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Energy Reports 9 (2023) 438–446

[Link]/locate/egyr

2022 3rd International Conference on Power, Energy and Electrical Engineering (PEEE 2022)
18–20 November 2022

Unbalance compensated distance relay for active distribution

networks
S. Velasco-Gómez ∗, S. Pérez-Londoño, J. Mora-Floréz
Department of Electrical Engineering, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
Received 15 December 2022; accepted 27 December 2022
Available online 11 January 2023

Abstract
Integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) into the Active Distribution Networks (ADN) causes issues in
conventional overcurrent protection. Additionally, another conventional protection, such as the distance function, has been used,
but ADN characteristics require new well-fitted approaches. This paper proposes a strategy to improve conventional distance
relays when applied in unbalanced distribution lines. The strategy is based on the relay’s current and voltage measurements and
the line series impedance matrix. Different overhead line cases are studied considering several pole geometrical arrangements
and fault types. Based on the results, the new set of equations for distance-based protection can achieve a more accurate fault
impedance estimation, with a maximum error of 0.1% in the analysed situations and despite the fault conditions. The high
proposal performance and the straightforward application make this proposal suitable for the nowadays ADN protection.
© 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
([Link]
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 3rd International Conference on Power, Energy and Electrical Engineering, PEEE,
2022.

Keywords: Active distribution network; Distance relay; Shunt faults; Unbalanced distribution line

1. Introduction
1.1. Motivation

Recently, system protection has become a significant challenge due to the increasingly complex changes in
distribution networks where DERs are integrated. The main issues of conventional protection schemes in ADNs
are the variation of fault levels, unbalanced loads and line configuration, reverse current flow, and unintentional
island, among others [1,2]. Consequently, most current research projects analyse new ADN relaying strategies,
usually considering adaptive overcurrent relays. Recently, differential and distance relays have been considered to
surpass the overcurrent relays issues related to the high load and fault current variation.
Unbalanced ADN operation is an issue for distance relays. ADN unbalanced conditions are caused mainly by
structural and operational factors. Structural unbalance occurs due to asymmetrical wiring since the effect of self and
∗ Corresponding author.
E-mail address: [Link]@[Link] (S. Velasco-Gómez).

[Link]
2352-4847/© 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http:
//[Link]/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 3rd International Conference on Power, Energy and Electrical Engineering,
PEEE, 2022.
S. Velasco-Gómez, S. Pérez-Londoño and J. Mora-Floréz Energy Reports 9 (2023) 438–446

mutual impedance is not the same in all phases. Operating unbalance appears because the ADN feeds a combination
of single-phase, double-phase, and unbalanced three-phase loads [3].
Line unbalance causes difficulties in protection devices, which affect characteristics such as sensitivity, selectivity,
and reliability, especially in distance relays, since its operation depends on the estimated impedance [4]. Thus, it
is indispensable to mitigate the effects of unbalances if a fine application of such devices is planned to surpass
the overcurrent protection [5]. Several proposals for distance-based protection schemes have been published in
the last years to surpass challenges imposed by ADNs [6–9]. Nevertheless, these schemes do not consider the
structural unbalance of the distribution lines, which affects the impedance estimation causing under/over-reaching
phenomena. Authors in [10,11] propose solutions for the structural line unbalance in transmission networks, which
present different operating conditions than distribution lines.
Table 1 shows a review of unbalanced protection approaches based on distance relays. However, the proposals
dealing with structural line unbalance were proposed long ago for transmission lines; and the recent ones only
contemplate the unbalance caused by asymmetrical faults. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a protection strategy
considering the present unbalanced ADN conditions.

Table 1. Comparison of unbalanced protection approaches based on distance relays.

Ref. Unbalance Applied to Year
Struct. Operat. Transm. Distrib. ADN
[10] • • 2008
[11] • • 2011
[4] • • 2014
[12] • • 2021
[13] • • 2022
Proposed • • • 2022

1.2. State of art

Although several protection methodologies based on distance protection have been proposed, many of them
have focused on transmission systems [14–17]. Nonetheless, these strategies are also considered an option for
ADN protection because their performance is better than the commonly used overcurrent relays; also, the distance
protection has high precision, selectivity and sensitivity [18]. Despite this, some issues affect its operation, including
fault resistance and/or the infeed effect. In addition, these cause underreaching or overreaching to affect the relay
impedance estimation; thus, an erroneous fault detection [6]. Another issue to be considered is unbalanced faults
that adverse impact the speed and reliability of the distance relay [4].
Three-phase networks are considered unbalanced when a variation occurs in amplitude or phase of the voltage
supplied [19]; while factors such as the ratio of negative and positive sequence components define current
unbalance [20]. Most of the papers proposing ADN distance relay-based approaches consider balanced three-phase
systems, as in [21], which proposes an approach based on the relay tripping to identify the best phasor estimators
and distance relay configuration. Similarly, Lee et al. in [22] proposed a method to evaluate the protection in
the case of single line to ground faults. In addition, authors in [20,23] consider that the ground current caused
by the unbalance originates false tripping in protection devices. Furthermore, the mutual effect originate coupled
three-phase equations which are solved using modal transform and then to implement a fault location scheme, as
presented in [24]. Nonetheless, it is not a helpful tool when the modal system parameters are unknown. Moreover,
authors in [10,11] highlight that unbalanced networks reduce the precision in protection zone limits; thus, they
propose an iterative algorithm to compensate for the fault resistance effect in unbalanced systems. However, it
requires a high computational effort and this proposal also applies to transmission lines, which have different
operational characteristics, such as the load model used to estimate fault resistance. Finally, this method only
considers single-phase-to-ground (SLG) faults.

1.3. Paper contributions

The identified issues in the previous analysed references orientate the paper’s contributions. This paper proposes
a compensation approach to overcome the distribution lines’ unbalanced nature and thus improve the operation of
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distance relays in unbalanced ADN. The main contribution is a new set of equations for distance-based protection,
which improves the efficiency applied in unbalanced ADN. As demonstrated in tests, the sensitivity and selectivity
of the proposed distance-based protection are increased for balanced and unbalanced ADNs.

1.4. Structure of the document

Section 2 defines the fundamental concepts of conventional distance protection. The proposed compensated
distance relay for unbalanced ADN is presented in Section 3. Section 4 presents the validation results in two
test systems and a comparative analysis of the proposed approach. Finally, the last section highlights the main
conclusions.

2. Conventional distance relay

Distance protection defines its operation depending on Z e1 , which represents the positive sequence impedance
estimated from the relay location to the faulted node at a distance d. This protection function recognises fault
conditions and generates a trip order when Z e1 lower than the zone setting impedance (Z set
1
) as in (1).
I f Z e1 ≤ Z set
1
⇒ 21 sends tri p signal to 52 (1)
In the case of a fault at a distance d on a balanced line, Z e1
is the estimated impedance using the conventional
distance relay equations. These are shown in Eqs. (2) and (3) for all fault types (single phase to ground SLG, Double
phase LL, Double phase to ground LL-G, and Three phase LLL faults) and faulted phases (a, b, c).
In the case of SLG fault, the set of equations in (2) are used to determine Z e1 . For LL and LL-G faults, the set of
Eqs. (3) is used. Set of Eqs. (2) and (3) are used in the case of LLL [7]. In all of the previous cases, Z e1 is defined
as presented in (4).
Ura Urb Urc
Z eag = , Z ebg = , Z ecg = (2)
Ira + k0 I 0 Irb + k0 I 0 Irc + k0 I 0
Ur − Urb Ur − Urc Ur − Ura
Z eab = a , Z ebc = b , Z eca = c (3)
Ira − Irb Irb − Irc Irc − Ira
Z e1 = min Z ex y ∀ (x, y) ∈ a, b, c, g (4)
Urabc and Irabc are relay phase voltages and line currents three phase phasors. In the case of single-phase to ground
faults, k0 is a compensation factor defined in (5), as in [6], and Ir0 is the zero-sequence current estimated using
Irabc .
z0 − z1
k0 = (5)
z1
Variables z 0 and z 1 are the per unit length zero and positive sequence impedances of the protected line, respectively.

3. Proposed approach for distance relay in unbalanced ADN

Distance relays detect and identify the
( fault )type. The voltage at the (distance
) relay during a fault on an unbalanced
line depends on the line drop voltage ∆Ulabc and the fault voltage U fabc , as shown in (6).
U r abc = ∆U l abc + U f abc (6)
Line voltage drop is shown in (7). Eq. (8) is obtained by applying the sequence components transformation to
(7).
∆U l abc = Z l abc I r abc (7)
∆U 012
l = Z 012
l Ir
012
(8)
where, Z labc is the line series impedance matrix. In most of the cases, self-impedances are equal, that is, Z aa =
Z bb = Z cc , due to the use of the same conductor gauge. Therefore, the sequence self-impedance is) Z s0 = Z aa
) impedances are Z m ◦= 3 (Z bc + Z ca + Z ab ) , Z m = 3 Z bc + α Z ca + α Z ab and Z m =
1 1
0 1
( 2 2
and
( the sequence mutual
1
3
Z bc + α Z ca + α Z ab ; where α = (1 120 ).
2 ̸
The distance estimated by 21 relays considering the fault types depicted Fig. 1, is defined as de , and it is
determined as presented in the following subsections.
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Fig. 1. Faulted line representations.

3.1. Single phase to ground fault (SLG).

Using the symmetrical components to analyse the fault in Fig. 1a, it is possible to determine the currents’ relation
presented in (9).
1
Ir0a = Ir1a = Ir2a = Ira (9)
3
Eq. (8) can be rewritten by considering (9), which results in Eq. (10).
∆Ul0a = Z s0 + 2Z m0 − Z m2 − Z m1 Ir0a ; ∆Ul1a = −Z m1 + Z s0 − Z m0 + 2Z m2 Ir0a ;
( ) ( )
(10)
∆Ul2a = −Z m2 + 2Z m1 + Z s0 − Z m0 Ir0a
( )
( )
Therefore, the voltage at the relay point Ura is obtained using the sequence components of Eq. (6).
Ura = ∆Ul0a + ∆Ul1a + ∆Ul2a + U fa = 3Ir0a Z aa + Z f
( )
(11)
Furthermore, as fault occurs at a distance d, the per-unit impedance z aa is calculated using Eq. (12).
Z aa = d z aa (12)
Finally, using (9), (11), and (12), the estimated distance (de ) for bolted faults is obtained as shown in (13).
Ura
de = (13)
Ira z aa
3.2. Double phase fault (LL). BC fault

The analysis of currents, in the case of the double phase fault presented in Fig. 1b, is performed using the
symmetrical component transformation, which leads to obtaining (14).
Ir0a = 0; Ir1a = −Ir2a = α − α 2 Irb
( )
(14)
Therefore, using (14), the line voltage droop in (8) is rewritten as (15).
∆Ul0a = Z m1 − Z m2 Ir1a , ∆Ul1a = Z s0 − Z m0 − 2Z m2 Ir1a , ∆Ul2a = −Z s0 + Z m0 + 2Z m1 Ir1a
( ) ( ) ( )
(15)
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Therefore, the voltage measured by the relay for a BC fault is calculated from the sequence components of the
line voltage droop (15) and the fault voltage.
Urb − Urc = Z aa − Z bc + Z f Ir1a α 2 − α
( ) ( )
(16)
Since the fault occurs at a distance d, the per-unit impedances are estimated using (12); therefore, for BC bolted
faults, the estimated distance (de ) is determined using (14) and (16), as shown in (17).
Urb − Urc
de = ( (17)
Irb − Irc (z aa − z bc )
)

The same analysis can be performed for AB and CA double-phase faults.

3.3. Double phase to ground fault (LL-G). BC-G fault

In the case of a BC-G fault in Fig. 1c, the set of Eqs. (18) is derived from the condition analysis at the fault
point.
( )
Ira = 0; U fbc = Irb + Irc Z f (18)
Therefore, using the first equation in (18) the line voltage droop in (7) can be rewritten, as shown in (19).
∆Ulb = Z aa Irb + Z bc Irc ; ∆Ulc = Z bc Irb + Z aa Irc (19)
Accordingly, the voltage at the relay is related using the second equation in (19) and (18), as presented in (20).
Urb − Urc = (Z aa − Z bc ) Irb − Irc + Irb + Irc Z f
( ) ( )
(20)
Consequently, the fault distance for bolted faults is the same for LL fault, given by (17). The same analysis can
be performed for the double-phase faults AB-G and CA-G.

3.4. Three-phase to ground fault (LLL-G). ABC-G fault

The analysis of symmetrical components in Fig. 1d, results in Eq. (21).

∆Ula = ∆Ul0a ; ∆Ul1a = ∆Ul2a = 0 (21)
Therefore, taking into account (21), the voltage seen by the relay is presented in (22).
Ura = ∆Ula + U fabc (22)
Based on (21), the line phase voltage droop in (7) is rewritten as (23).
Ura = Z aa Ira + Z ab Irb + Z ca Irc + 3Ir0a Z f (23)
Consequently, the estimated fault distance for bolted faults is shown in (24).
Ura
de = (24)
z aa Ira + z ab Irb + z ca Irc

4. Results and analysis

4.1. Test system

Two feeder configurations are proposed for tests. The first is 301-line configuration from the IEEE-34 nodes
feeder, and the second is a 33-kV standard overhead line configuration in Colombian utilities. Both feeders supply
balanced three-phase loads, and line configurations are presented in Fig. 2a and b. Matrices zl301 and zlCol indicate
the per unit series line impedance matrix for the IEEE 301 and Colombian test feeders, respectively.
⎡ ⎤
1.930 + j1.412 0.233 + j0.644 0.236 + j0.569
⎢ ⎥ Ω
⎣0.233 + j0.644 1.916 + j1.428 0.229 + j0.524⎦ mile
zl301 = ⎢ ⎥

0.236 + j0.569 0.229 + j0.524 1.922 + j1.421

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Fig. 2. Overhead line configuration. (Distance in ft).

⎡ ⎤
0.366 + j1.423 0.095 + j0.862 0.095 + j0.778
⎢ ⎥ Ω
⎣0.095 + j0.862 0.366 + j1.423 0.095 + j0.862⎦ mile
zlCol = ⎢ ⎥

0.095 + j0.778 0.095 + j0.862 0.366 + j1.423

Testing scenarios consider SLG, LL, LL-G, and LLL-G faults located at a distance d from the relay node. The
lines are 10 and 15 miles long, and faults are evaluated every mile. Furthermore, the tests are performed in ATP
(Alternative Transient Program) and Python software.
The error comparison when using the conventional relay and the proposed improved distance relays is presented.
The estimated error between real fault distance (d) and estimated fault distance (de ), is presented in (25).
⏐ ⏐
⏐ d − de ⏐
E = 100 ⏐⏐ ⏐ (25)
d ⏐

4.2. Results and analysis

Estimated errors using (25) are presented in Figs. 3 and 4. According to the results, conventional distance relay
has a high error due to the non-zero mutual impedances. Additionally, the proposed approach has a lower error
than the conventional due to considering these mutual impedances, as presented in Section 3. Furthermore, Figs. 3
and 4 show that the proposed approach is suitable since it evidences a more reliable fault distance estimation;
this allows a more accurate decision to send the trip signal, avoiding the over/under-reach phenomena caused by
structural unbalance in each protection zone; therefore improving the distance relay operation in unbalanced ADNs.
However, it is observed that despite the improved performance, there is still a small error caused mainly by signal
magnitude estimation inaccuracies, which does not affect the performance of the proposed unbalanced compensation
approach.
In addition, it is analysed that the farther the conductors are separated between phases, the higher the effect of
mutual impedance. The proposed analysis and the obtained results demonstrates that the proposed protection scheme
compensates for this effect despite the fault distance or type of fault, regardless of the degree of line unbalance.
Finally, the proposed comparison explores the unbalanced lines’ effect in the proposed distance relay approach and
the conventional relay, obtaining an adequate performance with an error lower 0.1%.

4.3. Computational burden

The proposed distance relay requires ten equations, four more than conventional protection, since it uses three
equations for each SLG, LL, and LL-G faults and one more equation for LLL-G fault. Therefore, this represents
an increase in computational burden. After tests shown in Section 4.2, it is observed that the computational burden
increases by 1.259% of the required by the conventional relay. For symmetries in the overhead line geometrical
configuration, the number of equations in the proposal can be reduced, consequently, the computational burden.
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Fig. 3. Fault distance estimation error in the IEEE 301 feeder.

Fig. 4. Fault distance estimation error in the Colombian utility feeder.

5. Conclusions
ADN structural unbalance affects the protection devices’ performance. Consequently, this paper proposes a
protection approach based on distance relays, where the effects in fault distance estimation caused by unbalanced
distribution line configuration are compensated. Compared to the conventional distance relay, the proposed scheme,
based on local measurements, can achieve a more accurate estimation of the fault impedance, having a maximum
error of 0.1% for the analysed cases, validating the improvement of distance relays when applied in unbalanced
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ADNs. This performance enhancement represents an advantage because the proposed approach increases the
accuracy, sensitivity, and selectivity of distance protection when faults and abnormal situations occur in ADN.
Finally, adequate results are obtained in the proposed tests, and this evidence a more reliable fault distance estimation
than conventional distance relays, making the proposed approach suitable for immediate application in the current
ADN.

Declaration of competing interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could
have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Data availability
Data will be made available on request.

Acknowledgements
This research result is funded by the Colombian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (Minciencias),
project INTEGRA2023, code 111085271060, contract 80740-774-2020, and project 6-20-6 funded by Universidad
Tecnológica de Pereira (UTP). The ICE3 research group obtained this product at the UTP.

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