method integrated with relay protection sensitivity was proposed to meet the electrical requirements.•The proposed method can determine the optimal placement and capacity of IIDGs in distribution networks.•The new method can meet the relay protection constraints, extending the DN planning methods.