A Novel Distance Protection Algorithm for the Phase-Ground Fault

Traditional distance relays often mis-operate for high transient resistance in phase-ground faults by measuring apparent impedance. To solve this problem, a novel distance protection algorithm is proposed in this paper. It is deduced in the RL lumped transmission line model and calculates the fault distance from the measuring point to the fault point by solving a linear differential equation. In addition, a protection criteria based on the comparison result between the calculated fault distance and the protective setting margin rather than the protective zone measured by apparent impedance is set up in this paper. As a result, the proposed method can avoid overreach for the given characteristics that the calculated fault distance is greater than the actual fault distance when the fault occurs next to the opposite terminal. Meanwhile, both the fundamental component and one decaying DC component are needed to solve the differential equation for the proposed distance algorithm, therefore it can trip the breaker fast during the fault transient period. Finally, EMTP simulation results verify the validity of the proposed distance algorithm on RL transmission line model. However, to put the proposed method into field use, the problem caused by the distributed capacitance of the transmission line on the proposed method will be further studied and solved.