Load research for fault location in distribution feeders

Load behaviour needs to be considered in the algorithms for distribution systems fault locations to reduce the resulting error to practical limits. The restrictions imposed by the load models proposed so far are discussed in the paper, and a new modelling methodology, referred to as the 'fast response model' is proposed. New models for load elements, experimentally based and suitable for that application, are presented and aggregated at the distribution transformer level. The behaviour of the proposed models is compared with the methodologies used for that purpose, through the evaluation of their response under unbalanced abnormal voltage situations. As shown in the paper, the consideration of these models in fault location algorithms can enhance the accuracy of the location process.