Locating double-line-to-ground faults using hybrid current profile approach

This paper proposes a hybrid current profile based fault location algorithm for double-line-to-ground (DLG) faults in a distribution system. The method uses both short-circuit fault current profile (average of fault currents recorded for the faulted phases) and during-fault load current profile (corresponding to the un-faulted phase) to estimate an accurate fault location. The method is extended to include the effects of fault resistance in determining the fault location. Both fault current profiles and load current profiles are simulated for different values of fault resistances. The profiles are also extrapolated for those fault resistances corresponding to which the simulated profiles are not available. Numerical examples on a sample distribution feeder with multiple laterals and load taps are provided to validate the proposed algorithm for its robustness.