Unsynchronized Measurements Based Fault Location Algorithm for Active Distribution Systems Without Requiring Source Impedances

This paper introduces a fault location algorithm, which is appropriate for unbalanced power distribution systems with distributed generation of any type (i.e., synchronous machines and inverter-based units). The proposed algorithm is based on three-phase circuit analysis and utilizes unsynchronized voltage and current measurements taken from the connection points of the sources. The source impedances are not required to be included in the bus impedance matrix formulation. The algorithm accurately estimates the fault position, the fault resistance and the synchronization angles. Moreover, the algorithm can successfully identify the most possible fault location candidate among multiple choices. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate a very good performance of the proposed fault location algorithm for any fault type under various parameters that may influence its accuracy.