A local data-based method to reduce the zone2 operation time of distance relay

Conventional distance protection scheme initiates the trip command for zone-2 internal fault after some intentional delay. This delayed operation of the relay is the main cause of the major blackout that has occurred across the world. This issue can be resolved based on the status of the remote end circuit breaker using a communication channel between sending and receiving ends. However, communication assisted zone-2 acceleration schemes fails in case of communication failure, and the communication links are not available for all transmission networks. To solve these issues, a local data-based algorithm to reduce zone-2 operation time of distance relay is presented in this paper. The proposed scheme detects the opening of the remote end circuit breaker (CB) by calculating the fault location utilizing the local end voltage and current signal. The suggested method is not affected by change in fault resistance, load angle, and pre-fault system condition; also, it can easily differentiate between internal and external fault. The performance of the said algorithm is evaluated using MATLAB software package for different fault resistance, fault location, and pre-fault system condition. The simulation result reveals that the algorithm detects the operation of the remote CB, which can be used to reduce the zone-2 operation time of the distance relay.