Application of a fuzzy set method in distribution system fault location

Prompt and accurate identification of fault locations is essential for service restoration in distribution systems. Efficient and effective methods are needed to utilize available information to locate the possible faulted line sections. In this paper, a fuzzy set based fault location algorithm is presented. It uses fault related data from fault sensors as well as study results from short circuit analysis and handles the uncertainty in these data with fuzzy set formulation. The algorithm has been implemented. Test results on PG&E distribution systems are very promising.