Open AccessReview of technical issues influencing the decoupling of DG converter design from the distribution system protection strategy
Author(s) -
Manditereza Patrick T.,
Bansal Ramesh C.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
iet renewable power generation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.005
H-Index - 76
ISSN - 1752-1424
DOI - 10.1049/iet-rpg.2017.0670
Subject(s) - converters , decoupling (probability) , relay , fault (geology) , inverter , engineering , power system protection , reliability engineering , reliability (semiconductor) , computer science , electronic engineering , voltage , control engineering , electrical engineering , electric power system , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics , seismology , geology
Several issues need to be considered in the design and control of converters for converter‐interfaced distributed generators (DGs). Under fault conditions, the semiconductor devices withstand ratings must not be exceeded. The converter control strategy is also required to facilitate fault ride through (FRT) capability. On the other hand, protection against fault is better served by employing control strategies that allow the converter‐interfaced DGs to contribute short duration fault current sufficient to aid the detection of faults. Semiconductor devices protection and FRT capability have the same objective of limiting the magnitude of the fault current. Protection coordination in the complex DG‐integrated network is difficult and may result in protection settings that are not optimal or contribute to long relay operating times that may impact FRT support. On this basis, this study proposes the de‐coupling of the protection solution from FRT and semiconductor device considerations. This study critically reviews various strategies proposed in the literature for the protection of the DG‐integrated distribution system and develops an argument that aims to influence a paradigm shift towards voltage‐based protection that may see protection design decoupled from inverter design and control, since fault current contribution may not be required to achieve effective protection.