Adaptive Relay Setting for Distribution Systems Considering Operation Scenarios of Wind Generators

This paper presents a method for an adaptive relay setting for distribution systems with wind generators (WGs). The advanced distribution automation system (ADAS) is applied to monitor the operational status of WGs and line switches. For the change of operational status of WGs or network reconfiguration of distribution systems because of the operation of line switches, the function of the adaptive relay setting is activated by the ADAS control master station. Short-circuit analysis is performed to solve the magnitude and direction of fault-current flows. The protective relay settings are then accordingly revised and loaded to the protective relays along the feeder to achieve the adaptive fault protection. Sample distribution feeders with open- and closed-loop configurations are used to demonstrate the adaptive relay setting for distribution systems with various operational scenarios of WGs. It is concluded that the fault currents contributed by WGs must be included in the design of the tap/level settings of protective relays by the ADAS to achieve good protection of smart distribution systems.