An artificial neural network application to distance protection [of power systems]

An application of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to power system distance protection is presented in this paper. A neural network was trained by data from simulation of a simple power system under load and fault conditions, tested by data with different system conditions, and finally run for faults along the whole power line. The research was concentrated on creating more selective arcing fault detection, especially for radial distribution lines where arc resistance can be a significant part of the zero sequence impedance. A nonlinear arcing resistance model was used to provide data and a new operating characteristic was devised. The prospective ANN distance relay showed very good performance in detecting a single-line-to-ground fault with nonlinear arcing resistance along the whole transmission line.