Comparative Analysis of High Impedance Fault Detection Techniques on Distribution Networks

This study focused on comparing the performance of three high impedance fault detection techniques for the case of a distribution network to select the technique that is best suited for detecting faults in this network. The three most common techniques; discrete Fourier transform, discrete wavelet transform, and the power spectrum among other techniques were selected for the research work based on literature. The distribution network was modelled in MATLAB/Simulink, along with the High Impedance Fault condition. These fault detection techniques were modelled and applied separately to the distribution network under different operating conditions: high impedance fault, load switching, and normal operation. The suitability of these techniques for the distribution network is evaluated by comparing them in terms of accuracy, processing time, and fault detection margin. The power spectrum technique was found to be the most suitable technique for detecting high impedance faults on a distribution network, with a 100% accuracy, a shorter processing time, and a larger fault detection margin.