Neural Network Fault Recognition in Power Systems with High Penetrations of Inverter-Based Resources

The growing demand for renewable energy resources (RER) has led to increased integration of inverter-based resources (IBRs), into existing power distribution and transmission networks. However, RER locations are often not ideally suited for direct integration, necessitating a restructuring of the grid from a traditional radial network to a more complex mesh network topology. This transition presents challenges in terms of protection and coordination, as IBRs exhibit atypical responses to power system anomalies compared to conventional synchronous generation. To address these challenges and support existing power system protection infrastructure, this work explores the incorporation of machine learning algorithms. Specifically, an optimized convolutional neural network (CNN) is developed for real-time application in power system protection schemes. The focus is on prioritizing key performance metrics such as recall, specificity, speed, and the reduction of computational resources required for effective protection. The machine learning model is trained to differentiate between healthy system dynamics and hazardous conditions, such as faults, in the presence of IBRs. By analyzing data retrieved from an IEEE 34-bus 24kV distribution network, the model's application is demonstrated and its performance is evaluated. A photovoltaic (PV) source was incorporated into the IEEE 34-bus distribution feeder model at the end of the feeder. By adding a PV source at the end of the feeder, IBR characteristics, such as its response to system anomalies can be monitored through the model. Once the modified IEEE 34-bus distribution feeder model with the PV source was set up, various system anomalies were simulated to create a diverse dataset for training the machine learning (ML) model. These anomalies included; load rejection - a sudden and complete removal of load from the distribution network, simulating a scenario where a significant portion of the load disconnects from the grid, load addition - a sudden and significant increase in load demand, representing a scenario where new loads are connected to the grid, islanding - a scenario where the distribution feeder becomes electrically isolated from the main grid, with the PV source acting as a microgrid and supplying power to the local loads, and various types of faults, such as short-circuits or ground faults, occurring at different locations along the distribution line. To create a diverse dataset, model parameters were varied through 50 different iterations of each simulated anomaly scenario. These parameters included the PV system's capacity, the location of the anomaly on the feeder, the severity and duration of the anomaly, and other relevant grid parameters. For each iteration and anomaly scenario, the responses of the system were recorded, including voltage levels, current flows, and other relevant synchorphasors at the PV source's point of common coupling (PCC). These responses formed the dataset for training the ML model. The accumulated dataset was then used to train the various ML models, including the optimized convolutional neural network (CNN), to identify patterns and hidden characteristics in the data corresponding to different system anomalies. The training process involved feeding the model with input data from the various iterations and scenarios, along with corresponding labels indicating the type of anomaly present. By exposing the ML model to diverse scenarios and varying parameters, the model learns to generalize its understanding of system dynamics and accurately distinguish between healthy system states and hazardous conditions. The models in this work were specifically trained to recognize the various fault characteristics on the system. The trained model's ability to process time-series data and recognize anomalies from the accumulated dataset enhances power system protection infrastructure's capability to respond rapidly and accurately to various grid disturbances, ensuring the reliable and stable operation of the distribution network, especially in the presence of PV and other IBRs. The results show that the optimized CNN outperforms traditional machine learning models used in time-series data analysis. The model's speed and reliability make it an effective tool for identifying hidden characteristics in power system data without the need for extensive manual analysis or rigid programming of existing protection relays. This capability is particularly valuable as power grids integrate a higher penetration of IBRs, where traditional protection infrastructure may not fully account for their unique responses. The successful integration of the optimized CNN into power system protection infrastructure enhances the grid's ability to detect and respond to anomalies, such as faults, in a more efficient and accurate manner. By leveraging machine learning techniques, power system operators can better adapt to the challenges posed by the increasing presence of IBRs and ensure the continued stability and reliability of the distribution network