Impacts of DG on the operation of auto-reclosing devices in a power network

Distributed generators (DGs) are employed in distribution networks in order to cater to the localised energy needs. In this process, they help to augment utility generation, reduce transmission and distribution losses as well as improve power quality and reliability. However, the impact of DG connection on the operation existing protective and auto-reclosing devices of the distribution network must be carefully assessed prior to their deployment. In medium voltage (MV) distribution networks, auto-reclosing devices (ARDs) are used to clear temporary faults. This is done with a view that majority of the faults occurring in MV networks are temporary in nature and automatic reclosing is adopted as a reliable means to distinguish between the permanent or temporary nature of the faults and then clear the temporary faults without longer-term interruption. It has been investigated that when DGs are integrated into the MV networks, they can affect the settings and operation of ARDs therein. This paper reports on the modelling and simulation of case studies for investigating the impact of DG penetration on the operation of ARDs in MV networks.