Fault locating in distribution networks with the aid of advanced metering infrastructure

This paper presents an approach for locating faults in a radial distribution network using information that is readily available at the substation and from the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). Digital feeder protection relays provide fault current data recorded at the substation and smart energy meters record and transmit voltage sag or power interruption data through the AMI system. A state estimator processes the combined current and voltage measurements. The results of the state estimator are passed to a fault locating algorithm that identifies the fault location. For branch circuits that share similar voltage sag patterns, the location algorithm delivers a set of possible fault locations. Generally, these locations are in close proximity relative to the size of the distribution feeder service area. The performance of the technique is presented by testing with data simulated using the IEEE 37-node distribution test network.