Fault Detection And Location In Electrical Distribution Networks Equipped With Fault Indicators Using Linear Optimization Technique

Abstract

Modern technologies have recently entered the faults detection in the electrical distribution networks, where the Fault Indicators (FI) are currently widespread instruments, due to their ease of installation, light weight, and provision of batteries that last for years.

This article explains how to use FI to detect and locate faults, in electrical distribution networks, whereby the signals incoming from such devices to the coordination center are utilized and processed within an algorithm with linear optimization, target functions and specific constraints.

This algorithm relies on FI signals to infer a hypothetical fault location that matches the real one, even if some FI instruments give false signals for some reason.  In addition, the algorithm can determine the locations of more than one fault in the studied network.

The algorithm was applied to two reference networks, 6Bus network and 28Bus network using CPLEX environment and the results were very good.