Modeling study for high impedance fault detection in MV distribution system

Modeling study provides a more effective and flexible way for research of high impedance fault (HIF) detection. An accurate model which can reveal most features of HIF is very important. In this paper, based on extensive investigation into documented test results, a set of most common and agreeable features of HIF has been summarized: the arc features, the non-linearity, the time-varied resistance and the randomness. A simulation modeling method which can reconstruct these features has been disclosed. Using MODELS of ATP-EMTP, an HIF model based on a series of a time-varied earth resistance and a dynamic arc resistance is proposed. In order to reconstruct these detail features of HIF, the parameter of arc and its influence have been tested. Random factors have been introduced to this model for the erratic behaviors of HIF. Finally, by applying this model to a simulated MV system, several feature extraction and detection methods have been preliminarily discussed.