Fault location in medium-voltage DC distribution network using MATLAB (No AI/ML methods)

Hi everyone,

I’m working on a 4-terminal medium voltage DC distribution network with a 30 km line. I have simulated data for pole-to-pole and pole-to-ground faults at different locations and under varying fault resistances.

My objective is to accurately locate the fault. I initially applied impedance-based techniques, but the accuracy was not satisfactory, especially at higher fault resistances. I’m now looking into traveling-wave based or any other conventional approach suitable for MVDC systems.

Important note: I do not want to use AI/ML-based fault location methods for this work.

I need help with the following:

1. Which non-AI/ML fault location techniques are more reliable for MVDC systems with varying fault resistance?
2. Any MATLAB references, toolboxes, or implementation examples for impedance or traveling-wave fault location?
3. Suggestions on how to process and apply my simulated fault dataset to improve accuracy?

Any guidance or references would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Answer 1

[Ayush]

Hi Zeeshan,

I understand you want to perform traveling wave analysis in Simulink for fault location. Here’s how you can do it using "Travelling wave detection":

1. Model your MVDC system in Simscape Electrical, including lines, sources, loads, and fault blocks.
2. Simulate faults at different locations and use measurement blocks to record voltages or currents at the terminals.
3. Set a high sampling rate to accurately capture the fast traveling wave transients.
4. Export the measured data to MATLAB for further analysis.
5. Process the signals using a wavelet transform (like the cwt function) or a high-pass filter to detect the arrival time of the traveling wave.
6. Calculate the fault location using the arrival time and the propagation velocity of the wave in your cable.

You can refer to the following documentation to know more about wavelet transform:

https://www.mathworks.com/help/releases/R2024b/wavelet/continuous-wavelet-transforms.html

Hope it helps!