Detection, localization and fault diagnosis using PetriNets for smart power distribution grids

Fault detection in novel distribution systems has been a big challenge with increasing distributed generation. Addition of non-linear devices has increased the rate of fault occurrence and thus a need to identify and rectify the fault with in a short interval. Inclusion of smart devices such as smart meters and PMU(s) can help a lot in reducing the fault detection time. Since most of the fault detection algorithms use iteration and a number of assumptions of the network topology, often the difference between the calculated fault distance and the real fault distance is huge. In the case of micro grid a single fault can result in more than one fault directions. Using petri nets can be of great use for fault detection as it has some major advantages. Petri nets don't use iterations and can precisely narrow down the fault depending upon the input data. A distribution network has been taken and simulated for both single and multiple fault instance. The algorithm was found to be simple and efficient. It can take information from protection device too which in aver all makes it a much more cost efficient method to challenge fault detection.