Pole-to-Pole Fault Detection Algorithm Using Energy Slope for Microgrids

Abstract

Recent global traction towards meeting energy demand through renewable resources due to ecological, resource depletion, and fiscal concerns has led to increased development in distributed energy generation. Microgrids have proven as promising solutions for energy generation due to their flexible yet robust topology with various control strategies. The main challenges with microgrids are associated with bidirectional flow of power and renewable injection at various points of the microgrid. Most protection schemes used in conventional utility grids are less effective against faults and disturbances in microgrids. Further, the inherent intermittency of renewable resources can make microgrid protection challenging. The work in this paper comprises of literature review of microgrids, fault analysis, and protection schemes employed for power systems. This paper aims to cover the simulation and fault analysis of DC (Direct Current) Pole-to-Pole faults in an islanded radial DC solar-based microgrid of two sources and three loads. Further, a fault detection algorithm using the energy slope values is proposed, implemented, and analyzed with respect to the system under consideration.