Effect of Distributed Photovoltaic Generation on Short-Circuit Currents and Fault Detection in Distribution Networks: A Practical Case Study

Abstract

The increase in the installation of renewable energy sources in electrical systems has changed the power distribution networks, and a new scenario regarding protection devices has arisen. Distributed generation (DG) might produce artificial delays regarding the performance of protection devices when acting as a result of short-circuits. In this study, the preliminary research results carried out to analyze the effect of renewable energy sources (photovoltaic, wind generation, etc.) on the protection devices of a power grid are described. In order to study this problem in a well-defined scenario, a quite simple distribution network (similar to the ones present in rural areas) was selected. The distribution network was divided into three protection zones so that each of them had DG. In the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) system 13 bus test feeder, the short-circuits with different levels of penetration were performed from 1 MVA to 3 MVA (that represent 25%, 50%, and 75% of the total load in the network). In the simulations carried out, it was observed that the installation of DG in this distribution network produced significant changes in the short-circuit currents, and the inadequate performance of the protection devices and the delay in their operating times (with differences of up to 180% in relation to the case without DG). The latter, that is, the impacts of photovoltaic DG on the reactions of protection devices in a radial distribution network, is the most relevant outcome of this work. These are the first results obtained from a research collaboration framework established by staff from ETSI Civil and the IDR/UPM Institute, to analyze the effect of renewable energy sources (as DG) on the protection devices of a radial distribution network.

A Symmetrical-Asymmetrical Fault Characteristics Analysis within Cogeneration Power Plant in Izmir, Turkey: An Experimental Assessment

“…As seen in the Table 1 above, increasing of short circuit currents are seen despite many benefits. It is seen that short circuit levels in the system increase due to the contribution of short circuit currents to be provided by the generators in the production facility [12,[40][41][42].…”

“…As seen in the Table 1, increasing of short circuit currents are seen despite many benefits. It is seen that short circuit levels in the system increase due to the contribution of short circuit currents to be provided by DG units [12,[40][41][42]45]. DG's contributions to short circuit fault currents can be divided into two main categories which are synchronous/asynchronous generators and Inverter Based DGs (IBDG) [46].…”

Security Impacts Assessment of Active Distribution Network on the Modern Grid Operation—A Review

“…Refs. [39,40] demonstrated the changes in short circuit current due to different DG penetration levels for a three-phase short circuit fault at different positions from the DG.…”

Over current protection of distribution system with impact of solar and wind generation using DIgSIlent power factory

“…The analysis of multiple grid-connected PV with its penetration impacts on the static voltage stability in distribution system is investigated using improved voltage stability index and PV curve (Kamaruzzaman et al, 2015). The case study of distribution networks with effect of photovoltaic distributed generation on fault detection and short-circuit currents is proposed (Alcala-Gonzalez et al, 2021). The PV based DG with is penetration including different type of time-varying load models is presented using new analytical method by multiobjective index (Hung et al, 2014).…”