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Smart overcurrent relay for operating in islanded and grid-connected modes of a micro-grid without needing communication systems

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Abstract

As the penetration of distributed generation resources in distribution networks increases, the need for designing micro-grids also increases. Micro-grids can operate in islanded and grid-connected modes. When a microgrid is connected to the main grid, it economically exchanges power with the upstream grid. However, in the islanded mode, the micro-grid can provide its own local demand. In addition to the technical and economic advantages due to the presence of micro-grids, there are some issues about the protection of distribution systems. The most important issue is the short circuit level in both islanded and grid-connected modes of operation. In this paper, a smart overcurrent relay is proposed that can adapt itself to the operation modes of a micro-grid. This relay detects the operation mode of the micro-grid using an adaptive algorithm. Two main features of the suggested adaptive method are the optimized accuracy and higher execution speed of the algorithm in determining the operation mode of the micro-grid. The optimal setting that is predefined in the relay is then activated based on the corresponding mode. The entire processing is performed in the relay itself by sampling the voltage and current of the relay line. Consequently, this relay can be installed and used in any location of a network without needing any communication infrastructure. Finally, the proposed method is implemented on a micro-grid. According to the numerical results, the coordination performance superiority of this smart relay over conventional overcurrent relays is proven.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Shahrood Branch, Islamic Azad University of Shahrood, Shahrood, Iran

    Mahmood Sadoughi, Mehrdad Hojjat & Mohamad Hosseini Abardeh

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  1. Mahmood Sadoughi
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  2. Mehrdad Hojjat
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  3. Mohamad Hosseini Abardeh
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Correspondence to Mehrdad Hojjat.

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Appendix

Appendix

In Tables 9, 10, 11 and 12, the details of micro-grid components including generators, transformers, lines and main grid are shown.

Table 9 Lines Data
Full size table
Table 10 Load Data
Full size table
Table 11 Generators Data
Full size table
Table 12 Transformer Data
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Sadoughi, M., Hojjat, M. & Hosseini Abardeh, M. Smart overcurrent relay for operating in islanded and grid-connected modes of a micro-grid without needing communication systems. Energy Syst 13, 31–51 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12667-020-00381-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12667-020-00381-0

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