Practical Applications of Automated Fault Analysis

This paper describes a new concept of automated fault analysis where fault transients and changes in power system equipment contacts are processed on-line. This allows faster confirmation of correct equipment operation and detection of unexpected equipment operations, as well as increased accuracy of fault location and analysis. The paper discusses two independent utility examples that illustrate automating some aspect of the fault analysis process. One approach is the substation level analysis, where local digital fault recorder (DFR) data is processed at the substation to obtain accurate fault location and analysis. Another approach is DFR data analysis at the master station location, where all DFR data files from remote locations are concentrated and processed.