Overhead Line Broken Conductor Detection System Pilot Project

Abstract

Overhead line broken conductor in a distribution system is hazardous to public safety, utilities need to locate and isolate the faulty section as fast as possible. However, this type of fault which classifies as a high impedance fault (HIF) is difficult to detect by a conventional protection scheme. To detect and locate this type of fault, Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) has initiated the pilot project in its two feeders. This pilot project uses data from an implemented IoT meters to detect fault and uses the network topology of feeder combine with graph theory to locate the faulty section. The detection method is based on a voltage unbalance, which is a result of an open circuit or loss of phase when a conductor broke. The result of implemented pilot project shows that it can help utilities detect and locate an open circuit incident in the system and facilitate fast restoration.