Adaptive coordination of directional overcurrent relays for meshed distribution networks with distributed generations using dragonfly algorithm

The deterministic directional overcurrent relay (DOCR) coordination approaches find limitation in providing fast and reliable protection to today’s distribution networks due to growing integration of distributed generations (DGs). In this paper, an adaptive DOCR protection coordination scheme is proposed using an efficient optimization algorithm called the dragonfly algorithm (DA). The main inspiration of the proposed DA optimization technique originates from static and dynamic swarming behaviours of dragonflies. In this approach, the dominant changes in the network topologies are identified by monitoring the status of the circuit breakers connected at the terminals of the DGs and other main power components. When any dominant changes in the network topologies or operating modes are identified, the fault current for that particular condition is calculated and the new optimal DOCRs settings for the prevailing condition are obtained from the substation central computer in online mode. The comparative results with the existing approaches justify the superiority of the proposed scheme in achieving the minimum overall relay operating time and maintaining the coordination between the primary and backup relay pairs. In the proposed adaptive protection scheme, the average percentage reduction in the overall operating times of DOCRs in the 6-bus and the IEEE 14-bus test systems with different levels DG penetration is found to be 49.7% and 15%, respectively, compared to the existing approaches.