Principle of Pilot Protection based on Positive Sequence Fault Component in Distribution Networks with Inverter-interfaced Distributed Generators

Abstract

With the higher utilization of renewable energy, more and more distributed generators (DGs) are integrated to the distribution networks. In this case, traditional distribution networks are becoming active distribution networks (ADN). However, the bi-directional flow of short circuit current and the complex fault characteristics of the inverter-interfaced distributed generators (IIDGs) have great impact on the protection of ADN. Therefore, we proposed a new pilot protection method based on positive sequence fault component (PSFC) in this paper. This method divides the protected feeder into the first section and the last section, and uses information from the beginning and end of the protected feeder to monitor the faults occurring in the first and last section, respectively. Finally, a simulation model based on PSCAD verified the validity of the protection method.