Electric Fault Location Methods Implemented on an Electric Distribution Network.

Abstract

This paper compares two electric fault location techniques, [1]&[2]. Using prefault and fault data (voltages and currents) and a model of the network, the algorithms can give an approximation of the actual fault location. They were chosen because the final aim is to implement them on a real distribution network, where we have registered faults with the prefault and fault information, and where the parameters of the network are known. Both techniques were implemented on simple lines and tested through simulations. The results obtained, showed that Ratan Das algorithm was giving better approximations to the actual fault. On a second step the algorithms were implemented on a real distribution network. The results also showed that Ratan Das algorithm give better results and is less sensible to fault impedance, a parameter that in the majority of cases is unknown. An application with a graphical user interface has been created to execute the methods, but also to execute the necessary previous steps: obtain the phasors of the fault, either through a simulation or loading actual registered faults, graphical representation of waveforms and phasors... In conclusion, the Saha method is easy to implement but an evaluation of the fault resistance is needed, and this let the method to be more sensible at uncertainties.