Optimal Microgrid's Protection Coordination Considering N-1 Contingency and Optimum Relay Characteristics - 2021

Applied Soft Computing Journal xxx (xxxx) xxx
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Applied Soft Computing Journal

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/asoc
Optimal microgrid’s protection coordination considering N-1

contingency and optimum relay characteristics
∗
Amir Mohammad Entekhabi-Nooshabadi a , Hamed Hashemi-Dezaki a,b , ,
Seyed Abbas Taher a
a
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Kashan, 6 km Ghotbravandi Blvd, postal code: 8731753153, Kashan, Iran
b
Regional Innovational Center for Electrical Engineering (RICE), Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of West Bohemia (UWB), postal code:
30614, Pilsen, Czech Republic
graphical abstract
article info a b s t r a c t
Article history: There is a knowledge gap about the development of optimal coordination of microgrids, which consid-
Received 16 September 2019 ers all N-1 contingencies by using the smart selection of standard relay characteristics. This paper tries
Received in revised form 7 August 2020 to fill such a knowledge gap by contributing to introduce a novel method to optimize the coordination
Accepted 14 September 2020
of microgrids’ directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs), which smartly selects the time-current charac-
Available online xxxx
teristic of relays and considers all system topologies. Achieving an optimal protection scheme of micro-
Keywords: grids without any selectivity constraint under various topologies is the main purpose of this research.
Microgrid The proposed objective function of total operating time of DOCRs under various system topologies is
Optimal coordination of directional linearized as the TDSs. The hybrid heuristic-linear programming algorithms (HHLPAs) are used to solve
overcurrent relays (DOCRs) the mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP) problem. The decrease in the number of heuristic
Smart selection of relay characteristics
algorithm’s decision variables improves the performance of the proposed HHLPAs. The soft computing-
N-1 contingencies
based comparison of the hybrid genetic algorithm-linear programming (GA-LP) and the hybrid particle
Hybrid genetic algorithm-linear
programming (GA-LP) swarm optimization-linear programming (PSO-LP) is another contribution of this paper. About 80%
Hybrid particle swarm optimization-linear decrease in the DOCRs’ operating time has been achieved by applying the proposed smart selection of
programming (PSO-LP) standard relay characteristics (normally inverse, very inverse, and extremely inverse) in comparison
to use of just normally inverse curve based on existing methods. The satisfaction of coordination
constraints of optimum relay settings is validated based on the DIgSILENT protection simulations.
© 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
∗ Corresponding author at: Regional Innovational Center for Electrical Engi- E-mail addresses: amirmohammad.entekhabi@grad.kashanu.ac.ir
neering (RICE), Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of West Bohemia (A.M. Entekhabi-Nooshabadi), hamed.hashemi@kashanu.ac.ir,
(UWB), postal code: 30614, Pilsen, Czech Republic. hhashemi@rice.zcu.cz (H. Hashemi-Dezaki), sataher@kashanu.ac.ir (S.A. Taher).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2020.106741
1568-4946/© 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Please cite this article as: A.M. Entekhabi-Nooshabadi, H. Hashemi-Dezaki and S.A. Taher, Optimal microgrid’s protection coordination considering N-1 contingency and
optimum relay characteristics, Applied Soft Computing Journal (2020) 106741, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2020.106741.
A.M. Entekhabi-Nooshabadi, H. Hashemi-Dezaki and S.A. Taher Applied Soft Computing Journal xxx (xxxx) xxx
Nomenclature TDSj The TDS of the jth DOCR

TDSjmin The lower bound of the jth DOCR’s TDS
Aj and Bj The time-current characteristics’ con-
stant parameters of the jth directional TDSjmax The upper bound of the jth DOCR’s TDS
overcurrent relay (DOCR) TDSp,i The TDS of the ith primary DOCR
CTI Coordination time interval αsp,,Fi1 The linear programming problem coeffi-
CTRj The current transformer ratio of the jth cient of the ith primary DOCR due to its
DOCR NEF under the sth system topology
Ipj The pick-up current setting (PCS) of the αsj ,F1 The linear programming problem coef-
jth DOCR ficient of the jth DOCR due to its NEF
Ipmin
j
The lower bound of the jth DOCR’s PCS under the sth system topology
Ipmax The upper bound of the jth DOCR’s PCS αj The linear programming problem coef-
j
j
ficient of the jth DOCR based on all
Isc The short circuit current (SCC) passing system topologies
p,i
through the jth DOCR αsb,xF,1i The linear programming problem coef-
Isc ,s,F The SCC passing through the ith primary ficient of the xth back-up DOCR corre-
1
DOCR due to its near-end fault (NEF) sponding to the ith primary DOCR due
under the sth system topology to its NEF under the sth system topology
p,i
IP The PCS of the ith primary DOCR αsb,xF,2i The linear programming problem coef-
kj The jth DOCR’s integer variable, which ficient of the xth back-up DOCR corre-
its 1, 2 or 3 value determines the type sponding to the ith primary DOCR due
of tripping curve to its FEF under the sth system topology
ns Total number of primary protection Ap,i and Bp,i The time-current characteristics’ con-
DOCRs under the sth system topology stant parameters of the ith primary
N The total number of primary protection DOCR
DOCRs f The fitness function of the GA/PSO-LP
S Set of different system topologies OP
T The total operating time of the primary Pcte The constant penalty factor of the fitness
DOCRs corresponding to NEFs function
tj The operating time of the jth DOCR Nv io The number of constraints violations
PRSs The set of primary DOCRs under the sth Pv ar The variable penalty factor of the fitness
system topology function
p,i
Rs The ith primary DOCR under the sth C A Boolean variable represents that its
system topology one value denotes a constraint violation
b ,i
Rs x The xth back-up DOCR of the ith primary and its zero value determines there is no
DOCR under the sth system topology constraint violation
b ,i
Rs x The xth back-up DOCR of the ith primary V i (k) The velocity of the ith particle under the
DOCR under the sth system topology kth iteration of the PSO algorithm
SRS The set of system’s DOCRs xi (k) The position of the ith particle under the
Rj ( The jth DOCR kth iteration of the PSO algorithm
F kj , TDSj , Ipj ω Inertia weight in the range of [0 1] of the
)
A function of different decision variables
such as the DOCR characteristic, time PSO algorithm
dial setting (TDS), and the PCS Damp Inertia Weight damping rate of the PSO
p,i algorithm
ts,F The operating time of the ith primary
1
DOCR due to its NEF under the sth r1 and r2 The random vectors in the range of [0 1]
system topology of the PSO algorithm
p,i c1 Personal learning coefficient of the PSO
ts,F The operating time of the ith primary
2
DOCR due to its FEF under the sth algorithm
system topology c2 Global learning coefficient of the PSO
b ,i algorithm
ts,xF The operating time of the xth back-up
1 i
DOCR of the ith primary DOCR due to Pbest The best particle position of the PSO
the NEF of the corresponding primary algorithm
DOCR under the sth system topology gbest The best global position of the PSO
b ,i algorithm
ts,xF The operating time of the xth back-up
2
DOCR of the ith primary DOCR due to H (f ) Hessian matrix
the FEF of the corresponding primary Hij The array of the ith row and the jth
DOCR under the sth system topology column of the Hessian matrix
Xi,s The set of back-up DOCRs of the ith λi The ith eigenvalue of the Hessian matrix
primary DOCR under the sth system
topology
2
1. Introduction relays characteristics and comprehensive consideration of all con-

tingencies. The second is the comparison of various scenarios
A microgrid is a localized group of distributed energy re- of protection scheme optimization based on the use of identi-
sources (DERs) and electrical loads that can operate in grid- cal standard tripping characteristic (normally inverse (NI), very
connected and islanding modes [1,2]. The deployment of the inverse (VI), and extremely inverse (EI)) for all relays and a
microgrid is steadily growing. In designing of microgrids, it is scenario based on the smart selection of discussed standard char-
essential to protect the system against faults. An appropriate acteristics. Achieving an optimal protection scheme of microgrids
protection coordination scheme of any system should be able to without any selectivity constraint under various topologies is
quickly isolate as little of the system as possible [3–5]. Also, the the main purpose of this research. The speed and selectivity of
appropriate protection scheme is one that can avoid unnecessary the microgrid protection scheme under various operation modes
disconnection of non-fault areas [6,7]. and system topologies due to contingencies are guaranteed. The
The directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) are deployed in the advantages of the developed method are illustrated by the com-
microgrids because the flow of SCCs could be bidirectional [8,9]. parison of test results based on the proposed method and other
The operating time of an overcurrent relay could be associated available ones like [4]. The proposed method tries to overcome
the slow operating of relays due to consideration of all topologies’
with an inverse time-current characteristic. The time-current
selectivity constraints using optimum tripping characteristics.
characteristic is a function of the pick-up current setting (PCS)
Furthermore, the optimal coordination of protection relays
and the time dial setting (TDS) [10,11]. The TDSs could be se-
problem is non-convex, as would be discussed with Hessian ma-
lected from a range of continuous values, whereas it is possible
trix concepts in this paper. Hence, developing soft computing-
to select the Ip settings from a set of discrete taps [4]. The
based methods is useful and interesting [2,31]. Different NLP
optimization of protection coordination problems has received a
and MINLP using the heuristic algorithms have been reported to
great deal of attention [12]. This optimization problem (OP) has solve the OP of protection relays. Also, a large number of non-
been formulated as linear programming (LP) [13,14], non-linear linear constraints is one of the most critical challenges in the
programming (NLP) which considers that the Ip tap settings are research field of optimal coordination of DOCRs. The problem re-
continuous [15,16], and mixed-integer non-linear programming garding the number of non-linear constraints is intensified while
(MINLP) considering the discrete Ip settings [17,18]. In some different system topologies are considered, and the number of
studies, the LP has been utilized to optimize the TDS of relays, coordination constraints is dramatically increased.
while pick-up currents were considered to be pre-defined. The The conventional algorithms, which need the convex charac-
optimal protection coordination problems have been solved using teristics, are not appropriate to solve the optimal coordination of
evolutionary algorithms, while both TDSs and PCSs have been DOCRs as a non-convex OP [32].
considered as decision variables. Because of the complexities The global minimum is guaranteed under a convex OP. But,
of the microgrids’ protection schemes, different evolutionary the global optimum is adversely affected due to the problem
algorithms such as differential evolution [19], particle swarm size and its complexity under a non-convex OP. It means the
optimization (PSO), harmony search algorithm [20,21], teaching results might be trapped in a local minimum, particularly by
learning-based optimization (TLBO), and genetic algorithm (GA) applying the deterministic methods [33]. The being trapped in
have been used to solve the OP. However, it is useful to divide the local optimum is the most critical challenging issue [34]. The
the OP into LP and NLP [22]. deterministic methods are not suitable for finding global optima.
The topology of microgrids is affected due to different con- Dividing the non-linear OP of optimal DOCRs coordination into
tingencies [23]. The definition of N-1 contingency has been ex- the linear and non-linear problems is one of the most effective
plained in North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) solutions. By dividing the OP into linear and non-linear parts,
standards [7,24] as an outage of any generator or any line except the complexity of the problem and problem size is decreased.
lateral branches. Also, the grid-connected and islanding operation Therefore, the risk of local optimum would be reduced. Although
modes lead to change in the microgrid topologies [25,26]. Some other solutions, such as converting the OP to convexified linear
effort [14,18] has been devoted in literature to develop the pro- programming [35] have been introduced, the use of hybrid MINLP
tection coordination of transmission systems or sub-transmission is more widely developed in different research works. Hence, the
systems according to the consideration of lines outages. In [27, hybrid genetic algorithm-linear programming (GA-LP) and the
28], some contingency aspects related to DG units have been hybrid particle swarm optimization-linear programming (PSO-LP)
considered to optimize the relay protection coordination of mi- are used to solve the proposed OP.
crogrid. The proposed method is applied to the distribution portion of
the IEEE 14-bus, as a meshed distribution system. The proposed
Saleh et al. [4] developed a method to optimize the protection
method is implemented in MATLAB. The problem inputs such as
coordination of microgrids based on N-1 contingencies, which
SCCs and power flow results are also simulated in DIgSILENT,
considers the DGs outage. However, less attention has been paid
and they are exported to MATLAB. The test results illustrate the
to the microgrids’ protection coordination, which considers the
advantages of the introduced method to increase the speed of
outage of DGs as an important contingency of microgrids.
the protection system while there is no coordination constraint
On the other hand, the intelligent determination of relay trip-
violation under various system topologies.
ping characteristics in addition to optimization of the PCSs and The most important contributions of this paper in the research
TDSs can effectively improve the protection schemes [29,30]. field of microgrids protection are as follows:
However, none of the references based on the smart selection
of relay tripping characteristics has considered all the microgrid – Simultaneously consideration of N-1 contingency and smart
topologies due to contingencies of sub-transmission substations, selection of DOCR tripping curves;
lines, and DG units. Therefore, there is a knowledge gap to pro- – Using the GA-LP and PSO-LP algorithms to solve the OP;
pose the optimal microgrid protection scheme using the smart – Comparison of the test results obtained by GA-LP and PSO-
selection of DOCRs characteristics’ under various system topolo- LP algorithms;
gies. This article tries to fill this knowledge gap by bringing two – Decreasing the DOCRs’ operating time and increasing the
major contributions to the available literature. The first is the protection scheme speed by the smart selection of stan-
development of a method to optimize the microgrids protec- dard relay curves in comparison to other existing methods
tion schemes by incorporating the smart selection of standard like [4];
3
– Validating the obtained results by simulating the relay co-

ordinations in the DIgSILENT.
The rest of this article is structured as follows. The proposed

OP in the field of optimal protection coordination of microgrids,
including the proposed objective function, constraints, and hybrid
GA-LP and PSO-LP algorithms, is denoted in Section 2. The test
results are presented in Section 3, and conclusions are discussed
in the final section.
2. Proposed optimal protection coordination of microgrids
2.1. Objective function (OF) and constraints
The modern electrical energy systems demand that protec-

tion schemes be reliable, fast, and selective. The faster tripping
time of protective relays while the coordination and selectivity
constraints are satisfied is essential [36].
The current passing through the electrical equipment is in-
creased due to short circuit faults. Hence, the DOCRs should
operate as the fastest time while there is no constraint viola-
tion. By minimizing the operating time of DOCRs, the electrical,
thermal, and mechanical stresses are reduced.
Although various OFs have been reported in research works in
the field of power system protection, it is well-known to select
the summation of all DOCRs’ operating time when they protect
Fig. 1. Topologies of a typical 3-bus microgrid due to various contingencies and
the system as the primary protective device. In different refer- operation modes [4].
ences such as [32,37,38], the sum of all primary DOCRs’ operating
time has been considered as the OF. By minimizing the amount of
operating time of primary DOCRs subject to the coordination time
The example, as shown in Fig. 1 [4], is useful to explain the
interval constraints, the fastest scheme without any coordination
different topologies of microgrids due to N-1 contingencies and
and selectivity constraints violation is achievable. Briefly, the
different operation modes (grid-connected and islanding modes).
optimality of coordinated protective schemes could be evaluated
As revealed by Fig. 1, three topologies occurred due to an
based on their speed without any coordination and selectivity
outage of lines. Also, due to operation modes and the outage of
constraints violation. the DG units and sub-transmission substations, three topologies
In this paper, the optimal coordination of protection relays is happened.
typically formulated as an OP that its main purpose is to minimize The following cases like [4] are studied, and their results
the relays tripping time as shown in (1) under various system would be compared together:
topologies subject to the selectivity constraints.
{ ns
} • Case 1: Only the main topology (similar to Fig. 1a) is con-
p,i sidered.
∑∑
T kj , TDSj , IPj = ∀j ∈ {1, . . . , N } (1)
( )
Minimize ts,F
1 • Case 2: The main topology (similar to Fig. 1a) and topologies
s∈S i=1
due to an outage of lines (similar to Fig. 1b, c, and d) are
where the set of different system topologies is denoted by S. considered.
Moreover, s, i, and ns denote the sth system topology, ith main • Case 3: The main topology (similar to Fig. 1a) and topologies
DOCR under the sth system topology, and the number of pri- under islanded operation modes (similar to Fig. 1e) are
mary DOCRs under the sth topology, respectively. Accordingly, considered.
the operating time of the ith primary DOCR under the sth system • Case 4: The main topology (similar to Fig. 1a), topologies due
p,i
topology when a fault occurs at its NEF is denoted by ts,F . to outage of lines (similar to Fig. 1b, c, and d), topologies
1
( In)the introduced OF, the operating times of primary DOCRs under islanded operation modes (similar to Fig. 1e), and
p,i topologies due to outage of DG units (similar to Fig. 1f and g)
ts,F are summed together under different system topologies
1
are considered. It should be noted that topologies due to the
due to N-1 contingencies. The main topology (all lines, DG units, outage of one sub-transmission substation, while the system
and sub-transmission substations are available), all topologies operates in the grid-connected mode, are considered in this
due to the outage of any DG unit, and the topologies under dif- case.
ferent operations modes are considered in the proposed method.
It is usual to use the total operating time of primary relays as the In Table 1, the primary and back-up relays under various
OF of optimal coordination of protection topologies, and the number of coordination constraints have been
) relays([39].
reported. As described, under case 4, it is necessary to con-
( )
As can be seen in (1), the TDSs TDSj , PCSs Ipj , and the type
( )
of relay operating curves kj are the decision variables in the sider the considerable number of constraints. While just the
main topology is considered, the significant coordination con-
introduced
( )OF. In addition, the values of SCC passing through the
j
( ) straints violations might occur. The comparison of the number
DOCRs Isc and the current transformer ratios CTRj are input of coordination constraints under different cases illustrates the
data. The input data, such as values of SCC passing through the importance of the consideration of all N-1 contingencies and
DOCRs are determined under various system topologies. In this operation modes.
paper, the DIgSILENT has been used to perform the power flow As explained in (2)–(4), the primary relays under different sys-
and short circuit analyses. tem topologies correspond one by one to system relays. Hence, by
4
determining the decision variables of system relays, the settings Table 1

of primary relays under various system topologies are deter- Primary and back-up relays of the system shown in Fig. 1 under various
topologies.
mined. Afterwards, the operating time (of any relay ) could be Case No. Topology Primary Back-up Number of
calculated based on the decision variables kj , TDSj , Ipj and inputs
( ) relay relay coordination
j
, CTRj .
Isc constraints
R1 R4
PRSs = Rps ,1 , . . . , Rps ,i , . . . , Rps ,ns
[ ]
∀s ∈ S (2) R2 R6
R3 R2
1 A 12
R4 R5
SRS = R1 (k1 , TDS1 , IP1 ) , . . . , Rj kj , TDSj , IPj , . . . ,
[ ( )
R5 R1
R6 R3
RN (kN , TDSN , IPN )
]
(3)
R1 R4
R2 R6
R3 R2
∃! j ∈ {1, . . . , N } : Rps ,i = Rj ∀i ∈ {1, . . . , ns } , ∀s ∈ S (4)
A
R4 R5
R5 R1
The tripping time of a DOCR is commonly distinguished as a R6 R3
2 24
function of SCC passing through the relay’s current transformers R4 R5
B
by an inverse characteristic, as shown in (5) [40]. R6 R3
R2 R6
Aj C
tj = F kj , TDSj , Ipj = TDSj ( ∀j ∈ {1, 2, . . . , N }
( )
R5 R1
j )Bj
Isc R1 R4
CTRj ×Ipj
−1 D
R3 R2
(5) R1 R4
R2 R6
Several time-current characteristics have been introduced in A
R3 R2
IEEE [41] and IEC [42] standards for overcurrent relays [43,44]. R4 R5
R5 R1
According to Annex A of IEC 60255-151 standard [42], the con-
R6 R3
stants of time-dependent operating time of overcurrent relays 3 24
R1 R4
curves are as Table 2 [45].
R2 R6
According to the nature of actual relays of the power system, R3 R2
E
the optimal coordination of protection relays should be formu- R4 R5
lated as an MINLP problem [46]. The PCSs and the TDSs are R5 R1
considered to be discrete and continuous variables, respectively. R6 R3
Also, by assigning an integer variable to each relay, its time- R1 R4
current characteristic constants (A and B) could be determined R2 R6
R3 R2
as (6). a, e, f, and g
R4 R5
0.14 0.02
⎧[ ]
R5 R1
if kj = 1
R6 R3
⎪
⎨
4 60
13.5 1 ∀j ∈ {1, 2, . . . , N }
[ ] [ ]
Aj Bj = if kj = 2 (6) R4 R5
B
R6 R3
⎪
⎩[ ]
80 2 if kj = 3
R2 R6
C
In this paper, the coordination of DOCRs are optimized under R5 R1
four scenarios as follows: R1 R4
D
R3 R2
• Scenario 1: The characteristics of all the relays are identical
and assumed to be NI.
Table 2
• Scenario 2: The characteristics of all the relays are identical Constants of overcurrent relays’ time-current characteristics.
and assumed to be VI.
No. Curve type A B
• Scenario 3: The characteristics of all the relays are identical
1 Normally inverse (NI) 0.14 0.02
and assumed to be EI.
2 Very inverse (VI) 13.5 1
• Scenario 4: The characteristics of relays are smartly selected. 3 Extremely inverse (EI) 80 2
Under scenarios 1, 2, and 3, the curve type of relays is pre-

defined. Under scenarios 1, 2, and 3, the values of all integer
variables corresponding to the standard relay operating charac- But, under scenario 4, the curve type of any relay is a decision
teristics are pre-defined to 1, 2, and 3, respectively, as shown in variable and is smartly selected. It means that the time-current
(7). It means under these scenarios similar to available conven- characteristic of each relay is not known and pre-defined. Each
tional methods, the smart selection of relay characteristics are relay might operate according to NI, VI, and EI depends on ( )the
not considered. Under scenario 4, the characteristics of the relays optimization results. As shown in (7), an integer variable kj is
(according to the decision variable, as shown in (7)) are smartly defined in the proposed OP, which its 1, 2 or 3 value determines
selected. the type of tripping curve of each DOCR. The optimum curve
⎧ If scenario 1 is selected type effectively influences the operating time of DOCRs because
⎪1 and all relays cur v es are assumed to be NI . time-current characteristic constants (A and B), as presented in
⎪
⎪
⎪
⎪ (6), are changed as a function of the discussed integer variable.
If scenario 2 is selected
⎪
⎨
kj = 2 (7) It is possible to improve the speed of the protection scheme by
⎪ and all relays cur v es are assumed to be VI . optimum curve type of DOCRs instead of pre-defined ones. In the
⎪
⎪3 If scenario 3 is selected proposed method (scenario 4), the curve types of DOCRs (NI, VI,
⎪
⎪
and all relays cur v es are assumed to be EI .
⎪
⎩ and EI) are smartly selected according to optimization results.
5
The smart selection of curve types for DOCRs is one of the most the simplest scenario, which does not exist the decision variables
important contributions of this article in comparison to other of curve types) could be defined as (13).
existing methods like [4]. 0.14
Scenarios 1, 2, and 3 have been introduced to highlight the t = f (Ip, TDS ) = TDS ( )0.02
impacts of the relays’ characteristics on the OF (total operating Isc
CTR×Ip
−1
times of DOCRs). Scenario 1 has been introduced based on the
∂ 2f ∂ 2f
⎡ ⎤
method of [4]. But the use of VI and NI for all DOCRs considering (13)
⎢ ∂ TDS 2 ∂ TDS .∂ Ip ⎥
[ ]
all system topologies has not been studied in other available H H12
⇒ H(f ) = 11 =⎢
⎣ ∂ 2f
⎥
research works. Although it is possible to reduce the operating H21 H22 ∂ 2f ⎦
time of DOCRs by selecting the VI or EI for all relays, the best ∂ Ip.∂ TDS ∂ Ip2
results are achievable by applying the proposed method under
Also, the arrays of the Hessian matrix defined in (13) are
scenario 4. The advantages of scenario 4 with a smart selection of
calculated as (14)–(16).
standard relays characteristics are highlighted by the comparison
of the obtained results under various scenarios. H11 = 0 (14)
The constraints of DOCR settings can be given as (8)–(9) [47]:
TDSjmin ≤ TDSj ≤ TDSjmax (8) H12 = H21

7 × Isc
Ipmin
j
≤ Ipj ≤ Ipmax
j
(9) = )2 (
(( )0.02 )0.98
Isc
Moreover, it is essential to consider other constraints (as 25000 × CTR × Ip2 × CTR×Ip
− 1 × CTRIsc×Ip
shown in (10)–(11)) to guarantee the selectivity of the protection
(15)
scheme [48]. To be assured about the satisfaction of protection
scheme selectivity, a minimum time interval (coordination time 2
7 × TDS × Isc
interval (CTI)) is necessary between the operating time of back- H22 = )3 (
(( )0.02 )1.96
up and primary relays [49–51]. According to the recommended 625000 × CTR2 × Ip4 × Isc
− 1 × CTRIsc×Ip
CTR×Ip
practices of IEEE 242 [52], the CTI should be set to higher than
120 ms (7.2 cycles) [53]. In this paper, the CTI has been assumed 7 × Isc × TDS
− )2
to be 200 ms. )0.02 )0.98
(( (
Isc Isc
12500 × CTR × Ip3 × −1 ×
b ,i p,i CTR×Ip CTR×Ip
ts,xF
1
− ts,F
1
≥ CTI ∀s ∈ S ∀i ∈ {1, . . . , ns } ∀x ∈ Xi,s 2
343 × Isc × TDS
(10) + (( )0.02 )2 ( )1.98
b ,i p,i 125000 × CTR2 × Ip4 × Isc Isc
ts,xF
2
− ts,F
2
≥ CTI ∀s ∈ S ∀i ∈ {1, . . . , ns } ∀x ∈ Xi,s CTR×Ip
−1 × CTR×Ip
(11) (16)
The CTI constraints are taken into account when the NEFs and
The CTR and Isc are constants parameters, and they are consid-
the FEFs occur. Usually, when the curve type of all DOCRs are
ered as OP’s inputs. In addition, Ip and TDS are positive variables
identical, and the CTI is set to 200 ms for the fault on the near-end
according to the introduced lower bounds. Hence, it is concluded
of the protected line (the maximum magnitude of SCC passing
that all Hessian matrix’ arrays shown in (14)–(16) are positive. As
through the primary relay), the CTI constraint for other faults will
shown in (17), the trace and determinant of the Hessian matrix
be satisfied. Under scenario 4 that the curve types of DOCRs are
are positive and negative, respectively. Based on the mathemati-
not identical, the consideration of (11) is much more emphasized. cal expression of eigenvalues and their relations to the trace and
determinant values in (18), it is distinguished that one of the
2.2. Analysis of the proposed OP’s convexity eigenvalues is negative. Therefore, it is not possible to note that
the proposed OF is convex.
An OP will be convex if both OF and constraint are convex.
H11 > 0
⎧
Otherwise, the OP is a non-convex problem. The Hessian matrix, ⎪
⎪
⎪
as presented in (12), is one of the approaches to judge about ⎨H12 > 0
⎪
⎪
Trace (H ) = H11 + H22 > 0
{
convexity of a function [54]. If the Hessian matrix is a positive ⇒
definite matrix (eigenvalues are positive), the function would be ⎪
⎪
⎪H21 > 0 |H | = H11 × H22 − H12 × H21 = 0 − H12 × H21 < 0
convex.
⎪
⎪
H22 > 0
⎩
∂ 2f ∂ 2f ∂ 2f
⎡ ⎤
··· (17)
⎢ ∂ x2
⎢ 1
∂ x1 ∂ x2 ∂ x1 ∂ xn ⎥
⎥
⎢ ∂ 2f ∂ 2f ∂ 2f ⎥
··· λ1 + λ2 = Trace (H ) > 0
⎢ ⎥ {
∂x ∂x ∂ x22 ∂ x2 ∂ xn ⎥
⎢ ⎥
H(f ) = ⎢
⎢ 2 1 (12) (18)
⎢ . .. .. ⎥ λ1 × λ2 = |H | < 0
⎥
⎢ .. ..
⎢ . . . ⎥ ⎥
⎣ ∂ 2f ∂ f
2
∂ 2f ⎦ Although using the metaheuristic-based algorithms increase
··· the chance to find global optima for non-convex functions, such
∂ xn ∂ x1 ∂ xn ∂ x2 ∂ x2n
methods do not guarantee to get the global optima. The com-
The objective function of the proposed OP includes different puting time might be so long, particularly for big dimensional
operating times of DOCRs. Hence, it is possible to analyse one problems like the proposed method under scenario 4, including
term of the proposed OF. If the parts of the proposed OF are all topologies and smart selection of time-current characteristics.
convex, it is concluded that the considered OF is convex. The Hence, the advantages of solving the proposed OP using hybrid
Hessian matrix of the tripping time of DOCRs under scenario 1 (as metaheuristic-LP algorithms are highlighted.
6
2.3. Hybrid algorithms The PCSs and the relays operating curves could be solved as
an MINLP problem and the TDS would be optimized as LP. Hence,
As described in (7), the relay operating curve is pre-defined the hybrid optimization algorithms are useful to solve the MINLP-
under scenarios 1, 2, and 3, while under scenario 4, the relay LP problem of optimal DOCRs coordination. The feasible region
characteristics are smartly selected. The integer variables are (search space) is reduced because of the decrement in the number
considered to optimize the type of DOCRs tripping curve. Under of decision variables. The decrease in the search space helps to
scenario 4, the integer variables corresponding to the smart se- rise the convergence speed and to avoid the local minima.
lection of relays characteristics also result in the non-linearity of In this article, the OP is solved by the hybrid GA-LP algo-
the OP. rithm [55,56] and the hybrid PSO-LP algorithm [57]. The mixed-
The other parameters of the OF, e.g. current transformer ratios integer non-linear and linear parts are solved by heuristic algo-
and SCCs passing through the DOCRs are the OP inputs. In this rithms such as GA/PSO and LP, respectively.
paper, the short circuit analysis is performed in DIgSIELNT, and The PCSs might be discrete and discrete for electromechanical
the obtained results are exported to MATLAB as the OP inputs. and numeric relays, respectively. It is necessary to note that the
The introduced OF and the operating time of primary DOCRs PCSs are the main cause of the optimal DOCRs’ coordination
under each system topology could be shown as (12). The operat- problems non-linearity.
ing time of the ith primary relay under the sth system topology In addition to other analyses, the comparison of the proposed
is divided into two terms. The first term of the operating time is OP using the PSO-LP and GA-LP algorithms helps guarantee to
defined as shown in (13). get the global optima. Moreover, by solving the proposed op-
As described in (13), by determining the PCSs and the relays timization problem, it is possible to show the flexibility of the
p,i
operating curves, αs,F would be constant, and a linear function proposed method for solving with different approaches. Further-
1
more, the performance of different optimization algorithms is
of TDSs is concluded. Hence, the introduced OF would be a linear
studied, according to comparative analyses, to select a better
first-order polynomial of TDSs, as shown in (14)–(15).
alternative for implementing the proposed method in practical
ns ns (
p,i
) cases. Furthermore, studies of GA-LP and PSO-LP highlight the
αsp,,Fi1 × TDSps ,i
∑∑ ∑∑
T = ts,F = (19) advantages of implementing modified hybrid metaheuristic-LP
1
s∈S i=1 s∈S i=1 algorithms in comparison to other non-hybrid conventional ones
like GA and PSO.
⎧ p,i Ap,i
αs,F1 = ( )Bp,i
p,i
2.3.1. Hybrid GA-LP algorithm
⎪
Isc ,s,F
⎪
Aj
⎨ 1
p,i − 1 ⇒ α p,i = = αsj ,F1 The GA is one of the most popular metaheuristic optimization
CTRp,i ×IP s,F1 )Bj
p,i
(
Isc ,s,F
algorithms [58], which is used in this paper to solve the proposed
⎪
1
⎪
⎩
∃!j ∈ {1, . . . , N } : Rps ,i = Rj p,i −1
CTRs ×IPj OP incorporating LP. In Fig. 2, the flowchart of solving the OP by
(20) the hybrid GA-LP has been shown.
As shown in Fig. 2, firstly, the network data and configuration
ns ( ) ∑N
[( ) ] should be defined in DIgSILENT software. The power flow studies
αsp,,Fi1 × TDSps ,i = under all possible topologies are conducted to determine the
∑∑ ∑ j
T = α s,F1 × TDSj
minimum allowed PCSs and current transformer ratios for relays.
s∈S i=1 j=1 s∈S
The short circuit analyses are performed to distinguish the SCCs
N
∑ passing through each relay during the faults on the near-end and
αj × TDSj
( )
= (21) far-end of the protected lines under various topologies.
j=1
The DIgSILENT Programming Language (DPL) has been used
to implement the power flow and short circuit analyses under
T = α1 × TDS1 + α2 × TDS2 + · · · + αj × TDSj + · · · various system topologies. Since the number of system topolo-
+ αN × TDSN (22) gies is increased due to consideration of N-1 contingencies, the
implementation of a general program to evaluate the power flow
The constraints are similarly linearized, as presented in (16)– and short circuit results is necessary. The DIgSILENT and MATLAB
(17). have been linked to export the power flow and short circuit
⎧ bx ,i
⎪
⎪ αs,F1 = cte. results as the OP inputs. All the required inputs of the OPs are
b ,i p,i
⎪
⎨α p,i = cte. The ‘‘αs,xF × TDSw − αs,F × TDSz ≥ CTI’’ exported from DIgSILENT to the MATLAB through an Excel file.
⎪
⎪
s,F1 1 1
⇒ The GA process starts, and an initial population is generated.
⎪
⎪
⎪ ∃!w ∈ {1, . . . , N } : Rsbx ,i = Rw is a linear inequality constraint.
The GA initial population consists of a certain number of chromo-
⎪
∃!z ∈ {1, . . . , N } : Rps ,i = Rz
⎪
somes, which each chromosome represents a solution for the OP.
⎩
The structure of each chromosome is made of a set of different
(23)
random PCSs and integer variables corresponding to the relays
p,i
⎧ bx ,i curve type, as shown in Fig. 3. The coefficients αs,F , which are
⎪
⎪αs,F2 = cte. 1
the function of PCSs and the selected type of relay curves, are
b ,i p,i
⎪
⎨α p,i = cte. The‘‘αs,xF × TDSw − αs,F × TDSz ≥ CTI’’ calculated for each chromosome. The LP OP is defined, and the
⎪
⎪
s,F2 2 2
⇒ TDSs are determined by solving an LP problem.
⎪
⎪
⎪∃!w ∈ {1, . . . , N } : Rsbx ,i = Rw is a linear inequality constraint.
In the viewpoint of soft computing, the chromosome structure
⎪
∃!z ∈ {1, . . . , N } : Rps ,i = Rz
⎪
in GA includes the kj as the decision variables, which should
⎩
(24) be optimized. In Fig. 3, the chromosome structure, including the

integer variables in GA, is shown. By finding the optimum integer
As discussed in the above mathematical modellings, the opti- variables corresponding to the relay operating curves of DOCRs,
mization relaxation could be developed by the linearizing the OF the smart selection of standard relay characteristics is achievable.
via the TDSs. By assuming that the PCSs and the relay operating While the LP is converged, the fitness function of any chro-
curves are specified, the MINLP problem is changed to an LP one. mosome is evaluated. If the LP was not converged, to avoid the
7
Fig. 2. Flowchart of solving the OP using hybrid GA-LP.
selection of the inappropriate chromosomes in the next genera- penalty’s variable term depends on the number of constraints
tions, a penalty factor is considered as (14). The penalty factor violations. In (18), the C denotes a Boolean variable whichit’s zero
consists of significant constant value and a variable term. The value determines the LP has converged, and no penalty factor is
8
Fig. 3. The chromosome structure in GA.
required. Otherwise, the value of this Boolean variable would be

equal to one.
ns
p,i
∑∑
f = ts,F + (Pcte + Nv io Pv ar ) C (25)
1
s∈S i=1
After evaluation of chromosome fitness values, the selection

operator selects some chromosomes for the next generation. Dif-
ferent selection operators might be used in GA [59]. Although
the selection process is stochastic, the probability of selecting the
chromosomes depend on their fitness values, directly. It is also
necessary to select the best and optimum chromosome for the
next generations.
Then, the crossover and mutation operators are applied to Fig. 4. The particle’s movement in the search space in the PSO algorithm.
obtain the next generation. This procedure is to be continued
until the desired accuracy, or the required number of generations
is achieved. The more detailed explanations about the hybrid
In Fig. 4, it has been shown how the particles move in the
GA-LP can be found in [4,18].
search space in the PSO algorithm.
In the GA in commercialized software, such as MATLAB opti-
The literature review shows that the performance of the PSO
mization toolbox, it is not easy to tune the algorithms depends
algorithm is significantly improved by reducing the search space.
on the OP. Hence, in this paper, a user-tuned GA is implemented
On the other hand, the problem of optimal protection coordi-
to improve the performance of solving the OP. For instance, it
nation of DOCRs, considering all system topologies due to N-1
is possible to use only one type of crossover operator, while in
contingencies has a significant number of constraints. Therefore,
the user-developed codes of the GA in this study, it is possible to
it is useful to reduce the search space by using hybrid PSO-LP.
apply a combination of crossover operators. In the tuned GA, the
The TDSs are optimized in LP, and just the optimum PCSs and
single-point, double-point, and uniform operators with different
the curve type of DOCRs are found by the PSO algorithm. Hence,
probability values based on the changes in the best fitness value
the optimization’s convergence speed is improved. In Fig. 5, the
via iterations are used. The sensitivity analyses and try and errors
flowchart of solving the OP using hybrid PSO-LP has been shown.
could be useful to determine suitable probability values for differ-
The DIgSILENT Programming Language (DPL) is used to per-
ent crossover operators. Moreover, different mutation operators
form the power flow and short circuit analyses under various
are applied to the chromosomes corresponding to the pick-up
system topologies. The DIgSILENT and MATLAB have been linked
current settings and type of time-current characteristics.
to export the power flow and short circuit results as the OP
inputs. As revealed by Fig. 5, all the required inputs of the OPs
2.3.2. Hybrid PSO-LP algorithm are exported from DIgSILENT to the MATLAB through an Excel
In this paper, the hybrid PSO-LP algorithm is used to solve file. These input data are used in the OP, which is solved using
the MINLP and LP corresponding to the optimization of PCSs and the hybrid PSO-LP algorithm.
relays characteristics, and TDSs, respectively. The PSO process starts, and every particle in the initial pop-
The PSO algorithm has been inspired by the birds’ social be- ulation, similar to the structure for each chromosome in the GA
haviours and other animals frogging [60,61]. The PSO algorithm is algorithm in Fig. 3, consisting of a set of different random PCSs
one of the heuristic algorithms, which have been developed based and integer variables corresponding to the relays curve type is
on collective intelligence [58]. The PSO only uses the velocity and produced. Also, the initial value of velocity for this set is specified.
location updating operator for the particles. So the PSO algorithm According to the PCSs(values ) and the selected type of relay
p,i
has few parameters, and it would be easy to implement. curves, the coefficients αs,F are calculated. Then, the TDSs are
1
In the PSO algorithm, each particle corresponds to a feasible optimized by applying the LP algorithm.
solution with a fitness value based on the OF. Each particle in According to the evaluated
( i ) fitness values for particles, the
the feasible region is moved towards the optimum position by personal best positions Pbest and the global best position (gbest )
modifying its velocity and position, as shown in (19)–(21) [62,63]. are determined. The velocity of particles is calculated according to
the current positions, personal best positions, and the global best
v i (k + 1) = ω × v i (k) + r1 × c1 × Pbest − xi (k)
( i )
position. Afterwards, the position of the particles is adjusted. This
+ r2 × c2 × gbest − xi (k)
( )
(26) procedure is to be continued until the desired accuracy, or the
required number of generations is achieved. The more detailed
In (20), it is shown that by linear decreasing of the weight-
explanations about the hybrid PSO-LP can be found in [57].
ing coefficient (ω), the optimization algorithm performance is
In this study, some modifications and tunings are performed
improved [64].
to improve the performance of the PSO. It is necessary to ap-
ω (k + 1) = ω (k) × Damp (27) ply some modifications to solve an MINLP OP using the PSO.
Also, the inertia weight is one of the most important setting
The position of the particle is adjusted after evaluating the parameters of PSO, while it is not possible to change it in pre-
velocity in the next iteration, as demonstrated in (21). defined commercial codes like the MATLAB’s PSO algorithm. In
this paper, the sensitivity analyses are performed to get the best
xi (k + 1) = xi (k) + vi (k + 1) (28)
9
Fig. 5. Flowchart of solving the OP using hybrid PSO-LP.
inertia weight and damping coefficient for a suitable exploration 3. Test results
and exploitation process. Furthermore, the velocity ranges are
selected according to the impacts of changes in different kinds The proposed method is applied to the meshed distribution
of decision variables, such as PCSs and types of time-current portion of the IEEE 14-bus test system [4,65], as shown in Fig. 6.
characteristics. The system under study data is extracted from [4,65]. This system
has 16 relays with the same range of existing TDSs and PCSs.
10
Table 3
Number of topologies, primary and back-up DOCR pairs, and selectivity constraints under various cases.
Parameter Case 1 Case 2 Case 3 Case 4
Number of system topologies 1 9 2 15
Topologies a a, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o a, d All topologies
Number of primary and back-up DOCR pairs 22 150 44 282
Number of selectivity constraints 44 300 88 564
Table 4 Table 5
CTR of the test system DOCRs. The SCCs of primary and back-up relays under the main topology.
Relay No. CTR Relay No. CTR Fault Short-circuit currents (kA)
1 1200:5 8 1200:5 location
2 1200:5 9 1200:5 Primary relay 1st back-up relay 2nd back-up relay
3 500:5 10 600:5 F1 R1 9.55963 R4 1.96884 R6 3.13256
4 500:5 12 600:5 R2 2.55331 R11 0.46916
5 1200:5 13 200:5 F2 R2 5.66743 R11 2.37091
6 1200:5 14 200:5 R1 3.77252 R4 0.99394 R6 1.31409
7 1000:5 15 900:5 F3 R3 10.1539 R2 2.55331 R6 3.13256
8 1000:5 16 900:5 R4 1.96884 R14 0.34926
F4 R4 5.80988 R14 2.76319
R3 3.07245 R2 1.21615 R6 0.80788
F5 R5 8.97961 R2 2.55331 R4 1.96884
R6 3.13256 R13 0.34926 R16 0.32357
F6 R6 6.63419 R13 2.15719 R16 1.19560
R5 4.14033 R2 1.41645 R4 0.52672
F7 R7 6.52925 R10 1.43480
R8 2.59527 R12 2.61653
F8 R8 3.41820 R12 3.41820
R7 4.59257 R10 0.96651
F9 R9 7.69469 R8 2.59527
R10 1.43480 R15 1.48599
F10 R10 2.79607 R15 2.79607
R9 3.04051 R8 0.97567
F11 R11 4.59257 R7 4.59257
R12 3.41820 R1 1.46013
F12 R12 7.02881 R1 3.77252
R11 2.37091 R7 2.41735
F13 R13 6.27753 R3 3.07245
R14 2.76319 R5 0.80788 R16 0.44241
F14 R14 8.65524 R5 4.14033 R16 1.19560
R13 2.15719 R3 0.52672
F15 R15 9.57805 R5 4.14033 R13 2.15719
Fig. 6. The meshed distribution portion of the IEEE 14-bus test system [4,65]. R16 1.19560 R9 1.25216
F16 R16 3.04051 R9 3.04051
R15 2.79607 R5 0.8930 R13 0.67730
It has been assumed that three synchronous DGs have been

installed in the test system. ( )
j
The number of topologies, primary and back-up DOCR pairs, function of SCC passing through the relay Isc , as shown in (5).
and selectivity constraints under various cases are presented Hence, it is essential to determine the SCC passing through the
in Table 3. Moreover, different system topologies due to N-1 primary and back-up relays under various topologies. These SCC
contingencies and different operating modes (grid-connected and values would be considered as inputs of the proposed OP.
islanded operating modes) are shown in Fig. 7. The different The short circuit analyses have been performed in DIgSILENT.
topologies that are considered under each case have been deter- The SCCs of the primary and back-up relays under the main topol-
mined in Table 3. As can be seen, the number of selectivity and ogy have been demonstrated in Table 5. Moreover, the SCC values
coordination constraints has been dramatically increased because are affected due to changes in the system topology. Therefore, the
of the increase in the considered system topologies. SCC values for other 14 topologies due to various contingencies
The OP has been solved under two assumed model relay (as demonstrated in Fig. 7) have been determined and imported
settings as follows: to the OP as inputs.
As described in the methodology, the hybrid GA-LP and PSO-
– The discrete PCSs (0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5) and contin- LP algorithms are used to solve the introduced OP. The self-
uous TDSs between 0.05 and 5; implemented computer codes and programs of algorithms are
– The continuous PCSs between 0.5 and 2.5 and continuous more flexible and adjustable in comparison to the MATLAB’s
TDSs between 0.05 and 5. optimization toolboxes and pre-defined functions [66]. Hence, all
The power flow and short circuit analyses of the system un- GA, PSO, and LP algorithms have been implemented in the m-file
der study have been performed in DIgSILENT. Using power flow environment of MATLAB. In Tables 6 and 7, the parameters of GA
results, the CTR value of each relay, which is different according and PSO algorithms are presented, respectively.
to the nominal current passing through the relay, is obtained, as Since the PSO is a collective intelligence-based algorithm, the
shown in Table 4. population size is the most important parameter that affects its
As presented in (1) and (19), achieving the fastest protection performance. Although the population size impacts on the GA
scheme without any selectivity constraint is the main purpose algorithm are considerable, the design of selection, crossover, and
of this study. Also, the operating time of DOCRs would be as a mutation operators are more important than the population size.
11
Fig. 7. Topologies of the meshed distribution portion of the IEEE 14-bus test system due to various contingencies and operation modes.
Therefore, it is reasonable to select the higher population size for analyses. According to the behaviour of the understudy OP and
the PSO algorithm than the GA one. its exploration and exploitation importance, the PSO algorithm
In the GA, the values for crossover and mutation operators parameters might be changed.
have been evaluated and selected based on the try and error ap- In Table 8, test results under various cases and scenarios
proach and the sensitivity analyses. Moreover, the values of PSO have been reported. The first result that claims attention is the
algorithm parameters such as ω, Damp, c1 , and c2 , which control significant value of the optimum OF of cases 4 under scenario
the interactions between the exploration and exploitation, are 1 (based on the method of [4] with a minor difference about
determined based on the try and error approach and sensitivity the OF). Although the satisfaction of all coordination constraints
12
Table 6 implies that the speed of the protection scheme can be improved
Parameter setting used in the GA. by using the proposed method more than 6 times the scenario 1
Parameters Value (based on the method of [4]).
Scenarios 1, 2, and 3 16 In Fig. 8, the convergence diagrams of the OP under scenario 4
Number of decision variables
Scenario 4 32
for cases 1, 2, 3, and 4 are shown. The obtained results by GA-LP
Population size 150 and PSO-LP algorithms have been compared together. For Cases 1,
Maximum iterations 150
2, and 3, the desired convergence has occurred in both of GA-LP
Crossover rate 0.7
Mutation rate 0.3 and PSO-LP algorithms.
Pcte 3000 As revealed by results shown in Fig. 8, although the con-
Pv ar 100 vergence has been achieved under various cases, the required
interaction number of algorithms under case 4 is significantly
Table 7 higher than others. This is mainly because of the increment in
Parameter setting used in the PSO. the number of coordination constraints of case 4 (564 selectivity
Parameters Value and coordination constraints).
Scenarios 1, 2, and 3 16 As demonstrated in Table 8, the optimum values of the OF
Number of decision variables of case 4 (considering all system topologies due to N-1 con-
Scenario 4 32
Population size 180 tingencies) under scenario 1 (based on the method of [4]) and
Maximum iterations 150 scenario 4 (the proposed method) are 585.548 s and 94.2059 s,
Initial value of ω 1 respectively. The obtained test results illustrate that 491.3421 s
Damp 0.9996 (83.91%) improvement is achievable by applying the proposed
Maximum velocity 0.15
Minimum velocity −0.15 method in comparison to other available methods like [4].
c1 1.496 According to the statistical analysis of the hybrid optimization
c2 1.496 algorithms, it has been concluded that sometimes the PSO-LP
Pcte 3000 algorithm cannot find the initial feasible solutions. In contrast,
Pv ar 100
the GA-LP algorithm is always able to find a feasible solution.
The comparison of the statistical analysis of the GA-LP and PSO
algorithms implies that the GA-LP is more robust than PSO-
under various topologies has been guaranteed under scenario 1 LP algorithm for finding the feasible search space. This advan-
and case 4, the optimum OF would be considerable. The increase tage of the GA-LP is highlighted by increasing the number of
in the operating time of relays occurs because the increment optimization constraints.
of CTI selectivity constraints under cases 4 restricts the feasible Importing the initial feasible solution is one of the solutions
area. This may result in challenges in the speed of the protection that could be deployed to help the PSO-LP algorithm for improv-
scheme. ing its capability of searching in the feasible region. The obtained
The results of scenarios 2 by using the VI time-current char- results infer that if the PSO-LP can find the feasible search space,
acteristics infers that it is possible to improve the speed of the its performance and convergence to find the optimum values
protection scheme while all constraints have been satisfied. Since would be better than GA-LP algorithm.
the VI characteristic is a standard relay type curve, applying The statistical analysis results of solving the proposed OP using
scenario 2 based on the proposed method would be practical. GA-LP and PSO-LP algorithms under case 4 and scenario 4 are
The test results of scenario 3 show that there is no feasible presented in Table 9. The comparison of statistical results implies
solution under case 4. This implies that because of the behaviour that the deviation of GA-LP results is higher than the PSO-LP ones.
of EI characteristic, all the CTI constraints for NEFs and FEFs of These results confirm the better performance and robustness of
the lines under various topologies cannot be satisfied according the PSO-LP in finding the global optimum.
to the defined maximum allowed TDSs. When all topologies and In Fig. 9, the statistical test results of using PSO-LP and GA-
their corresponding CTI constraints have not been considered in LP for solving the proposed OP under case 4 and scenario 4 are
the optimal coordination of DOCRs similar to cases 1, 2, or 3, there shown. As can be seen, the OP has been solved 15 times with the
are some miscoordinations under some contingencies. GA-LP algorithm and 15 times with the PSO-LP algorithm. The
It can be observed that the best results have been obtained comparison of the obtained results implies the better optimality
under scenario 4, which incorporates the smart selection of relay robustness of the PSO-LP algorithm than GA-LP.
time-current characteristics. It is inferred that the results of cases By analyses of the convergence diagrams and statistical anal-
1 and 2 under scenarios 3 and 4 are the same. It means under ysis, it is possible to ensure that the results of the test are global
scenario 4, the suggested optimum curve types for all DOCRs are optimums.
EI and identic. The test results of case 4 under scenario 4 illus- Under case 4 and scenario 3, due to the limits corresponding
trates the advantages of the proposed method. As can be seen, the to the maximum allowable TDS, there is no feasible solution. The
desired speed of the protection scheme has been obtained while test results infer although the use of VI and EI curves might lead
all the constraints have also been satisfied by applying the smart to an increase in the speed of the protection scheme; in some
selection of relay type curves. The comparison of results of case 4 cases, the feasible solutions do not exist. This result highlights
Table 8
Optimum values of the OF of curve type-based scenarios under various cases.
Scenario No. Curve types The optimum value of the OF (s)
Case 1 Case 2 Case 3 Case 4
1 NI [4] 7.38729 75.2854 26.8345 585.548
2 VI 2.25295 21.6216 10.3237 148.734
3 EI 0.87858 9.0644 7.85284 –
4 The smart selection of NI, VI, and 0.87858 9.06913 4.81558 94.2059
EI (the proposed method)
13
Fig. 8. The convergence diagram of the OP under Scenario 4 for (a) Case 1, (b) Case 2, (c) Case 3, and (d) Case 4.
Fig. 9. Statistical test results of PSO-LP and GA-LP for solving the proposed OP under case 4 and scenario 4.
Table 9 the importance of the simultaneously smart selection of relay

Statistical analysis of case 4 under scenario 4. tripping curves and N-1 contingencies.
Parameters GA-LP PSO-LP The optimum DOCRs’ time-current characteristics under sce-
Mean 99.9410 95.1498 nario 4 are obtained, as shown in Table 10. In Table 11, the
Standard deviation 5.78309 1.02202
optimum settings according to the optimum relay time-current
Worst 111,916 96.9760
Best 94.2059 94.2059
characteristics shown in Table 10 have been presented while the
Number of runs 15 15 discrete PCSs can be selected. As revealed by the test results,
Constraint violation 0 0 the optimum operating times of DOCRs have been achieved by
applying the proposed method of smart selection of time-current
characteristics under scenario 4. By using the proposed method
14
Table 10 the continuous PCSs is less than 3% in comparison to discrete

Optimum DOCRs’ characteristic of all cases under scenario 4. PCSs.
Relay No. Characteristic The different primary and back-up relays are considered in the
Case 1 Case 2 Case 3 Case 4 OFs of proposed cases. Since the values of optimized OF reported
R1 EI EI EI EI in Table 8 are not calculated based on identical operating times of
R2 EI EI EI VI relays for all cases, the comparison of the different cases under a
R3 EI EI EI VI
certain scenario is not possible. Hence in Tables 13 and 14, indices
R4 EI EI EI VI
R5 EI EI EI VI have been suggested to compare the optimum relay settings of
R6 EI EI EI VI different cases under scenario 4.
R7 EI EI NI VI The operating time of primary and back-up DOCRs of case 4
R8 EI EI EI EI has been selected as the comparison index. Also, the number of
R9 EI EI EI EI
R10 EI EI EI EI
CTI constraint violations for each case is a good index to assess
R11 EI EI NI VI the performance of any case and its suggested settings. 564 CTI
R12 EI EI EI EI constraints shall be satisfied under the various topologies of the
R13 EI EI EI VI test system due to N-1 contingencies.
R14 EI EI EI VI
As can be seen in Table 13, by applying the obtained settings
R15 EI EI EI EI
R16 EI EI EI EI of case 1 to the DOCRs, the 133 coordination constraint violations
will occur. It means that the determination of DOCRs settings just
based on the main topology is not desired. This assumption about
the optimal protection coordination of microgrid is challenged by
under scenario 4 and case 4, there is no coordination constraint the obtained results.
violation. Moreover, reasonable and faster tripping times have 37 and 78 coordination constraint violations also happen un-
been obtained in comparison to those of scenarios 1 and 2. der cases 2 and 3, respectively. Although the values of objectives
Since the new numeric relays can be set by continuous PCSs, in under cases 1, 2, and 3 are less than that of case 4, the significant
addition to Table 11, the optimum results under continuous PCSs coordination constraint violations are inevitable. These results
have been presented in Table 12. Regardless of the different cases, highlight the advantages of the proposed method.
the number of iterations to reach the convergence is significantly In Table 14, the operating times of primary and back-up relays
increased, and the improvement in the optimum OF value by of case 4 under various scenarios have been shown. All microgrid
Table 11
Optimum values of the time dial and discrete PCSs of all cases under scenario 4.
Relay No. Case 1 Case 2 Case 3 Case 4
TDS Ip (pu) Ip (A) TDS Ip (pu) Ip (A) TDS Ip (pu) Ip (A) TDS Ip (pu) Ip (A)
R1 0.134 2.5 600 0.181 2.5 600 0.158 2.5 600 0.430 0.8 192
R2 0.052 2.5 600 0.068 2.5 600 0.085 2.5 600 1.061 1 240
R3 0.114 2 480 0.138 2 480 0.116 2 480 1.823 1 240
R4 0.188 2.5 250 0.454 2.5 250 0.297 2.5 250 0.711 2 200
R5 0.130 2.5 600 4.868 0.5 120 0.216 2 480 1.798 0.5 120
R6 0.079 2.5 600 0.144 2.5 600 0.199 2 480 0.582 1.5 360
R7 0.276 2.5 500 0.324 2.5 500 0.235 0.5 100 1.523 0.5 100
R8 0.076 2.5 500 0.089 2.5 500 0.191 2.5 500 0.427 2 400
R9 0.073 2.5 600 0.091 2.5 600 1.351 0.6 144 3.339 2 480
R10 0.061 1.5 360 0.078 1.5 360 0.059 2.5 600 0.271 2 480
R11 0.190 2.5 300 0.210 2.5 300 0.092 2 240 0.964 2 240
R12 0.537 2.5 300 0.599 2.5 300 0.880 2.5 300 0.766 1.5 180
R13 1.465 2.5 100 4.558 2 80 1.648 2.5 100 1.759 2.5 100
R14 2.172 2.5 100 3.996 2 80 2.327 2.5 100 1.875 2.5 100
R15 0.132 2.5 450 0.149 2.5 450 0.202 2.5 450 0.638 2.5 450
R16 0.058 1.5 270 0.279 1 180 0.153 1 180 2.861 0.5 90
Table 12
Optimum values of the continuous PCSs and TDSs of all cases under scenario 4.
Relay No. Case 1 Case 2 Case 3 Case 4
TDS Ip (pu) Ip (A) TDS Ip (pu) Ip (A) TDS Ip (pu) Ip (A) TDS Ip (pu) Ip (A)
R1 0.134 2.5 600 0.181 2.5 600 0.158 2.5 600 4.975 0.718 172.3
R2 0.052 2.5 600 0.068 2.5 600 0.085 2.5 600 1.454 0.4942 118.6
R3 0.098 2.159 518.1 0.132 2.042 490.1 0.107 2.081 499.4 1.711 0.423 42.3
R4 0.207 2.384 238.4 0.454 2.5 250 0.298 2.5 250 2.123 0.622 62.2
R5 0.130 2.5 600 4.864 0.5 120 0.157 2.345 562.8 0.5 1.642 394
R6 0.079 2.5 600 0.144 2.5 600 0.173 2.138 513.1 1.748 0.401 96.24
R7 0.276 2.5 500 0.324 2.5 500 0.129 1.873 374.6 0.5 2.923 584.6
R8 0.076 2.5 500 0.089 2.5 500 0.190 2.5 500 2.3938 0.312 62.4
R9 0.073 2.5 600 0.091 2.5 600 1.940 0.5 120 2.499 0.126 30.24
R10 0.050 1.644 394.5 0.051 1.827 438.5 0.062 2.5 600 2.473 0.253 60.72
R11 0.190 2.5 300 0.210 2.5 300 0.792 0.5 60 2.069 0.857 102.8
R12 0.537 2.5 300 0.599 2.5 300 0.879 2.5 300 1.356 4.208 504.9
R13 1.465 2.5 100 3.393 2.316 92.64 2.153 2.186 87.44 2.5 1.499 59.96
R14 2.172 2.5 100 2.556 2.5 80 2.328 2.5 100 2.5 1.777 71.08
R15 0.132 2.5 450 0.148 2.5 450 0.207 2.5 450 2.499 0.578 103.6
R16 0.05 1.617 291 0.217 1.130 203.4 0.077 1.39 250.2 0.5 2.753 495.5
15
Table 13 Table 15
The total operating times of primary and back-up relays and number of The operating times of primary and back-up relays of case 4 and scenario 4
coordination violations of different cases under scenario 4. under various faults.
Index Case 1 Case 2 Case 3 Case 4 Fault location Relays operating times (s)
ns
Primary relay 1st back-up relay
p ,i
∑∑
ts,F 19.9556 26.0829 28.2336 94.2059
1 F1 R1 0.125 R4 1.0203
SCase4 i=1
ns R1 0.125 R6 0.8731
b ,i
∑∑
ts,xF 105.4169 161.5547 138.6495 356.7405 R2 1.0924 R11 14.769
1
SCase4 i=1
F2 R2 0.5645 R11 4.2892
ns R1 0.7092 R4 2.6789
p ,i
∑∑
ts,F 77.3694 110.1226 101.0661 272.7371 R1 0.7092 R6 3.9458
2
SCase4 i=1 F3 R3 0.2547 R2 1.0924
ns R3 0.2547 R6 0.8731
b ,i
∑∑
ts,xF 1480.246 4224.546 1336.422 2104.226 R4 1.0203 R14 9.1821
2
SCase4 i=1 F4 R4 0.3241 R14 0.9197
Number of coordination 133 37 78 0 R3 0.8946 R2 2.7361
constraint violations R3 0.8946 R6 3.175
F5 R5 0.2972 R2 1.0924
R5 0.2972 R4 1.0203
R6 0.8731 R13 7.8679
topologies due to N-1 contingencies, including the islanding and R6 0.8731 R16 39.074
F6 R6 0.3978 R13 1.0024
grid-connected modes (case 4) have been considered to calculate
R6 0.3978 R16 3.0262
the primary and back-up relays. The test results show that the R5 0.6469 R2 2.6928
operating times of primary relays under scenario 1 is more than R5 0.6469 R4 4.6419
6 times the value of scenario 4. F7 R7 1.1792 R10 2.5792
The comparison of the operating times of back-up relays also R8 0.564 R12 0.8463
F8 R8 0.3736 R12 0.5736
shows the advantages of the proposed method of intelligent R7 1.3899 R10 3.4772
time-characteristic selection of protection relays. The 65.19% and F9 R9 0.364 R8 0.5640
18.83% decrement in operating times of back-up relays under R10 1.5792 R15 2.8903
the faults on the near-end have been achieved by applying the F10 R10 0.8854 R15 1.0854
R9 1.1985 R8 1.4796
scenario 4 in comparison to scenarios 1 (based on the proposed
F11 R11 1.2076 R7 2.8399
method of [4]) and 2, respectively. R12 0.5736 R1 3.1394
The comparison of operating times of back-up relays when a F12 R12 0.1544 R1 0.7092
fault occurs on the far-end infers that the 2.79% and 25.89% im- R11 1.4892 R7 4.7420
provement in the operating times have been obtained by applying F13 R13 0.3361 R3 0.8946
R14 0.9197 R5 20.161
the proposed method (scenario 4) in comparison with those of R14 0.9197 R16 2.6965
scenario 1 (based on the proposed method of [4]) and scenario 2. F14 R14 0.2889 R5 3.0262
Although the better operating times of protection relays can R14 0.2889 R16 0.6469
be achieved by the use of VI or EI curves under scenarios 2 and R13 1.0024 R3 7.2694
F15 R15 0.0961 R5 1.0024
3, it is possible to find no feasible solution. For instance, there is
R15 0.961 R13 0.6469
no feasible area for the OP under scenario 3 and case 4. R16 3.0262 R9 8.4974
The test results of Table 14 guarantee the optimum conditions F16 R16 0.5415 R9 1.1985
of the protection scheme by applying the proposed method under R15 1.0854 R5 3.7071
scenario 4 and case 4. R15 1.0854 R13 2.6710
In Table 15, the operating times of primary and back-up relays
under various faults have been reported. The first result that
claims attention is the operating time of primary relays. The 1 or 3 s. Hence, by applying the proposed method, it is desired
operating times of primary relays (except R16 when a fault occurs to satisfy the devices’ thermal withstand constraints under faults
on F15) are less than 1.5 s while those of [4] was greater than 3 s. and contingencies. However, the operating times of back-up re-
The comparison of the test results and those of [4] emphasizes lays according to the proposed method are considerable, and it
the advantages of the proposed method. The microgrid devices can be concerned in future works.
have a certain specification of the time of short-time withstand In Table 16, some typical conditions under cases 1 and 4 and
current. The discussed time of medium voltage devices is usually scenarios 1 and 4 are presented. As can be seen in Table 16,
Table 14
The total operating times of primary and back-up relays of case 4 under various scenarios.
Index Scenario 1 (NI) [4] Scenario 2 (VI) Scenario 3 (EI) Scenario 4 (smart
selection of NI, VI,
and EI curves)
ns
p,i
∑∑
ts,F 585.5488 148.7346 – 94.2059
1
SCase4 i=1
ns
b ,i
∑∑
ts,xF 1024.9595 439.5270 – 356.7405
1
SCase4 i=1
ns
p,i
∑∑
ts,F 773.1441 338.7461 – 272.7371
2
SCase4 i=1
ns
b ,i
∑∑
ts,xF 2164.695 2839.642 – 2104.226
2
SCase4 i=1
16
Table 16
Analyses of the operating times and coordination constraints corresponding to R14 (the main relay) and R5 and R16 (the back-up
relays) when a fault occurs at F14 under different cases and scenarios values of the continuous PCSs and TDSs of all cases under
scenario 4.
Case & Scenario No. Topology Relays operating times (s) Coordination constraint
Primary relay Back-up relay
R14 0.47351 R5 0.67351 OK
Main
R14 0.47351 R16 0.67351 OK
R14 0.50952 R5 0.94888 OK
Islanded mode
Case 1 & Scenario 1 R14 0.50952 R16 1.14458 OK
R14 0.53175 R5 0.66814 Not OK
Bus 6 DG outage
R14 0.53175 R16 0.66798 Not OK
R14 0.47999 R5 0.73842 OK
Line 1–4 outage
R14 0.47999 R16 0.68069 OK
R14 2.47911 R5 3.34834 OK
Main
R14 2.47911 R16 3.37827 OK
R14 2.65844 R5 3.99016 OK
Islanded mode
R14 2.76853 R5 3.33350 OK
Bus 6 DG outage
R14 2.76853 R16 3.36211 OK
R14 2.51150 R5 3.51984 OK
Line 1–4 outage
R14 2.51150 R16 3.22881 OK
R14 0.29591 R5 0.72454 OK
Main
R14 0.29591 R16 1.30432 OK
R14 0.40211 R5 1.28787 OK
Islanded mode
R14 0.47661 R5 0.71327 OK
Bus 6 DG outage
R14 0.47661 R16 1.27292 OK
R14 0.31370 R5 0.86075 OK
Line 1–4 outage
R14 0.31370 R16 1.03188 OK
under case 1 without consideration of all system topologies, the analyses of R14, R5, and R16 when a fault occurs at F14 have
constraint violations occur under the islanding operating mode been presented in Fig. 10. The DIgSILENT test results validate the
and due to the outage of DG connected to Bus 6. These problems satisfaction of all selectivity constraints.
corresponding to the coordination constraints violations have The statistical analysis of hybrid optimization algorithms, the
been solved under case 4 by considering all system topologies and comparison of different optimization algorithms’ test results, and
operating modes. the cross-checking of coordination constraints satisfaction guar-
Moreover, in Table 19, the operating time of typical relays antee the validity of the proposed method.
under scenario 1 and scenario 4 for case 4 have been compared. To illustrate the advantages of solving the proposed OP using
The comparison test results illustrate that by applying the pro- GA-LP and PSO-LP in comparison to non-hybrid GA and PSO algo-
posed method (case 4 and scenario 4), there is no coordination rithms, the test system under Case 1 and Scenario 1 (as the most
constraint violation while the relays operating time has been simple condition in the viewpoint of soft computing aspects) is
reduced in comparison to scenario 1. studied, as depicted in Fig. 11. Firstly, the setting parameters of
Finally, the obtained optimization results, such as the opti- GA and PSO were selected similar to those of GA-LP and PSO-LP,
mum values of the PCSs, TDSs, and relay type curves, are exported but experimental analyses inferred that it is not possible to obtain
to the DIgSILENT. The settings of all DOCRs of the test system the global optima with these settings. Accordingly, experimental
are assigned according to the obtained values. To validate the and sensitivity analyses have been performed to determine the
optimum test results and coordination constraints violations, the suitable settings for GA and PSO algorithms. Experimental and
relays coordination under various system topologies is evalu- sensitivity analyses showed that by selecting 1000 as the pop-
ated in DIgSILENT. The deployment of the actual types of well- ulation size and similar values for other setting parameters, as
known commercial DOCRs in DIgSILENT and the study of different described in Tables 6 and 7, the global optima is achievable. The
behaviours of the distribution system based on its nature and first result that claims the attention is the required population
characteristics through the validation process is useful. size of GA and PSO in comparison to GA-LP and PSO-LP. The
Finally, the obtained optimization results, such as the opti- comparative results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed
mum values of the PCSs, TDSs, and relay type curves, are exported hybrid GA-LP and PSO algorithms to solve the OP. Moreover, as
to the DIgSILENT. The settings of all DOCRs of the test system revealed by Fig. 11, the convergence occurs earlier for the PSO-LP
are assigned according to the obtained values. To validate the and GA-LP in comparison to the GA and PSO.
optimum test results and coordination constraints violations, the The consideration of different topologies and corresponding
relays coordination under various system topologies is evalu- selectivity constraints leads to complicate the searching in the
ated in DIgSILENT. The deployment of the actual types of well- feasible area. On the other hand, an increase in the number
known commercial DOCRs in DIgSILENT and the study of different of decision variables (considering the type of operating curves
behaviours of the distribution system based on its nature and in the proposed method based on the smart selection of re-
characteristics through the validation process is useful. lays’ characteristics) increases the complexity of the OP. There-
The coordination of all primary and back-up relays under fore, the advantages of solving the proposed OP using the GA-
various system topologies due to N-1 contingencies and operating LP and PSO-LP would be more highlighted in other cases and
modes have been checked in DIgSILENT. The typical coordination scenarios.
17
Fig. 10. The operating curves of R14 (the main relay) and R5 and R16 (the back-up relays) obtained by DIgSILENT simulations according to optimum setting results
of Scenario 4 and Case 4 under (a) the main topology, (b) the islanded operation mode, (c) the outage of DG unit connected to Bus 6, and (d) the outage of line
connected to Buses 1 and 4.
have been presented in Table 17. Test results infer than the
performance of the tuned GA is significantly better than other
pre-defined conventional GA without any special modifications.
In addition, the OP under scenario 4 and case 3 has been solved
15 times using the PSO in various modifications, and the sensi-
tivity analysis results of different inertia weight damping rates
and velocity ranges for PSO have been presented in Tables 18
and 19, respectively. Test results illustrate the advantages of the
tuned PSO in comparison to other pre-defined conventional PSO
without any special modifications.
4. Conclusion
Fig. 11. Convergence diagram of the OP under Scenario 1 and Case 1. In this paper, a new method has been developed to optimize
the microgrids’ protection schemes by incorporating the smart
selection of standard relays time-current characteristics consid-
As explained in the proposed methodology, the tuned GA and ering all system topologies due to under N-1 contingencies. The
PSO algorithms have been used in this paper to improve the introduced scenarios, which use NI, VI, EI characteristics for all
performance of solving the OP. The OP under scenario 4 and case relays, and the smart selection of relays operating curves have
3 has been solved 15 times using the GA in various modifications, been studied under various cases based on the system topologies.
and the sensitivity analysis results of different tunings for GA By applying the proposed optimal protection coordination of mi-
crogrids considering all system topologies and smart selection of
18
Table 17
Analyses of the GA’s performance for different tunings under scenario 4 and case 3.
Item No. Description of tunings and Number of required iterations Computing time to
modifications to converge the solutions converge the solutions (s)
1 Single-point crossover and ordinary 118 338.6057
mutation operators
2 Double-point crossover and ordinary 149 419.8944
mutation operators
3 Uniform crossover and ordinary 126 351.7586
mutation operators
4 Combination of various crossovers and 95 260.9367
ordinary mutation operators
5 Combination of various crossovers and 45 129.3429
modified mutation operators
Table 18 CRediT authorship contribution statement

Analyses of the PSO’s performance for different inertia weight damping rates
under scenario 4 and case 3.
Amir Mohammad Entekhabi-Nooshabadi: Conceptualization,
Item No. Inertia weight Number of required Computing time to
damping rate iterations to converge converge the
Methodology, Software, Writing - original draft. Hamed Hashemi-
the solutions solutions (s) Dezaki: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software, Writing - re-
1 0.8 637 1762.5186
view & editing, Validation, Supervision. Seyed Abbas Taher: Writ-
2 0.9 227 629.4401 ing - review & editing, Supervision.
3 0.99 30 101.5124
4 0.9996 29 100.1253 Declaration of competing interest
5 0.99996 41 152.6832
The authors declare that they have no known competing finan-

Table 19 cial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared
Analyses of the PSO’s performance for different velocity ranges under scenario to influence the work reported in this paper.
4 and case 3.
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Optimal Microgrid's Protection Coordination Considering N-1 Contingency and Optimum Relay Characteristics - 2021

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Applied Soft Computing Journal

Optimal microgrid’s protection coordination considering N-1

Nomenclature TDSj The TDS of the jth DOCR

1. Introduction relays characteristics and comprehensive consideration of all con-

– Validating the obtained results by simulating the relay co-

The rest of this article is structured as follows. The proposed

2. Proposed optimal protection coordination of microgrids

2.1. Objective function (OF) and constraints

The modern electrical energy systems demand that protec-

determining the decision variables of system relays, the settings Table 1

Under scenarios 1, 2, and 3, the curve type of relays is pre-

TDSjmin ≤ TDSj ≤ TDSjmax (8) H12 = H21

(24) be optimized. In Fig. 3, the chromosome structure, including the

Fig. 2. Flowchart of solving the OP using hybrid GA-LP.

Fig. 3. The chromosome structure in GA.

required. Otherwise, the value of this Boolean variable would be

After evaluation of chromosome fitness values, the selection

Fig. 5. Flowchart of solving the OP using hybrid PSO-LP.

It has been assumed that three synchronous DGs have been

Table 9 the importance of the simultaneously smart selection of relay

Table 10 the continuous PCSs is less than 3% in comparison to discrete

Table 18 CRediT authorship contribution statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing finan-

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