Canadian Grid Codes and Standards Compliance for Designing Protection Plan in IBR-Dominated Microgrids

Inverter-based resources (IBRs) play a crucial role in microgrid operation due to their ability to provide power conversion and control functions. Ensuring compliance with standard and grid codes, however, poses a significant challenge in IBR-dominated microgrids. This challenge is exacerbated by the lack of a comprehensive set of instructions tailored specifically for IBR-dominated microgrids, which ideally should consolidate all requirements into a single, centralized document. This article focuses on Canadian grid codes, specifically those in Ontario, due to the growing integration of renewable energy sources and the regulatory framework guiding microgrid development in the region. By analyzing Ontario grid codes, this study aims to provide insights relevant to IBR-dominated microgrid projects within similar regulatory contexts worldwide. A comprehensive analysis of the pertinent standards and grid code provisions is conducted, highlighting the required and recommended protection schemes. Additionally, a case study is presented to demonstrate the practical implementation of protection plan design in compliance with Ontario grid codes. Through this study, insights are provided into the complex interplay between standard and grid code compliance, as well as protection plan design considerations in IBR-dominated microgrids.