Optimal Setting Method of Inverse Time Overcurrent Protection for the Distribution Networks Based on the Improved Grey Wolf Optimization

Abstract

The setting of protection parameters is vital to the large-scale application of reverse time overcurrent protection in the distribution networks. A fixed value optimization method of inverse time overcurrent protection for the distribution networks with distributed generation based on the improved Grey Wolf algorithm is proposed, which takes the protection action equation and the sensitivity, speed, and selectivity into consideration. Subsequently, four strategies, including good point set initialization, convergence factor exponential decay strategy, mutation strategy, and heuristic parameter determination strategy, are introduced to improve the Grey Wolf algorithm on the premise of retaining fewer adjustable parameters. Simulation results verify the feasibility and superiority of the proposed model in case of the two-phase and three-phase faults and discuss the influence of time differential on parameters setting and the research direction of algorithm optimization and engineering application.