An automated protection method for distribution networks with distributed generations using radial basis function neural network

When distributed generation (DG) penetrates into a distribution system, it will have unfavorable impact on the traditional protection methods because the distribution system is no longer radial in nature and is not supplied by a single main power source. This paper presents a new automated protection method using radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) for a distribution system with high penetration DG units. In the proposed method, for implementing fault location considering various types of faults, three staged RBFNNs have been developed. The first RBFNN is used for determining the fault distance from each power source and the second RBFNN is used for identifying the faulty line. To isolate the fault, the third RBFNN has been developed for determining which circuit breakers (CBs) that must open or close. The proposed protection scheme is implemented on a practical test distribution network.