Distance Relay Performance in IBR Dominated Networks and Improvements with Estimation-Based Protection

Inverter-based resources (IBRs) such as solar and wind introduce significant challenges in fault management within power systems, particularly affecting the reliability of traditional distance relays in transmission lines. These relays, critical for detecting and isolating faults based on specific fault characteristics, increasingly misoperate due to the unique control strategies of IBRs that often suppress fault current levels. This study conducts a comprehensive evaluation of traditional distance protection versus dynamic state estimation-based protection (EBP) on a transmission line within a high IBR penetration environment. Through detailed simulations on an A-G fault along the transmission line, the analysis reveals that traditional relays struggle to accurately detect and respond to faults due to the altered electrical characteristics introduced by IBRs. Conversely, EBP demonstrates superior performance by utilizing real-time state estimations to adapt effectively to dynamic grid conditions, ensuring reliable fault detection and isolation. This paper highlights the necessity for advanced protection mechanisms in transmission systems to manage the complexities introduced by the growing integration of renewable energy sources.