Development of adaptive protection methodology for modern systems of electrical energy distribution

Abstract

Electric power distribution systems have been submitted to major changes related to the integration of new technologies such as distributed generators, electric vehicles, energy storage systems, smart meters with two-way communication, and digital protection equipment. Currently, technological advances related to the digital protection equipment, such as high sampling rate and the capability of communication and remote readjustments have allowed greater flexibility, reliability, and better performance at reasonable costs. Therefore, the use of this equipment allows implementing new specialized protection schemes, minimizing the cases of false operation, improving diagnostics, as well as accelerating the short circuit interruption. However, in most cases, the functionalities available in the digital equipment are not fully exploited and the protection practices are in agreement with those from the time when the relays were electromechanical. Thus, studies are needed to evaluate the best allocation of protection equipment and the best use of its functionalities for the protection of electric power distribution networks. In this context, this project proposes employing the existing or potentially present functionalities in modern protection equipment for the development of new adaptive overcurrent protection methodologies, as well as to evaluate the best allocation of these types of equipment in the electric power distribution systems. (AU)