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AC Microgrid Protection System Design Challenges—A Practical Experience

Author

Listed:
  • Sarat Chandra Vegunta

    (Consulting & Analytical Services, S&C Electric Company, 6601 N Ridge Blvd, Chicago, IL 60626, USA)

  • Michael J. Higginson

    (Engineering Services, S&C Electric Company, 6601 N Ridge Blvd, Chicago, IL 60626, USA)

  • Yashar E. Kenarangui

    (Consulting & Analytical Services, S&C Electric Company, 6601 N Ridge Blvd, Chicago, IL 60626, USA)

  • George Tsai Li

    (Engineering Services, S&C Electric Company, 6601 N Ridge Blvd, Chicago, IL 60626, USA)

  • David W. Zabel

    (Consulting & Analytical Services, S&C Electric Company, 6601 N Ridge Blvd, Chicago, IL 60626, USA)

  • Mohammad Tasdighi

    (Consulting & Analytical Services, S&C Electric Company, 6601 N Ridge Blvd, Chicago, IL 60626, USA)

  • Azadeh Shadman

    (Consulting & Analytical Services, S&C Electric Company, 6601 N Ridge Blvd, Chicago, IL 60626, USA)

Abstract

Alternating current (AC) microgrids are the next step in the evolution of the electricity distribution systems. They can operate in a grid-tied or island mode. Depending on the services they are designed to offer, their grid-tied or island modes could have several sub-operational states and or topological configurations. Short-circuit current levels and protection requirements between different microgrid modes and configurations can vary significantly. Designing a microgrid’s protection system, therefore, requires a thorough understanding of all microgrid operational modes, configurations, transitional states, and how transitions between those modes are managed. As part of the microgrid protection design, speed and reliability of information flow between the microprocessor-based relays and the microgrid controller, including during microgrid failure modes, must be considered. Furthermore, utility protection practices and customer requirements are not always inclusive of the protection schemes that are unique to microgrids. These and other aspects contribute to the overall complexity and challenge of designing effective microgrid protection systems. Following a review of microgrid protection system design challenges, this paper discusses a few real-world experiences, based on the authors’ own engineering, design, and field experience, in using several approaches to address microgrid protection system design, engineering, and implementation challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarat Chandra Vegunta & Michael J. Higginson & Yashar E. Kenarangui & George Tsai Li & David W. Zabel & Mohammad Tasdighi & Azadeh Shadman, 2021. "AC Microgrid Protection System Design Challenges—A Practical Experience," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-23, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:7:p:2016-:d:530819
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Ali Aillane & Karim Dahech & Larbi Chrifi-Alaoui & Aissa Chouder & Tarak Damak & Abdelhak Hadjkaddour & Pascal Bussy, 2023. "The Design and Processor-In-The-Loop Implementation of a Super-Twisting Control Algorithm Based on a Luenberger Observer for a Seamless Transition between Grid-Connected and Stand-Alone Modes in Micro," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-22, May.
    2. Mohammed Ali Khan & Ahteshamul Haque & Frede Blaabjerg & Varaha Satya Bharath Kurukuru & Huai Wang, 2021. "Intelligent Transition Control between Grid-Connected and Standalone Modes of Three-Phase Grid-Integrated Distributed Generation Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-21, July.
    3. Amrutha Raju Battula & Sandeep Vuddanti & Surender Reddy Salkuti, 2021. "Review of Energy Management System Approaches in Microgrids," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-32, September.
    4. Faisal Mumtaz & Haseeb Hassan Khan & Amad Zafar & Muhammad Umair Ali & Kashif Imran, 2022. "A State-Observer-Based Protection Scheme for AC Microgrids with Recurrent Neural Network Assistance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-22, November.

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