Distribution high impedance fault location using localized voltage magnitude measurements

The detection and location of high impedance faults has historically been a difficult endeavor due to the low currents produced. However, the recent advent of distributed voltage monitoring devices, enabling access to fast-sampled, expansive voltage measurements throughout a distribution network, can ease this task. This paper considers the potential to use these distribution level devices to detect and locate such faults. A simulation-based method is proposed that compares a measured voltage profile, obtained from the devices, and simulated voltage profiles at various locations using a power system simulation software. The simulation locations are intelligently selected using the Golden section search and possible fault impedance values are iterated through for each location. The L1-norm is used to compare the two profiles, with the lowest error norm representing the best match - the most likely fault location and impedance.