Fault detection and location on electrical distribution system

This case study summarizes the efforts undertaken at CP and L-A Progress Energy Company over the past five years to improve distribution reliability via detection of distribution faults and determination of their location. The analysis methods used by CP and L have changed over the years as improvements were made to the various tools used. The tools used to analyze distribution faults included a feeder monitoring system (FMS), an automated outage management system (OMS), a distribution SCADA system (DSCADA), and several Excel spreadsheet applications. The latest fault detection system involves an integration of FMS, OMS, and DSCADA systems to provide distribution dispatchers with a graphical display of possible locations for faults that have locked out feeder circuit breakers.