Extended formulation for elimination of multiple estimation for fault location in power distribution systems considering the load current

In this paper, an extension in the methodology for elimination of multiple estimation for fault location in power distribution systems considering the load current is presented. This paper presents a modification to increase the robustness of the methodology used to eliminate the multiple estimation problem, of fault location methods based on the impedance estimation for two-phase and three-phase faults. The approach here proposed uses the power distribution system parameters and the available measurements at the main power substation. Tests were performed on two power distribution systems simulated in ATP, analyzing the effect of fault resistance and load variations. The obtained results show that it is possible determine a unique fault location, eliminating the multiple estimation problem. This method also helps to improve the power continuity indexes in power distribution systems by the determination of the faulted node.