Bisection Search of Faulted Segment Based on Radially Energized Distribution Feeder

Abstract

The advancement of fault indicators in SCADA communication has evolved with sophisticated mechanism and instrumentation inputs from the pole-mounted feeder terminal units (FRTUs). While this binary inputs would be helpful to narrow down the faulted segment of a distribution feeder, the timing of fault indicators could affect the conclusion of centralized distribution management system (DMS). This paper proposes the methodological approach to systematically pinpoint the faulted segment based on the established logics and uncertainty of realtime measurements. First, the short circuit analysis is reviewed and unbalanced fault current may affect the input variables of the fault indicators. Second, a time interval is imposed based on the timing of the incoming expected inputs. Such inputs are crucial and may vary due to the communication bottleneck of the system. Hence, the reclosing features of protective relays within a feeder would confirm the bisection search. Numerous cases are studied to support the effectiveness of the proposed approach in capturing the overall faulted segment.