Modeling and Simulation of the Protection of Distribution Feeders in ATP

This article presents the modeling and simulation in the ATP (Alternative Transients Program)/MODELS of devices used in overcurrent protection of distribution networks such as reclosers , sectionalisers , fuses , digital relays and current transformers. A radial feeder with 63 buses was used in the study case. Numerous tests of short - circuits involving single-phase, two phases and three phases at various points of the feeder, were performed, with the purpose of validating the developed models and check the performance of the protection system. The results show the advantages of this type of modeling through which it is possible to evaluate the behavior of the power system against the operation of the protection and the protection front to diverse operating situations to which it is subjected. This study may contribute to the solution of problems of adjustment, coordination and analysis of the behavior of the distribution network using it for more elaborate models of power system components that are available in the ATP software.