A new parameter-free fault location approach for power distribution systems

A power distribution system (PDS) is a crucial component of the electrical power system. Faults frequently occur over the PDS; which can usually cause damage to the entire power system and need time and effort to detect, locate and eliminate them. The proposed parameter-free fault location algorithms used measurements from two or multi-terminals of the power system, which are not always available, especially in power distribution systems, where measurements are usually available only from a single-end.This paper proposes a new parameter-free fault location approach in a PDS. The approach is mainly based on the magnetic behavior of the power distribution system before and during faulty conditions. The suggested approach only takes advantage of post-fault voltage and current measurement from one-terminal disregarding line parameters. Computer simulations using standard and real field power distribution systems are reported and have shown quite encouraging results.