Microgrid fault detection technique using phase change of Positive sequence current
Yadala Pavankumar, Sudipta Debnath, Subrata Paul
Abstract
This article presents a new algorithm for fault detection in grid-tied microgrids with inverter-interfaced distributed generators (DGs). To support the Grid codes, the DGs require a low voltage ride through (LVRT) capability. The control strategy used in the DGs results in large changes in the fault characteristics of the microgrid. Hence, it is required to study the fault characteristics of the DGs in a microgrid under various operating conditions. The study presents fault detection for microgrids with PQ-controlled DGs having LVRT capability under different DG voltage and different fault conditions (high impedance and low impedance). The fault location has been identified using the phase change in the positive sequence current at specific DG voltages. The reliability of the proposed scheme has been validated under diverse fault conditions through extensive simulations in the Matlab/ Simulink environment, and the comparison with other fault detection techniques proves the efficacy of the proposed scheme for fault detection in microgrids.