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In this paper, a new method for optimum coordination of overcurrent relays is proposed. The proposed method is based on only constraints. Minimization is inherently included by setting the time dials to minimum and increasing their values gradually. Configuration changes of the network is taken into account. The method does not need any initial solution. It can consider both linear and nonlinear relay characteristics models. The optimal settings of overcurrent relays for 8-Bus and England Norweb networks are obtained and comparison between the new method and existing methods is made. Index Terms--Linear programming, optimal coordination, overcurrent relay.

To address the inaccurate load demand sharing problems among parallel inverter-interfaced voltage-controlled distributed generation (DG) units in islanded microgrids (MGs) with different DG power ratings and mismatched feeder impedances, an enhanced voltage control scheme based on the active compensation of circulating voltage drops is proposed in this paper. Using the proposed strategy, reactive power and harmonic currents are shared accurately and proportionally without knowledge of the feeder impedances. Since the proposed local controller consists of two well-separated fundamental and harmonic voltage control branches, the reactive power and harmonic currents can be independently shared without having a remarkable effect on the amplitude or quality of the DGs voltage, even if nonlinear (harmonic) loads are directly connected at the output terminals of the units. In addition, accurate load sharing can also be attained when the plug-and-play performance of DGs and various loading conditions are applied to MGs. The effects of communication failures and latency on the performance of the proposed strategy are also explored. The design process of the proposed control system is presented in detail and comprehensive simulation studies on a three-phase MG are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind turbines are very sensitive to grid voltage variations. Therefore, low-voltage-ride-through (LVRT) and high-voltage-ride-through (HVRT) capabilities are employed to improve DFIG performance during grid faults and voltage swell events. In this paper, a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) device with a PWM voltage source converter and a DC-DC chopper is proposed to enhance the DFIG LVRT and HVRT capabilities in an islanded microgrid simultaneously. The simulation results demonstrate that the SMES absorbs or releases energy from/to the microgrid during voltage swell events and fault condition respectively and consequently, improves the DFIG performance and enhances the DFIG LVRT and HVRT capabilities. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through detailed simulations in PSCAD/EMTDC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmission Expansion Planning (TEP) involves determining if and how transmission lines should be added to the power grid so that the operational and investment costs are minimized. TEP is a major issue in smart grid development, where demand response resources affect short- and long-term power system decisions, and these in turn, affect TEP. First, this paper discusses the effects of demand response programs on reducing the final costs of a system in TEP. Then, the TEP problem is solved using a Teaching Learning Based Optimization (TLBO) algorithm taking into consideration power generation costs, power loss, and line construction costs. Simulation results show the optimal effect of demand response programs on postponing the additional cost of investments for supplying peak load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]