Line Protection in Power-Electronic-Dominated Networks Using the α-Plane: Analysis and Performance Evaluation
B. Agudelo-Cruz, M. Alzate-Posso, S. Pérez-Londoño ICE3 Research Group, Electrical Engineering Program, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia 2026-06-27

Abstract

This paper presents an evaluation of α-plane-based line differential protection when applied to power systems with
high penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs). A detailed electromagnetic transient model of the test system was developed in PSCAD/EMTDC. Fault scenarios considering different fault resistances and locations, fault types, and sampling frequencies were evaluated. The measured current signals were used as inputs to assess the performance of the α-plane-based line differential protection, considering both the non-adaptive and adaptive implementations.
Based on the results, the analysis identifies fault conditions under which line differential protection schemes exhibit performance limitations in inverter-dominated networks. Particular emphasis is placed on single-phase-toground,
two-phase-to-ground, and three-phase-to-ground fault scenarios. The results offer valuable insights into the interaction between IBR dynamics and α-plane-based line differential protection, highlighting key challenges related to reduced fault-current levels, transient behaviour, and measurement uncertainties. Based on these findings, this paper provides guidance on the design, implementation, and configuration of modern line differential protection schemes for power systems with high penetration of IBR.

Key words: Inverter-based resources, Power system protection, Fault Analysis, Line differential protection.

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