A faulty feeder selection method for distribution network with unintentional resonance in zero sequence circuit

Abstract

Faulty feeder selection is a challenging task for distribution system operator due to the low earth fault current magnitudes in compensated networks. However, extensive cable usage, especially in metropolitan cities, causes unintentional resonance in the network earthed through inductance or grounding transformer. The unintentionally resonated networks are not designed like intentionally compensated networks where faulty feeder should be isolated in a predetermined time. There are transient zero sequence current based methods, particularly synthesized for compensated networks to identify faulty feeders. However, zero sequence-based faulty feeder selection methods have drawbacks in the presence of underground cables. Further, transient zero sequence current is prone to many parameters such as capacitive imbalance and fault resistance. In this study, a transient negative sequence current based faulty feeder selection method is proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated in a simulated 151-node distribution network. EMTP simulations are carried out by considering different fault inception times, fault resistance and capacitive imbalance of the system. Results show that negative sequence current offers selective faulty feeder selection and no false trip is observed in a representative unintentionally resonating distribution network.