DSP use in distribution power grids - A new approach for high impedance ARC faults detection

Power grids are actually more complex in their structure and in the requirements that they must satisfy, including perfect sinusoidal wave without outages and transitory over-voltages. Among the faults that can occur in the distribution networks, high impedance and arc faults are the most persistent and difficult to solve. Recent advances in digital technology have enabled practical solutions for fast detection of a high percentage of these previously undetectable faults. In this paper, a new approach for high impedance arc faults detection is presented. It is possible, by using a Digital Signal processor (DSP), to conceive a system able to detect the presence of unwanted and alarming frequencies in the distribution network. These particular frequencies are generated by electrical arcs occurring in the network. Finally, experimental and simulation results are provided to validate the performance of the digital implementation.