High impedance fault detection based on wavelet transform and Prony´s method

A novel method for high impedance fault (HIP) detection based on wavelet transform and Prony´s method is presented. Using this method, HIFs can be discriminated from capacitor switching, transformer inrush current, and arc furnace. Wavelet transform is used for the decomposition of current signals and detecting disturbance resulting from either faults or normal switching currents. Prony´s method is used for estimating frequency, magnitude, phase, and damping presented in signals. Based on Prony´s estimation it is possible to distinguish between HIFs and normal switching. HIF and transient data was acquired from ATP-EMTP program. Results show that the proposed procedure is efficient in identifying HIFs from other even.