Overcurrent Protection Scheme for Industrial Distribution System with Decentralized Power Generation Resources

International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

© 2026 by SSRG - IJEEE Journal

Volume 13 Issue 1

Year of Publication : 2026

Authors : Ishan Desai, Paul Jacob, Nilesh Chothani, Divyesh Mangroliya

10.14445/23488379/IJEEE-V13I1P103

How to Cite?

Ishan Desai, Paul Jacob, Nilesh Chothani, Divyesh Mangroliya, "Overcurrent Protection Scheme for Industrial Distribution System with Decentralized Power Generation Resources," SSRG International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, vol. 13,  no. 1, pp. 19-30, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488379/IJEEE-V13I1P103

Abstract:

There has been a potential rise in the usage of renewable energy sources in the distribution system over the past few years because of advantages like less power loss, improved voltage regulation, reliability, and environmental friendliness. In spite of these advantages, these sources, known as Decentralized Power Generation Resources (DPGRs), cause alteration of system parameters. Bidirectional power flows, increased and variable fault currents can lead to protection miscoordination, nuisance tripping, and reduced system reliability. An adequate protection should be provided for reliable protection and operation of the distribution system. An Overcurrent Protection (OCP) scheme for Industrial Distribution Network (IDN) with Decentralized Power Generation Resources (DPGR) with a Fuzzy Logic-based controller is proposed in this article. Simulation of the suggested Over Current Protection (OCP) is done through ETAP software, incorporating Decentralized Power Generation Resources (DPGRs) in the Distribution System. Impact of Decentralized Power Generation Resources on protection system and protection coordination is verified in a site study. Results demonstrate that the proposed scheme reduces fault clearing time, minimizing false operations and enhancing system stability, and it offers a better solution for modern grids and a directing way for future development and enhancement in adaptive protection strategies.

Keywords:

Decentralized Power Generation Resources, Fuzzy Logic, Industrial Distribution System, Overcurrent Protection, Protection Coordination.

References:

[1] Thomas Ackermann, Göran Andersson, and Lennart Söder, “Distributed Generation: A Definition,” Electric Power System Research, vol. 57, no. 3, pp. 195-204, 2001.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[2] Walid Aly Seif El-Khattam, and Mohamed M.A. Salama, “Distributed Generation Technologies, Definitions and Benefits,” Electric Power System Research, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 119-128, 2004.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[3] Guido Pepermans et al., “Distributed Generation: Definition, Benefits and Issues,” Energy Policy, vol. 33, no. 6, pp. 787-798, 2005.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[4] Honghai Kuang, Shengqing Li, and Zhengqiu Wu, “Discussion on Advantages and Disadvantages of Distributed Generation Connected to the Grid,” 2011 International Conference on Electrical and Control Engineering, Yichang, China, pp. 170-173, 2011.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[5] Jinsong Liu, Junyang Zhang, and Da Zhang, “Effect of Distributed Generation on Power Supply Reliability of Distribution Network,” 2015 8th International Conference on Grid and Distributed Computing (GDC), Jeju, Korea (South), pp. 32-35, 2015.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[6] Pedram Jahangiri, and Mahmud Fotuhi-Firuzabad, “Reliability Assessment of Distribution System with Distributed Generation,” 2008 IEEE 2nd International Power and Energy Conference, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, pp. 1551-1556, 2008.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[7] S. Khuanpaed, and A. Ngaopitakkul, “The Effects of Distributed Generator on Distribution System Reliability,” 10th International Conference on Advances in Power System Control, Operation and Management (APSCOM 2015), Hong Kong, pp. 1-6, 2015.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[8] A.T. Mohamed, Ahmed A. Helal, and S.M. El Safty, “Distribution System Reliability Evaluation in Presence of DG,” 2019 IEEE International Conference on Environment and Electrical Engineering and 2019 IEEE Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Europe (EEEIC / I&CPS Europe), Genova, Italy, pp. 1-6, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[9] Loi Lei Lai et al., “Challenges to Implementing Distributed Generation in Area Electric Power System,” 2011 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, Anchorage, AK, USA, pp. 797-801, 2011.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[10] Belwin J. Brearley, and R. Raja Prabu, “A Review on Issues and Approaches for Microgrid Protection,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 67, pp. 988-997, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[11] Patrick Tendayi Manditereza, and Ramesh Bansal, “Renewable Distributed Generation: The Hidden Challenges a Review from the Protection Perspective,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 58, pp. 1457-1465, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[12] Seyed-Ehsan Razavi et al., “Impact of Distributed Generation on Protection and Voltage Regulation of Distribution Systems: A Review,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 105, pp. 157-167, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[13] Digambar R. Bhise, Ravishankar S. Kankale, and Saurabh Jadhao, “Impact of Distributed Generation on Protection of Power System,” 2017 International Conference on Innovative Mechanisms for Industry Applications (ICIMIA), Bengaluru, India, pp. 399-405, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[14] IEEE Recommended Practice for Protection and Coordination of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems, IEEE Std 242-2001, pp. 1-710, 2001.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[15] Byung Chul Sung et al., “Adaptive Protection Algorithm for Overcurrent Relay in Distribution System with DG,” Journal of Electrical Engineering Technology, vol. 8, no. 5, pp. 1002-1011, 2013.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[16] Akram Elmitwally, Eid Abdelbaki Gouda, and S. Eladawy, “Optimal Allocation of Fault Current Limiters for Sustaining Overcurrent Relays Coordination in a Power System with Distributed Generation,” Alexandria Engineering Journal, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 1077-1089, 2015.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[17] Murali Matcha, Sharath Kumar Papani, and Vijetha Killamsetti, “Adaptive Relaying of Radial Distribution System with Distributed Generation,” International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 407-414, 2013.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[18] Jamile Pinheiro Nascimento, Nubia Silva Dantas Brito, and Benemar Alencar de Souza, “An Adaptive Protection Algorithm for Distribution Systems with Distributed Generation,” 2015 IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Latin America (ISGT LATAM), Montevideo, Uruguay, pp. 165-170, 2015.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[19] Meng Yen Shih et al., “An Adaptive Overcurrent Coordination Scheme to Improve Relay Sensitivity and Overcome Drawbacks due to Distributed Generation in Smart Grids,” IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, vol. 53, no. 6, pp. 5217-5228, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[20] A.M. Ibrahim et al., “Adaptive Protection Coordination Scheme for Distribution Network with Distributed Generation using ABC,” Journal of Electrical Systems and Information Technology, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 320-332, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[21] Dhivya Sampath Kumar et al., “An Adaptive Fuzzy based Relay for Protection of Distribution Networks,” 2015 IEEE International Conference on Fuzzy Systems (FUZZ-IEEE), Istanbul, Turkey, pp. 1-6, 2015.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[22] Abouzar Rahmati et al., “An Overcurrent Protection Relay based on Local Measurements,” IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 2081-2085, 2015.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[23] Saad. M. Saad et al., “Applying Adaptive Protection Scheme to Mitigate the Impact of Distributed Generator on Existing Distribution Network,” 2017 8th International Renewable Energy Congress (IREC), Amman, Jordan, pp. 1-6, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[24] R. Sitharthan, M. Geethanjali, and T. Karpaga Senthil Pandy, “Adaptive Protection Scheme for Smart Microgrid with Electronically Coupled Distributed Generations,” Alexandria Engineering Journal, vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 2539-2550, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[25] Ekta Purwar, D.N. Vishwakarma, and S.P. Singh, “A New Adaptive Inverse-Time Protection Scheme for Modern Distribution Systems with Distributed Generation,” 2017 IEEE Power and Energy Society Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference (ISGT), Washington, DC, USA, pp. 1-5, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[26] STP Srinivas, and K. Shanti Swarup, “Optimal Relay Coordination and Communication based Protection for Microgrid,” 2017 IEEE Region 10 Symposium (TENSYMP), Cochin, India, pp. 1-5, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[27] Margo Pujiantara et al., “Optimization Technique based Adaptive Overcurrent Protection in Radial System with DG using Genetic Algorithm,” 2016 International Seminar on Intelligent Technology and Its Applications (ISITIA), Lombok, Indonesia, pp. 83-88, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[28] Sekar Kannuppaiyan, and Vivekanandan Chenniappan, “Numerical Inverse Definite Minimum Time Overcurrent Relay for Microgrid Power System Protection,” IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronics Engineering, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 50-54, 2015.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[29] Emilio C. Piesciorovsky, and Noel N. Schulz, “Fuse Relay Adaptive Overcurrent Protection Scheme for Microgrid with Distributed Generators,” IET Generation, Transmission and Distribution, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 540-549, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[30] Jing Ma et al., “An Adaptive Directional Current Protection Scheme for Distribution Network with DG Integration based on Fault Steady-State Component,” International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, vol. 102, pp. 223-234, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[31] Amin Yazdaninejadi, Daryoush Nazarpour, and Sajjad Golshannavaz, “Dual Setting Directional Over-Current Relays: An Optimal Coordination in Multiple Source Meshed Distribution Networks,” International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, vol. 86, pp. 163-176, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[32] Hebatallah Mohamed Sharaf, Hatem H. Zeineldin, and Ehab El-Saadany, “Protection Coordination for Microgrids with Grid-Connected and Islanded Capabilities using Communication Assisted Dual Setting Directional Overcurrent Relays,” IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 143-151, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[33] Amin Yazdaninejadi, Daryoush Nazarpour, and Vahid Talavat, “Optimal Coordination of Dual-Setting Directional Over-Current Relays in Multi-Source Meshed Active Distribution Networks Considering Transient Stability,” IET Generation, Transmission and Distribution, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 157-170, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[34] Xiaohui Song et al., “Adaptive Protection Scheme for Distributed Systems with DG,” The Journal of Engineering, vol. 2017, no. 13, pp. 1432-1436, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[35] Yavuz Ates et al., “Implementation of Adaptive Relay Coordination in Distribution Systems Including Distributed Generation,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 112, pp. 2697-2705, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[36] Rishabh Jain, David L. Lubkeman, and Srdjan M. Lukic, “Dynamic Adaptive Protection for Distribution Systems in Grid-Connected and Islanded Modes,” IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 281-289, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[37] Ankita Sharma, and Bijaya Ketan Panigrahi, “Phase Fault Protection Scheme for Reliable Operation of Microgrids,” IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, vol. 54, no. 3, pp. 2646-2655, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[38] Mahamad Nabab Alam, “Adaptive Protection Coordination Scheme using Numerical Directional Overcurrent Relays,” IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 64-73, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[39] Ahmad Darabi, Mehdi Bagheri, and Gevork B. Gharehpetian, “Highly Reliable Overcurrent Protection Scheme for Highly Meshed Power Systems,” International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, vol. 119, pp. 1-13, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[40] Mahamad Nabab Alam, “Overcurrent Protection of AC Microgrids using Mixed Characteristic Curves of Relays,” Computers and Electrical Engineering, vol. 74, pp. 74-88, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[41] Houman Lahiji, Firouz Badrkhani Ajaei, and Ryan E. Boudreau, “Non-Pilot Protection of the Inverter- Dominated Microgrid,” IEEE Access, vol. 7, pp. 142190-142202, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[42] Jamile Pinheiro Nascimento, Núbia Silva Dantas Brito, and Benemar Alencar Alencar De Souza, “An Adaptive Overcurrent Protection System Applied to Distribution Systems,” Computers and Electrical Engineering, vol. 81, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[43] Naser El-Naily, Saad M. Saad, and Faisal Abdelkarim Mohamed, “Novel Approach for Optimum Coordination of Overcurrent Relays to Enhance Microgrid Earth Fault Protection Scheme,” Sustainable Cities and Society, vol. 54, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[44] Astha Chawla et al., “Gravitational Search based Algorithm for Optimal Coordination of Directional Overcurrent Relays using User Defined Characteristic,” Electric Power Components and Systems, vol. 46, no. 1, pp. 43-55, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[45] Ehsan Dehghanpour et al., “Optimal Coordination of Directional Overcurrent Relays in Microgrids by using Cuckoo-Linear Optimization Algorithm and Fault Current Limiter,” IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 1365-1375, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[46] Reza Hemmati, and Hasan Mehrjerdi, “Non-Standard Characteristic of Overcurrent Relay for Minimum Operating Time and Maximum Protection Level,” Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, vol. 97, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[47] Ahmed Y. Hatata, and Alnufaie Lafi, “Ant Lion Optimizer for Optimal Coordination of DOC Relays in Distribution Systems Containing DGs,” IEEE Access, vol. 6, pp. 72241-72252, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[48] G.D. Rockefeller et al., “Adaptive Transmission Relaying Concepts for Improved Performance,” IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 1446-1458, 1988.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]