Optimal Coordination of Overcurrent Relays in Radial Electrical Distribution Networks

Abstract

Short-circuits can cause irreversible damage to electrical system, pose a risk to the lives of humans and animals, and can set off fires on any surface in contact with the conductors. To reduce the time in which the electrical installation remains under the effects of a short-circuit, protection devices are necessary. One of the most important functions of these devices is the time overcurrent protection. The main objective of this work is to propose a solution for an automatic parameterization of the time overcurrent protection in radial power distribution networks. The proposed method uses a genetic algorithm and explores the different kinds of curves presented in each protection device. The proposed method was tested in a real electrical distribution network and obtained feasible and good solutions for the coordination problem.