Adaptability of the Recloser-Fuse Protection Scheme in the Presence of Distributed Generation

This paper addresses the behaviour of an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) test network when distributed injections are added to the distribution network. The penetration of different dispersed generation technologies, modifies the distribution system characteristics, with impact on a number of parameters, depending on their size and location on the network. For this purpose, this paper comprises three case studies: in the first case an exhaustive analysis is carried out of the occurrence of faults throughout the network, along with the introduction of distributed generators; in the second case the network behavior is assessed against the use of three of the most commonly used types of generators based on rotating machines; in the third case study an evaluation is made of the network performance when the three types of DG (distributed generation) units are distributed in multiple buses. In all cases the protection system is analyzed with the aim of ensuring coordination among the protection devices. All simulations are performed using the Power Factory software package from DigSILENT. From the simulation results, conclusions are drawn that provide insights into the behaviour of protection systems, highlighting the limitations of the original protections and coordination with different distributed generators technologies.