Intelligent system based on orthogonal decomposition technique and fuzzy inference for high impedance location fault in distribution systems with distributed generation

Abstract

The electric power systems have many challenges in its operation. In distribution systems, the great number of branches, the electrical imbalance, the dynamic loads and other characteristics that are present in these systems make the identification and location of faults a continuing challenges. The influence of the fault impedance is one of the most important in the identification and location process. Those variable affecting the application of conventional methods for locating of high-impedance faults, since they present temporal variation. Notwithstanding the difficulties intrinsic to the location of high impedance faults, the spread of sensitive loads and its nonlinear nature, incisive regulatory on power quality indices and, especially, the penetration of distributed generation in distribution systems have impacts that require extensive and detailed studies for upgrading of control systems, communication and protection in order to realign the operation to new paradigms. Featured by its great expansion, distributed generation gives change in power flow system by promoting the loss of the radial characteristic under which protection systems are designed. Thus, this research project aims to develop an intelligent system for locating high-impedance faults, based on the application of the technique of the decomposition on orthogonal components and fuzzy inference to interpret the uncertainties inherent in distribution systems permeated with dispersed generation.