A Method for Locating Lightning Strike Faults in Multi-level and Multi-branch Distribution Lines

A lightning fault location method suitable for multi-level and multi-branch distribution lines is proposed to address the issue of small monitoring range caused by the low load of monitoring terminals on multi-level and multi-branch distribution lines, which cannot be arranged at the end of the line, and the lack of effective identification methods when lightning strikes secondary branches. Firstly, the fault location outside the monitoring section is completed through polarity judgment matrix and improved dual terminal traveling wave positioning. If the fault location is determined to be within the section, a fault location judgment matrix is formed based on the improved dual terminal traveling wave principle and combined with matrix transformation method to propose reasonable criteria for locating faults within the section. Finally, the PSCAD/EMTDC simulation results show that this method can effectively locate faults outside the monitoring terminal section and locate secondary line lightning strikes in multi-level and multi-branch distribution lines, effectively expanding the monitoring range of the monitoring system. For the current layout plan of the demonstration line, the monitoring range has been expanded by 57.46%. © 2024 Power System Technology Press. All rights reserved.