Performance of Time-Domain Line Protection Using Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulations on a System With Inverter-Based Resource

• Published in: 2024 IEEE 22nd Mediterranean Electrotechnical Conference (MELECON) pp. 455 - 460
• Main Authors: Do Carmo, Renan Silva, Teixeira, Marcos Vinicius Pimentel, Pellanda, Paulo Cesar, Da Silva, Daiana Antonio
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 25-06-2024
• Subjects: Accuracy; Communication channels; Fault location; hardware-in-the-loop; Hardware-in-the-loop simulation; inverter-based resources; Power system reliability; Resistance; Robustness; time-domain line protection; traveling waves
• ISSN: 2158-8481
• DOI: 10.1109/MELECON56669.2024.10608775

The increasing integration of photovoltaic sources and wind turbines in electrical power systems worldwide poses challenges to the safety and reliability of protection systems. These sources, known as Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs), introduce vulnerabilities. In response, manufacturers of Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) have been suggesting new protection logic for systems with IBR, and time-domain protection is emerging as a promising solution. This study analyzes the performance of such IEDs when applied to an electrical system with IBR. Hardware-in-the-loop simulations were conducted using the Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS™), interfaced with a pair of IEDs equipped with time-domain protection functions. The tests evaluate the safety and performance of time-domain line protection in comparison with phasor-based protection. Despite continued dependency on the communication channel, the results indicate improved reliability, especially in scenarios involving fault resistance, and enhanced accuracy in fault location.