Computer modeling of network protectors for the protection of meshed distribution grids

Abstract

This scientific initiation project aims to computationally model two types of network protectors and to compare their performances. A real secondary underground electrical power distribution system will be simulated to perform the tests. This project is within the context of distributed resources expansion associated to the electrical power distribution networks. The electrical power distribution networks have a high level of reliability, which makes them an excellent option to be applied in large urban centers, trading centers and industrial regions that need high levels of power quality supply. To protect these networks, the network protectors are required. The network protector function is to disconnect the transformer due to reverse power flow (from the load to the electric power system) caused by faults in the primary feeder. With the growing of distributed resources in the secondary networks (which allows the customers to generate their own electric power and sell the surplus to the electric utility), the connection of micro and mini generators may cause the undesirable operation of the network protectors. Thus, rigorous studies about the network protectors are necessary. It is expected that the results of this project will provide a foundation about the performance of the network protectors considered in this work, in order to allow future strategies to solve the problem discussed above. Studies about the electrical power distribution systems protection will also be performed.