Novel High-Speed Protection Strategy for Inverter-Dominated AC Microgrid Using Particle Filter Algorithm

AC microgrids are a contemporary adaptation of traditional power distribution networks, propelled by the rapid integration of renewable energy resources. Yet, their dynamic operational nature poses distinct protection & control challenges. This paper introduces a protection approach for AC microgrids utilizing the Particle Filter Algorithm (PFA). The method involves initial measurement and state estimation of current and voltage signals at the designated bus using PFA. Then, the dual index is computed via PFA encompasses 1). per-phase particle residuals (PPPR), which are derived as an index for fault detection and classification, essentially capturing the difference among estimated & measured current. 2). also, a second index is generated named fifth and seventh root means square (RMS) harmonics distortion (F&SRHD) from the estimated current signals, computed by slight modification in conventional total harmonic distortion. Variances in any of the PPPRs and F&SRHD more than the threshold level indicate the fault within the AC microgrids. Fault localization is accomplished by analyzing the directional patterns of non-fundamental components of 3-phase active energy (3-pRE). Rigorous MATLAB/Simulink 2022b simulations authenticate the efficacy of the presented strategy. Both the high-impedance faults (HIF) and low-impedance solid faults (LISF) are successfully detected across radial and meshed scenarios, with 99% accuracy.