High Impedance Fault Detection in Power Distribution Networks with Use of Current Harmonic-Based Algorithm

Power distribution networks are vulnerable to different faults, which compromise the grid performance and need to be managed effectively. Automatic and accurate fault detection and location are key components of effective fault management. This paper proposes a new framework for fault detection and location for smart distribution networks that are equipped with data loggers. The framework supports networks with mixed overhead lines and underground cables. The proposed framework consists of area detection, faulty section identification, and high impedance fault location. Firstly, the faulty zone and section are detected based on the operation of over-current relays and digital fault recorders. Then, by comparing the recorded traveling times at both ends of lines, which are related to the protection zone, the faulty line is identified. In the last step, the location of the fault is estimated based on discrete wavelet transform. The proposed method is tested on a 20 kV 13 node network, which is composed of overhead lines and underground cables. The method is tested in both balanced and unbalanced configurations. The obtained results confirm the advantages of the proposed method compared with the current state-of-the art.

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High impedance fault detection technique based on Discrete Wavelet Transform and support vector machine in power distribution networks

2017 IEEE AFRICON ◽

10.1109/afrcon.2017.8095447 ◽

2017 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

K. Moloi ◽

J. A. Jordaan ◽

Y. Hamam

Keyword(s):

Support Vector Machine ◽

Wavelet Transform ◽

Discrete Wavelet Transform ◽

Power Distribution ◽

Distribution Networks ◽

Support Vector ◽

Discrete Wavelet ◽

Power Distribution Networks ◽

High Impedance ◽

High Impedance Fault

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High-Impedance Fault Diagnosis: A Review

Energies ◽

10.3390/en13236447 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (23) ◽

pp. 6447

Author(s):

Abdulaziz Aljohani ◽

Ibrahim Habiballah

Keyword(s):

Fault Diagnosis ◽

Power Distribution ◽

Distribution Networks ◽

Fault Current ◽

Power Distribution Networks ◽

High Impedance ◽

Look Ahead ◽

High Impedance Fault ◽

Overcurrent Relays ◽

High Impedance Faults

High-impedance faults (HIFs) represent one of the biggest challenges in power distribution networks. An HIF occurs when an electrical conductor unintentionally comes into contact with a highly resistive medium, resulting in a fault current lower than 75 amperes in medium-voltage circuits. Under such condition, the fault current is relatively close in value to the normal drawn ampere from the load, resulting in a condition of blindness towards HIFs by conventional overcurrent relays. This paper intends to review the literature related to the HIF phenomenon including models and characteristics. In this work, detection, classification, and location methodologies are reviewed. In addition, diagnosis techniques are categorized, evaluated, and compared with one another. Finally, disadvantages of current approaches and a look ahead to the future of fault diagnosis are discussed.

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