Optimal Coordination of Overcurrent Relays in Power

Systems for Reliability Assessment Under the

Presence of Distributed Generation Using ETAP
Swapnil Kumar Yadav1, Namami Krishna Sharma2, S.C. Choube3, Aishwarya Varma4
Department of Electrical Engineering, University Institute of Technology, RGPV, Bhopal, INDIA
1
swapsky93@gmail.com,2er.namami@gmail.com

Abstract- Ever increasing load demand has questioned power X Line reactance,
system planners and operators all over the globe for its reliable Qj Reactive power at the receiving end
and efficient performance. Recently, integration of Distributed Vi Sending end voltage
Generation (DG) in Distribution system finds higher δ Load angle
penetration levels for catering most of the load demands. The Ti Initial tripping time
impacts of DG units concern for voltage stability, frequency Tf Final tripping time
deviation and relay coordination and must be analysed ETAP Electrical Transient Analyzer Program
effectively. This paper proposes a novel scheme on optimal ANSI American National Standard Institute
relay coordination with reliability assessment under the SAIDI System Average Interruption Duration
presence of Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs). Optimal Index
placement of WTG can be approximated by sensitivity indices CAIDI Customer Average Interruption Duration
(L-index). The coordination is carried out by graphical Index
approach and by physical alteration of pick up value, Plug SAIFI System Average Interruption Frequency
Setting Multiplier (PSM) and Time Dial Setting (TDS) and
Index
ASAI Average System Availability Index
further reliability assessment is carried out. The proposed
EENS Expected Energy Not Supplied Index
scheme is tested on ANSI Model system using ETAP. The
ECOST Expected Interruption Cost Index
results obtained are far more encouraging.
AENS Average Energy Not Supplied
Index Terms- Relay Coordination, WTG, Sensitivity index,
IEAR Interruption Energy Assessment Rate
Ni Number of customers at load point i
Reliability Assessment, ETAP
λi Failure rate
Ui Annual outage time
NOMENCLATURE

OCR Overcurrent relays

I. INTRODUCTION
DF Differential relays
PSM Plug Setting Multiplier This is a universal fact that the faults occurring on the
TDS Time Dial Setting of OCR power system are inevitable. If protective devices installed
TCC Time Current Characteristics are not properly coordinated, then it may last a devastating
CTI Coordination time interval impact on the entire power systems. The cornerstone of
I Fault current observed by relay power system reliability is the reliable protection of energy
Ip Pickup current of OCR systems against faults like short circuits. Faults and
tp Operating time of OCR abnormalities in an interconnected system may frequently
MVAsc Short circuit MVA capacity occur. All this leads to interruption of power supply and
FLA Full load amperes equipment damage. The faulted components should be
WTG Wind Turbine Generator immediately identified and isolated in order to maintain
XFMR 2 winding transformer stability of the system. So this calls for a reliable protection
T 3 winding transformer system. It includes relays, switchgear, circuit breakers and
BD Bus duct fuses. The protective relay should be able to differentiate
Gen Generator between healthy, abnormal and faulty conditions. The relays
Syn Synchronous motor used in power systems are mainly overcurrent relays. The
Mtr Induction machine term relay coordination envelopes the notion of
CAP Capacitor discrimination, selectivity and backup protection. The
VFD Variable frequency drive protective devices must coordinate properly to ensure
PNL Panel minimum power outages and continuity of supply by
Z Line impedance maintaining flat voltage profile.

978-1-5090-4874-8/17/$31.00 ©2017 IEEE

51
The main purpose of protective device coordination is to
attain selectivity without distressing sensitivity [6]. The
calculations involving selection of time dial setting (TDS),
plug setting multiplier (PSM) and pickup current is the
underlying concept of coordination problem. When
renewable resources such as wind turbines and PV solar
arrays are brought into the existing network, they impact the
power system in their own way [9]. When considering WTG,
multistate models are used to simulate the speed of the wind.
The states selected should be minimum so that the accuracy
of models for reliability assessment of power system should
be reasonable [10, 11]. To use dispersed wind energy in the
power systems, wind speed models have been scrutinized
[12, 13].
Secondly, for selecting the optimal placement of WTG in the
system, L-index is calculated; a sensitivity index [8]. L-index
will provide the weakest bus in the system under evaluation.
The term “weakest” here refers to the bus operating nearer to
collapse point. The bus is then equipped with WTG of
appropriate rating so that its impact on existing power system
model can be observed. The penetration of WTGs may cause
the voltages, frequency and relay coordination. It is generally
noticed that with the advent of DG in the network, losses
occurring in the network are minimised [5].
The introduction of WTG in the system will pose
maloperation of protective devices and coordination
problem. DG units generally installed are of the size of 10
MW [1]. On distribution system, the units installed can be no
longer than 2 or 3 MW. DG brings in the challenges such as
poor insulation, overcurrent protection, connections of
transformers etc. The DG incorporated in the system must
not violate system losses, voltage profile and should not
conclude in the coordination catastrophe of the prevailing
system [1, 3].
Reliability assessment is performed by evaluation of
reliability indices. In our case, it is carried out to analyse the
validation of relay coordination alongwith with the quality of
power being transferred from utility to consumers.
II. OVERVIEW OF ETAP
ETAP stands for “Electrical Transient Analyzer Program”.
It is a package of fully unified electrical engineering software
that delivers engineers, operators, and managers a tribune for
unceasing functionality from modeling to operative action.
Established in 1986, ETAP is headquartered in Irvine,
California, USA, with offices round the world. The
corporation has been empowering triumph for over 30 years
by offering the most inclusive and extensive creativity
solution for generation, transmission, distribution,
transportation and low voltage applications.
ETAP executes numerical computations with marvellous
speed, spontaneously applies industry recognised standards,
and offers trouble free output reports. ETAP is competent
enough to handle 1000 buses and encompasses a load
schedule program which tracks up to 10 million load items,
and accounts for voltage and short-circuits current at the
52
terminals of each load item. 100% of the Top 10 electrical
design companies depend on ETAP (ECM Magazine). This
potential makes ETAP appropriate for substantial industrial
amenities, including utility systems [3].
Thus our project includes smart implementation of relay
coordination using ETAP and multifunction relays having
combined definite time and inverse time characteristics.
III. IMPACT OF WTG ON RELAY COORDINATION
The distribution system is equipped with DG units to
supply the load in the neighbourhood of their contact point.
DGs can cater the load in non-islanding mode as well as
islanding mode. Normally the current flow is unidirectional
but with the incorporation of DG, it too supplies the fault
current in the event of fault occurrence and hence the
magnitude and direction of current changes. Zones are
classified in the power system so that each zone protects
atleast one component in the system and the fault clearing
time should be as small as possible. The operating time of
OCR is given by [1]
 
 
 
 3.922  (1)
tp =  + 0.0982  × TDS
   I  2  
   −1
 
   I p   
  
Relay characteristics is studied through TCC curves. TDS
adjusts the minimum and maximum curves of relay. There
are two protection schemes viz. Primary protection and
Backup protection. Backup protection is the second line of
defence after primary protection. Backup protection should
be capable enough to endure fault for larger duration as
compared to primary protection [2]. Coordination Time
Interval (CTI) is the time difference between primary relay
and backup relay tripping time. It’s generally between 0.2 to
0.5 sec [1].
Relay Coordination is carried out in two steps:
1. without WTG
2. with WTG
1. Without WTG: With the help of “Fault Insertion Tool",
symmetrical (3-phase) and asymmetrical fault (Single line to
ground) is given on any one line in our distribution side of
the power system model. Then the relay is coordinated as per
the need.
2. With WTG: When WTG is connected on the optimal
location, it is seen that relay coordination is disturbed (which
can be seen in our case also) since DG too supplies the fault
current and then we’ll adjust the relay settings to rectify the
coordination. This is the major challenge for power system
engineers.
 IV. SELECTION OF CANDIDATE BUSES
The voltage stability index; L-index is calculated for the
buses operating nearer to collapse point. Assuming ‘i’ as the
sending bus and ‘j’ as the receiving bus, the index Lij is given
as [8]:
4Z 2Q j X
L ij = (2)
V i2 (R sin δ + X cos δ )2

If the line approaches Lij value nearer to unity, it symbolises

that the line reaches its stability limit and may lead to system
violation. The system will be stable if value of Lij is less than
unity. The data in Table 1 represents that WTG should be
placed at Bus 2 by identifying the weakest bus.

Table 1: Calculation of L-Index

ELEMENT From To Lij

Cable 2 Sub 3 Sub 3 Swgr 0.000114
Cable 14 Bus 1 Bus 2 0.0173
Cable 22 Sub 2A Sub 22 0.002059
Cable 23 Sub 2B Sub 23 0.0030653
Line 4 Sub3 Swgr Bus 9 0.0163 Fig. 1: Relay view of ANSI Model system

Now with the help of “Fault Insertion Tool” in “Star

V. METHODOLOGY
The methodology proposed is classified into three phases:
1. Phase I: Selection of candidate buses
2. Phase II: Study of Base case
3. Phase III: Incorporation of DG with old and new
relay and CB setting
In all these three phases, following work is carried out:
1. Load Flow Analysis
2. Short Circuit Analysis
3. Relay Coordination
4. Reliability Assessment
The Load Flow is carried out with Adaptive Newton
Raphson Method with maximum of 99 iterations to set the
appropriate relay pickup setting. The phase pick up current is
generally taken as 1.25 times the phase full load current [3,4]
and ground pickup current is selected as 20 to 80% of rated
current. [3,4]. The flow of real and reactive power is
observed and the critical conditions are considered for
evaluation. The phase pickup current settings are tuned in the
range of 1.0 to 2.5 in the step size of 0.1. The ground pickup
settings are tuned in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 in the step size of
0.1. These are being operated at a base kV of 34.5 kV. The
relays and circuit breakers assimilated in the system comes
from different manufacturers that includes ABB, GE,
Westinghouse etc. since practically the components used in
the power system don’t always belong to the same
manufacturer. The ANSI Model system is shown in Fig 1.
Protective Device Coordination” view, the 3 phase
symmetrical fault and single L-G fault is created at the
distribution side of the network. Then with the help of TCC
curve, the settings of relays and circuit breakers are
coordinated after successful completion of short circuit
analysis. At the end, reliability assessment is carried out with
all its parameters intact.
Then in Phase II, aforementioned analysis are carried out in
base case
In Phase III, the relay and circuit breaker settings are
modified in relation to their previous and updated settings.
VI. RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT
The numerous reliability indices depicted in this paper is
described underneath [12]:
1. SAIDI (hr/customer.yr): System Average Interruption
Duration Index
Sum of customer interrupti on durations
SAIDI =
Total no of customer served
 N iU i
= (3)
 Ni
2. CAIDI (hr/customer interruption): Customer Average
Interruption Duration Index

53
 Sum of customer interruptions durations Table 2: Short circuit analysis report without WTG
CAIDI =
Total no of customer interruptions BUS kV 3- Phase Fault Single Line to
(kA) ground Fault(kA)
U i Ni Mag Mag
= (4)
 N i λi Bus1 0.48 28.128 29.438
Bus2 0.48 12.639 9.234
3. SAIFI (f/customer.yr): System Average Bus23A 0.48 16.529 16.352
Interruption Frequency Index LV Bus 0.48 15.792 0.010
Total no of customer interrupti ons Main Bus 34.50 27.265 30.118
SAIFI = MCC1 0.48 17.886 17.596
Total no of customer served
Sub2A 13.80 6.549 0.406
Sub2B 13.80 12.662 7.575
 N i λi Sub3 4.16 27.044 27.045
= (5)
 Ni Sub 3 Swgr 4.16 24.929 23.850
Sub22 3.45 10.988 11.623
4. ASAI: Average System Availability Index Sub23 3.45 10.773 11.469
Customer hours of available service
ASAI =
Customer hours demaded
(6)
 N i × 8760 −  N i U i
=
 N i × 8760

where 8760 is the number of hours in 365 days

5. EENS (MWhr/yr): System Expected Energy Not

Supplied Index
EENS = Total energy not supplied by the system
=  EENS i (7)

6. ECOST(k$/yr): System Expected Interruption Cost

Index
ECOST =  ECOST i (8)

7. AENS (MWhr/customer.yr): Average Energy Not

Supplied
 EENS i Fig. 2: Sequence of operation without WTG
AENS = (9)
 Ni Table 3: Reliability assessment without DG
8. IEAR ($/KW-hr): Interruption Energy Assessment System Reliability Indices
Rate SAIFI 0.1892 failure / customer.yr
SAIDI 21.6564 hr / customer.yr
ECOST (10) CAIDI 114.466 hr / customer interruption
IEAR =
EENS ASAI 0.9975 pu
EENS 148.043 MW hr / yr
ECOST 333,463.60 $ / yr
VII. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION AENS 6.7292 MW hr / customer.yr
IEAR 2.252 $ / kW hr

54
Table 4: Short circuit analysis report with WTG
BUS kV 3- Phase Fault Single Line to
(kA) ground
Fault(kA)
Mag Mag
Bus1 0.48 36.659 34.975
Bus2 0.48 24.483 12.394
Bus23A 0.48 16.529 16.352
LV Bus 0.48 15.818 0.010
Main Bus 34.50 27.348 30.185
MCC1 0.48 17.917 17.615
Sub2A 13.80 6.550 0.406
Sub2B 13.80 12.666 7.576 Fig. 4: Improved Sequence of operation with WTG
Sub3 4.16 27.802 27.546
Sub3Swgr 4.16 25.557 24.226 Table 5: Reliability assessment with WTG
Sub22 3.45 10.989 11.624 System Reliability Indices
Sub23 3.45 10.774 11.469 SAIFI 0.1492 failure / customer.yr
SAIDI 13.6506 hr / customer.yr
CAIDI 91.477 hr / customer interruption
ASAI 0.9984 pu
EENS 120.172 MW hr / yr
ECOST 333,463.60 $ / yr
AENS 5.4624 MW hr / customer.yr
IEAR 2.775 $ / kW hr

Table 6: Sequence of operation with coordination

Time ID If Ti Tf Condition
(ms) (kA) (ms) (ms)
50.0 CB22 28.178 10.o 50.0 Phase
70.0 CB23 8.721 10.0 70.0 Phase
480 CB31 8.721 15.2 480 Phase
7381 OCR7 3.139 7387 Phase-OC1-51
7464 CB8 83.3 Tripped by
OCR7 Phase-
OC1-51
29376 OCR2 0.359 29376 Phase-OC1-51
29459 CB10 83.3 Tripped by
OCR2 Phase-
OC1-51

Figure 1 depicts the relay view of our ANSI model system.

Table 2 represents the summary report of short circuit
analysis in base case without WTG. The settings can be
Fig. 3: Distorted sequence of operation with WTG
changed by the manual and graphical approach. Figure 2
represents the schematic view of sequence of operation
without WTG. Figure 3 vague operation of relays and CBs.
Bus2 is a sub system of DC system. CB31 operates first
followed by CB23 and CB 22 which is an undesirable action.
Figure 4 shows the improved sequence of operation with
WTG. CB22 operates first followed by CB23 second and
CB31 at last which is our required operating sequence.
Table 3 and 5 demonstrates the reliability indices without
and with WTG respectively. Finally, Table 6 denotes the
required sequence of operation with proper relay
coordination with their tripping times when WTG is
incorporated and Figure 5 represents TCC curve of protected

55
zone equipments. X-axis (top and bottom) designates current
in Amperes and Y-axis (left and right) designates time in
seconds
Fig. 5: Time Current Characteristics (TCC) curve
VIII. CONCLUSION
An innovative methodology is proposed in the system in
which effective coordination of relays and CBs is achieved
when WTG is optimally placed at the distribution side of the
system under observation (using L-index). It is observed that
the coordination is distorted with the introduction of WTG in
the system. So to improve the coordination, the pickup
setting and time dial setting of relay and trip device setting of
low voltage Circuit breaker is set to their optimum value.
The reliability assessment is carried out to assess the network
security with minimum customer interruption. The
simulation results are obtained through ETAP.
The sequence of operation of various protective devices
when 3 phase or single L-G fault occurs on any part of the
system has been observed. For a very large integrated
system, it turns out to be strenuous and inelegant to execute
coordination and reliability assessment problem in a
conventional manner. So ETAP software is used to drive
down the amount of effort and malfunction of protective
devices thereby increasing the speed and accuracy. The
system reliability is greatly enhanced. This brings us to far
more promising results in uplifting the protective schemes of
very large interconnected power systems.
56
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