Distributed generation impacts on the coordination of protection systems in distribution networks

This paper discusses some aspects related to the connection of distributed generators to radial distribution systems, especially their impact on the protection coordination. A simulator, developed as part or a research and development project, facilitates the studies that should precede the installation of distributed generators (DG). This static simulator (SiGDist) has a module for load flow analysis, another for fault analysis and for verifying the protection coordination, and a user-friendly graphical interface. SiGDist will be used to show the possible effects of connecting a generation plant to an existing feeder in terms of the protection coordination.