Performance Analysis of Noniterative Parameter-free Fault Location Method in a Multi-Machine Power System

Accurate fault location estimation decreases the power outage time and the operating cost. Power grids have interconnected nature to improve power supply dependability and reduce plant reserve capacity. However, it makes the estimation of fault location difficult. Noniterative parameter free fault localization is an emerging method. The method locates the faults regardless of fault resistance, fault type, faulted line parameters and external network parameters. Method relies on measurements from all the terminals of the line of interest. However, its performance on interconnected system is still not fully explored. In this paper we analyse the performance of a noniterative parameter free fault localization method on an IEEE nine bus system. By measuring the voltage and current phasors at the sending and receiving ends of the faulted line before and during the fault, it is possible to pinpoint the exact position of the fault. To produce an exact closed-form estimation for fault location in medium or long transmission lines, consideration is given to the line shunt capacitance also. The system under study is realized in PSCAD/EMTDC software and results are discussed in detail.