International Journal of Power Electronics and Drive Systems (IJPEDS)

Vol. 12, No. 4, December 2021, pp. 2123~2130

ISSN: 2088-8694, DOI: 10.11591/ijpeds.v12.i4.pp2123-2130  2123

A smart algorithm for fault detection and location in electric

power distribution system

Hamid Touijer1, Mohammed El Alami2, Mustapha Zahri3, Mohamed Habibi4

1,2,4Laboratory
of Electronic Systems, Information Processing, Mechanics and Energetics, Faculty of Science,
Ibn Tofail University, Morocco
3General Manager of the Electricity and Water Distribution Company in El Jadida, Morocco

Article Info ABSTRACT

Article history: In an electric power distribution system (EPDS), fault location accuracy is
critical for system stability. In the past, several algorithms have shown that
Received Mar 30, 2021 they are inefficient. However, the results of these algorithms have been
Revised Sep 28, 2021 shown to be inefficient, and they should not be used for every sort of the
Accepted Aug 7, 2021 faults. This paper presents a new algorithm capable to determine the location
of fault accurately with low error rate. It is based on the voltage and current
calculation at the source station for different types of faults by using either
Keywords: one power supply or double power supply. The work includes the
formulation analytical development as simulation test results. The test results
Electrical power distribution are produced by numerical simulation using data from a recognized
system distribution line in the literature.
Fault location
New algorithm
This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license.

Corresponding Author:
Hamid Touijer
Laboratory of Electronic Systems, Information Processing, Mechanics and Energetics
Faculty of Science, Ibn Tofail University, Morocco
Email: [email protected]

1. INTRODUCTION
Fault location estimation is an important aspect in power systems restoration. This estimate helps to
reduce the time without the injection renewable energy in EPDS to locate the defect therefore improves
power quality indexes. The purpose of this work is to ensure this energy while avoiding the faults that may
hinder its flow. Based on such concern, several methods have been proposed for the precision of the location
[1]-[6] and fault detection by using Beaglebone black card [7] in real-time.
Various fault location methods were developed in the past. For example, Novosel et al. [8], use the
apparent impedance which is defined as the ratio of the selected voltage to the current over the type of fault
and the faulty phases, to locate faults. In Das [9], locates the sections and then the distance to the fault in this
calculated section. Yang and Springs [10] propose a defect localization method that corrects the effects of
defect resistance. The method proposed by Das et al. [11] used fundamental frequency voltages and currents
measured at a line terminal before and during failure. In the method proposed by Saha et al. [12] estimates
the location of the fault by comparing the design impedance of the power supply assuming faults of each
section line. Choi et al. [13] locate the faults by solving a quadratic equation resulting from the direct circuit
analysis. In Senger et al. [14] proposed a method based on measurement provided by intelligent electronic
devices (IED). In Kim, et al. [15] the estimated location of outages on distribution power supplies using
power quality monitoring data. A way to optimally place faulty circuit indicators along the feeder is
developed by Almeida et al. [16]. Methods of reducing and eliminating uncertainty about the location of the
fault are elaborated by Krishnathevar and Ngu [17], as well Avendano-Mora et al. [17], [18]. In Sadeh et al.

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2124  ISSN: 2088-8694

[19] suggested a new algorithm for radial distribution systems using modal analysis. Wanjing et al. [20]
presented a new method based on two types of fault location approaches using the line to neutral or the line
to measure from the line to the substation in. Khoudry et al. [21] proposed a novel technique based on
machine learning algorithms. In Abbas et al. [22] proposed a method based on Single line to ground fault
detection and location in medium voltage distribution system network based on neural network. In [23]
Charalampos et al. [23] a voltage-based fault location algorithm for medium voltage active distribution
systems.
These proposed methods that we have highlighted above have the weaknesses in precision which
make them not effective because they require algorithms adopted for each type of fault. The goal of this work
is to develop a new algorithm capable to valid and minimize the error of all types of faults without. The
structure of the paper is arranged as follows: The new single line to ground fault location formulation is
described in section 2. The fault location methodology is shown in section 3. The test results and comparison
are presented in section 4 and the conclusions are presented in section 5.

2. MATHEMATICAL FAULT LOCATION FORMULATION

To properly represent the fault location portion of the electrical network, we begin with a model
diagram of a network during a fault, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Model of a single-phase distribution line

Z : Characteristic line impedance

Vs : Voltage at the source
VR : Voltage at the load
VF : Fault voltage
Is : Current at the source
IR : Current at the load
IF : Fault current
l : The row total length
d : The default distance from the source
From the electrical diagram we presented in Figure 1 we found (1).

𝑉𝑠 = 𝑑𝑍𝐼𝑠 + 𝑉𝑓 (1)

The complex notation is:

𝑉𝑠 = 𝑉𝑠𝑟 + 𝑗𝑉𝑠𝑖 (2)

𝐼𝑠 = 𝐼𝑠𝑟 + 𝑗𝐼𝑠𝑖 (3)

(4)
𝑉𝑓 = 𝑉𝑓𝑟 + 𝑗𝑉𝑓𝑖

𝐼𝑓 = 𝐼𝑓𝑟 + 𝑗𝐼𝑓𝑖 (5)

In the simplest layered parameter model of an overhead line, series resistance (RL) and reaction
(XL) are included only Figure 2. Such a model is considered as Figure 2 to represent a short line which is
generally less than 80 km long [24].

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Int J Pow Elec & Dri Syst ISSN: 2088-8694  2125

Figure 2. Line model

𝑅, 𝐿 : Line resistance and inductance per unit length

𝜔 : Angular fundamental frequency
𝑙 : Line length
So, the line impedance is:

𝑍 = 𝑅𝐿 + 𝑗𝑋𝐿 (7)

We replace this impedance in (1).

𝑉𝑠𝑟 + 𝑗𝑉𝑠𝑖 = 𝑑(𝑅𝐿 + 𝑗𝑋𝐿 )(𝐼𝑠𝑟 + 𝑗𝐼𝑠𝑖 ) + 𝑅𝑓 (𝐼𝑓𝑟 + 𝑗𝐼𝑓𝑖 ) (8)

We find (7).

𝑉𝑠𝑟 + 𝑗𝑉𝑠𝑖 = [𝑑(𝑅𝐿 𝐼𝑠𝑟 − 𝑋𝐿 𝐼𝑠𝑖 ) + 𝑅𝑓 𝐼𝑓𝑟 ] + 𝑗[𝑑(𝑅𝐿 𝐼𝑠𝑖 + 𝑋𝐿 𝐼𝑠𝑟 ) + 𝑅𝑓 𝐼𝑓𝑖 ] (9)

Take,

𝐴 = (𝑅𝐿 𝐼𝑠𝑟 − 𝑋𝐿 𝐼𝑠𝑖 ) And 𝐵 = (𝑅𝐿 𝐼𝑠𝑖 + 𝑋𝐿 𝐼𝑠𝑟 ) (10)

So, we find the following system of:

(11)
𝑉𝑠𝑟 𝐴 𝐼𝑓𝑟 𝑑
( 𝑖) = ( 𝑖 ) (𝑅 )
𝑉𝑠 𝐵 𝐼𝑓 𝑓

𝑉𝑠𝑟 = 𝑑𝐴 + 𝑅𝑓 𝐼𝑓𝑟 (12)

{
𝑉𝑠𝑖 = 𝑑𝐵 + 𝑅𝑓 𝐼𝑓𝑖

Therefore

(𝑉𝑠𝑟𝐼𝑓𝑖 −𝑉𝑠𝑖 𝐼𝑓𝑟)

(13)
𝑑=
(𝐴𝐼𝑓𝑖 −𝐵𝐼𝑓𝑟 )

We have from the diagram in Figure 1.

𝐼𝑠 = 𝐼𝑓 + 𝐼𝑅 (14)

At the fault

𝐼𝑅 << 𝐼𝑓 (15)

Therefore

𝐼𝑠 = 𝐼𝑓 (16)

So, (12) becomes:

(𝑉𝑠𝑟𝐼𝑠𝑖 −𝑉𝑠𝑖 𝐼𝑠𝑟) (17)
𝑑=
(𝐴𝐼𝑠𝑖 −𝐵𝐼𝑠𝑟 )

A smart algorithm for fault detection and location in electric power distribution system (Hamid Touijer)
2126  ISSN: 2088-8694

Based on this development as well as mathematical evidence, we have found a new, more efficient algorithm
for cable fault accuracy.

3. FAULT LOCATION ALGORITHM

The algorithm procedure starts after the fault detection. There are n branches in the system. The
following method for detecting the problematic site is begun for each branch:
− Voltage and current measurement at the source
− Comparing the voltage with a voltage referance (Vref)
− While the fault is detected the charging current is low, due to the voltage drops and the dynamics of the
systems during the blackout. Hence, the source current during the fault is the same as the current source
as show in the (14) and (16).
− The fault distance is calculated by (17).
The fault location algorithm is displayed in Figure 3.

Figure 3. A new fault location algorithm

4. RESULT AND COMPARISON

The system studied is illustrated in Figure 4 for the two cases, the first with a single power supply in
Figure 4 (a) and the second with a double power supply Figure 4 (b). It is part of the distribution network
underground. The maximum length between two distribution stations in our city is 6 km and the voltage is 20
KV. It was simulated using a distributed parameter line model as shown in Table 1. Using MATLAB [25] as
simulation tool. The proposed technique is extensively tested to verify its efficiency and accuracy. The
performance of fault location algorithms is generally measured by the errors over the total line distance:

𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 −𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑟
𝑒𝑟𝑟 = | | (16)
𝑙𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙

𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 : The actual fault distance.

𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑟 : The distance obtained
𝑙𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 : The total line length
The simulation and result are made up of two types of connection, the first, one power supply and, and the
second power supply and seconde double power supply.

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Int J Pow Elec & Dri Syst ISSN: 2088-8694  2127

(a) (b)

Figure 4. Distribution network simulation system, (a) single power supply and (b) double power supply

4.1. A single power supply

Figure 5 shows a cable modele to be simulation during the fault in the case of power distribution
networks connected to a single power supply. The graphs a-e shown in Figure 6 present the errors in the fault
distance of five possible faults as shown in Figures 6 (a)-(e) in the case of a single supply. From Figure 6, it
can be seen that the average error obtained using the proposed fault location algorithm is 0.07 for double
line-fault and the minimum error value is showed in the case of line to ground fault (0.0001). Therefore,
errors obtained using the new fault location algorithm is significantly tolerable for one power supply system,
this can prove that the proposed algorithm is suitable for fault location in EPDS.

Figure 5. Model of line at a fault in the case of a single power supply

(a) (b) (c)

(d) (e)

Figure 6. Result of sumilation for one power supply, (a) line to ground faults (LG), (b) double line to
ground faults (LLG), (c) three line to ground faults (LLLG), (d) double-line to fault (LL) and (e) three-line to
faults (LLL)

A smart algorithm for fault detection and location in electric power distribution system (Hamid Touijer)
2128  ISSN: 2088-8694

4.2. Double power supply

Figure 7 shows a cable modele to be simulation during the fault in the case of power distribution
networks connected to a double power supply. The graphs shown in Figures 8 (a)-(e) present the errors in the
fault distance of five possible faults: line-to-ground (LG), double-line-to-ground (LLG), three lines to earth
(LLLG), double-line (LL) and three-lines (LLL) in the case of double power supply. From the figure 8, the
results of our simulation, we have found a minimum error value (0.02) in the double-phase-to-ground, and
the average error is 0.07 for double-line-fault.

Figure 7. Model of line at a fault in the case of a double power supply

(a) (b) (c)

(d) (e)

Figure 8. Result of sumilation for one power supply, (a) line-to-ground faults (LG), (b) double-line-to-ground
faults (LLG), (c) three-line-to-ground faults (LLLG), (d) double-line fault (LL), and (e) three-line faults
(LLL)

4.3. Comparison
The results of a comparison of a smart algorithm and a proposed algorithm by Hing et al. [26] are
shown in Table 1 to examine if a smart algorithm is good for fault location. Table 1 shows that for the three
alternative fault cases of single-phase-to-ground, phase-to-ground, and tree-phase-to-ground, the error
achieved by a smart algorithm is less than the error obtained by the proposed algorithm. As a consequence,
the errors obtained using a smart algorithm show that the suggested approach is capable of locating faults in
EPDS.

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Int J Pow Elec & Dri Syst ISSN: 2088-8694  2129

Table 1. Comparison of results

A smart algorithm [26]
Fault Type
Min Error Max Error Min Error Max Error
LG 0 0.0001 0.03 0.62
LLG 0.0006 0.02 0.02 0.11
LLLG 0.004 0.05 0.01 0.1

5. CONCLUSION
This paper proposes an impedance based on an algorithme for fault location with precision in power
distribution networks (PDN) for both options the one power source and double power source with a high
accuracy. This algorithme was developed for all types of faults in distribution systems that is not the case in
the current state of the art fault location formulation. The implementation of the proposed method can help
energy companies reduce the system restoration time improving their power quality indexes.

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BIOGRAPHIES OF AUTHORS

Hamid Touijer was born in Jorf El Melha, Morocco, on 17th August 1987. He received
the Master degree in Micro-electronic from Faculty of Science Ibn Tofail University,
kenitra – Morocco, in July 2015. He’s a PhD student at Laboratory of Electronic Systems,
Information Processing, Mechanics and Energetics of University Ibn Tofail Kenitra,
Morocco. Email: [email protected].

Mohammed el Alami was born in Errachidia, Morocco, on 20th August 1985. He received
the Master degree in Telecommunication from National School of Applied Sciences ENSA
of University of Sidi Mohammed ben Abdellah Fez, in July 2011. He received his
Doctorate degree in Electric Engineering from the Faculty of Science at Laboratory of
Electronic Systems, Information Processing, Mechanics and Energetics of University Ibn
Tofail Kenitra, Morocco. Email: [email protected].

Mustapha Zahri was born in Agadir Morocco on August 1, 1969. He received the
electrical engineering degree in 1993 from superior national school from electricity and
mechanics (ENSEM) Casablanca Morroco. In 2017, He received his Doctorate degree in
Electric engineering from the faculty of science at Laboratory of Electronic Systems,
Information Processing, Mechanics and Energetics of university Ibn Tofail Kenitra
Morocco. Since 9 marche 2021, he is General Manager of the Electricity and Water
Distribution company in El Jadida Morocco. Email: [email protected].

Mohamed Habibi was born in 1957 in Khemisset in Morocco. He received his Thesis of
University of 3 Cycle (Electronics) from the University of Sciences and Techniques, Lille
Flandres Artois, France, in 1985 and the State doctoral thesis (Electronics) from Engineer
School Mohammedia of the University Mohamed V, Rabat, Morocco, in 1993. He was a
member of (the Laboratoire) the Laboratory of e electronic and Communications since
1989 at the ‘Engineer School Mohammedia’, Rabat. He was responsible of the Automatic
Laboratory and microwave (LAMO) and presently he is a member of the Laboratory of
Electronic Systems, Information Processing, Mechanics and Energetics. He is a Professor
of Electrical Engineering at the University lbn Tofail, Faculty of Science, Department of
Physique, Kenitra, Morocco since 1985. He is working on applications of Microwaves.
Email: [email protected].

Int J Pow Elec & Dri Syst, Vol. 12, No. 4, December 2021 : 2123 – 2130