Optimizing directional overcurrent relay coordination with jellyfish search algorithm

The protection relay is essential for ensuring stability and detecting faults in power systems. This study presents the Jellyfish Search Optimization algorithm (JSO) as a method for optimizing the configurations of directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) in electric power systems. The settings of DOCRs are plug setting current (PS) and time multiplier setting (TMS). The main goal is to reduce the duration of primary relay operations time, thereby improving coordination efficiency. The proposed JSO is implemented on IEEE eight-bus and fifteen-bus networks, and its performance is evaluated in comparison with existing methodologies. The results demonstrate a notable decrease in the duration of primary relay operation, ranging from 4.48 to 41.77%, when compared to previous algorithms in the 8-bus scenario. However, in the case of the 15-bus, the improvement in total operation time of primary relay ranged between 0.87 and 33.80%. However, when compared with previous studies, the JSO underperformed. The study employs ETAP software to perform load and fault current calculations, and MATLAB to implement algorithms. This research provides valuable insights into the coordination of optimal DOCR.