Modern Approaches to Fault Location in High-Voltage Cable Lines

Abstract

Prompt fault location in power cables with high accuracy is a measure aimed at achieving more reliable operation of the power grid system, in which the loss of electrical insulation strength is among the main factors causing accidents in the system. The article discusses the causes leading to faults in high-voltage cable lines and substantiates the relevance of determining the most effective fault location methods. Modern relative and absolute methods for cable line fault location are reviewed, and a comparative characteristic of the scope and limitations relating to the implementation of these methods is given. The article shows the expediency of using the acoustic method for fault location in cable lines as the most universal one, and also the burning method if the cable laying scheme is not available. The article also presents a comparative analysis of modern mobile electrical laboratories as the most advanced means for automating fault location in high-voltage cable lines, which makes it possible to reduce the fault detection time and ensure accurate cable line fault location. The necessity of improving the designs of mobile electrical laboratories and reducing their overall dimensions to improve the convenience of operation under urban conditions is substantiated.