Optimal Coordination of Directional Overcurrent Relays using Charalambous Least pth Algorithm

In this paper, a new method for optimum coordination of directional overcurrent relays in interconnected multi-loop power systems is proposed. The method is based on Charalambous Least pth Algorithm. Normally the optimal directional overcurrent relay coordination problem is solved by using the Simplex Method of Linear Programming, which is a computationally intensive method. Considerable computational effort can be saved by using the proposed method. The method has been applied to solve the optimal coordination problem of IEEE 14-bus power system and IEEE 57-bus power system. A comparison of the Simplex Method and the Charalambous Method has been carried out for the determination of optimal settings of the relays of the systems under study.