Method to resolve false trip of non-directional overcurrent relays in radial networks equipped with distributed generators

摘要

The connection of distributed generation sources to the distribution network has negative effects on the network protection such as; a false trip of non-directional overcurrent relays. In this study, an offline method is proposed to overcome the false trip issue. In this method, the false trip is modelled as a new set of coordination constraints in the optimal coordination problem. For establishing false trip constraints, pickup current setting and characteristic type of relays are selected in addition to the time multiplier setting. Considering false trip constraints in the coordination problem increases the operating time of relays. Therefore, the optimisation is applied to obtain the settings of non-directional overcurrent relays in order to reduce their operating times in addition to resolving the false trip. Also, three new approaches are defined for pickup current selection based on pickup current range. A combination of genetic algorithm and linear programming technique is used to access optimised responses. Finally, the proposed method is implemented on a sample radial distribution network and the results demonstrated that the occurrence of the false trip was prevented and also the operating time of the relays was reduced to an acceptable level.