Fault zones location on distribution systems based on clustering of voltage sags patterns

A new methodology for estimation of voltage sags patterns and clustering of fault zones in high and medium voltage electric is presented. The proposed methodology comprises three stages. First, network modelling and faults simulation were performed in order to get information about voltage sags caused by faults in the transmission system. Voltage sags patterns were identified at the second stage by means of a k-means clustering algorithm, allowing the determination of fault zones. Using the power quality measurements data base of the major electricity utility of Bogotá, voltage sags were classified according to the previously determined voltage sags patterns. At the third stage of the methodology a comparison between simulated and measured sags is performed, allowing the identification of sags caused by faults.