An algorithm with voltage inputs for detecting conductor breaks in radial distribution networks

Abstract

The article presents a new algorithm for detecting conductor breaks in ungrounded radial distribution networks. The algorithm uses the instantaneous values of the phase-to-phase voltages, measured at the end of the radial line as input signals. As the first indicator of conductor break, the broken conductor index (BCI) was introduced. BCI is a phase comparator that indirectly estimates the angle between the phase-to-phase voltages by calculating the integral of the product of the instantaneous values. As an additional indicator of conductor break, the algorithm uses a comparison of the RMS values of the phase-to-phase voltages. The proposed algorithm testing was performed on a model of the radial distribution network with multiple lines modeled in the MATLAB/Simulink software package. Experimental testing of the presented algorithm was performed on a laboratory model of the test network.