scope:

This recommended practice focuses on the configurations and schemes of fault diagnosis and protection corresponding to different grid operation modes, control patterns, equipment conditions and reliability requirements in smart distribution network. With the development of information and communication technology (ICT), there is diverse and abundant data in monitoring and control systems for distribution network. And due to the connection of distributed energy resources and electric vehicles, the distribution network becomes more diversified and complex. Considering different distribution network conditions and requirements, this recommended practice provides valuable practices relevant to the fault diagnosis and protection strategies including operation requirements, architecture of fault diagnosis and protection configuration, basic functions and technical indexes of software systems and hardware terminals, the realization modes of fault diagnosis and protection, relevant information exchange demand, etc. The fault types cover phase (three-phase and phase-to-phase) faults, ground (three-phase-to-ground, two-phase-to-ground and single-phase-to-ground) faults and conductor-broken faults. This recommended practice applies to distribution systems from 6 kV to 20 kV.

Purpose

In view of the fact that a single fault diagnosis and protection strategy cannot adapt to various configurations of smart distribution networks, an effective fault diagnosis and protection method should be able to adjust with changes of the monitoring and operating conditions, network topology and reliability requirement of smart distribution networks. Therefore, it is needed to propose different fault diagnosis and protection strategies according to different grids operation modes, control patterns, equipment conditions and reliability requirements in smart distribution networks.

This recommended practice provides valuable experience for planners and operators in the matter of fault diagnosis and protection configuration. It is intended to provide preferred strategies of fault handling according to different grids situation and users requirements.

The implementation of this recommended practice will help enhance security and the normative operation for smart distribution networks.