An adaptive protection coordination for microgrids utilizing an improved optimization technique for user-defined DOCRs characteristics with different groups of settings considering N-1 contingency

Abstract

Due to the increased integration of distributed generation (DG) in electric power systems, optimal coordination of overcurrent relays has become a key problem in power distribution systems. However, there is a lack of expertise in the creation of optimum microgrid coordination that takes into account all N-1 scenarios through the nonstandard relay characteristics. This work presents a novel technique for optimal coordination of directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) in terms of relay curve settings (A and B), time dial setting (TDS) and plug setting (PS) to achieve the shortest running time and attain optimal settings. The optimization is carried out using a modified version of the Hanger Games Search algorithm (MHGS). The performance of the proposed method is assessed using the 14 bus distribution system while considering all the N-1 contingencies. DIgSILENT software was utilized to perform the required power system analysis, such as power flow and short circuit analysis. The MHGS method is used to determine the best settings for the DOCRs problem. The results are compared to the traditional HGS as well as those obtained by other current optimization approaches provided in the literature in order to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed MHGS in lowering relay operation time for optimum DOCRs coordination.