Self-healing distribution grid based on adaptive protection and IEC61850 decentralized architecture

Abstract

Some faults and grid failures cannot be prevented, but when fault occurs, it is necessary to minimize the impact on the quality of the supply so that the number of interruptions is minimized and the time of interruption is as short as possible. In order to realize these requirements, a new approach to grid management and protection coordination is needed. By applying advanced grid technologies such as self-healing grid and adaptive protection, grid becomes active and adaptive. It will reduce time of interruption compared to conventional methods, and also it will introduce new opportunities and business models for better management and protection of the grid. This paper describes fast self-healing distribution grid based on communication protocol IEC 61850 in pilot project for HEP DSO Elektra Koprivnica in Croatia.Electricity consumption is increasing year by year. Share of distributed generation (DG) in the network is also increasing and regulatory requirements for quality and reliability of supply are becoming more and more demanding. Distribution system operators (DSO) will be under high pressure to keep the grid stable with as little interruption as possible. When trying to increase capacity and reliability of existing grid, easy solution is to change existing primary equipment like transformers, cables, lines, etc. This solution requires high investment costs and can take long time to implement. Other approach is to make existing grid more efficient by implementing grid automation solutions.