Fuse relay adaptive overcurrent protection scheme for microgrid with distributed generators

Abstract

Utilities have installed distributed generators to improve reliability of the power distribution system. Distributed generators at various sites provide additional circuit paths in case energy provision to the end user is interrupted by a blackout or equipment failure. When the microgrid is working on island and grid‐connected modes, overcurrent protections in power lines must be adjusted to different distributed generator circuit paths and feeder fuses in the microgrid. This study presents an adaptive overcurrent protection that integrates technical and economic advantages of fuses and relays in a microgrid with distributed generators. This fuse relay adaptive overcurrent protection (FRAOP) scheme protects power lines and feeders by grouping identical inverse time overcurrent settings of relays, and logic gates of relay's breakers. Selectivity, reliability, and speed of the FRAOP was verified by a real‐time simulator with relays in‐the‐loop.