Earth fault detection and isolation system for MV network

The detection and isolation of short circuits within the MV networks can be improved by the installation of disconnectors together with short-circuit flow passage indicators (FPI) inside the network. The proposed further improvements of FPI operation based on the change of operating criterion to the admittance one and the installation of zero-sequence resistive current forcing system (AWSCz). The operation of such system is analyzed considering the influence of high transition resistances at the place of fault, errors generated within the zero-sequence current measurement systems as well as the poor setting value divisibility of FPI. The proposed decision making system, placed in HV/MV substation, analyses the information obtained from substation measuring systems and from distributed earth fault FPI sensors to issue the proper decision which sectionalizing disconnectors should be open to isolate the faulted line section.