Unsupervised learning strategies for the detection and classification of transient phenomena on electric power distribution systems

Abstract

A number of utilities are currently installing high-speed data acquisition equipment in their distribution substations. This equipment will make it possible to record the transient waveforms due to events such as low and high-impedance faults, capacitor switching, and load switching. The authors describe the potential of applying unsupervised learning strategies to the classification of the various events observed by a substation recorder. Several strategies are tested using simulation studies and the effectiveness of unsupervised learning is compared to current classification strategies as well as supervised learning.<>