A Comprehensive Review of Islanding Detection Methods for Distribution Systems

The rapid increasing of Distributed Generators (DGs) in electric power system necessitate updating of the grid interconnection requirements, particularly with penetration of microgrids (MGs), which accelerate the transforming to decentralization of the networks. Accordingly, the fast detection of an unintentional islanding has a key role in the future energy scenarios, both for the DGs that operate in grid-connected mode and for the MGs with a reliable facility for transition into the island mode. This paper introduces a modified classification for islanding detection methods in literature, which categories them into single inverter-based, multi inverter-based, AC microgrid and DC microgrid. Also, the performance of inverter-based (single & multi) under a wide range of existing islanding detection methods (IDMs) is evaluated along with their advantages/disadvantages and considering which of them are able to work with AC MGs. Furthermore, IDMs for DC MGs are discussed.