Characteristics of High Impedance Faults in Overhead Distribution Networks in Bamboo Branches

The high impedance fault (HIF) has as one of its main characteristics the low magnitude of the current produced, causing its detection and location to be impaired for the equipment currently used to protect electrical power systems, which favors the driver remain energized, increasing the likelihood of fires and the risk of death for living beings. Records of HIF characteristics in trees are a gap in the literature, making it difficult to develop new algorithms and identification methods. This study presents details of the voltage and current characteristics of HIF in bamboo tree branches, the result of experimental tests carried out in a laboratory designed and assembled for HIF simulation in overhead distribution networks, and the capture of these oscillography was carried out by a relay commercial protection.