A fault location algorithm for urban distribution network with DG

Conventional power distribution system is radial in nature, characterized by a single source feeding a network of downstream feeders. The distribution automation fault location, primarily considering the fault current amplitude signals, has traditionally been designed assuming the system to be radial. However, the system with distributed generation (DG) may no longer radial, which means more fault direction signals to be needed for fault location. The paper suggests a novel algorithm, based on fault current amplitude difference of zone. The algorithm realizes direction detection using the difference of short - circuit capacity between system source and DG. The PSS/E simulation results indicate the method could locate fault zone correctly in urban distribution network with DG.