Investigation of practical problems for digital fault location algorithms based on EMTP simulation

Although most digital fault location algorithms are advantageous with a high percentage of precision during simulation tests, all of them encounter errors during experimental testing. This is mainly due to the considered simplified assumptions during the development of these algorithms as well as the differences between the models which are employed in the simulations and actual circumstances in real fields. In this paper, the simulation of different factors that effectively influence the performance of fault location algorithms in real systems is examined employing ATP-EMTP simulation including mutual coupling, parameter distribution, line configuration, parameter variations, hardware errors and fault resistance. Also, the behavior of fault location algorithms is evaluated under theses factors. Moreover, the impacts of some simplified assumptions on the accuracy of their relevant algorithms are discussed. This work is accomplished by employing most of the published digital fault location algorithms including one and two terminals data algorithms. It presents a full comprehensive study of the performance of these algorithms.