High impedance faults (HIFs) present great difficulty of identification and location in distribution networks (DN) due to their characteristics of low current magnitude. Advances in smart grids and distribution automation allow the detection of disturbances that were previously unnoticeable in DN. This work aims to present a new method for detection and location of HIFs from smart meters placed at strategic points in the feeder, using a voltage unbalance based approach. The methodology was evaluated through simulations in MATLAB / Simulink, focusing on the detection of high impedance series faults. The results showed that the algorithm effectively identifies broken conductors, with or without ground faults, located either at the load or source side. Once technical and economic feasibility is proven, these methods can assist energy distribution utilities in restoring the normal operating conditions of the distribution network.
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.
The common-mode (CM) current phenomena is one of many problems in the EMC world due to the radiated magnetic field caused by it. A power transmission line with a delta-connection both generator and load normally do not have a connection to ground to establish a line for the return current. To determine the CM current, finding the stray capacitances to the ground is highly important because they are used as the return path for the CM current. In this paper, the investigation of predicting the CM current flowing through the stray capacitances will be done at a three-phase equivalent system of a wind turbine (WT). The wind turbine body is the place where the CM current flows, due to the stray capacitances between the power cables and the WT body around it. The CM current can be determined using the current magnitudes in a pointer-image method, which has a good agreement for CM current prediction and it might become a very useful tool applicable to measurements.
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