Impacts of distributed generation on protection and autoreclosing of distribution networks

There are increasing uptaking of distributed generation in distribution networks in the UK due to the increased usage of renewable generations such as windfarms and biomass. Distribution networks were not designed for this purpose and there are concerns on the impact of the generator connection on network protection. This paper gives a brief review of the arrangements of network protection and auto reclosing of 11 kV overhead feeders. The potential impact of the connection of distributed generator on the protection and autoreclosing was analysed. A modelling study was carried out on the fault current changes caused by the distributed generator connection .The impact on network protection and autoreclsoing was then investigated.