Advanced Fault Detection and Localization in Active Distribution Networks Using Micro-Phasor Measurement Units (µPMUs)

Qiuhua Huang

qiuhuahuang@mines.edu

<h3>Project Objective:</h3> Over 20,000 customers in Colorado experienced overdue outages due to preventive line outage/shutdown for preventing wildfires in April 2024. This could be done rather differently through faster fault detection and localization to reduce wildfire risks instead of preventive line outage/shutdown. The objective of this project is to enhance the reliability and resilience of active distribution networks by developing and implementing a methodology to locate faults accurately using voltage and current data from  a micro-phasor measurement unit (µPMU). <h3>Background:</h3> As the complexity and demand on distribution networks increase, particularly with the integration of renewable energy sources and distributed generation, the ability to quickly and accurately detect and locate faults becomes crucial. Traditional fault detection methods often require data from multiple points within the network, which can be expensive and logistically challenging. µPMUs offer a high-resolution, synchronized measurement of electrical waveforms, providing an opportunity to improve fault detection and localization from a single terminal.

Grand Challenge: Restore and improve urban infrastructure.

<ol> <li><strong>"Micro-PMU for Distribution Systems" by E. Stewart, B. Johnson, and S. Kiliccote</strong> <ul> <li>This paper discusses the application of micro-PMUs in distribution networks, focusing on their deployment and benefits.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>"Fault Detection and Localization in Electric Power Distribution Systems Using Synchronized Phasor Measurements" by Ahmed Abur and Antonio Gómez-Expósito</strong> <ul> <li>This research paper details methodologies for detecting and locating faults using synchronized phasor measurements.</li> </ul> </li> </ol>

Qiuhua Huang, qiuhuahuang@mines.edu