On the Development of Overcurrent Relay Optimization Problem for Active Distribution Networks

Rene Prenc, Michele Rojnić, Dubravko Franković and Saša Vlahinić
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Rene Prenc: Faculty of Engineering, University of Rijeka, Vukovarska 58, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Michele Rojnić: Faculty of Engineering, University of Rijeka, Vukovarska 58, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Dubravko Franković: Faculty of Engineering, University of Rijeka, Vukovarska 58, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Saša Vlahinić: Faculty of Engineering, University of Rijeka, Vukovarska 58, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 18, 1-28

Abstract: The goal of this review paper will be to address complex optimization functions in the area of overcurrent relay optimization, to inspect and valorize their objectives and to critically examine their application in real distribution networks. Special emphasis will be put on observing the optimization of discrimination time between primary and backup relay pairs, and methods which prevent the latter becoming penalty functions will be shown. Furthermore, the impact of distributed generation units on the overcurrent relay optimization problem will be elaborated in detail. Protection settings of all the existing and new relays must be thoroughly inspected before the connection of new production units, because contributing fault currents may have a significant effect on the solution of the overcurrent optimization problem. This is because the relays being used are of an inverse-type. Next, meshed network operation will be critically assessed in comparison with the actual practice of radial operation, and some topologies will be highlighted for future research, while others will be discarded. The distribution network in mesh operation implicitly suggests using numerical relays on both sides of protected elements (usually lines), so their total number will be much higher than in radial operation. Finally, a relatively new concept of adaptive distribution network protection will be reviewed, and its potential application to the overcurrent relay optimization problem will be examined. The purpose of this review paper will be to lay a groundwork for future research papers by inspecting the overall development of the overcurrent relay optimization problem for contemporary and future active distribution networks.

Keywords: overcurrent relay optimization; distributed generation; meshed operation; directional relays; adaptive protection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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