An Integrated Wide-Area Protection Scheme for Active Distribution Networks Based on Fault Components Principle

An integrated wide-area protection scheme for active distribution networks (ADNs) based on a fault components principle is proposed in this paper. The structure of a three-level hierarchically coordinated system that enables the proposed protection strategy is introduced. To manage communication network failures, a backup protection strategy is also proposed. In addition, the proposed scheme can overcome the problems of complex operating conditions, such as fault conditions, in islanding and non-islanding situations, fault resistance, high-impedance faults and topology change. PSCAD/EMTDC is used in simulation analysis of protection schemes for an ADN model, and simulation results have verified the correctness and effectiveness of the protection scheme.