Simplified parameter-less fault locator using double-end synchronized data for overhead transmission lines

In this paper, a new double-end fault locator is presented for transmission lines. The fault location is achieved using synchronized measurement data and applying the least error squares (LSQ) principles disregarding the line parameters. The LSQ is applied on the positive sequence equivalent circuit to locate the fault distance. The proposed algorithm is non-iterative and simple as it is derived from the lumped parameter fault locator model. Due to using double-end data, the algorithm provides promising performance against the fault resistance and untransposed transmission lines. Furthermore, as it is derived using the positive sequence network only, it is suitable for locating any fault type. When the algorithm is evaluated for long overhead transmission system, its accuracy is found acceptable up to 220 miles because of double-end measurements. The ATP-EMTP program is used to perform the fault cases and therefore evaluating the locator performance. The test results provide evidence the efficacy of the proposed algorithm. Copyright (C) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.