TWMI: A Single-ended Fault Location Method for Multi-Branch Earthed Overhead Lines Based on a Matrix approach

This paper extends the application of a recently presented fault location algorithm for unearthed overhead lines with a complex topology to the analysis of earthed overhead lines. Such algorithm is able to identify the fault position in multi-branched non-homogeneous lines by processing the data provided by a single measurement terminal. The method is based on the traveling waves theory, and it is characterized by an innovative traveling wave decomposition, namely TWMI, developed by the University of Padova and Terna. Such new approach decouples the dependence of the traveling wave propagation modes from the speed propagation of the line. The algorithm is designed to monitor unearthed lines, for which the classical fault distance relays based on impedance estimation are ineffective, but this paper demonstrates that the method can be easily extended to the monitoring of earthed lines.