Protection Challenges in the Decarbonized and Resilient Power Grid

This panel aims to discuss protection challenges arising in the context of the decarbonized and resilient power grid. With a focus on the integration of inverter-based resources and distributed energy resources into the power grids, the panel seeks challenges and opportunities of protection strategies required to ensure grid stability, security, and reliability. The panel brings together insights from DOE-funded projects, leading academic institutions, industry pioneers, and research organizations. 1) Fault Management in Decarbonized Resilient Grid: Discuss the challenges of fault detection, isolation, and restoration in decarbonized and resilient grids by Eaton. Highlight successful case studies and lessons learned in enhancing grid reliability. 2) DER Integration Opportunities and Challenges - Industry Perspective: Offer an industry-focused viewpoint on the opportunities and challenges of integrating DERs within evolving protection schemes, presented by the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL). Discuss technological advancements, regulatory considerations, and collaborative approaches to address integration challenges. 3) Robust protection and control of off-grid IBR-energized systems using only local measurements: Present advanced protection strategies tailored for off-grid scenarios. Highlight innovative control algorithms, fault detection methods, and adaptive protection schemes designed to operate effectively using only locally available data in off-grid IBR systems. 4) Impact of Grid-Forming Inverter on System Protection: Introduce the impact of grid-forming inverters on system protection by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Discuss the fault response of grid-forming inverter, challenges and opportunities associated with grid-forming inverters in terms of fault detection, stability preservation, and system coordination. 5) Protection Strategies of IBRs or DERs: Present the innovative protection strategies developed for IBRs or DERs in projects DOE-funded by the ORNL. Discuss case studies illustrating the successful integration of these strategies in real-world scenarios. 6) Novel Symmetrical Components-Based Methods for Protection of Systems with High-Level Penetration of IBRs: Present novel protection methods developed through DOE-funded projects at the University of Central Florida (UCF), using symmetrical components-based techniques. Share insights into the effectiveness and adaptability of protection schemes in the high penetration of the IBR grid. By giving these subtopics, the panel desires to offer attendees a comprehensive understanding of the evolving protection challenges and innovative solutions that contribute to the decarbonized and resilient power grid's reliability, resilience, and sustainability. This panel aligns seamlessly with the overarching theme of PESGM 2024, focusing on innovative smart grid technologies. By addressing the changing landscape of protection schemes, this panel contributes to advancing the knowledge and practices that drive the future of power grids.