Way to implementation in relay protection of the algorithm for searching for pre-fault operating conditions by using a neural network with backpropagation spot training

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15588/1607-6761-2025-3-6

Keywords:

limit and pre-emergency modes, relay protection, graph neural networks, reinforcement learning, power systems, electric power engineering

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a novel method for searching critical and pre-fault operating conditions in power systems for relay protection setting calculation. The proposed approach is based on the integration of graph neural networks with deep reinforcement learning (GNN-DRL) and aims to significantly reduce computational time while maintaining high accuracy and ensuring protection selectivity.

Findings. It is demonstrated that the proposed GNN-DRL method achieves a 10–1000 times reduction in computational overhead compared to traditional brute-force approaches. The prediction accuracy exceeds 90%, while e-accuracy surpasses 98%. The method proves to be highly effective both in determining maximum fault currents for instantaneous overcurrent protection and in large-scale scenarios on extended test systems.

Originality. For the first time, the integration of graph neural networks with the Dueling Double Deep Q Network algorithm is proposed to solve the problem of searching for critical and pre-fault operating conditions in relay protection. A unique two-stage training framework, GLFE, is developed, combining elements of supervised and unsupervised learning. This enables high prediction accuracy while requiring significantly fewer training samples.

Practical value.  The results of this study can be applied in the design of intelligent relay protection and automation systems for electric power networks. The proposed method is capable of adapting to fast-changing conditions in power systems with high penetration of renewable energy. Furthermore, the architecture can be extended to other optimization and control problems in complex energy environments.

Author Biographies

V.M. Tsiupa, National Technical University Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute

Postgraduate student, Department of Electrical Power Transmission, National Technical University ‘Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute’; Kharkiv

D.O. Danylchenko, National Technical University Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute

Phd, accociate professor, professor department of Electrical Power Transmission, National Technical University ‘Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute’, Kharkiv

References

Mishra, A., & Shukla, S. (2025). A comprehensive review on deep learning techniques in power system protection: Trends, challenges, applications and fu-ture directions. Electric Power Systems Research, 229, 110163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsr.2025.110163

Fang, J., & Zhang, X. (2019). Research on power sys-tem relay protection method based on machine learning algorithm. E3S Web of Conferences, 118, 01038. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/201911801038

López-Cardona, A., Bernardez, G., Barlet-Rose, P., & Cabellos-Aparicio, A. (2025). Proximal policy opti-mization with graph neural networks for optimal power flow. In Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Data Science (DATA 2025) (pp. 45–56). https://doi.org/10.5220/0013462700003763

Kulikov, A., Kryukov, A., Malygin, I., Bystrov, D., & Shandarova, E. (2022). Relay protection and auto-mation algorithms of electrical networks based on simulation and machine learning methods. Energies, 15(18), 6525. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15186525

Zhou, L., Li, J., & Wang, S. (2025). Optimal power flow for high spatial and temporal resolution with GNN-DRL in systems with renewables. Energies, 18(7), 1809. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071809

Murugesan, A., Rao, A., & Zhang, Y. (2025). Ma-chine learning-driven intelligent voltage control in RES-integrated systems. Electric Power Systems Re-search, 233, 110269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsr.2025.110269

Shobole, A. A., Hassan, K., & Ahmed, R. (2024). Multi-agent system based adaptive numerical relay design. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 155, 109540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijepes.2024.109540

Sarajcev, P., Dujic, D., & Baric, A. (2024). Machine learning classifier for supporting generator’s un-derimpedance (21G) and out-of-step (78) protection functions. Energies, 17(8), 1820. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17081820

Porawagamage, G., Dharmapala, K., Chaves, J. S., Villegas, D., & Rajapakse, A. (2024). A review of machine learning applications in power system pro-tection and emergency control: Opportunities, chal-lenges, and future directions. Frontiers in Smart Grids, 1, 1371153. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsgr.2024.1371153

Chen, Y., Zhang, L., & Li, M. (2024). Artificial Intelli-gence/Machine Learning Technology in Power Sys-tem Applications (PNNL Technical Report PNNL-35735). https://doi.org/10.2172/2334567

Ghamizi, S., Bojchevski, A., Ma, A., & Cao, J. (2024). SafePowerGraph: Safety-aware evaluation of graph neural networks for transmission power grids. arXiv preprint, arXiv:2407.12421.

Hansen, J. B., Anfinsen, S. N., & Bianchi, F. M. (2021). Power flow balancing with decentralized graph neural networks. arXiv preprint, arXiv:2111.02169.

Maiti, S., & Dey, S. (2024). Smart grid security: A verified deep reinforcement learning framework to counter cyber-physical attacks. arXiv preprint, arXiv:2409.15757.

Pei, Y., Wang, Q., & Liu, H. (2023). An emergency control strategy for undervoltage load shedding based on a graph deep reinforcement learning meth-od named GraphSAGE-D3QN. IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution, 17(5), 789–799. https://doi.org/10.1049/gtd2.12795

Yuan, Y., Li, T., & Wang, Y. (2020). Deep reinforce-ment learning for power system transient stability control. IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 35(4), 3130–3140. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPWRS.2019.2963725

Liu, Z., Zhao, J., & Zhang, Y. (2022). Graph convolu-tional networks for fault location in power distribu-tion systems. IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, 13(1), 789–799. https://doi.org/10.1109/TSG.2021.3098361

Karimi, H., Li, Z., & Hong, S. H. (2021). A hybrid machine learning and optimization approach for adaptive protection in microgrids. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 125, 106458. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijepes.2020.106458

Wang, J., Sun, Y., & Chen, C. (2021). Reinforcement learning-based optimal control for power system fre-quency regulation. IEEE Access, 9, 14567–14577. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3053456

Zhang, X., Zhou, M., & Li, H. (2023). Fault diagnosis in smart grids using graph neural networks. Applied Energy, 341, 121037. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.121037

Xu, K., He, Y., & Tang, F. (2022). Deep Q-learning for adaptive overcurrent relay coordination in distribu-tion systems. Electric Power Components and Sys-tems, 50(15), 1689–1701. https://doi.org/10.1080/15325008.2022.2106765

Published

2025-10-22

How to Cite

Tsiupa, V., & Danylchenko, D. (2025). Way to implementation in relay protection of the algorithm for searching for pre-fault operating conditions by using a neural network with backpropagation spot training. Electrical Engineering and Power Engineering, (3), 52–60. https://doi.org/10.15588/1607-6761-2025-3-6