Field Experience in Traveling Wave Fault Locator Driven Early Warning System on Transmission Line

Traveling wave fault location (TWFL) methods have a long history of application in power transmission and distribution. Concerning the Indonesian electric power grid, after nearly a decade of operation, the TWFL devices have proven to offer significant benefits in reducing the time required to pinpoint fault locations. When a fault occurs, the TWFL devices are accessed through specific software supplied by the manufacturer. Consequently, there is a pressing need for a more accessible and real-time method to enhance engineers' access to TWFL records. This paper introduces the implementation of a fault locator early warning system (FLEWS) which enhances the accessibility of TWFL records. Deploying FLEWS for real-time monitoring and early warning on overhead lines, as demonstrated within PLN, has led to notable improvements in the speed at which event records can be accessed and accurately assessed. The system registers various events, including lightning flashes, flying kites, and other non-tripping incidents that induce current in the transmission line. This improvement is facilitated by a web-based dashboard and notifications via an Android-based messenger application. Additionally, serving as an early warning system, engineers can utilise non-tripping events recorded by FLEWS to proactively initiate mitigation measures before any faults occur in the grid.