Technical Presentations

Evaluation of 3rd Order Harmonics in Microgrids894

Abstract
The implementation of distributed generation sources with islanding microgrid capabilities can introduce new challenges for engineers integrating new large generators to existing power systems. The ge... see morenerator interconnection transformer winding configuration and the generator winding pitch greatly impacts the flow of circulating currents and can result in unexpected generator heating, as well as high grounding resistor operating temperatures. This presentation presents a case study of the flow of 3rd order harmonic currents in a microgrid power system, and how EMTP was used to design equipment modifications necessary to reduce the current. A review of generators and how they can lead to 3rd order harmonic current generatio, along with additional options for correcting this condition will be presented.

Tag(s): Distributed Generation, Harmonic Currents, EMTP Simulations

Ground Fault Overvoltage with Inverter-Based Distributed Energy Resources841

Abstract
A Ground Fault Overvoltage (GFO) can occur in situations where an ungrounded transmission line and associated ungrounded transmission equipment is energized from distribution connected Distributed En... see moreergy Resource (DER) during a transmission single-phase-to-ground (SLG) fault. The condition could result in 1.73 pu overvoltage on phase to ground connected equipment which will be sustained until the DER ceases to energize the substation distribution transformer. Transmission equipment on the isolated circuit will be subjected to the above phase to ground overvoltage, also if there is frequency shift, the isolating transmission circuit breakers could potentially see up to 2.73 pu phase to ground overvoltage. Such an overvoltage can cause damage to customer or utility equipment and must be avoided. GFO concerns are already becoming a barrier to large-scale DER deployment either by posing low hosting capacity or by necessitating installation of costly mitigation equipment. Utilities need to study GFO risks and identify low-cost mitigation options to enable large-scale DER deployment. Given the fundamental differences in mechanisms and phenomena driving a GFO under DERs, classical GFO analysis methods do not apply to inverters, and advanced simulation methods and tools are required.


This presentation highlights EPRI’s work on GFO analysis, concerns, and evaluation of mitigation options using EMTP. The objective is to determine if or when high DER penetration presents a GFO problem and how to prioritize the mitigation and equipment evaluation. This includes evaluating the impact lightning arresters can have in reducing or clamping the overvoltage, the application and performance of high voltage substation overvoltage protection, and DER on-board voltage/frequency protection. The presentation further provides modeling recommendations for such a study using EMTP. As DER deployment increases, utilities will need to perform similar analysis to identify potential overvoltage risks and develop low-cost mitigation methods. This work provides a basis for such a study.

Tag(s): gfov, tov, ibr, DER, inverter, islanding, load rejection, inverter based resources

Frequency and Voltage Data Processing789

Abstract
The complexity of an active distribution system with distributed generation (DG) is increasing day-by-day. Therefore, a reliable protection system is very necessary to satisfy customer demand. Apart f... see morerom main grid supply, active sources are also available near load centers due to which traditional protection schemes fails to function properly.

The magnitude of fault current during grid connected mode of microgrid, is much higher than islanded operation. Therefore, in most of the previous works, overcurrent protection crashes if its pickup current value is not changed when microgrid is shifted to islanded mode. In this work, the current, voltage and frequency data sampled through PMU is processed to protect the system in both the operating modes. A centralized protection scheme is employed that takes frequency data and voltage phasor to differentiate between islanding and fault condition. Further, it detects the faulted feeder and sends trip command to respective relays within a tolerant time.

This method is devised to work as backup protection when main utility grid is available. However, it can work as a primary protection during islanded mode, when local overcurrent relay fails to operate due to settings based on grid connected mode. A standard IEEE 15 bus system modeled in EMTP is taken as test system for every analysis.