Integrated fault detection algorithm for transmission, distribution, and microgrid networks

• Published in: Energy systems integration 2019-06, Vol.1 (2), p.104-113
• Main Authors: Ebrahim, Mohamed A., Wadie, Fady, Abd‐Allah, Mousa A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algorithms; different layers; Distributed generation; distributed generation units; distributed power generation; Electric power systems; Fault detection; fault diagnosis; future; IEEE 34‐bus distribution system; integrated fault detection algorithm; integrated protective algorithm; islanding cases; line/feeder/zone; Measuring instruments; microgrid networks; microgrids; modified microgrid version; normal daily operations; no‐fault conditions; PC‐PSPI; periodic change; phasor measurement units; Phasors; positive sequence power index; positive sequence powers; power distribution faults; power grids; power system measurement; previous condition; previous power difference; severe fault; Simulation; Smart grid; smart power grids; Software reliability; specially driven index; System reliability; testing systems; WSCC 9‐bus transmission system
• ISSN: 2516-8401; 2516-8401
• DOI: 10.1049/iet-esi.2019.0002

As a part of the vision of the future's smart grids, this article intends to provide an integrated protective algorithm that employs a specially driven index for the detection of faults in different layers of the grid (transmission, distribution, and/or microgrids). The proposed algorithm evaluates the difference between the positive sequence powers measured by phasor measurement units (PMUs) located at the terminals of the line/feeder/zone required to be protected. An index named as a periodic change of positive sequence power index (PC‐PSPI) is evaluated as the periodic change of the previous power difference per one cycle. The PC‐PSPI is always zero during no‐fault conditions as the power difference per one cycle is relatively constant during normal daily operations. However, the previous condition is disrupted during the presence of faults leading to fault detection. To ensure the proper functionality of PC‐PSPI for different layers of the grid, various testing systems were used including the WSCC 9‐bus transmission system, IEEE 34‐bus distribution system, and a modified microgrid version of the IEEE 34‐bus equipped with distributed generation (DG) units. All systems were simulated using MATLAB/Simulink software packages. The proposed algorithm proved its reliability in operation even for severe fault and islanding cases.