Optimization Based Distribution Network Fault Location Method Using PMU Information

Abstract

As an important part of the construction of smart grids, distribution network fault location technology has received widespread attention to improve the level of grid automation. However, the complex structure and poor measurement conditions of distribution network have seriously restricted its application. By applying the synchronous vector information of Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU), this article proposes an optimization-based method to determine the fault location for distribution networks and realizes the fault location of various types. In this method, the voltage and current synchronous vector information provided by the PMU constitutes the optimization objective functions based on the voltage-current relationship. By solving these functions, the fault section and the accurate fault location can be obtained. In addition, the effectiveness of the proposed method when PMU information is missing is also discussed. The simulation results of PSCAD software show that the method is effective for various fault types in distribution network with distributed generation, and is still possible to provide effective fault section and accurate fault location in case of information loss.