Method for Determining a Fault Location in an Electrical Network with Ring Structure

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a method for accurately determining the location of a fault (such as a short circuit) in an electrical power supply network that has a ring structure. The method utilizes measurements and calculations involving the network's negative sequence impedance (resistance/reactance), and applies the symmetrical components technique to analyze currents during fault conditions. By analyzing the distribution of fault currents measured by protective devices within the network—without requiring new hardware installation or major changes—the invention enables precise localization of the fault point, even in complex networks with multiple outgoing lines and decentralized power sources.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Fault location in medium and high voltage ring-structured power grids operated by utility companies.
• Localized troubleshooting for electrical grids with distributed or decentralized energy sources such as solar or wind farms.
• Integration into intelligent protective relays for automated grid monitoring and management.
• Real-time power grid diagnostics in smart grids for city, industrial, or campus networks.
• Assessment and maintenance support for power grid operators to minimize outage durations.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables rapid and precise fault localization, reducing response and downtime in the event of grid failures.
• Works reliably even in networks with multiple power sources and complex feed-in conditions, where conventional systems struggle.
• Can be implemented as a software update to existing protective devices, making it cost-effective and avoiding the need for new wiring or equipment.
• Improves grid reliability and safety by allowing faster restoration of service after faults.
• Robust against disturbances from decentralized generation (e.g., renewables), making it suitable for modern grids with considerable distributed energy.
• Reduces operational costs for network operators through faster troubleshooting and reduced need for manual inspections.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining the site of a fault in a supply network with a ring topology (R), wherein the ring topology comprises at least two outgoing circuits (A, B) each connected to a busbar (S) via a protective device (SR1, SR2) and a connection connecting the at least two outgoing circuits, wherein a dependency of a ring topology location on a negative sequence resistance and/or negative sequence reactance of the ring topology is specified, wherein a length of a fault path is defined by the distance between a fault site (F) and a protective device, the symmetrical components method being used to carry out the method in which an asymmetric multi-phase system of phasors is divided into a symmetrical positive sequence component, a negative sequence component and a zero sequence component and wherein, if a counter-current excitation on a protective device exceeds a defined threshold value, the following steps are executed: calculating a total fault current flowing into the negative sequence, measuring a partial fault current flowing in the fault path by means of at least one of the protective devices connected to the fault path and calculating a resulting pre-fault impedance, calculating a partial negative sequence resistance or partial negative sequence reactance of the fault path using the pre-fault impedance, and determining the site of the fault from the partial negative sequence resistance or from the partial negative sequence reactance.