Coordination of Overcurrent Relays Using Genetic Algorithms and Unconventional Curves

This paper proposes an alternative that mitigates the lack of sensitivity of overcurrent relays in highly interconnected power systems, i.e. reduce the operating time and increase their ability to detect fault conditions. From the inverse time characteristic equation, standardized by the IEEE, seeking to provide the protection with greater flexibility, the use of unconventional inverse time curves is proposed, considering each adjustment of the equation as a degree of freedom. The optimal settings for the coordination problem are obtained by the implementation of one of the evolutionary computing methods, the genetic algorithms. Furthermore, different levels of the load current are considered for each system, simulating actual behavior.