An Automated Fault Location System as a Decision Support Tool for System Operators

In fulfilling their duties, system operators often face special challenges after fault and disturbance conditions. Following the occurrence of a fault, system operators need to implement measures to return the system to a safe operating state within a short period of time. These measures may include restoration of the affected equipment back to service, emergency generation re-dispatch and load shedding. Without knowing the nature of a fault and the accurate fault location, it would be very challenging for operators to make the best decisions possible. This is especially true after large disturbances such as multiple lines or feeders being tripped out in a single event. The conventional manual fault analysis method used by protection engineers can not always satisfy system operators' needs because it is time-consuming. Providing system operators with accurate fault location information, both automatically and in close to real-time, can help optimize their decision-making process and thus bring significant benefits to electric utilities. These benefits include: •expedited service restoration and improved customer satisfaction •reduced operation costs by avoiding the re-dispatch of expensive generation or shortening the length of such a re-dispatch •improved system reliability by restoring critical transmission components faster •expedited post fault analysis The paper will describe the up-to-date and future work of the design and implementation of a unique R&D demonstration project with Consolidated Edison Company of New York. The purpose of the project is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the automated fault location system as a decision support tool for system operators. We will discuss the major functions and key features of the system including automated fault analysis, and analysis-result presentation to system operators and engineers. We also present the validation results based on real fault cases and discuss concerns and lessons learned during the process of the design, installation, and integration of the system.