Traveling-wave-based fault location error using modal components in electric distribution systems

Fault-generated traveling waves of one phase conductor is usually captured and used to locate the fault position in electrical distribution system because of the cost reduction of sensors installation. This method leads to additional location error because of the propagation speed variation in the fault location procedure. In this paper, the traveling wave-based fault location error is analyzed and discussed detailed when zero-mode, aerial-mode and phase traveling wavefronts are applied in the location procedure separately. In the meantime, the refraction and reflection of the fault generated traveling waves are also analyzed to reveal the propagation attention characteristics, which would also affect the wavefront arrival time identification. The results shown that aerial-mode traveling waves are suitable to be used in electrical distribution system to reduce the locate error, approximately less than 175 meters.