Reliable Broken Conductor Fault Detection for Low Volt Interconnected Distribution Lines

In developing countries like India, most of the low voltage distribution lines feeder are connected via overhead power lines. Such distribution systems, including radical type and low voltage Interconnected networks, face difficulties in fault detection and localization as compared with high voltage transmission systems. One such fault is the broken conductor of live wires, which could cause high impedance current to flow on the ground or object. These faults usually produce very low fault currents, due to low voltage or dry areas, that are usually not detectable by the feeder conventional over-current protection schemes or by the HIF fault detector. As a result, fault detection in Low voltage (LV) overhead lines, due to open (or broken) conductors, is the most challenging problem in interconnected networks as compared to radical feeders. The aim of this paper is to identify a new method to detect such broken conductors in interconnected LV distribution and correctly automates the circuit breaker during faults. The proposed broken conductor fault detection method judges fault based on multiple information to increase accuracy and reliability of trip signal. The trip signal, based on the calculated measurements from the fault finding devices, will be provided to the circuit breaker. Finally, the proposed intelligent electronic devices installed at the bus Circuit Breaker Validates the trip signal before the power completely goes off. Several test cases were simulated to demonstrate the effective results.