FTU/PMU Placement Method Considering Fault Section Localization in Distribution Networks

The distribution network experiences frequent short-circuit faults, and the continuous integration of Distributed Generation (DG) presents a significant challenge for fault localization in the distribution network, demanding higher quality and a greater quantity of Fault Location Units (FTU) and Phasor Measurement Units (PMU). To ensure precise fault section identification in the most cost-effective manner, an optimized FTU/PMU placement approach that takes into account the length of the lines is proposed. According to the location of the FTU/PMU, the distribution network is divided into a number of sections, and the FTU/PMU placement is carried out with the objective of minimizing the maximum value of the total length of the lines in these sections, which can reduce the scope of fault impact and fault removal time. Initially, FTUs are placed, utilizing the current magnitude measurements to identify the fault section. When DG capacity is relatively high, critical FTU positions are replaced with PMUs, which employ current phase angle measurements to pinpoint the fault section. This approach ensures the fulfillment of fault localization requirements for the distribution network at the lowest cost possible.