Detection and classification of transmission line faults based on unsupervised feature learning and convolutional sparse autoencoder

We present in this paper a novel method for fault detection and classification in power transmission lines based on convolutional sparse autoencoder (CSAE). In contrary to conventional methods, the proposed method automatically learns features from a dataset of voltage and current signals, on the basis of which a framework for fault detection and classification is created. Convolutional feature mapping and mean pooling are implemented in order to generate feature vectors with local translation-invariance for half-cycle multi-channel signal segments. Detection and classification are done by a softmax classifier using the feature vectors. Further, the proposed method is tested under different sampling frequencies and signal types. Results show that the proposed method is fast and accurate in detecting and classifying faults, and is practical for online transmission line protection.