An efficient diagnostic technique for distribution systems based on under faultvoltages and currents

Service continuity is one of the major aspects in the definition of the quality of the electrical energy,for this reason the research in the field of faults diagnostic for distribution systems is spreading evermore. Moreover the increasing interest around modern distribution systems automation for managementpurposes gives faults diagnostics more tools to detect outages precisely and in short times. In this paper,the applicability of an efficient fault location and characterization methodology within a centralizedmonitoring system is discussed. The methodology, appropriate for any kind of fault, is based on the useof the analytical model of the network lines and uses the fundamental components rms values takenfrom the transient measures of line currents and voltages at the MV/LV substations. The fault locationand identification algorithm, proposed by the authors and suitably restated, has been implemented ona microprocessor-based device that can be installed at each MV/LV substation. The speed and precisionof the algorithm have been tested against the errors deriving from the fundamental extraction withinthe prescribed fault clearing times and against the inherent precision of the electronic device used forcomputation. The tests have been carried out using Matlab Simulink for simulating the faulted system.