This research aims to develop a next-generation protection device for low-voltage meshed distribution networks, facilitating the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) for backup generation during resilience events. By transforming these networks into microgrid building blocks, the device will significantly enhance grid reliability and resilience for critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and urban centers, especially during widespread transmission outages.
Current Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards limit DER interconnections within secondary networks, which provide redundancy but remain vulnerable to transmission system outages during disasters or cyber-attacks. Microgrids can mitigate this vulnerability by allowing DERs to operate independently until the transmission system is restored. However, the capabilities of existing network protector relays often hinder DER integration, creating barriers to microgrid adoption.
The innovative protection device will eliminate constraints on microgrid adoption in secondary networks and improve the resilience of critical infrastructure across the US. This project will create a network protector unit that differentiates between normal operations and fault currents, using both communication-based and local measurement methods. Testing will involve hardware-in-the-loop simulations to ensure effectiveness. Successful implementation of this device will enhance reliability and resilience for critical facilities, reducing the public liability during system disruptions, and bolstering national security.
The project team is working with utilities for device verification and validation, scoping potential locations for network protector replacements and cybersecurity testing of communication-based protection algorithms. Since one of the major limitations are around utility process and IEEE standards for not allowing modification of the network protector, efforts are ongoing to update the interconnection screening criteria and IEEE 1547.6 standard, funded by DOE SETO.