Model and Experimental Detection of Single Phase-to-Earth Faults of Overhead Conductors in 6–10 Kv Distribution Circuits by a Location Method

Abstract

The paper considers simulation model of a linear radio-frequency path of overhead power line implemented in the PSCAD software environment, which allows studying the propagation of location signals along the overhead power line conductors in 6–10 kV distribution circuits in terms of single phase to earth faults occurrence. Model and corresponding time domain reflectometer trace recorded in laboratory and field conditions for overhead power lines when simulating various types of single phase to earth faults are compared. The methods of location based determination of the single phase to earth faults distance and location on the conductors are given. The results of model and experimental studies in cases of single phase to earth faults show high convergence and performance of model and experimental time domain reflectometer traces of the 6–10 kV line, which indicates the representativeness of the developed model and the possibility of its use in location-based monitoring of 6–10 kV overhead lines.