Enhanced Islanding Detection Scheme in Distributed Generation Using Phase Angle Analysis of Negative Sequence Superimposed Components

This article presents a unique local islandingdetection technique specifically designed for AC microgrids, which are integral components of Distributed Generation (DG) systems. Unlike traditional methods (active methods) that actively disrupt the system, this approach is entirely passive, avoiding any potential harm to the system’s stability, power quality, and reliability. This method relies on the phase angle between the negative sequence superimposed components of current and voltage. Islanding is determined by consistently observing the cumulative sum of this phase angle. A significant advantage of this methodology is its ability to almost eliminate the large non-detection zone issue that plagues many passive islanding detection techniques. This means that the method can detect islanding events more consistently across various operating conditions. Simulation studies have been carried out using PSCAD/EMTDC softwarewhich demonstrates the efficacy of the introduced technique. Tests on different network setups and diverse types of DGs confirm its ability to achieve the smallest possible non detection zone and detect islanding within 15 ms, significantly faster than the typical response time of reclosers (around 150ms). The proposed scheme is finally tested and validated in theRTDS simulatorwith dSPACE (DSP-1104) controller.