Considerations on AC transmission distance protection in systems with high penetration of grid-forming inverter-based resources

The paper investigates the impact of high penetration of Inverter Based Resources (IBR), associated with wind generation, photovoltaic (PV) generation and battery energy storage systems (BESS), on the operation of distance protection in the NEOM AC transmission network. The investigated scenarios consider high IBR penetration and HVDC links under gridforming control. Using both phasor and time domain (EMT) simulations and developed generic distance protection models, the effects of IBR control on the security and dependability of distance relays was comprehensively checked using a generic EHV/HV transmission system configuration. Dynamic simulations that consider different fault types, locations and system operation conditions were performed. The study highlights concerns related to some…