Abstract
The paper proposes a new protection algorithm for reliable operation of grid-interfaced PV system, which can flexibly interact with conventional protective schemes of power utility grid not only to prevent damages to utility or public persons and utility apparatus caused by malfunction or failure in distribution network protection system, but also to protect a PV system itself from faults or abnormal conditions of the network. The proposed algorithm is based on reclosing characteristics of the distribution system. As a network fault occurs, the new scheme determines whether it is momentary or permanent and responds in a pre-programmed way to the fault. For permanent outage, the proposed algorithm shuts down inverter's operations but monitoring system voltage and frequency at the point of common coupling with grid. When it comes to the momentary outage, Inverter starts stand-by operation mode so that it can be automatically connected to the grid without start-up procedures as soon as the system voltage and frequency returns into the normal operation range. In order to investigate' and evaluate the PV system operation, simulation study based on PSCAD/EMTDC has been carried out to verify the performance of the proposed protection scheme.
