Fault impedance estimation algorithm for digital distance relaying

Fault impedance is one of the major parameters that must be estimated accurately in digital distance relaying application. In this paper, a new algorithm is proposed based on symmetrical components theory. The proposed algorithm has computational advantage over previously suggested symmetrical components based algorithms. A procedure for applying shunt fault conditions to the sequence equations to estimate fault impedance of the protected transmission line is discussed. The Alternative Transient Program (ATP) that is available on personal computers was used in evaluating the proposed algorithm. ATP models a power system and simulates many fault conditions on a selected transmission line. Fault data obtained were used in calculating fault impedance using the proposed algorithm. Fault impedance estimates were inserted in relay characteristics to determine suitability of the proposed algorithm for first zone distance protection. Sample results of these studies which show stable fault distance estimates are presented and discussed in the paper