Optimization and Performance Comparison of Overcurrent Relay Settings in Power Systems Using Genetic Algorithm, League Championship Algorithm, and Black Hole Algorithm

The increasing structural complexity of modern power systems, coupled with the integration of renewable energy sources and the rising demand for system reliability, necessitates the development of faster, more flexible, and adaptive protection mechanisms. In this context, accurate coordination of overcurrent relays plays a critical role in ensuring that faults are isolated promptly, selectively, and reliably. This study presents a comparative analysis of overcurrent relay coordination optimization in a 33-bus radial distribution system using three distinct metaheuristic algorithms: Genetic Algorithm (GA), Black Hole Algorithm (BHA), and League Championship Algorithm (LCA). The main objective is to minimize total relay operating time by optimizing the Time Dial Settings (TDS) and Pickup Settings (PS). Simulations were conducted in the MATLAB environment under identical initial conditions for each algorithm. The results indicate that the LCA algorithm achieved the lowest total operating time of 5.33 s, representing improvements of 37.3% and 33.2% compared to GA and BHA, respectively. This superior performance is further supported by box plot analyses, which highlight LCA's ability not only to converge rapidly but also to produce consistent results with low variance. Furthermore, the BHA algorithm also outperformed GA and proved to be an effective alternative due to its minimal parameter tuning requirements and robust optimization capacity. These findings demonstrate that metaheuristic optimization algorithms provide more effective solutions than traditional methods and serve as powerful tools for achieving reliable relay coordination in modern power systems requiring fast and adaptive protection strategies.