A short-circuit protection scheme for active distribution networks based on improved adaptive current reliability coefficient

Abstract Addressing the issue of misoperation in traditional three-zone current protection caused by the assisted, drawdown, or reverse current due to the large-scale integration of distributed generation (DG) into distribution networks (DNs), an adaptive current short-circuit protection scheme based on local information is proposed for active DNs (ADNs). Firstly, the adaptive current protection reliability coefficients are improved for the setting of protection zones I and II of the lines in the ANDs. On the DG side, an improved reliability coefficient is constructed using an e-exponential function. Subsequently, the distance between the fault point and the busbar is calculated by analyzing the relation between the positive-sequence voltage and positive-sequence current at the measuring point when faults occur at various locations. Based on this distance parameter, the reliability coefficient is adjusted in real time. Finally, the modified adjustable reliability coefficient, along with the online-calculated equivalent impedance and equivalent electromotive force, is used to coordinate the setting of short-circuit protection zones I and II of the lines in the ADNs. Simulation results demonstrate that, compared with traditional adaptive current protection schemes, this proposed scheme is independent of the location of short-circuit fault points, the grid-connected capacity, or the number of DGs, exhibiting better selectivity and reliability.