Effective islanding detection is mandatory for distributed generations (DGs) to avoid equipment damage and ensure the safety of network personnel. This paper proposes a fast, accurate, power quality-friendly, and practical two-stage active power curtailment (APC)-based islanding detection technique (IDT) for photovoltaic (PV)-rich microgrids. In the first stage, a periodic small disturbance is injected into the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm to slightly curtail the DG's active power, causing a small mismatch even on a balanced island. During islanding, the introduced active power mismatch shifts output voltage, triggering the second stage disturbance to the MPPT algorithm. Hence, the output voltage drops further, resulting in islanding detection. A real-time digital simulation (RTDS) using the modified IEEE 13-node system corroborates the successful detection of all stringent cases in less than 1.2 s with no false tripping for non-islanding disturbances. This zero non-detection zone (NDZ) is achieved by curtailing less than 1 % of the DG's available output. This technique is a practical solution for microgrids with high penetration of photovoltaic generators (PVGs) due to its simple structure and straightforward threshold determination, irrespective of the microgrid structure. The fast detection time allows the DG to seamlessly transition to the standalone microgrid.

This paper proposes a fast and reliable hybrid islanding detection method (IDM) for mini-hydro-based distributed generations (DGs) with zero non-detection zone (NDZ). The proposed IDM aims to tackle the islanding events caused by a self-excited induction generator (SEIG) when it is driven by a mini-hydro turbine system utilising the transient dynamic response of the governor for the first time. To achieve such a goal, it takes advantage of a two-stage process in which both passive and active techniques are combined. Thus, if the rate of change of frequency (ROCOF)-based threshold of the first stage is exceeded, the power reference of the mini-hydro unit is modified, implying a change in the turbine governor gate position. The mechanical torque applied to the prime mover is accordingly shifted to a new state so that both frequency and its derivative will exceed the established thresholds in the second stage in the islanding mode. Conversely, the effect of imposed disturbance is eminently negligible in the grid-connected mode since the frequency is strictly dictated by the main grid. The proposed IDM has been evaluated through numerous islanding and non-islanding case studies considering both single and multi-DG scenarios in MATLAB/Simulink. The outcomes highlight the outstanding performance of the proposed algorithm with zero NDZ and 473 ms average detection time, indicating the capability of the governor system as a reliable tool to identify islanding operations. The proposed technique does not degrade the power quality (PQ) of the grid, requires a low level of computational complexity and provides a high degree of reliability. Therefore, it is a robust and cost-effective solution for future microgrids with great penetration of mini-hydro units.

The connection of renewable energy sources (RESs) to the distribution network has been rising at a steady pace over the past decades. The great penetration of RESs such as grid-connected photovoltaic system brings new technical challenges to the distribution networks such as unintentional islanding. Conceptually, this situation occurs when a portion of the network that has been isolated from the main grid remains energised by the embedded RESs. This unexpected scenario should be thereby identified effectively to avoid frequency and voltage deviations and their hazardous effects. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review on the recently developed islanding detection methods for grid-following/grid-connected photovoltaic system, analyse their existing limitations, and suggest possible future research implementations. In this context, an in-depth comparison is provided considering the main features used in islanding detection methods such as non-detection zone, detection time, implementation cost and complexity, and power quality degradation. Finally, the main technical requirements established by the current grid codes are recalled identifying potential multi-functional approaches to expand the current islanding detection capabilities.