A Voltage-Based Approach for Series High Impedance Fault Detection and Location in Distribution Systems Using Smart Meters

Francinei L. Vieira, Pedro H. M. Santos, José M. Carvalho Filho, Roberto C. Leborgne and Marino P. Leite
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Francinei L. Vieira: Instituto de Sistemas Elétricos e Energia, Universidade Federal de Itajubá, Av. BPS 1303, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
Pedro H. M. Santos: Instituto de Sistemas Elétricos e Energia, Universidade Federal de Itajubá, Av. BPS 1303, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
José M. Carvalho Filho: Instituto de Sistemas Elétricos e Energia, Universidade Federal de Itajubá, Av. BPS 1303, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
Roberto C. Leborgne: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Osvaldo Aranha 99, Porto Alegre 90035-190, Brazil
Marino P. Leite: Instituto de Sistemas Elétricos e Energia, Universidade Federal de Itajubá, Av. BPS 1303, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 15, 1-16

Abstract: High impedance faults (HIFs) have been a major concern for protecting distribution systems and public safety hazards when involving downed conductors. The deployment of smarter grids brings new technologies for smart monitoring, automation, and protection of distribution networks. This paper presents a new method for a series of HIF detection and location in primary distribution feeders, using voltage unbalance measurements collected from smart meters (SMs) installed at low-voltage end-users. The methodology was tested in MATLAB and Simulink through steady-state simulations of a typical 13.8 kV distribution system, under load unbalance and different fault scenarios. Results show that the proposed method is robust and accurate for the detection of blown fuses and broken conductors, with or without ground faults, located either at the source or the load-side. The ease of implementation in SM design, formulation of parameters, and reliable simulation results show potential real-life applications.

Keywords: high impedance fault; fault location; distribution network; smart meters; voltage unbalance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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