A SIMULINK implementation of a vector shift relay with distributed synchronous generator for engineering classes

Abstract

In recent years, the concerns regarding global warming have encouraged an increase in research on renewable energy and distributed generation. Different renewable resources are currently being used, and bioenergy is one among them. Biogas can be produced via digesters, and its energy is converted into electricity and injected into the electrical power system for supplying to meet the local or distant demands. Nevertheless, the generation of electricity via biogas on the consumer side brings new problems and challenges to the power system controller. Protection devices, such as a vector shift relay, are one of the most important components needed to connect a bioenergy system using synchronous generators into the mains. Although distributed synchronous generators are widely used and simulated in software tools, especially in MATLAB/SIMULINK, there is still a gap in technical literature detailing how to design or model a Vector Shift Relay. In view of this subject's importance, this article aims to assist students, researchers, and engineers by proposing a step-by-step method on how to model and implement a vector shift relay in MATLAB/SIMULINK, although the methodology may easily be used in other simulation tools. A review of the topic is presented along with a detailed description of all needed blocks and expected results.