Fault Detection and Protection Schemes for Distributed Generation Integrated to Distribution Network: Challenges and Suggestions

The use of distributed generation has received wide attention due to low maintenance costs, reduced transmission line losses and network congestion, as well as minimal impact on climate change and global warming. However, the distributed generation integrated to the distribution network introduces various protection problems that cannot be solved by conventional protection systems. These obstacles include the bi-directional power flow and the variation in the fault current level during the topology change. Thus, appropriate fault detection and protection scheme are strongly recommended to increase safety and reliability of the distributed network. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the distributed network fault detection and protection strategies incorporated with distributed generation. This review also investigates the various fault detection approaches concerning types, communication methods, operation mode, constraints and benefits. Additionally, numerous island detection techniques are explored, focusing on generation types, parameters, cost and advantages. Moreover, the review outlines the various protection schemes highlighting categories, operation, constraints, strength and shortcomings. The key issues and challenges are discussed along with selective proposals for future research. All the highlighted viewpoints of this research will hopefully be beneficial to power system engineers and researchers for the advancement of distributed network fault and protection strategies for suitable operation and management of future distributed generation systems.