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As the development of renewable distributed generations (DGs) is growing rapidly, the autonomous self-healing microgrid had emerged as an effective solution for integrating renewable DGs in the distribution networks. However, before the autonomous self-healing microgrid can be realized, one of the main issues that needs to be resolved is the ability to utilize the most cost-effective protection system—overcurrent relays—to achieve the goal. However, the overcurrent relay is insensitive to the limited fault current contributed by the inverter-based distributed generation (IBDG). Therefore, this paper will propose a novel inverter fault current control with a reactive current injection (RCI) that injects the correct fault current vector, albeit with a limited magnitude, for detection by the cost-effective directional overcurrent relay. This paper will also evaluate the performances of the different RCI controls in delivering an efficient self-healing microgrid protection based on a directional overcurrent relay. The proposed self-healing protection scheme is tested with both a simple distribution test network and also the IEEE 16 bus test system, considering random system parameters like variations in IBDG location, fault location, load capacity and load power factor. Moreover, the performance of the proposed inverter RCI control is also tested under changing weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing capacity of distributed generation (DG) connected to the power grid, the future generation of photovoltaic (PV) systems are expected to provide a full range of voltage regulation during grid faults in order to enhance the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability of a PV system. In such a condition, the DG should remain connected to the grid for reactive power support, thereby improving voltage profile. This paper aims to propose a control strategy of active and reactive power for a single-stage three-phase grid-connected PV system to enhance the LVRT. The dynamic behaviours of the system were investigated by considering various scenarios such as varying irradiance, local load disconnection, and short circuits, at different locations during the multi-DG operation. Results confirm that the grid-connected PV system is able to remain connected to the power grid during steady-state and transient-state conditions without violating the grid code requirements. The established dynamic behaviour analysis model of the proposed control for grid-connected PV systems can be used in planning an operational strategy for a practical system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a new approach for optimum simultaneous multi-DG (distributed generation) placement and sizing based on maximization of system loadability without violating the system constraints. DG penetration level, line limit and voltage magnitudes are considered as system constraints. HPSO (hybrid particle swarm optimization) algorithm is also proposed in this paper to find the optimum solution considering maximization of system loadability and the corresponding minimum power losses. The proposed method is tested on standard 16-bus, 33-bus and 69-bus radial distribution test systems. This paper will also compare the proposed method with existing Ettehadi method and present the effectiveness of the proposed method in terms of reduction in power system losses, maximization of system loadability and voltage quality improvement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: • A new algorithm is proposed for optimum DG placement and sizing.• I 2 R losses minimization and voltage stability maximization is considered in fitness function.• Bus voltage stability and line stability is considered in voltage stability maximization.• Multi-objective PSO is used to solve the problem.• Proposed method is compared with analytical and grid search algorithm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The exponential growth in electricity demand has driven the Distributed Generation (DG) technology a boost in the power system. The use of DG is beneficial to power utilities, DG owners׳, and end-users in terms of reliability, power quality, and economics. However, to fully utilize the benefits of DGs, some technical issues need to be addressed. Islanding condition is one of the most important issue in this context. Until now, several islanding detection techniques have been proposed for detecting the islanding condition. This paper presents a brief overview of existing islanding detection techniques with their relative merits and demerits. Apart from this, the paper presents an islanding detection strategy suitable for hybrid DG resources of mini-hydro and Bio-Mass. The proposed strategy uses average rate of change of reactive power and load shift strategy to detect islanding of the distribution network. The performance of proposed strategy is validated on various islanding and non-islanding events. The results of proposed strategy are compared with other existing techniques in terms of fast islanding detection, and non-detection zone. The simulation results show that the proposed strategy is effective in detecting islanding phenomenon possesses fast detection and negligible non-detection zone region compared to existing islanding detection techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]