Adaptive Protection Coordination Scheme for Distribution Networks with Distributed Generation

As distributed generation (DG) supported by renew-able energy become more and more prevalent in the distribution network (DN), the coordination of directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) in their presence needs to be addressed. Numerous meta-heuristic optimization strategies have been used to address this problem in order to determine the optimal relay settings and to achieve the best possible coordination of the protective relays considering coordination constraints. This study presents an adaptive protection coordination strategy for DNs with inter-connected DG units. The scheme utilizes Chicken swarm opti-mization (CSO) to achieve optimal coordination. It dynamically adjusts protective device (DOCR) settings in response to changes in the system, such as fluctuations in DG output or modifications to the network topology. The effectiveness of the proposed adaptive scheme is demonstrated through its application to two benchmark systems: the 9-bus Canadian system and the IEEE 30-bus system. The results are presented and analyzed, showcasing the scheme's capabilities. This approach significantly enhances power system protection and enhances reliability and efficiency of power DNs.