Analysis of distance based fault location methods for Smart Grids with distributed generation

This paper shows analyses of the performance of fault location methods in power distribution systems with and without distributed generation (DG). These analyses are based on the investigation of the impact of DGs on the efficiency of important fault location methods. The fault location is assessed by the impedance, calculated at the substation using a distance (or impedance) relay. The impedance based fault location methods need few information, are simple and relatively accurate. However, most of the existing fault location methods were not developed/tested taking into account the new characteristics of distribution networks, such as the inclusion of DGs. Due to the increase in DG penetration and the high incidence of faults in distribution systems, it is necessary to study fault location techniques in the presence of DGs. The results will support the choice of suitable fault location methods to be implemented in smart grids with distributed generation.