Frequency domain double-ended method of fault location for transmission lines

Vault location methods based on traveling wave phenomena are gaining increased popularity for overhead and underground transmission lines. Present methods use GPS time stamping of arriving current/voltage traveling waves at the ends of line. The accuracy of such methods is affected by traveling waves' reflections from other system elements adjacent to the transmission line. By measuring the spectral contents of high frequency voltage transients created by traveling waves at the opened ends of transmission line a new double-ended fault location method has been developed, which does not require time- stamping and is free from the reflection problem. This method is applicable for both series compensated and noncompensated lines. ATP simulation, as well as a field test on a 500 kV line, has proven the feasibility of this new frequency domain fault location method.