A New Detection Method for Load Side Broken Conductor Fault Based on Negative to Positive Current Sequence

Abstract

Faults in distribution overhead lines occur due to various reasons, such as rain, strong winds, lightning, and other natural causes. The protection from the load side broken conductor (LSBC) faults has been one of the biggest challenges in the power distribution network. The small current generated by the LSBC fault makes the traditional protection system unable to detect this type of fault. The danger of LSBC fault is still enormous; besides, the available works of literature addressing this issue face difficulties when applying it to the real power system. This paper proposes a new method for detecting LSBC fault using single-ended measurements to the overhead distribution lines. The detection method is based on the constant ratio of negative to positive sequence current measured at the feeder end. The proposed study is performed using MATLAB software to implement a real network as a case study and verified by mathematical analysis. According to obtained results, we demonstrated that the fault in the electrical network had been detected with 100% of feeder protection. The proposed method has the benefit of being applicable and compatible with the existing measurement equipment, even when used in conjunction with overcurrent and earth fault relay in the electrical substation. Therefore, the negative to positive sequence currents are powerful in aiding fault detection. The benefit of this approach is providing a suitable LSBC protection solution for utilities while also opening new prospects in fault detection techniques in the distribution system.