Lightning and Overhead Line Fault Analysis using Automated Fault Analysis Application On Transmission Line in Grid Division, TNB Malaysia

A fault on overhead power lines can cause significant damage to the lines, resulting in outages and other disruptions. Detecting and diagnosing faults promptly is critical to minimize downtime and reduce the costs associated with repairs and maintenance on the transmission line assets. In this paper, we present a web-based automated fault analysis tool known as Automated Fault Analysis (AFA) jointly developed by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Grid Division and TNB Research Center (TNBR). This system can automatically provide (1) fast and accurate fault location to assist in equipment restoration, (2) lightning and fault correlation analysis, and (3) relay and circuit breaker performance monitoring. The AFA automatic online analysis is made possible with intranet connection to digital fault recorders and digital protective relays utilizing substation RTAP gateway and TNB-owned fiber-optic network. For fault information enrichment, a Lightning Detection System, a Geographical Information System and CAPE™ Line Parameter Data were digitally integrated and are synchronized with GPS-system. AFA has been serving TNB-Grid for almost 2 years and the results are very encouraging with accurate fault location estimation and lightning and fault correlation analysis. This paper describes AFA lighting analysis module with practical engineer’s solution in mind and in-line with asset performance management system. Results of the current development and some near future enhancement including artificial intelligence using this fault analytic platform are shared