Meta-Heuristic Optimization for Adaptive Protection and Coordination in Distribution Networks with Distributed Generation: A Review

The rapid proliferation of distributed generation (DG) units such as solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, and small-scale hydro plants has transformed conventional radial distribution networks into active, bidirectional power systems. While this transition supports sustainability and reliability, it also introduces complex protection and coordination challenges. Frequent changes in fault current levels, bi-directional power flows, and dynamic network topologies reduce the effectiveness of traditional protection schemes designed for passive grids. Consequently, there is a growing demand for adaptive, intelligent, and self-healing frameworks capable of managing protection coordination under uncertain and evolving conditions. This review explores the development of adaptive metaheuristic frameworks for self-healing protection and coordination in DG-rich distribution networks. The paper synthesizes current literature on fault detection, reconfiguration, and coordination algorithms, emphasizing the roles of metaheuristic optimization, artificial intelligence, and real-time monitoring. It concludes by identifying research gaps and proposing future directions toward resilient, data-driven protection systems.