A Selective Method for Identifying Single-Phase Ground Faults with Transient Resistance in Isolated Neutral Medium-Voltage Networks

Merey Jetpissov, Kazhybek Tergemes (), Saken Sheryazov, Algazy Zhauyt, Toleuserik Sadykbek, Abdissattar Berdibekov and Gulbarshyn Smailova
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Merey Jetpissov: Department of Electricity Supply and Renewable Energy Sources, Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications Named After G. Daukeyev, Almaty 050013, Kazakhstan
Kazhybek Tergemes: Department of Electricity Supply and Renewable Energy Sources, Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications Named After G. Daukeyev, Almaty 050013, Kazakhstan
Saken Sheryazov: Department of Electric Power Engineering, L.N. Gumilev Eurasian National Research University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Algazy Zhauyt: Department of Electronic Engineering, Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications Named After G. Daukeyev, Almaty 050013, Kazakhstan
Toleuserik Sadykbek: Department of Energy, Mukhamedzhan Tynyshpaev ALT University, Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan
Abdissattar Berdibekov: Department of Energy, Satbayev University, Almaty 050013, Kazakhstan
Gulbarshyn Smailova: Department of Energy, Satbayev University, Almaty 050013, Kazakhstan

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-93

Abstract: Single-phase ground faults (SPGFs) in isolated neutral medium-voltage networks are difficult to detect, especially under high transient resistance. This paper proposes a centralized ground fault protection unit (CGFPU) that combines zero-sequence current (ZSC) magnitude and phase-angle analysis to enhance selectivity. Simulation results show that as transient resistance increases from 1 Ohm to 10 kOhm, fault currents decrease significantly, yet the CGFPU reliably identifies the faulty feeder by exploiting the characteristic 180° phase shift of ZSC phasors. The method remains selective with angular deviations up to ±20° and distinguishes between feeder and busbar faults. Compared with conventional amplitude- or model-based techniques, the proposed approach achieves faster detection, lower computational complexity, and robustness against unbalanced and charging currents. Furthermore, the CGFPU operates adaptively in alarm or trip mode depending on fault severity, thus preserving continuity for high-resistance faults and ensuring rapid isolation of bolted faults. These contributions establish a practical, scalable, and future-ready solution for SPGF protection in medium-voltage isolated neutral networks.

Keywords: single-phase ground fault; isolated neutral network; capacitive current; zero-sequence current; transient resistance; relay protection (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: 2025
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