Distribution systems high impedance fault location: A spectral domain model considering parametric error processing

High impedance faults create specific technical challenges in the context of power system protection. The initial challenge is to detect these faults. If the fault is detected successfully, maintenance actions must be taken to avoid further risk to the population. The following technical challenge after detection is the location of these faults, which contributes significantly to the fast and safe restoration of the system. Although high impedance faults location is a topic of great concern, few studies are specifically devoted to this subject. This work presents an analytical formulation for the high impedance faults location in distribution systems. Initially, a system model which incorporates specific characteristics of this fault type is developed in the spectral domain. Using this model, the fault distance is estimated through a weighted least squares estimator associated with a parametric error processing algorithm. This algorithm detects the presence of parameter errors based on the composed measurement error in normalized form and further corrects the model. The validation of the presented technique is evaluated through comparative case studies considering the IEEE 13 node test feeder modeled in the Alternative Transient Program. Test results are encouraging indicating the formulation's potential for real-life applications.