Study of methods for fault location in underground electrical distribution systems

• Grant number: 13/02459-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2013
• End date: August 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Power Systems
• Principal Investigator: Pedro da Costa Junior
• Grantee: Vítor Fernando da Silva Alquati
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Faults on transmission and distribution systems are the most common drawbacks that affect underground distribution systems. To mitigate the problems caused by shortages, studies are conducted to develop methods of fault location continually faster and more accurately. The purpose of this project is to gain knowledge about the various methods of fault locating and developing simulations based on models of electric power transmission lines. The objective of this project is to pinpoint the advantages and disadvantages of using different methods of locating faults in underground distribution systems, by simulating electromagnetic transients in single-phase systems containing linear lumped and distributed parameters. To accomplish these aims, electromagnetic transient simulations will be implemented by using software like PSCAD and MATLAB. Modeling features available in PSCAD allow modeling of electrical systems and has been widely applied by researchers all over the world. (AU)