Advanced protection technologies for microgrids: Evolution, challenges, and future trends

This paper delves into the evolution of microgrid protective devices, addressing the critical challenge of ensuring a robust protection system for modern grids. As technology advances and the use of renewable energy sources rises to meet growing demand, the microgrid concept has evolved and integrated with conventional grids. Enhancing reliability and resilience through protective devices is essential for safeguarding systems from faults and disturbances. This paper outlines the migration of protective devices from traditional schemes to modern smart systems, highlighting their adaptation to evolving needs. The paper focuses on developing microgrid protection using digital protection relays, smart sensors, IoT-based protection, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The review covers various types of microgrids, such as AC and DC, their operating conditions, configurations, and different fault types they encounter concerning diverse protective device paradigms. The paper describes the necessity of new-generation protection devices in continuous development to solve the growing complexity of microgrids successfully. By providing a comprehensive overview of past progressions and future trends in microgrid protection, this paper inspires scientists and researchers, highlighting the potential impact of their work on the ongoing evolution and innovation in this crucial field. • Evolution of protective devices from traditional to intelligent systems is discussed. • Roles of digital relays, intelligent sensors, AI, and machine learning are highlighted. • AC and DC Microgrid protection under various fault conditions is analyzed. • Future trends in protective devices, emphasizing innovation for resilience, are explored. • Challenges and solutions in implementing advanced microgrid protective systems are examined.