Digital signal processing algorithm for arcing faults detection and fault distance calculation on transmission lines

In this paper a new digital signal processing algorithm for arcing fault detection and fault distance calculation is presented. It was derived by processing the line terminal voltages and currents. A simple square wave arc voltage model was assumed to represent the long arc in free air. The unknown model parameters (the line resistance and inductance, and arc voltage amplitude) were estimated by using the least squares error technique. The new algorithm was successfully tested by computer simulated and laboratory tests.