Fault Location Using the Distributed Parameter Transmission Line Model

Earlier work at Texas A&M University led to the development of transmission line fault location algorithms that were based on synchronized sampling of the voltage and current data from the two ends of the line. The line models used in the algorithms were based on lumped parameter models for electrically short lines, or lossless distributed parameter models for electrically long lines. In this paper, the lossless line model is modified to account for the series losses in the line. The line model equations are then solved in the time domain to accurately locate the fault. Testing of the modified algorithm is performed on a power system belonging to the Western Area Power Administration. Extensive EMTP based simulations are used to generate data that are supplied as inputs to the fault location algorithm. To make the testing as realistic as possible, detailed models of instrument transformers are used in the simulation of the various fault cases.