Analysis of high impedance faults using fractal techniques

Phase currents and voltages in a power distribution system change with a certain degree of chaos when high impedance faults (HIFs) occur. This paper describes application of the concepts of fractal geometry to analyze chaotic properties of high impedance faults. Root-mean-square rather that instantaneous values of currents are used for characterization of temporal system behavior; this results in relatively short time-series available for analysis. An algorithm is presented for pattern recognition and detection of HIFs; it is based on techniques suited for analysis of relatively small data sets. Examples are given to illustrate the ability of this approach to discriminate between faults and other transients in a power system.