Coordination of Directional Overcurrent Relays Using the Backtracking Search Algorithm

The Directional Overcurrent Relays (DOCRs) coordination problem is of paramount importance for power system protection. This paper uses a new metaheuristic method called the Backtracking Search Algorithm (BSA) to solve the DOCRs coordination problem. The coordination problem has been formulated as an optimization problem to minimize the operating time of all the primary relays. The proposed algorithm has been implemented and applied to three test systems including the 6-bus, the 8-bus and the 15-bus test systems. Furthermore, a reliable approach has been developed to compare the results obtained using the proposed BSA with those obtained using other well-known metaheuristics. The results show the superiority of BSA over other methods in solving DOCRs coordination problems.