An automated model based fault locating method for distribution systems

Abstract

This paper proposes an Event Screening method in order to facilitate the automated locating of permanent faults on a distribution feeder. The screening is needed as during a permanent fault, the fault current maybe interrupted by multiple operations of protection devices (PDs), and therefore determining the proper fault current for the model based fault locating method (FLM) becomes challenging. The Event Screening Method analyzes the all the events captured by the fault monitoring device (usually a PQ monitor) and determines the proper fault information needed by FLM. Test results for the improved FLM with Event Screening integrated are provided using a real distribution feeder. The results show that the Event Screening Method is able to accurately predict the operating sequence of PDs during a fault and that the improved FLM can accurately locate the faulted zone.