Influence of fault-ride-through requirements for distributed generators on the protection coordination of an actual distribution system with reclosers

This paper analyses the existing protection scheme of a real distribution system with distributed generators, in Greece. Network protection utilizes three successive reclosers at the main trunk and fuses at the laterals. The generating units are protected by overcurrent and voltage/frequency relays. The analysis focuses on the fault-ride-through capability of the generating units and proposes the resetting of the generators and network protection relays so as to conform to the requirements imposed by distribution system operators and international standards. The proposed protection system guarantees selectivity for any short-circuits occurring inside or outside the distribution system, irrelative if the generating units are connected to the network or not. Meaningful conclusions are derived from the application of the proposed protection coordination principle.