Phasor measurement unit based local fault detection in distribution systems

Distribution systems with advanced metering infrastructure offer many opportunities for fault detection. A novel approach is presented in this paper for local fault diagnosis in neighbour area networks by utilizing data concentrators. A lightweight local diagnostic function is presented based on first engineering principles. It is shown that from four phasor measurement unit data, a fault can be detected between buses and fault parameters can be evaluated. The diagnosis of a neighbour area network is accomplished as a sequential application of the local method. Edge cases and limitations of the method are explored. The applicability of the method is demonstrated on a real world case study. By introducing threshold values for the fault parameters, the results fulfill the engineering expectations.