A Resilient Logical-Based Localization of Faulted Section Considering Multiple Loss of Information

Abstract

Localizing faults (LoF) using online data from fault-indicating devices (FIDs) poses a significant challenge during the unavailability of information due to hidden relay failures or communication issues. Addressing this challenge, this paper introduces (i) Back-and-Forth Search algorithm and (ii) Clockwise-Counter-clockwise algorithm, which effectively leverages current direction data from network FIDs to locate faulted zones in distribution networks, even when facing multiple information losses. The proposed algorithms stand out due to their adaptable design, functioning seamlessly across various network configurations (radial or meshed), voltage ratings (medium or low), connection modes (grid-connected or islanded), distribution types (AC or DC), and integration of Distributed Generations (DGs). The performance of the proposed approach is verified by considering multiple scenarios of loss of information (LoI) along with extensive validation on the IEEE 37-bus distribution network within the MATLAB and coding environment. Results, comparisons, and discussions demonstrate the proposed method’s rapid detection, robustness, resilience, and reliability attributes.