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
Fuse

To main feeder

Fuse

F1

F
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

87

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.
89

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 subtransmission 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.
90

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
66kV Bus

B2
TR-1

66kV/11kV
10MVA

TR-2
11kV
Bus

B3

circuit
breaker

Feeder-1
TR-3
Fault 2

Recloser

DG-2

..
Load
Load

0.415kV/11kV
1 MVA

Fault 1

Fuse 2

P2+jQ 2

Fuse 1

P1+jQ 1

Distribution
Line

DG-1
TR-4

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

4.3.2

Fuse Model

Input

RMS

Function
Block

Gain

Output

Figure 4.4 Block diagram of fuse control circuit

91

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

Output

Gain
Function
Block

Figure 4.5 Block diagram of recloser control circuit

92

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,
93

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 loglog 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 RECLOSERFUSE

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.

94

Table 4.1 Different cases considered for recloser-fuse miscoordination

Case

DG Source

Fault location

Current seen by protective device

DG-1

Fault 1

IR =IS & IF =IS + IDG

DG-1

Fault 2

IR = IDG & IF = IS + IDG

DG-2

Fault 1

IR = I F = IDG + IS

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, recloserfuse
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.
95

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.

96

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
Type

Current (A)
A

Time of Operation (s)

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.

97

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, LL-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, LL-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.
98

Table 4.3 Results from the conventional scheme for different type of faults with 1 and 3 MVA DG

DG

Fault

Capacity

Type

IU (A)

IDG (A)

IR (A)

IF (A)

Time of
Operation (s)

(MVA)

tR

tF

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

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

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

99

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

DG

Fault

Capacity

Type

IU (A)

IDG (A)

IR (A)

IF (A)

Time of
Operation (s)

(MVA)

3.5

tR

tF

78

NO

0.0145

3313

65

NO

0.01125

3510

3319

84

NO

0.0115

502

3777

3564

3122

NO

0.01175

605

500

3766

3442

3113

NO

0.01174

339

293

75

2613

72

78

NO

0.0145

222

529

717

211

3348

3332

65

NO

0.0112

746

261

547

702

231

3525

3343

85

NO

0.01149

727

751

632

676

701

584

3802

3587

3147

NO

0.01175

725

749

630

673

698

582

3790

3576

3138

NO

0.01175

L-G

2335

228

57

336

282

114

290

257

66

2603

72

L-L

2905

2719

210

500

658

205

449

621

196

3328

L-L-G

3067

2747

203

514

650

239

465

608

213

L-L-L

3230

2981

2641

626

657

549

576

607

L-L-L-G

3221

2979

2635

624

655

547

573

L-G

2297

260

49

386

321

125

L-L

2875

2652

220

580

756

L-L-G

3011

2677

212

596

L-L-L

3160

2907

2576

L-L-L-G

3150

2899

2570

NO: no operation of recloser

100

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

DG

Fault

Capacity

Type

IU (A)

IDG (A)

IR (A)

IF (A)

Time of
Operation (s)

(MVA)

tR

tF

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

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

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

101

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

DG

Fault

Capacity

Type

IU (A)

IDG (A)

IR (A)

IF (A)

Time of
Operation (s)

(MVA)

tR

tF

83

0.1277

0.287

2558

68

0.0966

0.1875

2688

2523

93

0.0962

0.1846

2479

2931

2815

2479

0.0932

0.1816

2808

2473

2924

2803

2473

0.0932

0.1812

1620

78

83

1620

78

83

0.1252

0.2744

386

2838

2822

68

2838

2822

68

0.0937

0.17726

2125

525

2948

2785

94

2975

2785

94

0.0929

0.17225

2379

2336

2062

3231

3117

2732

3231

3117

2732

0.0879

0.17225

2371

2330

2056

3223

3109

2725

3222

3109

2725

0.0881

0.1726

L-G

1052

414

192

702

462

301

1564

77

83

1564

77

L-L

1454

1198

341

1539

1690

347

2574

2558

38

2574

L-L-G

1427

1335

413

1572

1683

463

2688

2523

93

L-L-L

1552

1427

1323

1903

1838

1641

2931

2815

L-L-L-G

1550

1425

1322

1897

1834

1637

2924

L-G

975

487

226

830

543

343

L-L

1331

1044

376

1944

2134

L-L-G

1273

1219

467

1980

L-L-L

1410

1288

1228

L-L-L-G

1408

1286

1228

102

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

DG

Fault

Capacity

Type

IU (A)

IDG (A)

IR (A)

IF (A)

Time of
Operation (s)

(MVA)

0.5

tF

tR

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

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

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

103

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

DG

Fault

Capacity

Type

IU (A)

IDG (A)

IR (A)

IF (A)

Time of
Operation (s)

(MVA)

tF

tR

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

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

104

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, LL-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 (MarginII 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
105

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.

106

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

Fault

Capacity

Type

IU (A)

IDG (A)

IR (A)

IF (A)

Time of
Operation (s)

(MVA)

0.5

tR

tF

81

0.1265

0.4215

1837

65

0.1057

0.2357

1950

1830

86

0.103

0.219

1563

2102

2055

1778

0.0965

0.2022

1756

1561

2099

1987

1775

0.0965

0.2025

1220

172

99

1409

74

82

0.1562

0.3337

164

1630

1523

160

1987

1973

66

0.124

0.235

618

209

1678

1565

186

2096

1954

87

0.1187

0.2234

722

655

590

1838

1688

1500

2260

2144

1912

0.1107

0.2012

720

654

589

1835

1685

1498

2256

2140

1909

0.1107

0.2015

L-G

1299

138

89

176

112

89

1274

101

59

1363

74

L-L

1715

1647

135

310

335

94

1669

1608

100

1849

L-L-G

1785

1679

142

320

332

118

1736

1633

112

L-L-L

1916

1810

1611

389

348

313

1908

1759

L-L-L-G

1913

1807

1609

387

348

313

1905

L-G

1248

192

95

309

199

151

L-L

1674

1563

180

576

622

L-L-G

1725

1612

197

593

L-L-L

1848

1739

1549

L-L-L-G

1845

1736

1547

107

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

Fault

Capacity

Type

IU (A)

IDG (A)

IR (A)

IF (A)

Time of
Operation (s)

(MVA)

2.5

tR

tF

83

0.236

0.3252

2223

67

0.1727

0.2127

2357

2188

90

0.1642

0.2063

1401

2550

2428

2154

0.1445

0.2022

1562

1400

2545

2423

2150

0.1444

0.2028

1083

332

192

1511

75

83

0.2787

0.3264

294

1519

1312

282

2351

2335

67

0.1921

0.2092

1285

386

160

1403

349

2472

2295

91

0.1855

0.202

1484

1392

1253

1630

1510

1361

2680

2556

2262

0.1577

0.2007

1480

1389

1250

1628

1508

1360

2674

2551

2258

0.1577

0.1982

L-G

1165

294

142

501

325

233

1117

288

168

1482

75

L-L

1598

1418

260

1011

1093

260

1555

1358

250

2239

L-L-G

1616

1499

302

1038

1088

340

1570

1451

305

L-L-L

1730

1615

1449

1262

1171

1056

1681

1564

L-L-L-G

1728

1613

1448

1258

1169

1054

1679

L-G

1131

335

162

572

372

260

L-L

1561

1355

289

1192

1291

L-L-G

1566

1451

343

1223

L-L-L

1679

1560

1408

L-L-L-G

1676

1558

1407

108

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

Capacity

Fault

(MVA)

Type

IU (A)

IDG (A)

IR (A)

IF (A)

Time of
Operation (s)
tR

tF

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

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

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

109

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

110

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
IR

ZDG

Utility

Zsection

DG

IDG

IF

Load

Figure 4.10 Single line diagram of the sample system

111

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

Type

IR/IF

(TDS)

Time of Operation (s)

tR

tF

2.36

0.307

0.32725

0.5

3.36

NO

0.2025

0.57

0.57

3.5

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

L-G

0.67

L-L

0.6

L-L-G

0.5

0.5

0.5

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

NO: no operation of recloser

112

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

0.5

0.206

0.32725

0.2556

0.5

0.1147

0.2025

0.2859

0.2859

0.5

0.1135

0.1937

0.59

0.2841

0.2788

0.2992

0.0945 0.19774

0.59

0.2842

0.2791

0.2994

0.0945 0.19775

L-G

0.67

2.36

0.3397

0.5

L-L

0.6

0.5

3.36

0.3021

L-L-G

0.57

0.57

3.5

L-L-L

0.56

0.55

L-L-L-G

0.56

0.55

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
Type

Ratio
IR/IF

Time Dial Setting

(TDS)

Time of Operation (s)

tR

tF

NO

0.322

NO

0.1592

NO

0.163

0.47

NO

0.1747

0.47

NO

0.1752

L-G

A
0.58

B
6.5

C
3.19

L-L

0.44

0.45

4.3

L-L-G

0.48

0.38

4.15

L-L-L

0.43

0.43

L-L-L-G

0.43

0.44

0.5

0.5

0.5

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

NO: no operation of recloser

113

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

0.5

0.2155

0.322

0.2258

0.5

0.094

0.1592

0.2408

0.1888

0.5

0.093

0.163

0.47

0.2193

0.2198

0.2392

0.0755

0.1747

0.47

0.2195

0.2201

0.2394

0.0757

0.1752

L-G

0.58

6.5

3.19

0.293

0.5

L-L

0.44

0.45

4.3

0.2213

L-L-G

0.48

0.377

4.15

L-L-L

0.43

0.43

L-L-L-G

0.43

0.44

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

Capacity

Type

IR/IF

Setting

(MVA)
2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

(TDS)

Time of Operation (s)

tR

tF

L-G

0.75

0.3757

0.1775

0.3252

L-L-L

0.6633

0.3354

0.0955

0.2022

L-G

0.626

0.3132

0.21676

0.32775

L-L-L

0.5014

0.2524

0.0865

0.188

L-G

0.55

0.277

0.19549

0.30624

L-L-L

0.4092

0.2054

0.05774

0.15925

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)
0.15

0.25

0.5

1.0

tR

tF

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

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

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

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 (0.01). In
contrast, the proposed adaptive scheme gives satisfactory results during high resistance faults.

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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)

2.5

5.0

tR

tF

0.5

0.539

0.938

0.5

0.5

1.092

1.947

0.421

0.5

0.5

2.931

4.690

1.36

0.444

0.5

0.5

5.601

7.964

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

10

0.708

3.54 1.396

0.354

0.5

0.5

1.431

1.876

20

0.802

2.94

0.401

0.5

0.5

4.455

4.632

5.0

0.755

3.15

1.16

0.377

0.5

10

0.788

2.11 1.141

0.394

20

0.842

2.18 1.278

30

0.89

2.0

40

1.6

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.

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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.

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