Optimization of Current Sensor Allocation for High Impedance Fault Detection based on Genetic Algorithm

A high impedance fault (HIF) is a fault type that traditional protection systems cannot detect. This study proposes a method for detecting HIF by combining phasor analysis with symmetrical components to feed a sensor allocation algorithm. The aim is to determine the optimal positions within an existing network to install sensors, there by enhancing network protection against this specific fault. The tool used to develop the sensor allocation algorithm was the genetic algorithm. After fine-tuning the genetic algorithm, the result obtained is a reduction in the number of pre-allocated sensors from 25 to 2 and 3 effective sensors, demonstrating the effectiveness of the technique. The allocation algorithm can also be used as a validation method for HIF detection techniques, checking for identifying unprotected network areas and minimizing false positives.