Anti-islanding strategy based on ROCOF method
for three phase DG inverter
Mittapalli Rohith
Powersystems
Dept of Electrical Engineering
National Institute Of Techoilogy
Calicut
Kozhikode,Kerala
mittapalli_m230771ee@nitc.ac.in
Abstract—In recent years distribution generation (DG) has
been broadly integrated in the electrical distribution system.
Facing the penetration rate of DGs it is needed to ensure some
performance principally the quality and service continuity. One
of the most important issue of the DG inverter-interfaced utility
is unintentional island ing condition. Therefore, many anti
islanding (AI) standards to be adopted for DG inverter
connected to the utility. Hence, it is necessary to detect this mode
as soon as possible when an indicator of islanding have
appeared. Various Islanding Detection Methods (IDM) has been
developed but they are not satisfying. In this paper a new IDM
based on Rate of change of frequency (ROCOF) was proposed.
Indeed frequency is extracted via the PI observer then a
ROCOF technique is employed to detection any variation in
voltage frequency. Keywords—component, formatting, style,
styling, insert (key words)
I. INTRODUCTION
Due to the escalating global demand for electric power,
environmental constraints (such as limits on fossil energy and
greenhouse gases), the high costs associated with establishing
new power plants, and technological advancements, the
electrical power supply system is grappling with various
challenges. The existing power system proves insufficient to
meet the surging demand and address these challenges [1]. In
the early 80s, Distributed Generation (DG) emerged as a
solution to tackle these issues [2]. DG involves electrical
resources connected to the electric distribution system,
usually in proximity to the customer, enhancing the stability
and efficiency of the utility. These resources can encompass
energy sources (such as photovoltaic arrays, mini/micro
hydro wind turbines, fuel cells) or storage systems (including
flywheels, batteries, compressed air systems). The
widespread adoption of DG systems offers numerous
advantages, such as reducing gas emissions, deferring the
need for additional transmission lines, and minimizing
congestion in distribution feeders, thereby reducing losses [1-
6].
This transformative architecture, known as a microgrid
(MG), integrates conventional or nonconventional DG with
critical or noncritical loads and is characterized by
decentralized power plants. The complex structure of MGs
necessitates enhanced monitoring and control to ensure high
power quality, service continuity, and compliance with
required protocols and standards. Despite the benefits of
connecting DG inverters to the utility, poor control systems
can lead to technical issues, with unintentional islanding
1
Bishnugopal Ghosh
Powersystems
Dept of Electrical Engineering
National Institute Of Techoilogy
Calicut
Kozhikode,Kerala
bishnugopal_m230339ee@nitc.ac.in
being a notable concern [1]. According to IEEE standard
1547, an "island" in a power system refers to a condition
where a portion of the utility system, containing local loads
and DG systems, becomes isolated from the rest following a
network failure or loss at the Point of Common Coupling
(PCC) . Islanding can result in safety hazards, power quality
issues, and instability in voltage and frequency, posing risks
to individuals and devices and potentially disrupting the
distribution system operation. Detecting this mode promptly
when an islanding indicator occurs is a critical challenge [3-
4].
The connection of DG inverters to electrical distribution lines
necessitates adherence to various anti-islanding (AI)
standards. These standards primarily focus on safety, power
quality, energy efficiency, and electromagnetic
compatibility.
This paper introduces a new Islanding Detection Method
(IDM), classified as passive because it does not rely on the
disturbance signal to the inverter system. The frequency is
extracted from the PCC measured voltage using a
Proportional-Integral (PI) observer. Subsequently, the Rate of
Change of Frequency (ROCOF) technique is employed for
reliable island detection. The remaining sections of this paper
are organized as follows: Section II provides an overview of
the classification of IDMs. Section III briefly describes the
ROCOF technique. Section IV presents the under-study
system, while Section V Describe Proposed IDM Method.
II. ISLANDING DETECTION METHOD
CLASSIFICATION
Numerous Islanding Detection Methods (IDMs) have been
proposed in the literature, demonstrating their capability to
detect islanding modes. However, current approaches are
deemed unsatisfactory [2]. The evaluation of each IDM
involves the utilization of performance indices that gauge
accuracy, speed, and effectiveness. These indices encompass
the Non-Detection Zone (NDZ), detection time, and power
quality considerations . Consequently, the classification of
IDMs can be delineated, into remote and local categories,
contingent upon the location of the detection process .

Passive
ISLANDING DETECTION
METHODS
Local Methods Active
Remort Method Hybrid
Fig:1 Islanding Detection Methods
In the realm of islanding detection methods (IDMs), a
comparison between remote and local techniques reveals that
remote methods, leveraging communication between
inverters and the grid, offer superior performance with
negligible Non-Detection Zone (NDZ), minimal impact on
power quality, high reliability, and straightforward
implementation. However, the drawback lies in their
costliness, particularly in smaller systems, necessitating the
installation of communication infrastructure such as sensors
and telecommunication devices .
On the other hand, local IDMs involve monitoring
parameters at the Distributed Generation (DG) site, including
voltage, current, frequency, and angle, as well as harmonic
aspects. The fundamental concept is that islanding mode
becomes readily detectable when Point of Common Coupling
(PCC) parameters surpass predetermined threshold values.
Local IDMs can be categorized as passive, active, or hybrid.
Passive techniques, initially developed, rely on direct
measurement and analysis of PCC parameter fluctuations.
While passive methods boast advantages such as easy
implementation, no adverse effects on power quality, fast
detection speed, and low cost, their major limitation is the
relatively larger NDZ [2].
To address the limitations of passive methods, active
techniques have been introduced. Active IDMs involve
introducing a small disturbance at the PCC to expedite the
parameters' convergence beyond required limits when
islanding occurs . Although active IDMs enhance the accuracy
of anti-islanding procedures with a typically small or zero
NDZ, and reduced error detection rates, the periodic
perturbation signal introduced to the system tends to decrease
power quality and system stability. The integration of a circuit
to generate a controlled perturbation signal adds complexity
to the implementation of active techniques [2].
In response to the drawbacks of passive and active
methods, a new approach called hybrid IDMs has been
proposed. Hybrid techniques combine active IDM elements
with passive methods [2]. In comparison to passive and active
methods, hybrid techniques exhibit the smallest NDZs and
minimal degradation in power quality. However, this
comprehensive strategy increases the overall system cost and
detection time [2].
2
III. SIMULATION DESCRIPTION
The structure diagram of the system under study is depicted
Fig 2: Simulation Diagram
The system comprises a Distributed Generation (DG)
inverter connected to a three-phase load and the utility grid.
The DG unit is represented by a DC source feeding a DC/AC
power inverter. This three-phase inverter is modeled using
Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) switches and is
controlled with Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) to provide
AC power to the local load or the utility. The local load is
modeled as a three-phase constant RLC branch. To mitigate
the ripple caused by the switching frequency, an LCL filter is
employed to reduce harmonic pollution in the output voltage,
with various output filter diagram topologies found in the
literature, including L, LC, LCL, or other schemes with
damping impedance.
Recently, the LCL topology has gained popularity in grid-
interfaced DG inverters due to its superior attenuation
capabilities and high power quality outcomes [1]. On the
utility grid side, three-phase sources with external impedance
Rg and Lg are considered. The connection between the DG
inverter and the utility grid is managed by a circuit breaker
(CB), which opens in the event of an islanding phenomenon.
In grid-connected mode, the CB is closed.
During the grid-connected mode (GC), the inverter operates
as a current source to generate power, as controlled by a
current controller based on a Proportional-Integral (PI)
compensator [1]. The output currents of the three-phase
inverter are measured and transformed into d-q elements. The
PI controller is applied in both the d and q axes, where id and
iq are utilized to control the Distributed Generation (DG)
output active and reactive power, respectively.
In grid-connected mode (GC), the inverter functions as a
current source for power generation, with its operation
governed by a current controller employing a Proportional-
Integral (PI) compensator [1] the three-phase inverter's output
currents are measured and converted into d-q elements. The
PI controller is implemented in both the d and q axes, with id
and iq serving to regulate the active and reactive power output
of the Distributed Generation (DG) system, respectively [1].

PICTURE OF CURRENT CONTROL(fig-3)
In the control and synchronization system the
park transform is used.
the Park transformation as expressed in :
𝐜𝐨𝐬(⍬ + 𝟑) 𝒙𝒂
𝟐 𝟐
𝒙𝒅 𝟐
𝐜𝐨𝐬 ⍬ 𝐜𝐨𝐬(⍬ − 𝟑)
[𝒙 ] = [ 𝟐 𝟐
] [𝒙𝒃 ]
𝒒 𝟑
−𝐬𝐢𝐧 ⍬ − 𝐬𝐢𝐧(⍬ − 𝟑) − 𝐬𝐢𝐧(⍬ + 𝟑) 𝒙𝒄
In the rest of this paper, we assume that:
The source is stiff and the expression of three phase
voltage defined by
Vga =vgcos(⍬∗)
2 implementation, the ROCOF method is employed in this
Vgb= vgcos(⍬∗ − )
3
2 ·
Vgc= vgcos(⍬∗ + )
3
Where Vg and ⍬* are respectively the grid voltage and the
actual angle
IV. RATE OF CHANGE OF FREQUENCY METHOD
The rate of change of frequency (ROCOF) technique has
emerged as a frontrunner in islanding detection due to its
rapid response time [11]. As the name suggests, ROCOF
identifies islanding conditions when the df/dt surpasses a
predefined threshold. Brikiran et al. [23] introduced an anti-
islanding method that monitors the ripple content within the
ROCOF waveform. To mitigate power quality degradation
and minimize the non-detection zone (NDZ), Mahdiyeh et al.
[20] proposed a combined approach utilizing SFS and
ROCOF. Ontrei et al. [23] enhanced the existing anti-
islanding reactive power variation (RPV) method by
3
incorporating ROCOF, enabling rapid frequency drift during
islanding events. Integrating ROCOF techniques into the
traditional RPV scheme expedites islanding detection. Kandil
et al. [24] presented an efficient ROCOF relay that maintains
a balance between sensitivity and dependability for multiple
distributed generators (DGs) in microgrid (MG) applications
under abnormal conditions.The rate of change of frequency
(ROCOF) technique has gained significant
traction in recent literature due to its swift islanding detection
capabilities [1]. As the name implies, ROCOF detects
islanding conditions when the df/dt exceeds a predetermined
threshold. Brikiran et al. [6] introduced an anti-islanding
method that monitors the ripple content within the ROCOF
waveform. To address power quality degradation and
minimize the non-detection zone (NDZ), Mahdiyeh et al. [2]
proposed a combined approach utilizing SFS and ROCOF.
Ontrei et al. [7] enhanced the existing anti-islanding reactive
power variation (RPV) method by incorporating ROCOF,
enabling rapid frequency drift during islanding events.
Integrating ROCOF techniques into the traditional RPV
scheme expedites islanding detection. Kandil et al. [4]
presented an efficient ROCOF relay that strikes a balance
between sensitivity and dependability for multiple distributed
generators (DGs) in microgrid (MG) applications under
abnormal conditions.
Conversely, numerous proposed methods benchmark their
performance against the ROCOF technique to assess their
effectiveness. Bakhshi et al. [5] developed an IDM based on
the Tufts–Kumaresan (TK) signal estimation method for
islanding detection and compared their results to ROCOF and
ROCOFOP methods. Bifaretti et al. [2] designed a robust
anti-islanding phase-locked loop (PLL) based on a third-
order prediction-correction filter. They validated their
simulation results through experimental testing and
compared their method to other IDM detection techniques,
including ROCOF and SMS.
Given its superior characteristics, including a small NDZ,
negligible impact on power quality, and straightforward
study for islanding detection.
ROCOF is a passive islanding detection method that
utilizes the inherent relationship between frequency and
power balance within the grid.
· ROCOF's effectiveness is primarily dependent on the
accuracy of frequency measurements and the selection of an
appropriate threshold value.
· ROCOF is particularly well-suited for detecting large
frequency deviations, making it suitable for identifying
islanding events.
V PROPOSED IDM METHOD
The proposed method utilizes an AI algorithm that combines
a PI observer and ROCOF technique to achieve reliable
islanding detection. The algorithm is illustrated in Fig.4. The
Vαβ component is extracted from the three-phase voltage
VPCC measured at the PCC using the Clarke transformation,
defined as:
 must terminate power supply within a maximum delay of 2
seconds.
V. SIMULATION STUDIES AND THE RESULTS
The system depicted in Fig. 3, with the parameters values
in
Table I, is simulated using Matlab/Simulink.
TABLE 1: PARAMETERS OF THE SIMULATED SYSTEM

1 1
1 − −
2 2
𝑉
𝑉𝛼𝛽 =[𝑉𝛼𝛽 ]= √23 0 √3
2
−
√3
2
𝑉𝑎𝑏𝑐
1 1 1
[√2 √2 √2 ]
…(4)
The extracted signals are then fed into an angle tracking
observer to determine the voltage frequency. As depicted in
Fig.5, the observer is a PI observer cascaded with an integrator.
Various sensorless control diagram approaches based on
observers have been proposed in the literature for various
applications, including Kalman filters, Luenberger observers,
PI observers, nonlinear observers, and sliding-mode observers.
Fig.5 illustrates the schematic diagram of the PI observer
employed in this study. The output signals are compared to
their corresponding estimates. Consequently, if

θ- θ̂ =0 . the observer is negligible,

then sin (θ − θ ̂)
̂)= ( θ-θ
̂ (S) 𝐺(𝑆)
θ
= …..(5)
θ(S) 𝑆+𝐺(𝑆) SWITCHING

1
Where G(S)=𝐾1 (𝐾2 + )
𝑆
Following frequency extraction, it is fed into the ROCOF
techniques block to identify any changes in df/dt. In the event
of islanding, a trip signal is transmitted to the control system,
prompting the inverter switches to open and disconnect the
DG from the utility grid. Notably, the ROCOF relay setting
follows the IEC 61 727 standard. Therefore, the DG inverter Converter output voltage

4
 Conclusion:
In this paper, a new islanding detection method (IDM) based
on the rate of change of frequency (ROCOF) technique was
proposed. The proposed method utilizes a PI observer to
extract the voltage frequency, which is then fed into the
ROCOF technique to detect any variations in frequency.
The proposed method is simple to implement and has a
small non-detection zone (NDZ). Simulation results show
that the proposed method can effectively detect islanding
conditions.
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