Optimal Coordination of Directional Overcurrent Relays Considering Synchronous DGs Transient Stability in Distribution Networks

Integration of distributed generation (DG) into distribution networks causes some protection challenges, which can be solved by appropriate coordination of directional overcurrent relays. The optimal coordination of directional overcurrent relays is an important task to fulfill the protection requirements of the network. This paper presents an optimal coordination method for directional overcurrent relays in the presence of synchronous DGs. The optimization problem is solved by using Harmony Search algorithm to obtain optimal protection settings. Then, the transient stability of synchronous DGs is studied by modeling DGs excitation system according to the clearance time of the network faults. Instantaneous setting of the relays is used in case of the generators instability. The simulation results on an MV network using DIgSILENT Power Factory show that the transient stability of synchronous DGs plays an important role in the coordination of overcurrent relays. The results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method for coordination of overcurrent relays when considering the transient stability of synchronous DGs.