Accuracy assessment of impedance-based fault location methods in overhead line dense radial distribution networks using disturbance records

Atsever M. B., HOCAOĞLU M. H.

Electric Power Systems Research, vol.262, 2027 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 262
  • Publication Date: 2027
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.epsr.2026.113638
  • Journal Name: Electric Power Systems Research
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, Environment Index, INSPEC, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO)
  • Keywords: Distribution network, Disturbance record, Fault location, Short-circuit test
  • İstanbul Ticaret University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Except for large metropolitan cities, distribution networks predominantly consist of overhead lines, which have the highest fault occurrence rate. Accurate fault location is crucial for reducing restoration time, thereby enhancing system reliability indices. Even if distribution networks are generally operated radially, determining the exact fault location in overhead line dense radial distribution networks is still a challenging task due to non-homogeneous line structure, grounding and fault resistance. Further, impedance-based earth fault location methods can identify multiple candidate locations due to the downstream networks’ branches and laterals. Therefore, additional information from the downstream network is needed to eliminate other candidate feeders or healthy sections. In this paper, multiple fault location problem is eliminated by using COMTRADE records from the downstream networks. The accuracy of different impedance-based fault location methods is evaluated via extensive simulations and historical COMTRADE records from the past twelve months. Moreover, two different short-circuit field tests are conducted to assess the accuracy of these methods. Results show that Guzmán's fault location method is more immune to field challenges, such as fault resistance, different grounding resistances and non-homogeneous line structures, than the other fault location methods.