CHAPTER 4

RECLOSER-FUSE COORDINATION OF RADIAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS IN

PRESENCE OF DG: ANALYSIS, SIMULATION STUDIES, & AN ADAPTIVE
RELAYING SCHEME

4.1 INTRODUCTION
Figure 4.1 shows an example of a typical radial distribution feeder with protective
devices. Their conventional protection coordination is shown in Figure 4.2.

Substation Circuit
Breaker Recloser

To main feeder
Fuse Fuse

F1

Load 1 Load 2

Figure 4.1 A typical radial distribution section with recloser and fuse

Figure 4.2 Typical coordination of breaker, recloser, and fuse

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 In distribution system, proper coordination among various protective devices such as
circuit breaker (CB), recloser and a lateral fuse behind the recloser is required (refer Figure
4.1). A fuse has two characteristics, viz., Minimum Melting (MM) and Total Clearing (TC).
MM characteristic gives time in which fuse can be damaged for a given value of fault current.
TC characteristic gives the fault clearing time of fuse for a given value of fault current.
Conventional recloser has two curves, viz., fast (F) and slow (S).
In order to achieve the correct operation, the fuse must be coordinated with upstream
recloser of the main feeder. The coordination philosophy is such that the fuse should only
operate for a permanent fault on the load feeder, whereas recloser should disconnect the
circuit with fast operation during temporary fault. In this way, the load feeder does not get
disconnected for every temporary fault. At the same time, recloser also provides backup to
fuse through slow mode. The circuit breaker is responsible for the fault that occurs in front of
the recloser. In addition, the circuit breaker is used as the whole backup protection for the
complete feeder when both the recloser and the lateral fuse fail in their functions.
In Figure 4.2, it can be seen that the fast characteristic of the recloser lies below the
MM characteristic of fuse between Minimum fault current (Ifmin) and Maximum fault current
(Ifmax). Therefore, between Ifmin and Ifmax, the recloser operates in less time than the time
to damage the fuse. Typical operating sequence of a recloser is F-F-S-S (where F stands for
fast and S stands for slow). There is an interval between each operation when the recloser
remains open. If the fault is temporary, it will clear before the recloser closes after the second
fast operation. Figure 4.2 shows that the TC curve of the fuse is below slow curve of recloser
between Ifmin and Ifmax. Therefore, for a permanent fault, fuse will open before recloser
operates in slow mode. If the fuse will fail to operate, the recloser will back it up by operating
in slow mode and finally will lock out. The protection engineer has to make sure that the fault
level for any type of fault along the load feeder is between Ifmin and Ifmax, since the
coordination described above exists only in that range.
This chapter presents a new adaptive digital relaying scheme for power distribution
network containing DG which circumvents miscoordination between recloser and fuse. The
proposed scheme is based on calculation of the ratio of fuse current and recloser current. To
validate the proposed scheme, numerous computer simulations have been carried out on an
existing Indian 11 kV power distribution network using PSCAD/EMTDC software package.

88
4.2 CURRENT STATE OF THE ART

Proper selection of protective devices plays a key role in preventing degradation of

reliability of radial distribution network. Most of the protective schemes used for radial
distribution systems involve the coordination of fuses, reclosers and overcurrent relays.
Coordination between fuse and recloser is more difficult as they have total clearing
characteristic of different shape [99].
The magnitude of current (during normal as well as during fault) is redistributed by
incorporation of DGs in power distribution network. This can create interference in the
operating margin available between recloser and fuse. In practice, the recloser in fast mode
should discriminate temporary faults, occurring mostly in the distribution system, and operate
faster than a lateral fuse. However, a lateral fuse may operate faster than the recloser due to
the additional fault current supplied by DG [118], [131].
In order to mitigate miscoordination between recloser and fuse, several methods have
been proposed by researchers [3], [56], [115], [116], [37]. Fazanehrafat et al. [3] proposed
analytical based method which determines the maximum capacity of DG that would ensure
proper coordination between fuse and recloser. However, the prime limitation of the said
method is that it is very difficult to define an equation for each fuse on a feeder as it is
characterized by different curves. Thereafter, Brahma and his colleague [116] presented
microprocessor based method, which maintains proper coordination between recloser and fuse
for faults on a feeder with a high penetration level of DG. However, the requirement of
continuous monitoring of DG status is the main disadvantage of the above scheme. Moreover,
the proposed scheme may provide unreliable operation due to disconnection of DG at every
fault occurrence even when faults are temporary in nature. Chaitusaney et al. [119] proposed a
method to find the threshold value of DG capacity beyond which recloser-fuse coordination is
lost. Though the above scheme has investigated the issue of recloser-fuse miscoordination,
they have not suggested any solution to enhance coordination margin between recloser and
fuse. Later on, Naiem et al. [4] presented a classical technique for coordination assessment of
protective devices used in distributed systems in the presence of DG. Expert systems and
multi-agent approaches have been discussed in [68] and [50] to solve protection coordination
problems in distribution systems. However, these systems are expensive as well as difficult to
realize and maintain due to their complexity.

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 Many adaptive protection schemes have been proposed to solve coordination problems
of distribution networks including DG, which can respond to changes in the network
conditions [78], [2], [95], [112]. Javadian et al. [112] proposed a scheme which divides the
distribution network into various zones with a reasonable balance of load and DG in each
zone. The scheme aims at maintaining protection coordination, while keeping most of the DG
online during a fault by allowing islanded operation of DG. However, due to the location of
DG units with respect to the loads, the fluctuating nature of power from these DG units and
uncertainty of utility loads, it might not be possible to establish zones that fulfil the required
criteria. Moreover, islanded operation of DG may not be desirable. According to the current
utility practice, islanding is not allowed.
However, none of these schemes has completely solved the problem of
miscoordination between recloser and fuse in radial distribution system containing DG.
Therefore, to achieve proper coordination between recloser and fuse in the presence of DG in
radial distribution system, a new adaptive relaying scheme has been presented.

4.3 MODELING AND SIMULATION OF RADIAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS IN

THE PRESENCE OF DG

4.3.1 System Description

Figure 4.3 shows single line diagram of a portion of power distribution network of
Madhya Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (MGVCL), Gujarat, India. Two 66 kV sub-
transmission lines (emanated from 220 kV Karamsad substation) are connected between bus
B1 and bus B2. Two power transformers (TR-1 and TR-2) are used to step-down the voltage
at 11 kV. Thirteen different distribution feeders are emanated from bus B3 for further
distribution of power. Here, the proposed scheme has been implemented on Feeder-1. Two
DGs (each of 1 MVA rating) are connected to 11 kV systems through step of transformers
(TR-3 and TR-4). The parameters of Feeder-1, synchronous generators and exciter are given
in Appendix-E. Test data for verifying the proposed adaptive schemes have been generated by
modeling the complete system of Figure 4.1 using the PSACD/EMTDC software package
[106]. The test data include different types of fault, such as L-L-L-G, L-L-L, L-L-G, L-L and
L-G. The transmission and distribution lines are represented using the Bergeron line model.

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The other components of the power system such as synchronous generator, transformers,
loads etc. are designed according to the collected data and specifications. Some of the
components such as fuse model and recloser model are developed using PSCAD/EMTDC
software package. A sampling frequency of 4 kHz (80 samples/cycle) for a system operating
at a frequency of 50 Hz is used in this study.

Utility

220kV/66kV

B1 66kV Bus
66kV Line

B2 66kV Bus
66kV/11kV
TR-1 10MVA TR-2
11kV
B3 Bus
circuit
Feeder-1 breaker Distribution
Line
TR-3
P1+jQ 1 ……………………
Fuse 1

DG-2 …..…
Load Load
Fault 2

Recloser 0.415kV/11kV
1 MVA
P2+jQ 2
Fuse 2

DG-1
Fault 1

TR-4

Figure 4.3 Single line diagram of a portion of power distribution network

4.3.2 Fuse Model

Function
Input RMS Gain Block Output

Figure 4.4 Block diagram of fuse control circuit

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 A control circuit has been designed to represent the operation of a fuse so that it can
open and isolate the fault according to its time current characteristics. Figure 4.4 shows block
diagram of fuse control circuit.
(i) Input: The sinusoidal block is the representation of Alternating Current (AC) source
that is considered as sinusoidal supply source. For fuse AC (11 kV) source can be considered
as supply source.
(ii) RMS (Root Mean Square): The RMS block is used to measure the root mean square
value of the instantaneous current passing through the recloser.
(iii) Gain: The gain block is used to obtain peak value of the instantaneous current passing
through the recloser.
(iv) Function Block: The peak value will pass to the function block parameter which
contains the Time-Current Characteristics (TCC) of the fuse. The equation for TCC is given in
equation (4.3), the output of this block is a time corresponding to the passing current.
(v) Output: The next block is a output block, which contains relay that allows its output to
switch between two specified values (0, 1). If the current is less than a specific value (fuse
setting) the relay output will stay at zero value. On the other hand for the current value greater
than that specific value, the output of the relay will be stick with 1.
4.3.3 Recloser Model
For a reclosing device, the control circuit sends the closing signal to the switch when
the reclosing time is reached. A control circuit has been designed to represent the operation of
a recloser that automatically trips and recloses a preset number of times to clear temporary
faults and separate permanent faults. Figure 4.5 shows block diagram of recloser control
circuit.

Relay

Input RMS Gain Output

Function
Block

Figure 4.5 Block diagram of recloser control circuit

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The first three blocks and the output block work in a similar were as they work in fuse model.
The peak value will pass to two blocks; the first is a function block parameter which contains
the fast characteristic of the recloser (TCC). This fast curve is based upon the IEEE standard
inverse time characteristic equations. The equation for TCC is given in equation (4.1), the
output of this block is a time corresponding to the passing current.
These two models can entirely simulate the operation of both fuse and recloser in
simulink environment and can be used for any other system.

4.4 EQUATIONS OF PROTECTIVE DEVICES

The circuit breaker and recloser are normally equipped with inverse-time overcurrent
trip devices. The general characteristics of such devices can be described by the following
equation (4.1).

(4.1)

Where,
t is the operating time of device, TDS is the time dial setting, MP is the multiple of pick-up
current and given by equation (4.2) and A, B, p are constants for particular characteristic.

(4.2)
Where,
If is the fault current seen by the device (on secondary side of CT), Ipickup is the recloser
current set point. Similarly, fuse also has an inverse-time overcurrent characteristic. The
general equation describing the fuse characteristic curve can be expressed as shown by
equation (4.3).
(4.3)
Where, t and I are the associated time and current, and the coefficients a & b can be obtained
from the curve fitting technique [117].

4.5 SETTING OF PROTECTIVE DEVICES

Based on the mathematical equations presented in previous section, the protection

setting is carried out. Since the standard extremely inverse trip characteristic is used for the
CB breaker and recloser, the parameters A, B and p of equation (4.1) are 28.2, 0.1217, and 2,

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respectively [53]. The value of TDS is set to be 1.0 for the slow-mode recloser, while 0.5 is
considered for the fast-mode recloser. The protection settings are done when there is no DG
installation as the initial or existing condition. With regard to the CBs and reclosers, they are
assumed to be equipped with the extremely inverse characteristic of overcurrent relays. The
pickup current Ipickup for CBs and reclosers can be computed by the nominal current Inom as
shown by equation 4.4 [61].

(4.4)

Where, OLF is the overload factor that depends on the equipment being protected.
For the protection settings, this scheme uses the mathematical equations for
overcurrent relays and the straight line I2t log–log curve. This is shown in section 4.4.
With regard to the fuse, the constant ‘a’ represents the slope of the straight line on I2t
log-log graph. It is fixed at a specified value for all fuses in the system. This condition is
practically acceptable because all fuses in the system should be of the same type. The value of
constant ‘a’ is selected as ‘-1.8’. The constant b is calculated from three phase fault current on
load feeder. With a calculated fault current, fuses are set to operate slower than fast-mode of
recloser and faster than slow-mode of recloser. These two lag times are set to be of the same
value. The operating time of fuse is obtained by dividing the time range of recloser as shown
in equation (4.5) (i.e. the difference between the operating times of the slow and fast operating
modes).

(4.5)

4.6 DIFFERENT CASES CONSIDERED FOR RECLOSER–FUSE

MISCOORDINATION
In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed adaptive scheme, four different
cases based on various locations of DG (after/before the recloser), as shown in Table 4.1, are
considered. Through the entire chapter, IR & IF indicate the fault current seen by the recloser
and the fuse, respectively, and IS & IDG indicate the fault current flows from the utility and
DG, respectively.

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 Table 4.1 Different cases considered for recloser-fuse miscoordination
Case DG Source Fault location Current seen by protective device
1 DG-1 Fault 1 IR =IS & IF =IS + IDG
2 DG-1 Fault 2 IR = IDG & IF = IS + IDG
3 DG-2 Fault 1 IR = I F = IDG + IS
4 DG-2 Fault 2 IR = 0 & IF = IS + IDG

For Case-1, the fault current seen by the fuse is vector summation of fault currents
flowing from the substation and the DG. In this situation, it may possible that miscoordination
between recloser and fuse may occur. Hence, miscoordination will occur whenever DG source
and fault location are located behind the recloser [119]. To obtain the proper sequential
coordination, the fault current must comply with the minimum and maximum current as
shown in Figure 4.2. This is expected in normal circumstances, where there is no DG installed
and all protective devices see the same fault current. However, in this case, the fault current
flowing through the recloser is different than the fault current flowing through the fuse. It is
obvious that the fault current seen by the fuse is higher than the fault current seen by the
recloser. Initially in this explanation, the fault currents from loads are neglected. The fault
current seen by the recloser is only a portion from the substation, whereas the fault current
seen by the fuse is the portions from the substation and the DG. With different fault currents
seen by the two devices, the sequence of protection operation may be lost, and fuse blowing
may occur meaninglessly. This causes temporary faults to become permanent. Since the
occurrence rate of temporary faults is very high in distribution system, recloser–fuse
miscoordination is considered to be critical for the system reliability and must be taken into
account when the worth of DG is evaluated.
In Case-2, DG is located after the recloser and the fault location is before it. In this
situation, reverse current flows through the recloser. The magnitude of fault current, flows
from DG through the recloser, is normally much lower than the fault current flows from the
substation through the fuse. Therefore, the fuse would blow much faster than the recloser and
coordination is maintained.
For Case-3, the magnitude of fault current flows through the recloser and the fuse is
same. This will lead to increase in margin and hence, the coordination may lose.

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 In Case-4, DG and fault location both are in the rear of recloser and the fault current
from the substation and DG will flow only through the fuse. Therefore, coordination between
recloser and fuse remains unaffected.

4.7 LIMIT OF DG FAULT CURRENT

First, the fault current from the substation can be predetermined and it will be the fault
current seen by recloser. Then, the time at which recloser F and fuse MM operate
simultaneously can be known. Since the current seen by fuse is the summation of the fault
currents flowing from substation and DG, the maximum fault current from DG must be lower
than the margin. From Figure 4.2, the relation of the fault current from utility substation and
the maximum or margin fault current from DG can be written as follows.

(4.6)

Ifuse margin current seen by fuse, considering the margin;

IU fault current from utility substation;
Imargin margin for DG fault current
To ensure that the recloser will operate faster than fuse MM, the fault current from DG
must be lower than Imargin, which can be expressed by equation 4.7.

(4.7)
Where, IDG is the fault current from DG.

4.8 COORDINATION BETWEEN THE RECLOSER-FUSE IN THE ABSENCE OF

DG

Figure 4.6 shows the recloser and fuse coordinated graph regarding the implemented
feeder (Figure 4.1) for all fault currents within Ifmin (minimum short circuit in F) and Ifmax
(maximum short circuit in F1). This is called the coordination range (Margin-I) and
simulation results are shown in Table 4.2. Therefore, as long as the fault current values for
faults on lateral feeder are within coordination range, the recloser and fuse coordination is
accepted. In Figure 4.6, we see that the fast characteristic of the recloser lies below the MM
characteristics of fuse between Ifmin and Ifmax. Therefore, within coordination range the
recloser operates in less time than the time sufficient to damage the fuse.

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Figure 4.6 Operating curves of recloser and fuse for Case-1 and Case-3

Table 4.2 Results obtained to calculate constant ‘b’ for Fuse 2

Fault Current (A) Time of Operation (s)
Type
A B C tRF tF tRS
After transmission line (F)
L-G 1311 - - 0.1457 0.3614 0.3257
L-L 1711 1701 - 0.11725 0.2377 0.275
L-L-G 1799 1709 - 0.1152 0.2147 0.2644
L-L-L 1637 1630 1615 0.1066 0.1837 0.2505
L-L-L-G 1632 1625 1605 0.1067 0.1842 0.2507
Before transmission line (F1)
L-G 2159 - - 0.10075 0.1511 0.24
L-L 2704 2695 - 0.09024 0.11 0.2205
L-L-G 2874 2692 - 0.08875 0.1 0.2187
L-L-L 3075 2899 2581 0.0854 0.0905 0.2155
L-L-L-G 3067 2892 2576 0.08552 0.0907 0.2157
tRF , tF and tRS is the time of operation of recloser fast, fuse and
recloser slow, respectively.

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 The three phase fault current used to set up the coordination is 1637 A ( Refer Table
4.2 ), that causes the recloser operating time of 0.2505 s and 0.1066 s for slow and fast curves,
respectively. By using equation (4.5), the operating time of fuse is 0.1785 s.
Using equation (4.3), the value of constant ‘b’ is calculated as ‘5.1429’ for Fuse 2.
Similarly the value of constant ‘b’ is chosen as ‘5.39’ for Fuse 1.

4.9 SIMULATION RESULTS OF RECLOSER-FUSE MIS-COORDINATION IN

THE PRESENCE OF DG

4.9.1 Case-2 (Refer Figure 4.6)

Table 4.3 and Table 4.4 show simulation results obtained from the conventional
scheme in terms of fault currents and Time of Operation (Top) of recloser and fuse for L-G, L-
L-G, L-L, L-L-L-G and L-L-L faults with zero fault resistance. It has been observed from
Table 4.3 and Table 4.4 that for different types of fault with different penetration of DG in
implemented feeder, the fuse would blow much faster than the recloser and coordination is
maintained.
4.9.2 Case-3 (Refer Figure 4.6)
Table 4.5 and Table 4.6 show simulation results given by the conventional scheme in
terms of fault currents and Time of Operation (Top) of recloser and fuse for L-G, L-L-G, L-L,
L-L-L-G and L-L-L faults with zero fault resistance. It has been observed from Table 4.5 and
Table 4.6 that the same fault current flows through the recloser and the fuse for different types
of fault with different penetration of DG.
Moreover, it has been also observed from Table 4.6 that the coordination between fuse
and recloser is maintained up to 6 MVA DG capacity. This is due to the fact that the fault
current is lower than fuse margin current (Ifuse margin). On the other hand, the coordination
between recloser and fuse is lost if the capacity of DG exceeds 6 MVA (Margin –II), as in this
case fuse operates prior to the recloser.
4.9.3 Case-4 (Refer Figure 4.6)
Table 4.7 and Table 4.8 show simulation results obtained from the conventional
scheme in terms of fault currents and Time of Operation (Top) of recloser and fuse for L-G, L-
L-G, L-L, L-L-L-G and L-L-L faults with zero fault resistance. It has been observed from
Table 4.7 and Table 4.8 that the fault current from the substation and DG will flow only
through the fuse. Therefore, coordination between recloser and fuse remains unaffected.
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 Table 4.3 Results from the conventional scheme for different type of faults with 1 and 3 MVA DG

DG Fault IU (A) IDG (A) IR (A) IF (A) Time of

Capacity Type Operation (s)
(MVA)

tR tF
A B C A B C A B C A B C

L-G 2461 125 88 160 135 64 118 121 33 2563 54 54 NO 0.0147

L-L 3079 2966 145 233 304 107 180 277 109 2563 72 79 NO 0.0115
1 L-L-G 3254 2985 143 239 301 125 190 268 111 3244 3227 65 NO 0.01176
L-L-L 3454 3225 2837 288 308 262 242 264 221 3435 3222 84 NO 0.01175
L-L-L-G 3445 3216 2831 287 307 261 241 263 221 3675 3465 3026 NO 0.01174
L-G 2352 214 61 314 264 109 267 240 62 2598 72 78 NO 0.0144
L-L 2930 2751 203 465 613 195 413 577 188 3319 3303 65 NO 0.0112
3 L-L-G 3093 2779 197 478 606 228 429 565 203 3502 3307 85 NO 0.0115
L-L-L 3261 3014 2669 582 613 512 531 564 466 3765 3553 3110 NO 0.01173
L-L-L-G 3252 3006 2663 580 611 510 529 562 464 3754 3543 3102 NO 0.01176
NO: no operation of recloser

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 Table 4.4 Results from the conventional scheme for different type of faults with 3.5 and 5 MVA DG

DG Fault IU (A) IDG (A) IR (A) IF (A) Time of

Capacity Type Operation (s)
(MVA)
tR tF
A B C A B C A B C A B C

L-G 2335 228 57 336 282 114 290 257 66 2603 72 78 NO 0.0145
L-L 2905 2719 210 500 658 205 449 621 196 3328 3313 65 NO 0.01125
3.5 L-L-G 3067 2747 203 514 650 239 465 608 213 3510 3319 84 NO 0.0115
L-L-L 3230 2981 2641 626 657 549 576 607 502 3777 3564 3122 NO 0.01175
L-L-L-G 3221 2979 2635 624 655 547 573 605 500 3766 3442 3113 NO 0.01174
L-G 2297 260 49 386 321 125 339 293 75 2613 72 78 NO 0.0145
L-L 2875 2652 220 580 756 222 529 717 211 3348 3332 65 NO 0.0112
5 L-L-G 3011 2677 212 596 746 261 547 702 231 3525 3343 85 NO 0.01149
L-L-L 3160 2907 2576 727 751 632 676 701 584 3802 3587 3147 NO 0.01175
L-L-L-G 3150 2899 2570 725 749 630 673 698 582 3790 3576 3138 NO 0.01175
NO: no operation of recloser

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 Table 4.5 Results from the conventional scheme for different type of faults with 1 and 2 MVA DG

DG Fault IU (A) IDG (A) IR (A) IF (A) Time of

Capacity Type Operation (s)
(MVA)

tR tF
A B C A B C A B C A B C

L-G 1249 186 91 297 193 143 1404 74 81 54 54 54 0.1376 0.4302

L-L 1674 1563 177 543 593 158 1974 1961 66 1473 75 82 0.1082 0.2226
1 L-L-G 1724 1614 192 559 589 201 2078 1946 87 2207 2193 67 0.1069 0.215
L-L-L 1850 1740 1552 683 624 564 2243 2130 1899 2319 2166 90 0.103 0.2042
L-L-L-G 1847 1738 1550 681 623 563 2239 2126 1895 2512 2395 2125 0.103 0.2045
L-G 1167 285 132 702 462 301 1473 75 82 1473 75 82 0.1337 0.415
L-L 1596 1417 257 1539 1690 347 2207 2193 67 2207 2193 67 0.1042 0.2077
2 L-L-G 1615 1501 293 1572 1683 463 2319 2166 90 2319 2166 90 0.1014 0.199
L-L-L 1735 1618 1456 1903 1838 1641 2512 2395 2125 2512 2395 2125 0.0975 0.1955
L-L-L-G 1732 1615 1455 1897 1834 1637 2506 2390 2121 2506 2390 2121 0.0974 0.195

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 Table 4.6 Results from the conventional scheme for different type of faults with 4 and 6 MVA DG

DG Fault IU (A) IDG (A) IR (A) IF (A) Time of

Capacity Type Operation (s)
(MVA)
tR tF
A B C A B C A B C A B C

L-G 1052 414 192 702 462 301 1564 77 83 1564 77 83 0.1277 0.287
L-L 1454 1198 341 1539 1690 347 2574 2558 38 2574 2558 68 0.0966 0.1875
4 L-L-G 1427 1335 413 1572 1683 463 2688 2523 93 2688 2523 93 0.0962 0.1846
L-L-L 1552 1427 1323 1903 1838 1641 2931 2815 2479 2931 2815 2479 0.0932 0.1816
L-L-L-G 1550 1425 1322 1897 1834 1637 2924 2808 2473 2924 2803 2473 0.0932 0.1812
L-G 975 487 226 830 543 343 1620 78 83 1620 78 83 0.1252 0.2744
L-L 1331 1044 376 1944 2134 386 2838 2822 68 2838 2822 68 0.0937 0.17726
6 L-L-G 1273 1219 467 1980 2125 525 2948 2785 94 2975 2785 94 0.0929 0.17225
L-L-L 1410 1288 1228 2379 2336 2062 3231 3117 2732 3231 3117 2732 0.0879 0.17225
L-L-L-G 1408 1286 1228 2371 2330 2056 3223 3109 2725 3222 3109 2725 0.0881 0.1726

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 Table 4.7 Results from the conventional scheme for different type of faults with 0.5 and 1 MVA DG

DG Fault IU (A) IDG (A) IR (A) IF (A) Time of

Capacity Type Operation (s)
(MVA)

tF tR
A B C A B C A B C A B C

L-G 2508 108 105 92 76 39 47 56 57 2546 72 79 0.0147 NO

L-L 3135 3057 126 133 171 61 55 43 60 3208 3191 65 0.0115 NO
0.5 L-L-G 3135 3057 126 133 171 61 55 43 60 3208 3191 65 0.01175 NO
L-L-L 3530 3309 2902 164 174 150 49 47 47 3634 3423 2988 0.012 NO
L-L-L-G 3520 3300 2895 163 173 149 49 48 47 3624 3413 2981 0.012 NO
L-G 2462 125 88 160 134 64 47 56 56 2563 72 79 0.0147 NO
L-L 3078 2965 145 234 304 106 55 44 59 3244 3228 65 0.01148 NO
1 L-L-G 3253 2985 143 240 302 124 51 45 59 3436 3223 84 0.01175 NO
L-L-L 3454 3225 2837 289 309 263 50 49 48 3676 3465 3026 0.01174 NO
L-L-L-G 3445 3216 2831 289 308 262 50 49 48 3665 3455 3019 0.01174 NO
NO: no operation of recloser

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 Table 4.8 Results from the conventional scheme for different type of faults with 3 MVA DG

DG Fault IU (A) IDG (A) IR (A) IF (A) Time of

Capacity Type Operation (s)
(MVA)

tF tR
A B C A B C A B C A B C

L-G 2349 215 59 317 264 110 48 56 55 2599 72 78 0.01449 NO

L-L 2925 2746 203 473 620 195 556 47 56 3322 3306 65 0.01123 NO
3 L-L-G 3087 2776 198 486 613 228 52 48 57 3505 3310 85 0.0114 NO
L-L-L 3257 3010 2667 589 622 519 52 51 50 3768 3556 3112 0.01174 NO
L-L-L-G 3247 3002 2661 517 619 517 52 51 50 3757 3546 3104 0.01181 NO
NO: no operation of recloser

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4.9.4 Case-1
Table 4.9 to Table 4.11 show simulation results obtained from the conventional
scheme in terms of fault currents and Time of Operation (Top) of recloser and fuse for L-G, L-
L-G, L-L, L-L-L-G and L-L-L faults with zero fault resistance. It has been observed from
Table 4.9 to Table 4.11 that the fault current seen by the fuse is vector sumn of fault currents
flow from the substation and the DG.
It is clear From Figure 4.6, I fuse margin = 3100 A.
It has been observed from Table 4.2 that the fault current from the utility substation
without DG = 1637 A.
Using equation (4.6), Imargin= 3100-1637= 1463 A.
To ensure that the recloser will operate faster than fuse MM characteristic, the fault
current from DG must be lower than Imargin.
It is clear from Figure 4.6 that the Margin-I (1171 A in Table 4.10) is sufficient for DG
having 2 MVA capacity. There is no miscoordination between recloser and fuse. This is clear
from Figure 4.7, in which recloser operates before fuse. However, the coordination between
recloser and fuse is lost if the capacity of DG exceeds 3.0 MVA (Margin–II in Figure 4.6). In
this situation, the fuse can operate prior to the intended operation time of the recloser. Thus it
can result in no actual operation of the recloser, as we can see in Fig.4.8. It is to be noted that
in Fig. 4.7 and Fig. 4.8, the fault is applied at 3.0 sec prior to the operation of recloser and
fuse.

Figure 4.7 Operating time of recloser and fuse for L-L-L fault on Feeder-1 with DG capacity
2.0 MVA

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Figure 4.8 Operating time of recloser and fuse for L-L-L fault on Feeder-1 with DG capacity
3.0 MVA
From the above discussion, it is clear that the problem of miscoordination is highly
pronounced only during Case-1. For rest of the cases as mentioned in Table 4.1, the problem
of miscoordination is not very severe. Therefore, in order to overcome most of the drawbacks
of the conventional based scheme, a new adaptive digital relaying scheme has been developed
and discussed in the next section.

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 Table 4.9 Results from the conventional scheme for different type of faults with 0.5 and 1 MVA DG

DG Fault IU (A) IDG (A) IR (A) IF (A) Time of

Capacity Type Operation (s)
(MVA)
tR tF
A B C A B C A B C A B C
L-G 1299 138 89 176 112 89 1274 101 59 1363 74 81 0.1265 0.4215
L-L 1715 1647 135 310 335 94 1669 1608 100 1849 1837 65 0.1057 0.2357
0.5 L-L-G 1785 1679 142 320 332 118 1736 1633 112 1950 1830 86 0.103 0.219
L-L-L 1916 1810 1611 389 348 313 1908 1759 1563 2102 2055 1778 0.0965 0.2022
L-L-L-G 1913 1807 1609 387 348 313 1905 1756 1561 2099 1987 1775 0.0965 0.2025
L-G 1248 192 95 309 199 151 1220 172 99 1409 74 82 0.1562 0.3337
L-L 1674 1563 180 576 622 164 1630 1523 160 1987 1973 66 0.124 0.235
1 L-L-G 1725 1612 197 593 618 209 1678 1565 186 2096 1954 87 0.1187 0.2234
L-L-L 1848 1739 1549 722 655 590 1838 1688 1500 2260 2144 1912 0.1107 0.2012
L-L-L-G 1845 1736 1547 720 654 589 1835 1685 1498 2256 2140 1909 0.1107 0.2015

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 Table 4.10 Results from the conventional scheme for different type of faults with 2 and 2.5 MVA DG

DG Fault IU (A) IDG (A) IR (A) IF (A) Time of

Capacity Type Operation (s)
(MVA)
tR tF
A B C A B C A B C A B C

L-G 1165 294 142 501 325 233 1117 288 168 1482 75 83 0.236 0.3252
L-L 1598 1418 260 1011 1093 260 1555 1358 250 2239 2223 67 0.1727 0.2127
2 L-L-G 1616 1499 302 1038 1088 340 1570 1451 305 2357 2188 90 0.1642 0.2063
L-L-L 1730 1615 1449 1262 1171 1056 1681 1564 1401 2550 2428 2154 0.1445 0.2022
L-L-L-G 1728 1613 1448 1258 1169 1054 1679 1562 1400 2545 2423 2150 0.1444 0.2028
L-G 1131 335 162 572 372 260 1083 332 192 1511 75 83 0.2787 0.3264
L-L 1561 1355 289 1192 1291 294 1519 1312 282 2351 2335 67 0.1921 0.2092
2.5 L-L-G 1566 1451 343 1223 1285 386 160 1403 349 2472 2295 91 0.1855 0.202
L-L-L 1679 1560 1408 1484 1392 1253 1630 1510 1361 2680 2556 2262 0.1577 0.2007
L-L-L-G 1676 1558 1407 1480 1389 1250 1628 1508 1360 2674 2551 2258 0.1577 0.1982

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 Table 4.11 Results from the conventional scheme for different type of faults with 3 and 4 MVA DG

Capacity Fault IU (A) IDG (A) IR (A) IF (A) Time of

(MVA) Type Operation (s)

tR tF
A B C A B C A B C A B C
L-G 1100 371 179 632 412 282 1053 370 212 153 76 83 0.307 0.3272
L-L 1525 1298 314 1355 1468 320 1085 1254 308 2455 2438 67 NO 0.2025
3 L-L-G 1518 1407 377 1389 1461 424 1472 1359 384 2578 2395 92 NO 0.1937
L-L-L 1631 1510 1373 1682 1591 1429 1583 1460 1325 2799 2675 2362 NO 0.1977
L-L-L-G 1629 1508 1371 1677 1587 1426 1581 1458 1324 2792 2669 2357 NO 0.1977
L-G 1049 427 205 728 475 316 1001 429 242 1579 77 83 0.368 0.3277
L-L 1458 1199 349 1636 1775 359 1419 1153 344 2639 2622 68 NO 0.144
4 L-L-G 1429 1332 427 1673 1767 480 1384 1283 437 2763 2574 93 0.266 0.135
L-L-L 1545 1422 1311 2019 1937 1730 1497 1372 1265 3009 2886 2538 NO 0.188
L-L-L-G 1543 1420 1310 2013 1932 1726 1495 1370 1264 3002 2879 2533 NO 0.1884
NO: no operation of recloser

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4.10 A NEW ADAPTIVE DIGITAL RELAYING SCHEME

4.10.1 Proposed Scheme

Figure 4.9 shows flowchart of the proposed adaptive digital relaying scheme. At the
time of commissioning of the proposed adaptive relay, characteristic of the recloser and the
fuse are stored in the relay. After acquiring the recloser and fuse currents with the help of
data acquisition system, peak value of both currents are found out for a period of one cycle
duration. Thereafter, the ratio of IR/IF is calculated on per phase basis. In case, when the ratio
of IR/IF is lower than unity (which is true for the situation when the recloser fault current is
smaller than the fuse current due to incorporation of DG), the recloser fast characteristic
(obtained with original TDS), is revised by multiplying the above ratio with original TDS.
Hence, the recloser fast characteristic (with lower value of TDS) is shifted down with
reference to previous recloser fast characteristic.

Input recloser and fuse characteristics

Acquire peak value of recloser

and fuse current for one cycle

Calculate IR/IF ratio

IR/IF
<1.0
No

Yes

TDS=TDS × (IR/IF)
Calculate recloser time using equation (1)

Revision of fast characteristic curve of the

recloser

Figure 4.9 Flowchart of the proposed adaptive digital relaying scheme

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4.10.2 Selection of IF/IR Ratio
In order to select the ratio of IR/IF as the index, we have carried out various simulations
on the sample system, as shown in Figure 4.3, with and without DG. Table 4.12 shows the
simulation results for two types of faults (L-L-L and L-G) having two different locations
(fault at fuse end and far end). It is to be noted from Table 4.12 that the ratio of IR/IF remains
constant for a given type of fault irrespective of the location of fault on the feeder [115].
Table 4.12 Simulation results obtained for different types of fault in different locations with
and without DG

Location Fault Fault current Fault current through Ratio IR/IF

of fault Type through fuse IF (A) recloser IR (A) with DG
No DG With DG No DG With DG
Fault at L-L-L 3075 7059 3075 3087 0.4373
fuse end L-G 2159 2941 2159 1879 0.6388
Fault at L-L-L 1871 3202 1871 1404 0.4384
far end L-G 1311 1579 1311 1001 0.6339

The above fact is well understood from Figure 4.10, which shows the distribution of
fault current in the presence of DG. By neglecting the load current with respect to the fault
current, the current through the fuse (IF) depends on the impedance of the DG (ZDG) and
impedance towards the source (Zs). Since, for a given location of DG, these impedances are
fixed, the IR/IF ratio would obviously be constant. However, this value would be different of
course for a three-phase fault and a phase to ground fault. This property was exploited to
coordinate a fuse and a recloser in a distribution system with significant penetration of DG.
Hence, we have selected IR/IF ratio in the proposed schemes [115].

ZS Zsection

Utility IR
ZDG

IDG
IF

DG Load

Figure 4.10 Single line diagram of the sample system

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4.11 SIMULATION RESULTS

The section 4.11.1 to section 4.11.5 describes the simulation results using the proposed
adaptive relaying scheme for protection of radial distribution systems in the presence of DG.
4.11.1 Comparison between the Proposed Scheme and the Conventional Scheme for
Different Types of Fault
Table 4.13 and Table 4.14 show the simulation results in terms of recloser/fuse
current ratio and their time of operation for different types of fault using the conventional
scheme and the proposed scheme, respectively. It has been observed from Table 4.13 that the
coordination between recloser and fuse is lost. This is true for all types of fault except single
line to ground fault (shown bold-italic in Table 4.13). In contrast, the coordination between
recloser and fuse is maintained for all types of fault (Table 4.14). It is clear from Table 4.14
that as the ratio of recloser current to fuse current decreases, the TDS of recloser fast
characteristic also decreases (which remains constant in the conventional scheme as observed
from Table 4.13). Therefore, the margin between recloser and fuse increases as the recloser
fast characteristic (with lower value of TDS) is shifted down with reference to previous
recloser fast characteristic.

Table 4.13 Results of the conventional scheme for different types of fault with 3.0 MVA DG

Fault Ratio Time Dial Setting Time of Operation (s)

Type IR/IF (TDS)
tR tF
A B C A B C
L-G 0.67 5 2.36 0.307 0.32725
L-L 0.6 0.5 3.36 NO 0.2025
L-L-G 0.57 0.57 3.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 NO 0.1937
L-L-L 0.56 0.55 0.59 NO 0.19774
L-L-L-G 0.56 0.55 0.59 NO 0.19775
tR and tF is the time of operation of recloser and fuse, respectively.
NO: no operation of recloser

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Table 4.14 Results of the proposed scheme for different types of fault with 3.0 MVA DG
Fault Ratio Time Dial Setting Time of
Type IR/IF (TDS) Operation (s)

tR tF
A B C A B C
L-G 0.67 5 2.36 0.3397 0.5 0.5 0.206 0.32725
L-L 0.6 0.5 3.36 0.3021 0.2556 0.5 0.1147 0.2025
L-L-G 0.57 0.57 3.5 0.2859 0.2859 0.5 0.1135 0.1937
L-L-L 0.56 0.55 0.59 0.2841 0.2788 0.2992 0.0945 0.19774
L-L-L-G 0.56 0.55 0.59 0.2842 0.2791 0.2994 0.0945 0.19775
tR and tF is the time of operation of recloser and fuse, respectively.

Similarly, Table 4.15 and Table 4.16 shows the simulation results obtained from the
conventional scheme and the proposed scheme, respectively, for 5 MVA DG capacity. It is
impossible to obtain coordination between recloser and fuse using the conventional scheme
as the recloser is not in a position to operate for all types of fault. This is clear by observing
NO (no operation of recloser) from Table 4.15. Hence, the prime objective of fuse saving is
violated, particularly, for temporary faults in the distribution system. On the other hand,
proper coordination between recloser and fuse is achieved by the proposed scheme for all
types of fault (Table 4.16) as the recloser (in fast mode) always operates prior to the fuse.

Table 4.15 Results from the conventional scheme for different type of faults with 5 MVA DG
Fault Ratio Time Dial Setting Time of Operation (s)
Type IR/IF (TDS)
tR tF
A B C A B C
L-G 0.58 6.5 3.19 NO 0.322

L-L 0.44 0.45 4.3 NO 0.1592

L-L-G 0.48 0.38 4.15 0.5 0.5 0.5 NO 0.163

L-L-L 0.43 0.43 0.47 NO 0.1747

L-L-L-G 0.43 0.44 0.47 NO 0.1752

tR and t F is the time of operation of recloser and fuse, respectively.

NO: no operation of recloser

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Table 4.16 Results from the proposed scheme for different type of faults with 5 MVA DG
Fault Ratio Time Dial Setting Time of
Type IR/IF (TDS) Operation (s)

tR tF
A B C A B C
L-G 0.58 6.5 3.19 0.293 0.5 0.5 0.2155 0.322
L-L 0.44 0.45 4.3 0.2213 0.2258 0.5 0.094 0.1592
L-L-G 0.48 0.377 4.15 0.2408 0.1888 0.5 0.093 0.163
L-L-L 0.43 0.43 0.47 0.2193 0.2198 0.2392 0.0755 0.1747
L-L-L-G 0.43 0.44 0.47 0.2195 0.2201 0.2394 0.0757 0.1752
tR and tF is the time of operation of recloser and fuse, respectively.

4.11.2 Effect of Higher Value of DG Capacities on the Proposed Scheme

Table 4.17 shows the simulation results given by the proposed scheme in terms of time
of operation of recloser and fuse for different capacities of DG.
Table 4.17 Simulation results of the proposed scheme for different types of fault having
different DG capacities
DG Fault Ratio Time Dial Time of Operation (s)
Capacity Type IR/IF Setting
tR tF
(MVA) (TDS)
2.0 L-G 0.75 0.3757 0.1775 0.3252
L-L-L 0.6633 0.3354 0.0955 0.2022
4.0 L-G 0.626 0.3132 0.21676 0.32775
L-L-L 0.5014 0.2524 0.0865 0.188
6.0 L-G 0.55 0.277 0.19549 0.30624
L-L-L 0.4092 0.2054 0.05774 0.15925
8.0 L-G 0.507 0.2535 0.184 0.292
L-L-L 0.351 0.1757 0.027 0.1165
tR and tF is the time of operation of recloser and fuse, respectively.

It is to be noted from Table 4.17 that, the TDS of recloser fast characteristic decreases
as the capacity of DG increases. Therefore, the margin between recloser and fuse increases
as the recloser fast characteristic (with lower value of TDS) is shifted down with reference to

114
 previous recloser fast characteristic. Hence, the coordination between recloser and fuse is
maintained for all types of fault even with enhancement in DG capacities. The proposed
adaptive scheme is capable to maintain proper coordination between recloser and fuse for
very high capacity of DG (8 MVA) during which conventional scheme fails.

4.11.3 Effect of Lower Value of DG Capacities on the Proposed Scheme

In order to validate the performance of the proposed scheme during various scenarios
of the distribution system with low capacities of DG, we have carried out various simulations.
The simulations results are shown in Table 4.18. It has been observed from Table 4.18 that
the proper coordination is maintained between fuse and recloser even though the fault current
through DG is much smaller than utility. Therefore, even though the fault current provided by
DG (IDG) is much smaller than provided by the system (the situation of a strong system), the
index IR/IF changes significantly. This effectively shifts down the curve which in turn
enhances coordination margin between fuse and recloser.
Table 4.18 Simulation results given by the proposed scheme during low capacities of DG
DG Fault IR IDG Ratio Time Dial Setting Time of
Capacity Type (A) (A) IR/IF (TDS) Operation (s)
(MVA) A B C tR tF
0.15 L-G 1316 59 0.9748 0.4874 0.5 0.5 0.1270 0.4317
L-L-L 1959 124 0.9678 0.4839 0.4816 0.484 0.084 0.2104
L-G 1304 95 0.9588 0.4793 0.5 0.5 0.1274 0.424
0.25
L-L-L 1945 203 0.9473 0.4736 0.47 0.4738 0.0842 0.2102
L-G 1274 176 0.92 0.46 0.5 0.5 0.1267 0.4215
0.5
L-L-L 1908 389 0.89 0.4488 0.4429 0.45 0.0847 0.2022
L-G 1220 309 0.85 0.4268 0.5 0.5 0.1277 0.3337
1.0
L-L-L 1838 722 0.8 0.4045 0.3963 0.4086 0.08525 0.2012
tR and tF is the time of operation of recloser and fuse, respectively.

4.11.4 Effect of High Resistance Single Line to Ground Fault

When an overhead distribution phase conductor breaks and falls on a high impedance
surface or trees, high impedance fault occurs [14]. The conventional scheme fails to preserve
the coordination between recloser and fuse even at lower value of fault resistance (0.01Ω). In
contrast, the proposed adaptive scheme gives satisfactory results during high resistance faults.

115
Table 4.19 shows the simulation results obtained from the proposed scheme for line to
ground (L-G) faults having two different DG capacitates (2.5 and 5 MVA) with varying fault
resistances. Though the time of operation of recloser as well as fuse increases as the value of
fault resistance increases, the proposed scheme is capable to maintain proper coordination
between recloser and fuse
Table 4.19 Simulation results of the proposed scheme for high resistance single line to
ground (L-G) fault at different DG capacitates
DG Fault Ratio Time Dial Setting Time of
Capacity Resistance IR/IF (TDS) Operation (s)
(MVA) RF (ohm)
tR tF
A B C A B C
5.0 0.755 3.15 1.16 0.377 0.5 0.5 0.539 0.938
10 0.788 2.11 1.141 0.394 0.5 0.5 1.092 1.947
2.5 20 0.842 2.18 1.278 0.421 0.5 0.5 2.931 4.690
30 0.89 2.0 1.36 0.444 0.5 0.5 5.601 7.964
40 0.932 1.90 1.409 0.466 0.5 0.5 10.42 11.45
5.0 0.653 4.31 1.539 0.326 0.5 0.5 0.648 0.887
5.0 10 0.708 3.54 1.396 0.354 0.5 0.5 1.431 1.876
20 0.802 2.94 1.6 0.401 0.5 0.5 4.455 4.632
t R and tF is the time of operation of recloser and fuse, respectively

4.11.5 Effect of Fault on Feeder Length on Coordination Time Interval

The operating times of the recloser and minimum melt times of the fuse for L-L-L
fault at different lengths (5% to 10%) of the feeder with DG are shown in Figure 4.11. A
coordination time interval (CTI) of 80 ms (Four cycle) is assumed to account for CB opening
time, errors and tolerances in current transformers (CTs) and relays.
When DG is connected to the network, it may not be possible to ensure a CTI of 80
ms between operation of the recloser fast curve and the fuse in case of close-in L-L-L fault up
to 10% of the feeder length. The fuse saving cannot be ensured in this case. If the operating
time of the recloser is compared with fuse blowing times as shown in Figure 4.11, it can be
found that all the faults will be cleared with a CTI of more than 80 ms. Moreover, it has been
observed from Figure 4.11 that as percentage of feeder length increases, CTI also increases.

116
 Figure 4.11 Coordination time interval for close-in L-L-L fault at different lengths of the
feeder

4.14 CONCLUSION

This chapter deals with the study of miscoordination between fuse and recloser during
DG interconnections.
In order to overcome the drawbacks of the conventional schemes, a new adaptive
relaying scheme for proper coordination between recloser and fuse has been presented. The
proposed scheme is based on derivation of the ratio of recloser current (IR) and fuse current
(IF). By using this ratio and without changing fuse characteristic, the recloser fast
characteristic is shifted down from its original characteristic which in turn enhances
coordination margin between recloser and fuse. This is achieved by modifying the time dial
setting of the recloser fast characteristic. The proposed scheme has been tested extensively by
simulating various types of faults on distribution system in the presence of DG. Fault data are
generated using PSCAD/EMTDC software package by modeling an existing 11 kV Indian
power distribution network. The proposed scheme is capable to maintain proper coordination
between recloser and fuse irrespective of types of fault. Moreover, it enhances margin
between recloser and fuse during higher capacity of DG (3.0 MVA to 8 MVA) by shifting
down recloser fast characteristic with reference to previous recloser fast characteristic.
Furthermore, the proposed scheme also preserves correct coordination between recloser and
fuse during high resistance single line to ground faults.

117