Novel fault-location method for overhead electrical distribution systems

• Main Authors: Alwash S.F., Ramachandaramurthy V.K.
• Other Authors: 55787348800
• Format: Article
• Published: John Wiley and Sons Inc. 2023
• Subjects: Fault location; Power distribution protection; Power distribution systems; Electric fault location; Electric load distribution; Distribution systems; Electrical distribution system; Electrical utilities; One-equation; Power distribution system; Radial distribution feeders; Unified solutions; Software testing
• Institution: Universiti Tenaga Nasional

The implementation of a fault-location methodology in an electrical utility is dependent on the accuracy and ability of the method in locating all fault types. However, meeting these requirements is not an easy task. This paper presents a novel fault-location algorithm based on a new formulation for faults in overhead distribution systems. A single fault-location equation has been derived to provide a unified solution for any fault type. This is in contrast with other methods that use one equation for each fault type. The proposed method does not require the identification of the fault type; only the fundamental values of the voltages and currents that are measured at the substation terminal are required to solve the proposed fault-location equation. An overhead 11-kV, 21-bus, real-life radial distribution feeder is simulated to evaluate and test the viability of the proposed method using the PSCAD/EMTDC software. The results indicate that the proposed method gives high accuracy and can be implemented with the available technology. � 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan.