Fault Location on Radial Distribution Networks via Distributed Synchronized Traveling Wave Detectors

This paper presents a new fault location algorithm for radial distribution networks employing synchronized distributed voltage traveling wave (TW) observers. A robust and accurate fault location algorithm significantly improves the distribution networks reliability and reduces the risk of bush fires and electrocution resulting from sustained undetected faults. The medium voltage distribution networks include numerous junctions and many shunt and series connected devices, such as capacitor banks, transformers and cables, which makes fault location far more complicated. This paper investigates the effect of power system components on the propagation of traveling waves and proposes a method for a fault location in heavily branched radial distribution feeders. Results show that parasitic shunt capacitances in transformers have a significant impact on traveling time of incident waves to the location of the TW observers and compensation for this effect will improve the accuracy of fault location.