Protection Coordination Planning With Distributed Generation

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Dr. Tarek K. Abdel-Galil, Ahmed E.B. Abu-Elanien, Eng., Dr. Ehab F. El-Saadany, Dr. Adly Girgis, Yasser A.-R. I. Mohamed, Eng., Dr. Magdy M. A. Salama, Dr. Hatem H. M. Zeineldin, Qualsys Engco. Inc.

CETC Number 2007-149 / 2007-09-14

Abstract

The main purpose of this report is to serve as a guideline for assessing the impact of distributed generation (DG) on the protection coordination of the distribution network. In particular, the report details and presents a generalized assessment procedure for determining the impact of the integration of DG on the protection practices of distribution systems. The reported assessment procedure enables the utility engineer to arrive at the suitable DG penetration limit in typical Canadian distribution systems, considering the most important protection impacts, such as the impact on coordination, de-sensitisation, nuisance fuse blowing, bi-directional relay requirements, and the impact of interconnection transformers and grounding practices on overvoltages. In addition, special attention has been given to the islanded mode of operation and various mitigation strategies have been proposed. The assessment method is demonstrated on typical Canadian urban and suburban benchmark distribution systems, which were recently published by Natural Resources Canada. To ensure the relevancy and the compatibility with the existing utility practices, demonstrations are carried out using CYMDIST and CYMTCC, which are the commonly used software for distribution system protection planning in Canada. This development will facilitate a safe integration of DGs as well as increase the penetration of DG in existing distribution systems through better understanding of the requirements and upgrades required to achieve this goal. This study was conducted as part of the Grid Integration of Distributed Energy Resources program managed by CanmetENERGY, Natural Resources Canada.

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