Enabling maximum penetration of distributed generations without violating protection system coordination

Driven by economic, technical and environmental reasons, the energy sector is moving into an era where Distributed Generation (DG) will meet a large segment of increasing electrical energy demand. Local distribution companies are required to accept a given percentage of customer-owned renewable DG units in their system. Generally, DG introduces new possibilities such as shaving of peak loads and reliability enhancement. On the other hand, DG causes a number of protection problems in the distribution networks, such as loss of coordination, de-sensitization, nuisance fuse blowing, relay bidirectional operation, and overvoltage. In this work, general guidelines about maximum allowable DG penetration that will not ignite these adverse effects will be identified for typical feeders in Ontario. Moreover, a recommendation about suitable connection of the interfacing transformer to avoid overvoltage during ground faults will be given. Furthermore, general recommendations will be given at the end of this internship about possible methods that can be used to overcome any protection coordination problem if it happens.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Magdy Salama

Student:

Ahmed Abu Elanien

Partner:

Hydro One Networks

Discipline:

Engineering - computer / electrical

Sector:

Energy

University:

University of Waterloo