Time domain symmetry parameters analysis for series arc fault detection

This paper presents a feasibility study of exploiting the symmetry of some parameters for series arc fault detection in electrical circuits. The considered parameters are defined in the time domain and they are based on the current signal derivative and the evaluation of cross-correlation between subsequent observation windows. The analysis is carried out for AC systems, starting from an experimental characterization, which has been carried out in accordance with the Standard UL 1699 requirements for "unwanted tripping tests" and "operation inhibition tests" of arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). The results obtained in different load conditions show that the proposed parameters can be useful for detecting the arc faults presence, with the advantage of low computational costs.