Protection coordination for networked microgrids using single and dual setting overcurrent relays

The operation of multiple microgrids (MGs) with distribution system enhances reliability and resiliency of the power supply significantly by enabling high penetration of locally available distributed energy resources (DERs). However, there are several issues in the proper operation of multiple MGs that need to be addressed. Providing proper protection coordination is one of the most important issues in the coordinated operation of networked MGs (NMGs). In this study, an efficient protection coordination scheme for NMGs is proposed by utilising the commonly used numerical directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) with single and dual settings. Issues related to the operation of NMGs such as the change in network topology, connection status of the point of common coupling and low voltage fault ride through of DERs have been considered. The protection coordination problem has been formulated as an optimisation problem and solved using the interior point method. The proposed protection coordination scheme of NMGs has been tested on the 69-bus radial distribution system with the integration of three MGs, which is not reported in earlier literature. The suitability and effectiveness of the proposed DOCRs coordination scheme have been demonstrated.