Application of GPS based fault location scheme for distribution system

This paper presents the application of transient based fault location techniques to the distribution system by utilising the Global Positioning System (GPS). In the scheme, the proposed locator, which contains a specially designed fault transient detection device, a GPS receiver, is connected to the power line through a coupling capacitor. The locator installed at each busbar in a distribution network is used to capture the fault generated high frequency voltage transient signals and records the instance (GPS time) when the initial travelling wave generated by the fault arrives. The exact fault position is determined by comparing between the instances in time when the fault arrives at each locator location. Extensive simulation studies presented in the paper prove the feasibility of the scheme.