Research on an Intelligent Distributed Feeder Automation Dynamic Testing System

Distributed feeder automation (FA) technology has recently arisen increasing research interests and practical applications, for its high efficiency to realize fault location, isolation, and service restoration in the distribution network within only a few seconds. This instant reaction ability is rooted from a new peer-to-peer communication pattern among substation terminal units (DTU) without relying on master station. However, its correctness on distributed FA logical interaction is still under-explored. To provide a testing platform to verify DTUs’ distributed FA function, this paper is aimed to design an intelligent distributed FA dynamic testing system with support to the connection of multiple DTUs. By analyzing the main functions and core logic of distributed FA, along with extracting the typical operating conditions of the distribution network, this paper designs a primary feeder system to simulate a 10kV double-ended power supply cable line with 3 branches through a 380V feeder. In this system, each breaker can be controlled by the connected testing DTU and a test workflow is accordingly established: (1) The short-circuit faults at different positions, such as trunk lines and branch lines, are simulated. (2) The automatic triggering of the fault position is controlled by the power distribution automation test master station. (3) The distributed FA fault isolation and restoration remote signal sent by the testing DTU is analyzed and the verification is completed. By providing a simulation and demonstration environment, our system serves as a strong and solid testing platform for theoretical researches and real applications of distributed FA.