Fault path searching for voltage profile analysis in power distribution system with MW PV station connections

Abstract

Fault path search is the most important first step for voltage sag profile analysis. It is achieved by detecting the voltage profile decreasing in traditional method due to the limitation of voltage sag meters only recording the drop magnitude and start-stop time. However, metering voltages are often polluted by noises in field, and fault path is not single in complicated distribution systems, which present the challenge to it. This paper proposed a novel search algorithm base on the definitions: Boundary Points (BP), Feeder Section (FS) and Average Residual Voltage of Feeder Section (ARVFS). BP is used as the search points with FS as the search radius and ARVFS as the search object, so that the search speed is quicker and the noise-proof capability is strengthened. The fault point also can be located precisely with searching point by point in the end FS. Case simulations have proved the validity of the new algorithm.