Accurate fault location technique for distribution system using fault-generated high-frequency transient voltage signals

Abstract

A technique is presented for accurate fault location on distribution overhead lines and underground cables. A specially designed fault locator unit is used to capture the high-frequency voltage transient signal generated by faults on the distribution line/cable. The travelling time of the high-frequency components is used to determine the fault position. The technique is insensitive to fault type, fault resistance, fault inception angle and system source configuration, and is able to offer very high accuracy in fault location in a distribution system.