Integration of distributed generation (DG) can change the fault current level and direction in the distribution system

which affects the related protection system. In order to limit the negative impact of DG integration and upgrade the protection system performance

an intelligent coordinated protection and control strategy is proposed. A cost based optimization method is adopted to minimize the operation costs of possible solutions. Its aim is to define the optimal relay settings for the present operation condition

and the most suitable control mode of converter based wind turbine DG. Case studies on a hardware in the loop real time simulation platform demonstrate the proposed protection strategy.