Fault Detection Technique for Distribution Networks and Microgrids Using Synchrophasor Data

Integration of distributed energy resources in distribution networks encourages the use of advanced measurement devices such as micro-phasor measurement units ($\mu$PMUs) to develop monitoring, protection, automation and control applications. Modern distribution networks have the capability to function as a microgrid and operate in multiple configurations with hourly reconfiguration. Detection of faults in these networks is challenging due to numerous reasons. Therefore, this article presents a technique to detect the symmetrical and asymmetrical faults in the distribution networks and microgrids using time-series measurements from $\mu$PMUs deployed at various locations. The network operating in multi-configuration is partitioned into zones between adjacent $\mu$PMUs. The combination of two criteria, namely the voltage deviation index and power change index, is determined for each zone, and their product is used to accomplish the exercise of fault detection. Simulation results are obtained on a seven-bus microgrid network for various fault and no-fault scenarios to validate the proposed fault detection algorithm. The proposed scheme is also assessed for the effect of network reconfiguration, measurement noise, intermittency of distributed energy resources, and harmonics in the system. In addition, verification in the RTDS environment is done through simulations on a modified IEEE 33-node distribution network deployed with GTNET-PMUs.