A short communication to define the overcurrent protection system of the CIGRE European benchmark distribution networks for RES penetration studies

Abstract

The use of clean energies in distribution networks is an unstoppable trend which has a significant positive impact on the progressive power system decarbonization. However, it has to be considered that conventional distribution systems have been designed to operate as passive networks. Therefore, a massive penetration of distributed generation may create several operational problems, such as malfunction of the protection systems, which may limit the deployment of this technology. The analysis of these limitations by means of representative benchmark networks is of utmost importance. Most of the proposed benchmark networks proposed so far, however, lack of information about their protection system. To overcome this shortcoming, this letter specifies the protection system of the benchmark European distribution networks proposed by the CIGRE Task Force C06.04.02 for this purpose. In this way, this letter facilitates the analysis of the possible impact that renewable energy sources may have in the distribution system protections.