Accurate fault location algorithm for double-circuit series compensated lines using a limited number of two-end synchronized measurements

This paper presents a new fault location algorithm for double-circuit series compensated lines based on synchronized phasor measurements. Only the sequence current phasors from both ends of the line and the sequence voltage phasors from one local end are taken as input, limiting thus the amount of data needed to be exchanged between the line terminals. In addition, the proposed algorithm does not utilize the model of the series compensation device, eliminating thus the errors resulting from modeling such devices. The new algorithm consists of three steps. In the first step, the fault type and the circuit(s) involved in the fault are determined using a synchrophasor-based fault type selection method. In the next step, the algorithm applies two subroutines designating for locating faults on particular line sections which are defined according to the series compensation placement along the line. In these subroutines, the sequence voltages and currents at the fault point are expressed with respect to the known sequence voltages and currents at the two measuring ends and the distance to fault. Then, using the fault boundary conditions that exist for a given fault type, the fault location is solved by an iterative method. Finally, in the last step a procedure for selecting the valid subroutine is applied. Due to zero sequence mutual coupling, it is not straightforward to express the zero sequence voltage and current at the fault point as a function of the zero sequence voltages and currents at the measuring ends and the distance to fault. To overcome this problem, a modal transformation matrix is introduced to obtain the modal networks, which are decoupled and can be analyzed independently. Based on distributed parameter line model, the proposed algorithm fully considers the effects of shunt capacitances and thus achieves superior locating accuracy, especially for long lines. Mutual coupling between circuits, source impedances and fault resistance does not influence the locating accuracy of the algorithm. Simulation results using ATP-EMTP and MATLAB demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed algorithm.

► A new fault location method for double-circuit series compensated lines is proposed.
► A limited number of synchronized measurements from both line ends is utilized.
► A detailed equivalent PI circuit of a double-circuit transmission line is employed.
► No fault type selection algorithm is needed and inter-circuit faults can be handled.
► The results demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method.