Multi-agent system-assisted fault section location scheme for distribution networks with DFIG-based wind DGs

This paper proposes a multi-agent system (MAS)-assisted relaying scheme to identify the fault section in a distribution network (DN) that incorporates doubly-fed induction generators (DFIG)-based wind distributed generations (DGs). Firstly, to mitigate the adverse effect of the uncertain fault behavior of DFIGs on conventional directional elements, the fault direction identifiers (FDIs) are assigned at the I-type and II-type buses in the DN using the high-frequency component principle. Furthermore, a MAS-assisted relaying structure is devised to collect and integrate these identifiers and then accomplish the fault section location. On the one hand, since the setting of FDIs only requires local current information and the logical signals are solely exchanged within each predetermined associated region, the proposed fault section location scheme can be implemented in an immature DN with a limited number of voltage transformers or under weak synchronization conditions. On the other hand, the autonomy and cooperation of intelligent Agents also enable the proposed scheme to determine the fault section in a decentralized decision-making (DDM) mode, eliminating the dependence on strong central control and reducing redundant data transmission in a multi-bus distribution system. Simulation results under representative faulty scenarios validate the expected performance of the protection scheme.