A Novel Fault Self-Healing Method for Distribution Networks Considering the Impact of Distributed Generation

When a fault occurs in an active distribution network, both upstream grid and downstream distributed generation (DG) provide short-circuit currents, challenging centralized feeder automation (FA) in fault location and isolation. Moreover, the radial network structure may lead downstream load power loss if DG exits due to islanding effects. To tackle this issue, this paper introduces a communicationbased distributed FA strategy that employs interlocking signals between adjacent switches to pinpoint and isolate faults in active distribution networks, effectively minimizing the scope of faultinduced power outages. Furthermore, an inverter control strategy integrating voltage negative feedback control, reactive power negative feedback control, and quasi-synchronization grid-connection control is proposed. This strategy allows for seamless switching between grid-following and grid-forming inverter control modes, enabling adaptive gridconnection/islanding control of DGs. Consequently, non-fault areas downstream of the fault point maintain uninterrupted power supply, significantly enhancing the reliability of power supply in distribution networks. Simulation models have been constructed using MATLAB/Simulink to validate the method's effectiveness.