Current Differential Protection for Active Distribution Networks Based on Improved Fault Data Self-Synchronization Method

The uncertainty in the direction and magnitude of fault current is a thorny issue for active distribution network (ADN) protection. Current differential protection (CDP) is suitable for ADN with complex operating modes and multiple types of DGs. However, the data synchronization conditions in transmission lines are usually not available in distribution systems with relatively low investment levels. Fault data self-synchronization (FDSS) algorithm is a low-cost data synchronization method specially used for the protection of distribution networks, but there will be large time synchronization errors under some extreme fault conditions. In this paper, the inherent defect of the conventional FDSS algorithm is first analyzed. Then an improved FDSS algorithm is proposed, which uses the current zero-crossing time and current slope polarity to estimate the starting delay difference at both terminals. On this basis, a corresponding CDP scheme is proposed. Compared with traditional CDP, the proposed scheme does not require additional synchronization equipment and high communication bandwidth. Finally, an ADN simulation model was built using PSCAD, and the improved FDSS algorithm program was implemented in MATLAB. Test results prove that the improved FDSS algorithm can effectively reduce the time synchronization error, and the corresponding CDP scheme is effective under various fault conditions.