1
Islanding detection by using
impedance method
Abstract— Detecting islanding in a microgrid accurately is
essential to prevent operational issues such as power quality
degradation, reclosing failures, and equipment damage.
Therefore, devising effective islanding detection methods is
crucial for microgrid protection schemes. This study proposes
a technique called Impedance measurement for islanding
detection. By analyzing voltage and current signals at the Point
of Common Coupling (PCC), the technique estimates the
impedance (Z),for distinguishing between islanding and non-
islanding events. The results demonstrate that the impedance
measurement technique accurately identifies islanding events
under different active and reactive power mismatches and
varying load conditions. Additionally, it effectively
distinguishes non-islanding events such as load switching,
single pole tripping, feeder disconnection, faults, and
disconnection of adjacent distributed generations.
1.INTRODUCTION
In the past two decades, a global energy crisis has underscored
the need for alternative energy solutions, driving the adoption
of Distributed Generation (DG) as a viable option to alleviate
pressure on the power industry. Renewable energy sources such
as PV arrays, wind turbines, and fuel cells have emerged as
primary choices for DG due to their minimal environmental
impact. Microgrids, characterized by the integration of DG,
loads, and storage devices at the distribution level along with
their control logic, have gained prominence. With the
increasing integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)
into DG, various challenges concerning microgrid security and
power quality have surfaced. While the integration of DERs
offers benefits such as enhanced reliability and system
efficiency, it also brings about complexities in protection
schemes, synchronization, islanding detection, and power
quality management. Inadequate islanding detection can lead to
undesirable operational modes, resulting in power quality
issues, re-closing failures, and equipment damage,
underscoring the criticality of robust islanding detection
mechanisms. 1
Motivated by the imperative to address these challenges,
innovative algorithms for islanding event identification have
become a focal point. Compliance with standards such as IEEE
1547-2008 mandates that protection schemes integrated with
1 4
DG should swiftly detect islanding events and isolate the
distribution network from the utility grid within 2 seconds.2
Our proposed method leverages impedance as a key parameter
to discern islanding events from non-islanding scenarios in
microgrids. Specifically tailored for inverter-based DG
systems, our approach offers simplicity, a negligible non-
detection zone, and minimal impact on output power quality.
By estimating the average resistance of the microgrid through
the measurement of average voltage and current, our method
enables efficient and cost-effective islanding detection,
ensuring smooth transitions between grid-connected and
islanded modes of operation while maintaining nominal voltage
and frequency levels at the point of common coupling.3
.
II. MOTIVATION4
The motivation for this paper stems from shortcomings
observed in existing islanding detection techniques. Active
methods encounter power quality issues, while remote
approaches are deemed too costly for hardware
implementation. Furthermore, passive techniques falter when
confronted with islanding events occurring precisely when
active and reactive power demands match. This study seeks to
address these limitations by developing an islanding scheme
optimized for zero active and reactive power mismatches. The
proposed method relies on the rate of change of superimposed
impedance, derived from the differential equations of three-
phase voltages and currents at the Point of Common Coupling
(PCC). Validation of the technique is conducted under various
test conditions (ΔP) and (ΔQ), as well as different load
scenarios. Significant contributions of the proposed technique
are
• Introducing a passive islanding detection method
reliant on impedance measurement for identifying
islanding events.
• Collection of three-phase voltage and current signals
at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC), facilitating
the estimation of Zpv using these measurements.
 1

(a)

(b)

Figure 1 - grid connected system and the control system

a. Simple network with a grid-connected DG system for studying the NDZ
b. Block diagram of the current control mode of operation of DG
 1

disconnecting the distributed generation (DG) from the local

• Substantially reducing the islanding detection time.
• Achieving a minimal non-detection zone (NDZ).
III. METHODOLOGY
loads to prevent safety and power quality issues5
Once the necessary actions have been taken, the algorithm
concludes its process, ready to resume continuous monitoring
and detection of impedance anomalies for ongoing islanding

passive impedance monitoring is implemented within the power

system to detect islanding events in microgrids effectively. The
process involves continuous monitoring of impedance at the
point of common coupling (PCC) between the microgrid and
the main grid. During normal grid-connected operation, the
impedance at the PCC remains relatively low and stable.
However, during islanding events where the microgrid becomes
disconnected from the main grid, the impedance at the PCC
may undergo significant changes, providing a clear indication
of the loss of connection.
To facilitate accurate detection, a comprehensive baseline
impedance profile is established under normal operating
conditions. This baseline profile serves as a reference for
identifying deviations that may indicate islanding events. The
profile is derived during stable grid-connected operation,
capturing typical impedance values at the PCC.
A sophisticated detection algorithm is then developed,
incorporating predefined thresholds based on the established
baseline impedance profile. This algorithm is designed to
discern deviations in impedance values that suggest islanding
events. Deviations beyond the predefined thresholds trigger the
algorithm to flag potential islanding events for further
investigation.
Continuous real-time monitoring of impedance values at the
PCC is crucial for swift detection of impedance anomalies. The
developed algorithm facilitates this continuous monitoring,
enabling prompt response to potential islanding events as they
occur. Upon detection of impedance deviations indicative of
islanding, the algorithm triggers appropriate actions, such as
generating alerts and disconnecting the distributed generation Figure 2 - flow chart
(DG) from the local loads to prevent safety and power quality
issues. Overall, this methodology ensures efficient and reliable
islanding detection in microgrids, safeguarding system
.
integrity.
.
detection in the microgrid. This algorithm flow ensures a
The algorithm begins by initiating continuous monitoring of
systematic approach to identifying and responding to islanding
impedance at the point of common coupling (PCC) between the events, thereby enhancing the reliability and safety of the
microgrid and the main grid. This involves measuring microgrid system.
impedance values at the PCC in real-time. These impedance
values are then compared with predefined thresholds 𝑉𝑎𝑣𝑔 = (𝑉𝑎 + 𝑉𝑏 + 𝑉𝑐)/3
established based on the baseline impedance profile derived
under normal operating conditions. If the measured impedance 𝐼𝑎𝑣𝑔 = (𝐼𝑎 + 𝐼𝑏 + 𝐼𝑐)/3
values remain within the expected range, the algorithm
continues monitoring for any deviations Vag and Iavg are the average of voltage and current
However, if the impedance values deviate beyond the respectively..Va,Vb,Vc are the rms value of voltage Ia,,Ib,,Ic
predefined thresholds, indicating a potential islanding event, the are rms value of current .
algorithm flags this detection. An alert is generated to notify
operators or control systems about the detected islanding event. 𝑍𝑝𝑣 = 𝑉𝑎𝑣𝑔/𝐼𝑎𝑣𝑔
Additionally, appropriate actions are initiated, such as
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IV.SIMULATION RESULT
Table 3 seleted various loads for islanding mode test

In the simulated microgrid system, the distributed generation

(DG) unit is capable of producing an output power of 80 kW.
The voltage between phases (L-L) is maintained at 380V, while
the nominal grid frequency is set at 50 Hz. The system
components exhibit specific electrical characteristics, with the
line resistance 𝑅(𝐿)R(L) measured at 1.805 Ω, inductance
𝐿(𝐿)L(L) at 3.192 mH, and capacitance 𝐶(𝐿)C(L) at 3.174 mF.
Quality factor is defined as.

Table 4 Evaluation of the method for various load changes

Where

Additionally, the system's load quality factor, calculated as

is determined to be 1.8. These parameters collectively define
the electrical behavior of the microgrid, influencing its Table 5 cases with different fault resistance
performance during both grid-connected and islanded modes of
operation. The simulated values provide insights into the
system's capability to maintain stability, manage power flow,
and respond effectively to variations in operating conditions,
ensuring reliable and efficient operation within the microgrid
environment.

Table 1 simulation parameter

In the first table, it is evident that islanding detection occurs

only after the threshold value is surpassed. In our specific case,
this threshold value is identified as 5. This observation
highlights the critical role of threshold setting in determining
the effectiveness of islanding detection methods.

Moving to Table 2, we observe that changes in the load

perimeter contribute to the establishment of a non-detection
zone. Specifically, islanding events occur except within areas
where power mismatches occur. This underscores the
importance of considering load perimeter changes in assessing
the potential for islanding within a power system.

Tables 3 and 4 provide further insights into the dynamics of

islanding detection and prevention. In these tables, it is noted
that after disconnecting or reconnecting loads, the system
Table 2 load parameter
should ideally not exhibit islanding. This is supported by the
observation that the impedance (Zpv) does not surpass the
predefined threshold in these scenarios.

These findings collectively emphasize the multifaceted nature

of islanding detection and prevention. They underscore the
importance of considering factors such as threshold values, load
perimeter changes, and load manipulation in ensuring the
robustness of islanding detection methods within power
systems.
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Case 1 Case 2

Case 3 Case 4

Case 5

Case 6

Case 7 Case8
 1

Case 10
Case 9

Evaluation of the method for various load changes

Case 12
Case 11

Cases with different fault types

Case 13 Case 14

A. NON DETECTION ZONE6
The effectiveness of an islanding detection method hinges on a
crucial aspect known as the Non-Detection Zone (NDZ). This
zone represents the operational range where islanding
conditions go undetected within an islanded power system. A
commonly studied setup to examine NDZ involves a simple
network comprising a Distributed Generator (DG), local load,
and grid source.
In this setup, when the utility switch is closed, the utility
supplies a mismatch of active and reactive powers (ΔP and ΔQ)
between the DG and local load to the load. The active and
reactive powers relevant to the DG are denoted as P and Q
respectively. Consequently, the voltage magnitude (V) and
frequency (f) at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) can be
calculated using equations (3) and (4):
These equations can be rearranged :
Upon opening the utility switch, the rest of the power system,
including the DG and local load, forms an islanded area. As ΔP
and ΔQ become zero, the new voltage and frequency (V' and f')
can be determined as follows:
These expressions capture the changes in voltage and frequency
within the islanded system configuration.
Upon the utility switch opening, an islanded area forms within
the power system, resulting in ΔP and ΔQ becoming zero.
Consequently, new voltage and frequency values (V' and f') are
determined. However, insignificant power mismatches may
result in minimal voltage and frequency variations, rendering
islanding detection challenging. This margin of power
1
Figure 3 Non Detection Zone
mismatch, constituting the NDZ, represents the range where
islanding conditions evade detection.
During normal operation, the load draws its required reactive
power from the main grid. However, in islanding scenarios,
DGs operating at unit power factor cannot inject the necessary
reactive power, causing the frequency to approach the load
resonance frequency. In cases where the load's RLC resonance
frequency aligns with the system's nominal frequency,
spontaneous changes post-islanding are minimal. For instance,
at 50 Hz, the local load behaves as a pure resistance (R),
absorbing the DG unit's rated power at the rated PCC voltage.
Simulation studies often employ RLC loads due to their
significant impact on islanding detection, particularly in
scenarios involving parallel RLC loads with high-quality
factors (Qf), which pose challenges in island detection
processes.
These expressions capture the changes in voltage and frequency
within the islanded system configuration.
V.FUTURE SCOPE
The impedance measurement technique proposed in this project
lays a strong foundation for future advancements and
enhancements in islanding detection within microgrids.
Moving forward, several avenues for future research and
development can be explored to further improve the efficacy
and applicability of this technique. Future efforts can focus on
developing adaptive algorithms capable of adjusting detection
thresholds dynamically in response to changing grid conditions.
This adaptability will enable the technique to remain effective
under varying load profiles, renewable energy penetration
levels, and grid configurations, ensuring robust performance in
dynamic grid environments.
Hardware Implementation and Field Testing: Further research
can involve the practical implementation of the impedance
 1

measurement technique in real-world microgrid systems. Field
testing and validation in diverse operational scenarios will
provide valuable insights into the technique's performance
under actual operating conditions, facilitating its integration
into commercial microgrid installations. Advancements in
sensing and communication technologies can enhance the
accuracy and efficiency of impedance measurements.
Integrating advanced sensors and communication protocols can
enable real-time monitoring of impedance values with higher
precision and reliability, improving the technique's
responsiveness to islanding events. Future research can explore
the integration of multi-agent systems for autonomous control
and decision-making in microgrid operations. Leveraging
decentralized control architectures can enhance the scalability
and resilience of islanding detection systems, enabling efficient
coordination among distributed energy resources for timely
islanding detection and mitigation.
With the increasing digitization and interconnectedness of
microgrid systems, cybersecurity and resilience considerations
are paramount. Future research efforts can focus on enhancing
the cybersecurity measures of the impedance measurement
technique to mitigate potential cyber threats and ensure the
resilience of microgrid operations against malicious attacks.
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VI. CONCLUSION

This paper introduces a novel islanding detection technique

centered around impedance measurement at the Point of
Common Coupling (PCC). By calculating Zpv through
impedance estimation at the PCC, the technique effectively
distinguishes between islanding and non-islanding events. The
study demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed method across
various islanding scenarios within the microgrid, including
active and reactive power mismatch conditions, as well as
different load quality factor conditions. Moreover, the proposed
scheme exhibits robust performance in non-islanding scenarios
such as load switching and fault conditions. Comparative
analysis with existing techniques highlights the superiority,
simplicity, robustness, and ease of implementation of the
proposed scheme.
.

REFERENCES

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Dragicević, "Support Vector Machine-Based Islanding
and Grid Fault Detection in Active Distribution