Fault analysis study using modeling and simulation tools for distribution power systems

This article describes a fault analysis study using some of the best available simulation and modeling tools for electrical distribution power systems. Several software tools were identified and assessed in L. Nastac, et al (2005). The fault analysis was conducted with the assessed software tools using the recorded fault data from a real circuit system. The recorded fault data including the topology and the line data with more than 1000 elements were provided by Detroit Edison (DTE) Energy for validation purposes. The effects of pro-fault loading and arcing impedance on the predicted fault current values were also investigated. Then, to ensure that the validated software tools are indeed capable of analyzing circuits with DCs, fault management and relay protection problems were developed and solved using a modified IEEE 34-bus feeder with addition of DCs.