Multi-Timescale-Based Fault Section Location in Distribution Networks

To meet the requirements of quickness and accuracy for fault location in smart distribution networks with high penetration of distributed generations, we propose an integrated fault section location method based on multiple timescales. On the millisecond timescale, we present a distributed fault section location method based on fault current polarity value comparison (PVC) using the first half-cycle fault current signal after the fault inception. On the cycle timescale, we implement a distributed fault section location method based on fault current waveform similarity comparison (WSC) using the first one-cycle fault current signal after the fault inception. On the second timescale, we adopt a fault section location method based on a genetic algorithm (GA) using the steady-state fault current signal. Three timescale fault section location methods thus coordinate with each other through constructed reliability functions of the fault section location methods based on PVC and WSC. The simulation results show that the multi-timescale-based fault section location method achieves a fast and accurate fault section location.

Automated summary

A multi-timescale fault section location method is proposed in this study, which locates faults at millisecond, cycle, and second timescales by utilizing fault current polarity value comparison, fault current waveform similarity comparison, and a genetic algorithm, respectively. The coordination between the three timescale fault section location methods is achieved through constructed reliability functions.