Fault direction detection and fault location identification in transmission lines using traveling waves

The power transmission line is the most frequently faulted element of a power system. When a fault occurs on the line, high frequency electromagnetic signals are generated which propagates as traveling wave in the network. Based on the propagation theory of traveling wave, a high speed fault detection mechanism is described here. When a fault occurs on any one of the transmission line, the initial traveling waves on all healthy lines are positive direction traveling waves and the traveling wave direction on the faulted line is negative. By evaluating the amplitude integral of positive and negative direction traveling wave a criterion which discriminates the fault direction is determined. A double ended fault location technique based on traveling waves by using Park's Transformation is also presented. For evaluating this method, a typical busbar configuration is constructed. Simulation results show that this method can rapidly detect the fault direction and its position and is also immune to fault resistances and fault type.