Fault Location Method Research Articles

A Method for Fault Localization in Distribution Networks with High Proportions of Distributed Generation Based on Graph Convolutional Networks

To address the issues arising from the integration of a high proportion of distributed generation (DG) into the distribution network, which has led to the transition from traditional single-source to multi-source distribution systems, resulting in increased complexity of the distribution network topology and difficulties in fault localization, this paper proposes a fault localization method based on graph convolutional networks (GCNs) for distribution networks with a high proportion of distributed generation. By abstracting busbars and lines into graph structure nodes and edges, GCN captures spatial coupling relationships between nodes, using key electrical quantities such as node voltage magnitude, current magnitude, power, and phase angle as input features to construct a fault localization model. A multi-type fault dataset is generated using the Matpower toolbox, and model training is evaluated using K-fold cross-validation. The training process is optimized through early stopping mechanisms and learning rate scheduling. Simulations are conducted based on the IEEE 33-node distribution network benchmark, with photovoltaic generation, wind generation, and energy storage systems connected at specific nodes, validating the model’s fault localization capability under various fault types (single-phase ground fault, phase-to-phase short circuit, and line open circuit). Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model can effectively locate fault nodes in complex distribution networks with high DG integration, achieving an accuracy of 98.5% and an AUC value of 0.9997. It still shows strong robustness in noisy environments and is significantly higher than convolutional neural networks and other methods in terms of model localization accuracy, training time, F1 score, AUC value, and single fault detection inference time, which has good potential for practical application.

High-impedance fault location method using guessed fault resistance

Electromagnetic time reversal fault location method requires the placement of observation points at a single location and is effective for searching fault location. Among the various existing metrics, the transfer function correlation metric emerged as the most robust. However, its application to high-impedance faults also presents challenges. This difficulty can be attributed to the unknown real fault resistance in the direct-time process, where the guessed fault resistance is typically set to 0 during the reversed-time process of the electromagnetic time reversal fault location method. Consequently, this practice yields comparable direct-time and reversed-time transfer functions for low-impedance faults. Conversely, high-impedance faults exhibit significant discrepancies between direct-time and reversed-time transfer functions, leading to errors in fault location. To overcome this challenge, this paper proposes a location method based on specific guessed fault resistance preset during the reversed-time process. First, the direct-time voltage and reversed-time current transfer functions under high-impedance faults were derived in the frequency domain. Subsequently, by comparing transfer function differences when fault resistances in the direct-time and reversed-time processes did not align, a principle for selecting the guessed fault resistance was established. Additionally, the similarity of the two transfer functions under specific guessed fault resistances was investigated. Furthermore, the symmetry of the fault current was leveraged to reflect the correlation between the two transfer functions, and the differential fault current symmetry coefficient metric was introduced. A fault location time-domain algorithm based on guessed fault resistance was proposed, and its effectiveness was demonstrated through both reduced-scale and simulation experiments. The results indicate that the proposed method is not only applicable to complex lines but also offers a straightforward calculation approach, facilitating fault location under high-impedance faults.

AC Ground Fault Location Method Through Voltage Frequency Components Analysis for Variable Speed Drives

AC Ground Fault Location Method Through Voltage Frequency Components Analysis for Variable Speed Drives

A fault location method for DC transmission line based on the distributed parameter model considering line parameter uncertainty

Addressing the impact of whether line parameters can be accurately obtained and the errors due to environmental influences on the accuracy of fault location for DC transmission line, this paper proposes a fault location method based on the distributed parameter model that accounts for uncertainty in line parameter. To address the challenge of accurately obtaining DC transmission line parameters, a high-order derivative-based parameter estimation method is introduced to determine unknown equivalent parameters of the DC transmission line. Additionally, an optimization algorithm is incorporated to dynamically correct parameter errors, thereby enhancing parameter stability and constructing an accurate line model. Based on this, theoretical derivations confirm the applicability of the Tellegen's quasi-power theorem in the normal operation and internal fault equivalent models of DC transmission line. A fault location function is established based on the relationship between the line's Tellegen quasi-power characteristic and fault distance. The proposed method's effectiveness and accuracy are validated using a DC system model built on the PSCAD/EMTDC simulation platform. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method can locate faults under different fault conditions.

An Enhanced Fault Localization Technique for Distribution Networks Utilizing Cost-Sensitive Graph Neural Networks

Accurate and timely fault diagnosis is of great significance for the stable operation of a distribution network. Traditional artificial intelligence-based localization methods rely heavily on large-scale labeled datasets, making them prone to being affected by distributed generators. To address this issue, this study proposes a fault location method for distribution systems using a cost-sensitive graph attention network model. In this approach, the physical structure of the distribution network is considered a crucial constraint for model training, thereby enhancing its information perception capabilities. Specifically, the electrical nodes and lines of the distribution network are mapped to the vertices and edges within the graph attention network, with the attention weights determined by the correlation of adjacent node fault characteristics, thus improving the sensitivity to grounding faults. Additionally, a cost-sensitive matrix is used to balance class distribution, enhancing the robustness and generalization ability of the model. Fault localization experiments were conducted on the IEEE-33 bus distribution system to validate the effectiveness of the proposed fault localization method. Factors such as data disturbance, varying fault grounding resistances, and distributed power supply access were employed to assess the model’s anti-interference performance. The experimental results demonstrate that the fault location method exhibits high positioning accuracy and excellent robustness.

A machine learning based fault location method for power distribution systems using wavelet scattering networks

This paper proposes a novel machine learning based method for localizing single-line-to-ground faults in modern power distribution systems using single-end measurements. The challenge of identifying the faulty lateral is formulated as a support vector machine model-based classification problem, where a class represents a different part of the distribution network. The challenge of finding the exact fault distance is formulated as an ensemble model-based regression problem. Both models are trained with scattering coefficients extracted from the application of a wavelet scattering network on the captured faulty phase voltage signal. The performance of the proposed fault location method is evaluated with a comprehensive simulation study, conducted for the IEEE 34-bus test distribution system. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method in terms of fault location accuracy, as well as its sufficient insensitivity against several influencing factors, such as load, DG, external system strength, and network topology variations. Comparison of the proposed method with other well-established machine learning based fault location methods for power distribution systems reveals its great performance.

Time-Domain Fault Detection and Location Scheme for Flexible DC Distribution Networks

Accurately detecting and locating the fault point of the DC line is significant for eliminating the fault and restoring the power supply of the flexible DC distribution network as soon as possible. Firstly, a direction pilot protection scheme for a complex DC distribution network is proposed based on the integral of the current superposition to identify the fault direction. Then, an online time-domain fault location method based on the least square (LS) method to solve the overdetermined equations is proposed by analyzing the fault loop circuit after the DC line fault. The proposed location scheme utilizes fault data at both ends of the line to eliminate the theoretical impact of fault resistance, and the calculation of the current difference method is discussed to reduce the location error of whether the fault current-limiting reactor (CLR) exists. Finally, various simulations by PSCAD/EMTDC V4.5 demonstrate that the proposed scheme has high protection reliability and location results after different fault positions and resistances. The proposed scheme has low requirements for the sampling rate, fault data length, and implementation costs, which can meet practical application requirements.

Fault Location Method of Distribution Network Based on VGAE-GraphSAGE

The distribution network is the main component of the power system, which undertakes the important function of power transmission and distribution. Fast and accurate distribution network fault location is one of the important means to ensure the safe and stable operation of the power system and is helpful in guiding troubleshooting, shortening the power outage time, reducing the workload of manual inspection, and reducing the social and economic losses caused by faults. Due to the development of the new distribution network, the comprehensive influence of many factors has put forward new challenges to the traditional distribution network fault location methods. In this paper, a distribution network fault location method based on the graph neural network is proposed. Firstly, the distribution network is treated as non-Euclidean graph data; secondly, variational graph auto-encoders (VGAE) are used to mine the underlying information of nodes and improve the overall anti-noise performance of the fault location method. Then the GraphSAGE model is used to aggregate the neighbor information of nodes, fully consider the influence of the surrounding lines on the target lines, and improve the output of the model to locate the distribution network line where the fault occurred. The experimental example analysis based on OpenDSS simulation software (version 9.8) proves that the proposed method has high accuracy and anti-interference, and the accuracy reached 97.81%. Moreover, the positioning result is still good in the new intelligent distribution network scenario with distributed power access, with an accuracy of 95.07% in the hybrid power generation scenario.

Fault location method for new distribution networks based on waveform matching of time–frequency travelling waves

AbstractSome existing fault location methods for distribution networks rely too much on the local wave head information of the time or frequency domain signals, making it difficult to adapt to the increasingly complex structure and operating conditions of the distribution network after the new energy access. For improvement, the travelling wave (TW) time and frequency ranges that can effectively avoid waveform distortion caused by new energy access are analysed. The one‐to‐one matching relationship between the TW waveforms in these ranges and the fault positions is revealed. A fault TW time–frequency matrix with specific time and frequency windows is constructed, and a new distribution network fault location method is proposed based on the matching technique of waveform features, which realises the accurate fault location by exploring the proportionality between the cumulative trend of the matrix energy amplitude deviation and the fault point position. Simulation test results show that the proposed method is not affected by the complex structure of distribution networks such as new energy access and overhead‐cable line mixing on fault location and flexibly transforms the fault location problem into a time–frequency TW waveform matching problem, which improves the accuracy and robustness of the fault location for new distribution networks to a degree.

A Fault Location Method Based on Polynomial Chaos Expansion for Non-uniform Power Transmission Lines With Uncertainty Parameters

A Fault Location Method Based on Polynomial Chaos Expansion for Non-uniform Power Transmission Lines With Uncertainty Parameters

Fault Location Method for MMC-HVDC Systems Based on Numerical Laplace Transform

Fault Location Method for MMC-HVDC Systems Based on Numerical Laplace Transform

Fault Localization Method based on Surge Diagram

Fault Localization Method based on Surge Diagram

A Two-Stage Fault Localization Method for Active Distribution Networks Based on COA-SVM Model and Cosine Similarity

A Two-Stage Fault Localization Method for Active Distribution Networks Based on COA-SVM Model and Cosine Similarity

Fault location and type identification method for current and voltage sensors in traction rectifiers

Fault location and type identification method for current and voltage sensors in traction rectifiers

A novel phaselet-based approach for fault detection and location in HVDC lines

Recently, the popularity of direct current (DC) transmission has surged due to a 30 % reduction in power electronics equipment costs over the last decade. High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission lines experience fluctuations in both nominal and faulty states, posing challenges for fault location methods, particularly those based on traveling waves, resulting in imprecise outcomes with an average error margin of ±2 %. This paper investigates a novel fault detection and location approach utilizing wavelet and phaselet transforms. The proposed method focuses on traveling waves in HVDC transmission lines, where the phaselet transform effectively eliminates undesired fluctuations in line currents, improving fault detection accuracy by up to 15 %. By leveraging the traveling time in the faulty line, the exact fault location is calculated with an accuracy of 98.5 %, independent of transmission line parameters, making it applicable to any DC line. Additionally, the method's precision is minimally affected by fault resistance, with <0.5 % deviation even in nonlinear scenarios. Sensitivity analysis conducted on various parameters, including mother wavelet patterns, suggests the optimal solution for each fault type, enhancing detection speed by 20 %. The proposed method is validated using the Cigre HVDC benchmark, confirming its accuracy, speed, and robustness in fault detection and location in HVDC lines. The main contribution of this paper is an accurate, fast, and robust phaselet-based algorithm that reduces fault location errors to <1 % and is applicable to all types of bipolar and monopolar HVDC systems, delivering reliable results for both ground and line faults.

INTELLIGENT FAULT DETECTION AND LOCATION IN ELECTRICAL HIGH-VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINES

Fault location in transmission lines is critical to ensure power systems' reliable and efficient operation. Accurate fault detection and localization are essential to minimize downtime, prevent cascading failures, and maintain the overall stability of the electrical grid. Over the years, various fault location methods have been proposed, ranging from traditional model-based approaches to more sophisticated artificial intelligence techniques. This research presents two fault location methodologies: the Atom search optimization metaheuristic approach (ASO) and machine learning (ML) with cubic spline models. We evaluate the performance of both approaches by considering different fault types, fault distances, and fault resistance. We analyze accuracy and computational efficiency. The findings reveal that the Metaheuristic Approach demonstrates robustness in fault detection and localization under diverse conditions but may suffer from higher computational overhead. In contrast, the hybridization of machine learning and metaheuristic exhibits promising potential in achieving real-time fault localization with improved accuracy.

Traveling wave network location method based on adaptive waveform similarity

High-voltage transmission technology can effectively address the issue of uneven spatial and temporal energy distribution, leading to its rapid development in recent years. To address the challenge of accurately identifying the source of the second traveling wave head in complex transmission network scenarios with existing single-ended fault location methods, a traveling wave network fault location method based on adaptive waveform similarity is proposed. The paper analyzes the propagation process of traveling waves in transmission lines and quantitatively derives the time-domain expression of the traveling wave waveform. The BFS algorithm is enhanced by incorporating the propagation characteristics of traveling waves, allowing for the determination of all paths from any location in the topological network to the measurement points. Based on the path information and the derived expression, the traveling wave waveform at the measurement points for the fault location is calculated. An optimization algorithm is used to iteratively solve for unknown parameters such as fault location, traveling wave speed, and fault point information, with the objective of maximizing the similarity between the adaptive waveform and the real waveform by adaptively adjusting the waveform shape. When the similarity between the adaptive waveform and the real waveform is maximized, the adaptive fault location is identified as the actual fault location. Verified through the PSCAD simulation platform, this method can achieve accurate location under different fault conditions.

Research on fault location and distance measurement methods for low current grounding systems in short distances

Research on fault location and distance measurement methods for low current grounding systems in short distances

Research on single-phase grounding fault location technology in distribution networks based on impedance method

This article mainly introduces the impedance based single-phase grounding fault location method for distribution networks, including its theoretical basis, algorithm steps, and simulation verification. First, starting from the impedance analysis of the transmission line model, the method of accurately measuring the location of the fault point through phase domain analysis is explained. Next, the process of impedance analysis for single-phase grounding faults was described in detail, that is, how to solve the impedance of the grounding fault points by calculating the voltage and current signals. Then, the specific process of the impedance based grounding fault location algorithm was introduced, including the calculation of equivalent load impedance, the calculation of starting voltage and current, the calculation of grounding current, and the solution of fault point location. Finally, simulation verification was conducted using an IEEE 34 node distribution system example in a MATLAB/Simulink environment, and the results showed that the algorithm has high positioning accuracy, with a maximum error of within 3%.

Missile Fault Detection and Localization Based on HBOS and Hierarchical Signed Directed Graph

The rudder surfaces and lifting surfaces of a missile are utilized to acquire aerodynamic forces and moments, adjust the missile’s attitude, and achieve precise strike missions. However, the harsh flying conditions of missiles make the rudder surfaces and lifting surfaces susceptible to faults. In practical scenarios, there is often a scarcity of fault data, and sometimes, it is even difficult to obtain such data. Currently, data-driven fault detection and localization methods heavily rely on fault data, posing challenges for their applicability. To address this issue, this paper proposes an HBOS (Histogram-Based Outlier Score) online fault-detection method based on statistical distribution. This method generates a fault-detection model by fitting the probability distribution of normal data and incorporates an adaptive threshold to achieve real-time fault detection. Furthermore, this paper abstracts the interrelationships between the missile’s flight states and the propagation mechanism of faults into a hierarchical directed graph model. By utilizing bilateral adaptive thresholds, it captures the first fault features of each sub-node and determines the fault propagation effectiveness of each layer node based on the compatibility path principle, thus establishing a fault inference and localization model. The results of semi-physical simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is independent of fault data and exhibits high real-time performance. In multiple sets of simulated tests with randomly parameterized deviations, the fault-detection accuracy exceeds 98% with a false-alarm rate of no more than 0.31%. The fault-localization algorithm achieves an accuracy rate of no less than 97.91%.