Leading Edge Detection of RF-Signal for Power Arcing Source Location

Abstract

Accurate power arc location can be realized via wideband signals emitted from the arc source point due to their high time resolution. In fact the arc fault location capability is very essential for the distribution management system and/or outage management system. However, determining the exact location of the power arcing fault on the field using wireless antennas is a challenging task, especially in multipath propagation environments. To address this problem, wideband signals are considered, since such signals can provide accurate range of measurement. In this article, the power arc position estimation is studied for wideband signal systems in conjunction with an algorithm called leading edge detection method. After a brief introduction of the use of wideband arc signals and their positioning applications, the leading edge detection method is investigated from a wideband arc signal perspective. Experiments of arc generation and radiation signal measurement are conducted and, using the measured electromagnetic data, the leading edge method is applied to the actual received waveforms captured by 4 antennas placed around the arc source point. In the process, the time of arrival waveforms are utilized to locate the arc radiation source point,and the results from the process are compared against the actual source location. It is observed that time-based leading edge positioning is well suited for wideband signals of the power arcing faults.