Recloser-fuse coordination tool for distributed generation installed capacity enhancement

This paper presents a tool for improving recloser-fuse coordination to enhance distributed generation (DG) installed capacity in electrical distribution systems. The proposed tool could be used to solve recloser-fuse miscoordination problems based on fuse-saving principles. Moreover, it can increase power transfer capability from DG to load by changing the time dial of the recloser and fuse size simultaneously. This tool was developed by writing DIgSILENT Programing Language (DPL) script in DIgSILENT PowerFactory software by considering many conditions such as fault locations, DG types, DG locations and DG sizes. The proposed tool has been implemented in the currently functioning 22 kV Mae Sariang distribution system of the Provincial Electricity Authority of Thailand (PEA). The test results showed that the proposed tool could be used to improve recloser-fuse coordination with a suitable recloser time dial and fuse size, resulting in the maximum capacity of DG connected at any location in the distribution system.