Fault localization in electrical power systems: A pattern recognition approach

Electrical power system is one of the most complex artificial systems in this world, which safe, steady, economical and reliable operation plays a very important part in social economic development, even in social stability. The fault in power system cannot be completely avoided. In this paper, we developed a method to resolve fault localization problems in power system. In our researches, based on real-time measurement of phasor measurement units, we used mainly pattern classification technology and linear discrimination principle of pattern recognition theory to search for laws of electrical quantity marked changes. The simulation results indicate that respectively study on the phase voltage, positive sequence voltage, negative sequence voltage, phase current, positive sequence current, negative sequence current of single-phase grounding faults and the positive sequence voltage, positive sequence current of three-phase short circuit faults, the pattern classification technology and linear discrimination principle are able to quickly and accurately identify the fault components and fault sections, and eventually accomplish fault isolation. In the study of electrical power systems, pattern recognition theory must have a good prospect of application. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.