Distributed Parameters Model for High-impedance Fault Detection and Localization in Transmission Lines

Abstract

A high-impedance fault is generated when an overhead power line physically breaks and falls to the ground. Such faults are difficult to detect and locate in electric power systems because of the small currents and voltage drops involved, which cannot be detected by conventional protection. Furthermore, arcing accompanies high-impedance faults, resulting in fire hazard, damage to electrical equipment, and risk to human life. This article presents an analytical description of the interaction between the electric arc associated with high-impedance faults and a transmission line. A joint analytical solution to the wave equation for a transmission line and a non-linear equation of the arc model is found for the case of an arbitrary reflection coefficient at the substation end, and a methodology for high-impedance fault detection and localization is proposed. The developed model is validated by means of a comparison with measurements. The comparison demonstrates the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed model.

Keywords:

• high-impedance fault
• traveling waves
• electric arc
• fault localization