A novel algorithm for fault location in power distribution network

A novel algorithm is presented for fault location in the complex multi-source power distribution system. The algorithm forms the network describing matrix D on basis of the connection of the switches and the power flow directions between two adjacent switches, then the fault judgement matrix Dp is formed by adding the field terminal unit (FTU) information about the fault overcurrents and their directions to the diagonal of the former describing matrix D. According to the values of the related elements in the matrix Dp, the fault section can be identified immediately and correctly. Compared to the previous algorithm, this method doesn't need to take the burdensome matrix multiplication. Furthermore, when the number of the sources is increased, the program doesn't need to take the corresponding modification. This is a 333 Project Foundation supported by Jiangsu Province.