Autopsy on active distribution networks: A data-driven fault analysis using micro-PMU data

In this paper, we conduct a data-driven experimental analysis on a single-phase-to-neutral fault at a distribution grid in Riverside, CA using data from five distribution level phasor measurement units, a.k.a, Micro-PMUs. Of particular interest is to extract the time-line during the fault. With the high resolution, precision, and time synchronization of the data from Micro-PMUs, the hypothesis about optimal operation of protection devices during each period of the fault time-line is examined, followed by exploring the success of coordination between lateral fuse and main feeder recloser. Also, this paper studies the transient effect of fault on the load-level as well as feeder-level. In addition, the response of inverter based resources to fault, specifically to islanding, is observed and the miscoordination between anti-islanding protection of PV inverters and the feeder recloser is deduced. Finally, the effect of the fault on outlying area feeder-level and customer-level is investigated. This paper takes a first step in using micro-PMU data to conducting a detailed analysis, an autopsy, of how different voltage levels are affected by fault switching events in distribution systems.