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Protection and automation · in the field
In progress
PROTEGE
Adaptive protection coordination for distribution feeders with high distributed-generation penetration.
Operating time
38 ms
False trips
−72%
Feeders
6
HIL tests
1,240
The problem
Distribution relays are set once, for a fixed short-circuit scenario. With distributed generation, power flow reverses direction throughout the day and the settings stop coordinating: healthy branches trip unnecessarily while real faults take too long to clear.
Approach
We estimate topology and generation injection in near real time and recompute relay setting groups, switched via IEC 61850 communication. The whole scheme is validated in hardware-in-the-loop testing before going live on the feeder.
38 ms operating time for a three-phase fault with 40% DG on the feeder.
72% drop in unwanted trips across the six pilot feeders.
Scheme compatible with already-installed relays — no hardware swap needed.
Milestones
Feeder modeling and validation with field data
Completed
Hardware-in-the-loop testing with commercial relays
Completed
Pilot across six utility feeders
In progress
Settings manual and team training
2027
Publications
Adaptive overcurrent coordination for feeders with high DER penetration
HIL validation of adaptive protection schemes in distribution networks