Use of sparsely distributed synchronized recorders for locating faults in power grids

This study considers the use of synchronized measurements which may be few in number and possibly disbursed in a sparse manner throughout the system. An analytical derivation of a method by which location of a disturbance can be accurately determined solely based on sparsely located synchronized voltage sensors will be reviewed first. This derivation will illustrate some of the limitations and practical constraints imposed by the system topology as well as transmission-line characteristics. The paper will then build on the results of the disturbance location approach in order to devise an optimal deployment scheme for placing synchronized voltage sensors in the transmission system. This will be accomplished in such a way that any disturbance irrespective of its location can be detected and located by using as few sensors as possible. Simulated fault transients by an electromagnetic transients simulation program will be used to illustrate the performance of the developed technique.