Fault location using traveling wave for power networks

Fault location using traveling wave has been applied in extra-high voltage power grids successfully. Due to its complication and high cost, it is not easy for this technique to be accepted for use in distribution system. A new traveling wave fault location system is developed simply in a cost-effective way for power networks (especially for distribution system) in this paper. Two traveling wave sensors are developed to capture the current traveling wave flowing from the capacitive equipment to earth and the voltage traveling waves in all three phases. The outputs of the sensors are then applied to the trigger and time tagging by using Global Position System (GPS) receiver. The fault position is calculated by the traveling wave arrival times in every power station where only one fault locator is installed. The fault location system is tested in the power system. Testing results show that the fault locator has high precision and robustness.