Incremental Phase-Current Based Fault Passage Indication for Earth Faults in Resonant Earthed Networks

Abstract

We propose a method for the fault passage indication of earth faults in resonant-earthed networks, based on phase current measurements alone. This is particularly relevant for electricity distribution systems at medium-voltage levels. The method is based on the relative magnitudes of the phasor changes in the phase currents due to the fault. It is tested for various network types and operation configurations by simulating the network in pscad and using the simulated currents as the input for an implementation of the method in matlab. In over-compensated networks, the method shows reliable detection of the fault passage, with good selectivity and sensitivity for both homogeneous and mixed (cable and overhead line) feeders. However, for the less common under-compensated systems, it has limitations that are described further in this study. The method has good potential for being cost effective since it requires only current measurements, from a single location, at a moderate sampling rate.