Optimum Overcurrent Relay Coordination in Radial System using Particle Swarm Optimization

The relay coordination problem typically refers to a challenge in electrical power systems, where protective relays are used to detect and isolate faults in the network to prevent damage and ensure the safety and reliability of the system. These relays must be coordinated to ensure that the correct relay closest to the fault operates while minimizing the potential for unnecessary tripping of other relays. Different optimization techniques, including numerical methods and optimization algorithms, are often employed to find the optimal relay settings. Particle swarm optimization with a single variable and two variables is used to find the best adaptive settings for the overcurrent relays in a radial system using MATLAB software. These evolutionary algorithm-based adaptive settings are then employed in ETAP software to test the efficacy of the relay coordination.