A Hybrid Protection Scheme for Active Distribution Networks Based on Fault Components Principle

The integration of distributed generation (DG) into active distribution networks poses significant challenges to traditional protection schemes due to altered power flow directions and the impact on short-circuit fault currents. This paper proposes a novel multi-layered protection scheme based on fault current components to address these challenges. The scheme incorporates pilot protection, DG active islanding protection, and traditional three-stage overcurrent protection, leveraging the amplitude ratios and phase differences of positive and negative sequence current components. A compensation mechanism is introduced to adjust the protection setting, enhancing the sensitivity and reliability of the protection criteria. Through MATLAB/Simulink simulations on a 10 kV active distribution network model, the proposed scheme demonstrates robust performance under various fault conditions, providing comprehensive and reliable protection. This scheme advances the state-of-the-art by integrating multiple fault characteristics and optimizing sensitivity, offering a new approach to enhance the protection of future active distribution networks.