Impedance-Based Approach for Locating Short-Circuit Faults in Inverter-Based Active Distribution Networks

Abstract

This paper proposes an impedance-based approach for locating short-circuit faults in active distribution networks (DNs). This topic is a crucial task for operators, especially in grids with inverter-based distributed generators (IBDGs). Various methods have been proposed in this research area, including traveling waves, impedance-based methods, and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. Among them, the impedance-based scheme provides a simple and efficient feature that could be used in AI-based techniques. In this paper, an enhanced fault localization method based on impedance estimation is introduced. This method comprises two main components: (i) fault distance determination and (ii) faulty section identification. When developing the proposed method, the modeling of inverter-based resources under symmetrical and asymmetrical faults is considered, which includes the impact and behavior of such sources in the proposed approach. Unlike conventional impedance-based methods, the proposed approach does not require network information such as structure, lines, load data, or voltage and current measurements along the feeder at multiple points. The proposed method can be utilized as a feature in AI-based techniques, significantly enhancing accuracy and reducing the complexity of such techniques. To validate the efficacy of the proposed approach, various series of time-domain case studies are performed, in addition to mathematical proofs. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in accurately locating faults with varying resistances at different positions in the presence of inverter-based distributed generators.

Keywords

• active distribution network
• fault location
• impedance-based approach
• inverter-based distributed generation resources