Overcurrent protection for distribution feeders with renewable generation

Distribution systems in Taiwan are typically radial type or normally open loop type. Distribution feeders have a simple protection system that usually employs overcurrent relays. When renewable generation (RG) is connected to the distribution feeder, the feeder changes from a single-source system to a complex multi-source system, which causes loss of the original coordination among feeder protection devices. The operation of RG units can cause protection failure. Fault current produced by RG units may reduce the current measured by the feeder relay. Therefore, this paper proposes connecting RGs to the feeder via four-way circuit switches with overcurrent relays, and dividing the feeder into several protection zones. Each protection zone is capable of isolating fault itself.The algorithm process and design procedure of overcurrent protection are also proposed for distribution feeders with RG. Results of this research provide a valuable reference for overcurrent protection that improved protection coordination and system reliability.