Optimization of Overcurrent Relay Operation with Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

This paper discusses optimization of the overcurrent relay’s operation via Genetic Algorithm (GA). By using values of currents and voltages obtained during normal operation and fault conditions from a MATLAB simulation of a IEEE 4-bus network, a GA is applied to identify suitable relay settings for all IDMT directional overcurrent relays in the simulation. The objective of the GA optimization is to minimise the relay operating time while ensuring the coordination between the main and back-up relays are achieved. The motivation of this study is to prove that suitably fast and coordinated overcurrent relay settings for large networks can be produced by GA if the backup and main relationships are already established. This development could reduce the complexity of performing relay settings manually for overcurrent relays in large networks