Operational Considerations intended for Microgrid Protection Systems using IEC 61850 Standard

Microgrids have been suggested in a struggle to handle the impact of distributed generators (DGs) and make predictable grids appropriate for large scale placements of DGs. Though, the introduction of microgrids conveys some challenges such as the protection of a microgrid and its entities. As a result of the existence of generators at all levels of the distribution system, the fault currents vary significantly. Additionally, grid connected and islanded modes present two diverse sets of fault currents. Subsequently, the outdated fixed current relay protection schemes need to be enhanced. Several adaptive protection schemes have been established in the literature. These protection methods, regardless of addressing protection challenges, require widespread communication and control. In order to attain a standard way of modeling this communication infrastructure power engineers have been using IEC 61850 and its extensions, such as IEC 61850-7-420. Therefore, it has been found out that several models such as interoperability and interchangeability have to be considered in networks designed with IEC communication standards. This research studies the modeling structure in IEC 61850 standard and some challenges related with it. Then, IEC 61850 based modeling of an innovative adaptive microgrid protection scheme is given in detail. The challenges and potential drawbacks related to virtualization of power system in IEC modeling world are investigated. In conclusion, some insights are shared on the required steps that shall be taken to release capabilities of microgrids in current smart network era.

Keywords:

Substation Automation , Communication in Power Networks , Smart grid Communications , Adaptive Protection , Plug and Play in Smart grids