A Novel High-Sensitivity Time-Domain Fault Classifier Applied to Inverter-Based Resource Interconnection Lines

This paper presents a performance review of existing fault classifiers when applied to Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) interconnection lines and proposes a new high-sensitivity time-domain fault classification methodology. The proposed method is based on self-adjusting thresholds, and it is investigated regarding its performance when applied to IBR or conventional generator terminals, being validated for different grid short-circuit levels, various IBR topologies/controls, and considering several fault types, inception angles, resistances, and locations. A typical IBR interconnection system topology is modeled using the PSCAD software for such studies. Comparisons with the main state-of-the-art phase-selection and fault classification methods highlight the superiority of the proposed one that, besides overcoming the challenges presented by IBRs for this task, provides shorter operating times by not relying on phasor estimation techniques.