Protection of High-Pen Distributed Photovoltaics

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This project will define best practices for power system protection-independent controls that isolate faults on the grid-for radial distribution circuits with high photovoltaic (PV) penetration. A radial system is a common type of power distribution system. Because high PV penetration creates bidirectional power flow, and inverters respond differently to faults, traditional protection methods need to be revised. PV and battery energy storage inverters produce low-fault currents that don't function properly under traditional overcurrent and distance protection. And with new requirements in new industry standards, like IEEE 1547, devices known as undervoltage relays can't detect faults. This project will evaluate potential local solutions-such as high-energy traveling waves, incremental quantities, relays without settings, and focused directional methods on distribution networks-and conduct field tests at two sites. These alternative protections have the potential to overcome costly special protection studies and other grid integration requirements.

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