Line Protection Challenges and Its Mitigation in a New Grid Scenario

A noticeable transformation in the power network fault characteristics is being observed with the large-scale integration of renewable sources. Control operations associated with renewable plant interfacing converters challenge the available line protection schemes, especially for lines integrating such sources to the grid. Such an issue with available distance protection for lines interconnecting renewable sources is addressed here with a solution, especially for zone-1 operation. Two indices are formulated in the proposed method using local end current and voltage data to ensure correct zone-1 decision. Proposed method is assessed for its performance for different fault situations in a 39-bus New England system with renewable integration and the results are accurate. Comparative analysis with conventional distance protection schemes indicates the strength of the proposed method.