Protection Scheme for Smart Distribution Networks with Inverter Interfaced Renewable Power Generating Sources

Conventionally in distribution systems, protection is designed for radial networks, which instigates sensitivity and coordination issues with the integration of DERs. Protection switches lockout for faults in the network, which imposes outages to large areas and loss of revenue if DERs are not allowed to remain connected subsequent to a network outage. This demands new protection methodologies for smart distribution networks. The possibilities of active network management schemes, island operation opportunities and new grid codes imposes challenges in protection system design for modern distribution networks. This paper discusses an advanced protection scheme for active distribution network with high large number of DERs connected. The proposed protection scheme is investigated in a distribution feeder with large number of PV sources.