Optimization Methodology to Distributed Generation Location in Distribution Networks Assessing Protections Coordination

In this paper the results from the behavior analysis of the electrical protections from a distribution grid to include distributed generation are presented. For that purpose IEEE 37 nodes test grid was modeled, and distributed resources were included by two technologies: synchronous machine and static generator. Changes produced both in load currents and short-circuit are established and cases for which the coordination of protection devices holds are classified. Optimization methodology is used to classify the cases either coordination holds or coordination lost, to involve distributed source location in a node changing its location in each of the nodes of the grid. In the same way, capacity of distributed generation was changed from 100 kW to 1200 kW. Based on the results a change in the setting time of the protections is proposed to reduce the cases for which the protections coordination is lost.