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Impact of Distributed Generation Integration on Protection Devices: A Case Study in the CIGRE European Medium Voltage Network †

Abstract:

This study examines the impact of Inverter-Based Distributed Generators (IIDGs) on short-circuit currents detected by the main relay at the head of a radial feeder. It highlights how changes in fault currents induced by these inverter technologies can significantly affect the effectiveness and reliability of network protection systems. Key variables, such as the level of IIDGs penetration and the relative location of faults with respect to the relay, have been identified as influential factors. The significance of these findings lies in their contribution to a deeper understanding of how inverter fault responses and the integration of IIDGs alter fault currents. To mitigate the adverse effects associated with the insertion of IIDGs, a fault-detection and tripping strategy based on the inverse-time overcurrent curve is proposed. The suggested strategies not only improve fault detection accuracy but also ensure an appropriate response to variations in network conditions.