Flexible Synchronized Measurement Technology-Based Fault Locator

Abstract

This paper presents a flexible and robust numerical algorithm for fault location on transmission lines. The algorithm does not require line parameters to locate the fault, which is an advance over fault locators that do require such information. Line parameters are only approximately constant; they vary with different loading and weather conditions, which affects the accuracy of existing fault location algorithms. Thus, an approach which does not require line parameters would be more robust, accurate, and flexible. Accurately, locating faults on transmission lines is vital for expediting their repair, so the proposed solution could lead to an improvement in the security and quality of the energy supply. Development of the proposed algorithm was facilitated by new smart grid technologies in the field of wide-area monitoring, protection, and control. The proposed algorithm is based on emerging synchronized measurement technology, using synchronized data sampling at both line terminals; however, the “SynchroCheck” procedure is also proposed as a means of accurately locating faults when data sampling synchronization has been lost. This paper presents the algorithm derivation and the results of thorough testing using alternative transients program-electromagnetic transients program (ATP-EMTP) fault simulations.