Fault Location Method Based on Single-End Measurements for Underground Cables

The fault location in underground cables is characterized as the technical difficulties due to complexities in cables. Based on the direct circuit analysis, a fault location algorithm for underground cables with no laterals is presented in this paper. The single-end phasor measurements, including the voltages and currents sampled in the substation side, are utilized to locate the single phase faults in the typical single-conductor cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cables rated at the medium voltage (MV) levels. The distinctive cable characteristics are considered, such as relatively large capacitance, effects of sheaths and sheath bonding methods. The different fault scenarios are taken into account as well. The effect of changes of cable parameters and application of static response load model are also investigated. The simulation studies demonstrate the proposed algorithm can achieve the high accuracy under various system and fault conditions.