Evaluating a Fault Location Algorithm for Active Distribution Systems Utilizing Two-Point Synchronized or Unsynchronized Measurements

Abstract

This paper introduces two alternative formulations of a fault location algorithm, based on two-point measurements, which is appropriate for unbalanced medium voltage overhead distribution systems with or without distributed generation. The first alternative is solely based on synchronized three-phase voltage signals taken from the two measurement points. The algorithm applies fundamental bus-impedance-matrix-based fault analysis theory and calculates voltage drops to derive a fault location equation set for each fault type. The standard bus-impedance matrix theory is also the basis for the second alternative. By combining the expressions correlating unsynchronized voltage and currents measurements from the two points with the elements of a modified bus-impedance matrix, the need for synchronization angle is eliminated. Then, a fault location equation set is formed to obtain the fault distance and resistance. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate a good performance for the proposed fault location algorithms under numerous short-circuit conditions with varying pre-fault system loading conditions including measurement errors.