Power distribution systems have underwent a lot of significant changes in the last two decades. Wide-scale integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) have made the distribution grid more resilient to abnormal conditions and severe weather induced outages. These DERs enhance the reliability of the system to bounce back from an abnormal situation rather quickly. However, the conventional notion of a radial system with unidirectional power flow does not hold true due to the addition of these DERs. Bidirectional power flow has challenged the conventional protection schemes in place. The most notable effects on the protection schemes can be seen in the field of islanding or Loss of Mains(LOM) detection and general fault identification and isolation. Adaptive protection schemes are needed to properly resolve these issues. Although, previous works in this field have dealt with this situation, a more comprehensive approach needs to be taken considering multiple topologies for developing adaptive protection schemes. The most common protective devices widely deployed in the distribution system such as overcurrent relays, reverse power relays at Point of Common Coupling(PCC), fuses, reclosers and feeder breakers need to studied in implementing these schemes. The work presented in this dissertation deals with simulation based and analytical approaches to tackle the issues of islanding and adaptive protection schemes. First we propose a multiprinciple passive islanding detection technique which relies on local PCC measurements, thus reducing the need of additional infrastructure and still ensuring limited Non Detection Zone (NDZ). The next step to islanding detection would be to sustain a islanded distribution system in order to reduce the restoration time and still supply power to critical loads. Such an approach to maintain generator load balance upon islanding detection is studied next by appropriate shedding of non-critical and low priority critical loads based upon voltage sensitivity analysis. Thereafter, adaptive protection schemes considering limited communication dependency is studied with properly assigning relay settings in directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs), which are one of the most widely deployed protective devices in distribution systems by catering to multiple topologies and contingencies. A simulation based technique is discussed first and then an analytical approach to solve the conventional optimal relay coordination problem using Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) with the usage of multiple setting groups is studied. All these approaches make the distribution more robust and resilient to system faults and ensure proper fault identification and isolation, ensuring overall safety of system. / Doctor of Philosophy / With widespread integration of inverter-based distributed energy resources (DERs) in the distribution grid, the conventional protection and control schemes no longer hold valid. The necessity of an adaptive protection scheme increases as the DER penetration in the system increases. Apart from this, changes in system topology and variability in DER generation, also change the fault current availability in the system in real-time. Hence, the protection schemes should be able to adapt to these variations and modify their settings for proper selectivity and sensitivity towards faults in the system, especially in systems with high penetration of DERs. These protection schemes need to be modified in order to properly identify and isolate faults in the network as well as correctly identify Loss of Mains (LOM) or islanding phenomenon. Special attention is needed to plan the next course of action after the islanding occurrence. Additionally, the protective devices in distribution system should be utilized to their maximum capability to create an adaptive and smart protection system. This document elaborately explains the research work pertaining to these areas.

The idea of performing power systems dynamic analysis in the power-angle domain has been hinted at by previous researchers, but this may be the first published document to develop detailed techniques by which entire power systems can be represented and solved in the power-angle domain. With the widespread deployment of phasor measurement units and frequency data recorders the industry is looking for more real-time analytical tools to turn real-time wide-area measurements into useful information. Applications based on power-angle domain analysis are simple enough that they may be used online. Power-angle domain analysis is similar to DC load-flow techniques in that a flat voltage profile is used and it is assumed that real power and voltage angle are completely decoupled from reactive power and voltage magnitude. The linearized equations for the dynamics of generators and loads are included in the model, which allows the electromechanical response to be solved using conventional circuit analysis techniques. The effect of generation trips, load switching, and line switching can be quickly approximated with nodal analysis or mesh analysis in the power-angle domain. The analysis techniques developed here are not intended to be as accurate as time-domain simulation, but they are simpler and fast enough to be put online, and they also provide a better analytical insight into the system. Power-angle domain analysis enables applications that are not readily available with conventional techniques, such as the estimation of electromechanical propagation delays based on system parameters, the formulation of electromechanical equivalents, modal analysis, stability analysis, and event location and identification based on a small number of angle or frequency measurements. Fault studies and contingency analysis are typically performed with detailed time-domain simulations, where the electromechanical response of the system is a function of every machine in the interconnection and the lines connecting them. All of this information is rarely known for the entire system for each operating condition; as a result, for many applications it may be more suitable to compute an approximation of the system response based on the current operating state of only the major lines and generators. Power-angle domain analysis is adept at performing such approximations. / Ph. D.

A proteção de Sistemas de Distribuição (SDs) é de fundamental importância considerando as condições adversas de operação e faltas elétricas a que os mesmos podem estar submetidos. A crescente utilização de Geradores Distribuídos (GDs) conectados aos SDs e as possíveis operações em ilhamento promovem interferências consideráveis aos dispositivos de proteção. Dessa forma, evidencia-se a importância de estudos para esses novos cenários. Neste contexto, esta pesquisa tem como proposta analisar o desempenho do sistema de proteção, quando na presença de uma elevada contribuição de geração distribuída, e aprimorar a proteção tradicional, quando tem-se a mudança do cenário de operação para o modo ilhado. Sendo assim, evidencia-se através de simulações no Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) os efeitos da perturbação nos Relés de Sobrecorrente (RSC). Na metodologia desenvolvida implementa-se um sistema de proteção adaptativo, cujos parâmetros são definidos por um algoritmo de otimização. Também são adicionadas as proteções associadas aos GDs, recomendadas por norma. Tal prática é dificilmente abordada em trabalhos correlatos a pesquisa, no entanto através dos resultados observou-se que esses dispositivos podem influenciar na respostas dos elementos de proteção implementados nos SDs. Como diferencial também buscou-se implementar todo o sistema de controle dos GDs e utilizou-se da simulação em malha fechada com relés comerciais, afim de aproximar a modelagem da realidade encontrada nos SDs. Por fim, evidenciou-se que a utilização de relés adaptativos pode viabilizar a operação em ilhamento. / The protection of Distribution Systems (DSs) is of fundamental importance, considering the adverse operating conditions and electrical faults to which they may be submitted. The increasing usage of Distributed Generators (DGs) connected to DSs, and possible islanded operations promote considerable interference to protective devices. Thus, it is evident the importance of studies for these new scenarios.This research aims to analyze the performance of the protection system, when in the presence of a massive contribution of distributed generation, and to improve the traditional protection when there is a change from the operating scenario to island mode. Thus, via simulations, carried out in the Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS), the effects of the disturbance on the Overcurrent Relays (OCs) were evident. The developed methodology implements an adaptive protection system, whose parameters are defined by an optimization algorithm. The protections associated with DGs were also added, as recommended by the standard. This practice is hardly approached in related studies however, through the results, it was observed that these devices could influence the responses of the protective elements implemented. The closed-loop simulations carried out considering the standard controls systems regarding DGs and commercial intelligent eletronic devices, ensuring the test bed verisimilitude to actual DSs. This approach is not standard on the literature related. Finally, it was evidenced that the use of adaptive relays can contribute to the islanded operation.

Doctor of Philosophy / Electrical and Computer Engineering / Anil Pahwa / Noel N. Schulz / Microgrids with distributed generators have changed how protection and control systems are designed. Protection systems in conventional U.S. distribution systems are radial with the assumption that current flows always from the utility source to the end user. However, in a microgrid with distributed generators, currents along power lines do not always flow in one direction. Therefore, protection systems must be adapted to different circuit paths depending on distributed generator sites in the microgrid and maximum fuse ampere ratings on busses. Adaptive overcurrent protection focuses on objectives and constraints based on operation, maximum load demand, equipment, and utility service limitations. Adaptive overcurrent protection was designed to protect the power lines and bus feeders of the microgrid with distributed generators by coordinating fuses and relays in the microgrid. Adaptive overcurrent protection was based on the relay setting group and protection logic methods. Non-real-time simulator (NRTS) and real-time simulator (RTS) experiments were performed with computer-based simulators. Tests with two relays in the loop proved that primary relays tripped faster than backup relays for selectivity coordination in the adaptive overcurrent protection system. Relay test results from tripping and non-tripping tests showed that adaptive inverse time overcurrent protection achieved selectivity, speed, and reliability. The RTS and NRTS with two relays in the loop techniques were described and compared in this work. The author was the first graduate student to implement real-time simulation with two relays in the loop at the Burns & McDonnell - K-State Smart Grid Laboratory. The RTS experimental circuit and project are detailed in this work so other graduate students can apply this technique with relays in the loop in smart grid research areas such as phasor measurement units, adaptive protection, communication, and cyber security applications.

Submitted by Johnny Rodrigues (johnnyrodrigues@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-04-20T22:58:46Z No. of bitstreams: 1 JAMILE PINHEIRO NASCIMENTO - DISSERTAÇÃO PPGEE 2014..pdf: 2146495 bytes, checksum: e397e112357d55c0badad1a62f5324cf (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-04-20T22:58:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JAMILE PINHEIRO NASCIMENTO - DISSERTAÇÃO PPGEE 2014..pdf: 2146495 bytes, checksum: e397e112357d55c0badad1a62f5324cf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-08 / Um algoritmo de proteção adaptativa para solucionar o problema da proteção de sistemas com geração distribuída é proposto. O algoritmo modifica as configurações dos relés de forma on-line, utilizando como informação de entrada, os estados dos disjuntores. Ao final, constatou-se que mesmo com a entrada ou saída dos geradores distribuídos, o sistema de distribuição continuou a ser protegido. Para validar o algoritmo utilizou-se um sistema-teste do IEEE e o Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS). / An adaptive protection algorithm to solve protecting systems with distributed generation problem is proposed. The algorithm modifies relays settings on on-line form, using circuit breakers state as input information. At the end, it was found that even with the input or output of distributed generators, distribution system continued to be protected. To validate the algorithm it was used an IEEE test system and the Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS).

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico / This paper proposes an adaptive protection system (SPA) developed in Matlab, in order to make the smart grid for greater flexibility reliability and security of the electric power system the protection system proposed is able to assist in the study of protection by the choice of settings to be entered in the relay once the mains relays are parameterized adaptive protection is responsible for discerning between a change of setting group or send new settings this decision is taken by the SPA in the control center and sent to the grid relays in real time the SPA was tested in a medium voltage distribution grid and the sending of change protection setting was validated using SEL-751 relay using communication via Telnet based on testing the proposed SPA acted properly ensuring selectivity and coordination of the protection system / Este trabalho propÃe um sistema de proteÃÃo adaptativa (SPA) desenvolvido em Matlab com o intuito de tornar a rede elÃtrica inteligente para maior flexibilidade confiabilidade e seguranÃa do sistema elÃtrico de potÃncia o sistema de proteÃÃo proposto à capaz de auxiliar no estudo de proteÃÃo para a escolha dos ajustes a serem inseridos no relà uma vez que os relÃs da rede elÃtrica estejam parametrizados a proteÃÃo adaptativa à responsÃvel por discernir entre uma mudanÃa de grupo de ajuste ou envio de novos ajustes essa decisÃo à tomada pelo SPA no centro de controle e enviada aos relÃs da rede em tempo real o SPA foi testado em uma rede de distribuiÃÃo de mÃdia tensÃo e o envio de mudanÃa de ajuste da proteÃÃo foi validado em relà SEL-751 usando comunicaÃÃo via Telnet com base nos testes realizados o SPA proposto atuou corretamente garantindo seletividade e coordenaÃÃo do sistema de proteÃÃo

Submitted by Emanuel Varela Cardoso (emanuel.varela@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-08-13T16:41:07Z No. of bitstreams: 1 FRANCISCO DAS CHAGAS SOUZA JÚNIOR – TESE (PPGEEI) 2016.pdf: 4537364 bytes, checksum: 1696c9bd2456c0caad5ee6e61bcb7ca4 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-13T16:41:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 FRANCISCO DAS CHAGAS SOUZA JÚNIOR – TESE (PPGEEI) 2016.pdf: 4537364 bytes, checksum: 1696c9bd2456c0caad5ee6e61bcb7ca4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-07-05 / Uma técnica auto-adaptativa que torna a obtenção dos ajustes de coordenação de relés de sobre corrente instantânea para sistemas de distribuição uma tarefa automática, sem a necessidade de intervenção humana e nem a interrupção do fornecimento de energia elétrica ou do monitoramento da rede é proposta. Usando uma arquitetura distribuída, formada por três camadas conectadas através de canal de comunicação, modificações topológicas como entrada/saída de linhas, e/ou nos perfis de carga e geração do sistema elétrico terão seus efeitos automaticamente refletidas nos ajustes dos dispositivos de proteção. O método proposto usa a corrente de carga como item principal para a determinação dos ajustes das unidades instantâneas de sobre corrente em redes de distribuição de média tensão com e sem apresentação geração distribuída. Por meio do cálculo online dos equivalentes de rede a técnica proposta necessita de baixos níveis de intervenção humana para a realização dos estudos de coordenação e seletividade. Os resultados obtidos comprovam a viabilidade técnica da metodologia proposta e corrobora com o estado da arte no tocante ao desenvolvimento das redes elétricas inteligentes. / A self-adaptive technique that improves the instantaneous overcurrent relay settings determination an automatic task, without human intervention neither interruption on electric supply or grid monitoring is proposed. An architecture designed by three layers connected using a communication channel provides that modificationon power electric grid as connection/disconnection of transmissionlines, and/or on generator or load profiles will be automatically reflected on protective device settings. Load current has been used to determine the reach of instantaneous over current relay settings in a médium voltage distribution system considering cases with and without distributed generation connected on the grid. The possibility of online determination at Thevenin equivalent circuit low human interventions to execute coordination study. Obtained results demonstrate the viability of proposed technique an dincrease with state of art a bout improvements of smart electric grids.