An accurate non-iterative fault location technique for low voltage DC microgrid

The least erroneous knowledge on fault location in distribution system helps for restoration process, expedite maintenance and reduce power outage duration. A fault location method using probe power unit (PPU) in DC microgrid assumes that the natural frequency of the system is equal to damped resonant frequency of probe current. This assumption leads to prominent error in fault location calculation. To estimate location of fault in low voltage DC microgrid system, a noniterative fault location technique using PPU is proposed in this paper. Considering damping frequency and attenuation of the probe current, which is a function of fault distance and damping coefficient, fault location is obtained. The technique is tested for high resistance fault and radial and looped topologies and found to be more accurate.