Fault Location Detection in Active Distribution Networks Using Optimal PMU-based State Estimation

Abstract Fault location in distribution networks is a challenging task, especially after the incorporation of renewable energy sources. Traditional fault location methods rely on the direction of power flow, which is not always clear in active distribution systems (ADSs). This can make it difficult to identify the location of a fault, which can lead to power outages and inconvenience consumers for several hours. This paper proposes a new approach to find the accurate fault location via distribution system state estimation (DSSE). The proposed method uses optimally placed phasor measurement units (PMUs) to determine the system states. The voltage magnitude change (∆V) at each bus is calculated based on the estimated system states. Faulty locations are detected by comparing ∆V at each bus with its designated change in voltage threshold(∆Vthreshold). The precise fault location is detected between the buses with the highest and second-highest ∆V values. This approach was tested and validated on the IEEE 33-bus active distribution network using 11 optimally positioned PMUs in MATLAB Simulink. Results demonstrate that this method can accurately locate faults even before fuse activation.