An adaptive directional current protection scheme for distribution network with DG integration based on fault steady-state component

Abstract In view of the low reliability of traditional protection in the distribution network caused by the massive integration of DGs (distributed generation), an adaptive directional current protection scheme based on fault steady-state component is proposed in this paper. First, by analyzing the fault transient characteristics and fault equalization methods of different types of DGs, the components of system short circuit current are calculated, and the relationship between three phase components of the short circuit current is revealed. On this basis, according to the fault boundary conditions, the fault steady-state components are obtained. And then, combined with the measured voltage and measured current at the relaying point, the equivalent voltage and equivalent impedance at the backside of protection are calculated. Thus the adaptive directional current protection criteria for different fault types are formed. Simulation results demonstrate that, the proposed scheme is not affected by the type and power output of DG and the system operation mode, and could effectively prevent the protection from refusing to operate due to voltage drop.