An improved anti-islanding algorithm for utility interconnection of multiple distributed fuel cell powered generations

This paper presents an improved anti-islanding algorithm for utility interconnection of multiple distributed fuel cell powered generations (DFPGs). A cross-correlation method is proposed and implemented in conjunction with the anti-islanding algorithm developed in the previous work (C. Jeraputra and P.N. Enjeti, 2004). While the power control algorithm continuously perturbs (plusmn5%) the reactive power supplied by the DFPG, the proposed algorithm calculates the cross-correlation index of a rate of change of the frequency deviation with respect to (plusmn5%) the reactive power to confirm islanding. If this index is above 50%, the algorithm further initiates (plusmn10%) the reactive power perturbation and continues to calculate the correlation index. If the index exceeds 80%, the occurrence of islanding can be confirmed. The proposed method is robust and capable of detecting the occurrence of islanding in the presence of several DFPGs, which are independently operating. Viability of the cross-correlation method is verified by the simulation. Experimental results are presented to support the findings of the proposed method