Optimum Coordination of Overcurrent Relays: GA Approach

Abstract—Overcurrent (OC) relays are the major protection devices in a distribution system. The operating time of the OC relays are to be coordinated properly to avoid the mal-operation of the backup relays. The purpose is to find an optimum relay setting to minimize the time of operation of relays and at the same time, to keep the relays properly coordinated to avoid the mal-operation of relays. This paper presents Genetic Algorithm for optimum time coordination of OC relays. The method is used to find optimum values of Time Multiplier Setting(TMS) and Plug setting(PS)which is used to find optimum coordination of Overcurrent Relays. The method minimizes the original objective function and gives the optimum time coordination of OC relays. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I