Paper accepted for presentation at 2003 IEEE Bologna Power Tech Conference, June 23th-26th, Bologna, Italy

A Network Distribution Power System Fault

Location Based on Neural Eigenvalue
Algorithm
L. Sousa Martins, J. F. Martins, Member IEEE, C. M. Alegria and V. Fernão Pires, Member IEEE

Some of the fault location algorithms consist mainly in

Abstract — A new approach to fault location for distribution computing impedance of the fault line, based on voltage and
network power system is presented. This approach uses the current phasors data. Thus, a relationship between impedance
Eigenvalue and an artificial neural network based learning
and fault distance is established, assuming as previously
algorithm. The neural network is trained to map the non-linear
relationship existing between fault location and characteristic known line parameters [6], [7]. Others use voltage and
Eigenvalue. current forward and backward traveling waves, which change
The proposed approach is able to identify, to classify and to their shape at a discontinuity, therefore, allowing fault
locate different types of faults such as: single-line-to-ground, location [8].
double-line-to-ground, double-line and three-phase. Using the The proposed methodology is based on the application of
Eigenvalue as neural network inputs the proposed algorithm is the Clarke-Concordia transformation [9] and also on the
able to locate the fault distance.
eigenvalue-eigenvector approach associated to an artificial
The results presented show the effectiveness of the proposed
algorithm for correct fault diagnosis and fault location on a neural network algorithm [10], [11].
distribution power system networks. The main purpose of the global algorithm is to classify and
to locate the fault, where the following fault types can be
Index Terms — Artificial Neural Networks, Clarke-
identified:
Concordia Transformation, Eigenvectors and eigenvalues, Fault
Location on Distribution Network Power Systems. § Single-line-to-earth fault,
§ Double-line-to-ground fault,
§ Double-line fault;
I. INTRODUCTION
§ Three-phase short-circuit.
n this paper a new approach is presented for the diagnosis
I and location of anomalies on electrical power distribution
system networks.
This methodology has been applied to an electric
distribution power network, consisting in two interconnected
Fault diagnosis is of great importance even in a medium sources, feeding a unique load located on a third node, as in
voltage network. Likewise, fault diagnosis is an importance Fig. 1.
factor for quality service (related with fast maintenance
response to fault situations), in electrical distribution i12 l12
1 2
networks.
The use of artificial neural networks (ANN) for fault i13 l13 l23
diagnosis and location on electrical power networks is not
3
new. Often ANN is applied in association to phasor Source S1 Source S2
computation [1], [2], or used as a pattern classifier to improve
the performance of a distance relay and for fault classification Load
[3]-[5].

L. Sousa Martins is with the Department of Electrical Engineering, Escola Fig. 1. Electric Power Distribution Network.
Superior de Tecnologia de Setúbal, Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, 2910-761
Setúbal, Portugal (e-mail: smartins@est.ips.pt).
J. F. Martins is with the Department of Electrical Engineering, Escola
To study the effectiveness of the proposed method, a model
Superior de Tecnologia de Setúbal, Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, 2910-761 for the physical components of the system (sources, network
Setúbal, Portugal (e-mail: jmartins@est.ips.pt). lines and load) is considered. This system model uses lumped
C. M. Alegria is with the Department of Electrical Engineering and
Computing, I.S.T., Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1096 Lisboa, Portugal. parameters and adopts the differential equations representing
V. Fernão Pires is with the Department of Electrical Engineering, Escola each of the possible fault or steady-state situations. Fault
Superior de Tecnologia de Setúbal, Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, 2910-761
Setúbal, Portugal (e-mail: vpires@est.ips.pt).
conditions simulations were establish on “Matlab/Simulink”
software.

0-7803-7967-5/03/$17.00 ©2003 IEEE

 A main advantage of the proposed methodology is the fact
that only current signals are needed. As only current
transformers are used there is significant cost reduction
compared with other methods of fault location.
II. PROPOSED METHODOLOGY
The proposed methodology is based on three distinct steps.
In the first one, line currents are transformed into “αβ0”
current components by applying Clarke-Concordia
Transformation (1). In the second step an eigenvector-
eigenvalue analysis is performed. Thirdly and finally, the
development of an artificial neural networks algorithm is
considered.
In this approach it is considered that α−axis coincides with
phase a, of three-phase system. Therefore, the β−axis lags the
α−axis by π/2. A third axis (0-axis), normal to αβ plan, it is
also considered.
What is of major importance is that the main orientation of
the distributed data sample in αβ0 space characterizes the
fault type, allowing a pattern definition for each type of fault.
For that purpose at least one period of 20 ms must be
considered to the length of the sample train, (10 kHz).
Furthermore it is possible to establish a relationship
between the eigenvalue of the previous current distribution
and the location of the fault [10], [11]. Therefore, fault
location may be established by considering the current
distribution on αβ0 coordinates.
Considering the data parameters shown on the case study,
Fig. 2 presents the distribution of the phase currents on the
αβ0 coordinates, in the steady state (absence of any fault),
after applying (2). Figures 3 to 5 present the distribution of
the phase currents for some type of fault.
For three-phase short-circuit, the distribution of the phase
currents on the αβ0 coordinates is similar to Fig. 2 apart the
current magnitude, which is greater enough than the rated
value of the system.

 1 1
− −
 1
2 2

 
[TC ] =
2 

0
3
−
3
(1) 1

3 2 2 
  0.5

 
1 1 1

 
2 
i zero

0
2 2
-0.5

By applying the Clarke-Concordia Transformation to the -1

three-phase system current instant values obtained during a 400

200 400
specified period, the figure of a circle is obtained in the 0 200
0
αβ plane. The radius of this circle is proportional to phase -200
-400 -400
-200

i beta i alpha
current magnitude. The eigenvalue is used as a method for
quantifying that radius.
For asymmetric fault situations during the period, the Fig. 2. Fault Classification Pattern for steady state (Absence of fault).
obtained curve is an ellipse. The main direction of the ellipse
main axis indicates fault type and the phase or phases in
which the fault occurred. The eigenvalue quantifies the
modulus of that axis, which is a function of fault current
magnitude. The nearer to the origin (position point of the 1000
current detector) the fault occurs, the greater the fault current
magnitude, hence the longer the main direction of ellipse. 500

So it is possible to characterize the different fault states, by

i zero

current components iα, iβ i0, analysis, which will be obtained

-500
considering the following:
-1000
400
200 2000
iα  ia  0 1000

   
0
-200

[TC ]
-1000

 iβ  = ib  (2) i beta

-400 -2000
i alpha
   
 i0  ic 
Fig. 3. Fault Classification Pattern for single-line-to-ground fault (phase a).
 Distance [p.u.]
1000

1
500
Single-line-to-ground
0.8
i zero

-500 0.6

-1000 Double-line
2 0.4
1 4
2
Double-line-to-ground
4 0
x 10 0
-1
4 0.2
-2 x 10
-2 -4
i beta i alpha
0 Three-phase

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1

Fig. 4. Fault Classification Pattern for double-line-to-ground fault
(phases a-b). Eigenvalue

Fig. 6. Distance versus “eigenvalue” after ANN application.

1
1
λ
0.5

2
i zero

-0.5
3 m
-1
2
1 4
4
4 0 2 kf
x 10 0 4
-1
-2 -4
-2 x 10
5
i beta i alpha

Input layer Hidden Output

Fig. 5. Fault Classification Pattern double-line fault (phases a–b). layer neuron

To decode and evaluate the above results, obtained by

Fig. 7. Artificial Neural Network Topology.
Clarke-Concordia transformation, an eigenvalue/eigenvector
approach will be used.
Eigenvalues (λα, λβ, λ0) are non-linearity related with the The applied ANN is of the “feed forward” type. Since it is
distance of the fault, as it can be observed on Fig. 6. a well-adapted training algorithm, “error-back-propagation”
Therefore the application of artificial neural networks (ANN) was considered.
is a good way to represent that relationship.
In fact, ANN presents, among others, some advantages as:
capability to deal with nonlinearities; adaptive, they can learn B. Algorithm Structure
from data; they can handle noise or uncertain data; good
The main steps of the proposed algorithm are the
predictive accuracy and they can operate quickly.
following:
• Step 1) Data acquisition (phase currents);
III. PROPOSED ALGORITHM • Step 2) Clarke-Concordia transformation of sample
data and Eigenvalue approach obtaining eigenvectors
A. Artificial Neural Network and eigenvalues;
The topology of the proposed neural network (Fig. 7) is • Step 3) Fault Detection - Compare fault and pre-fault
comprised of two input vectors (eigenvalue data “λ" and fault characteristic eigenvalues.
type vector “kf”), one hidden layer, composed by five neurons, • Step 4) Fault Classification – Compare characteristic
and one output layer. The output of the network will be the eigenvectors with fault patterns.
distance of the fault (m). • Step 5) Fault Location/Distance calculation
 It corresponds to the application of ANN algorithm for
location of fault point.
1000

800

IV. CASE STUDY 600

400
A. Power Distribution Network Data
200

i beta
The case study corresponds to an electric power 0

distribution network (as presented in Fig. 1), formed by: -200

• Sources - Substation power transformer of 20 MVA, -400

60/20 kV, Y/d, 50 Hz, artificial neutral formed by -600

short-circuit current limiting impedance to 1 kA; -800

• Load - Assumed as symmetrical and concentrated on -1000

-1000 -500 0 500 1000
a defined point. This corresponds to the power i alpha
distribution transformers (MV/LV).
• Feeders corresponding to underground three Fig. 8. Network under harmonics influence in case of the absence of fault.
aluminum conductors cables, PEX insulated, with
S = 95 mm²; R = 0.382 Ohm/km; L= 0.34 mH/km.
Three different feeders with lengths of: The distortions caused by harmonics on the distribution
l12 = 2.0 km, l13 = 1.0 km and l23 = 1.5 km. data sample in αβ0 space in fault conditions do not assume
significant values.
As an example, for double-line fault, the curve on αβ plan
B. Simulated Results
(Fig. 9) is an ellipse just like the obtained under normal
The following fault types were considered: Single-line-to- conditions (without harmonics).
ground fault, line-to-line fault and three-phase short circuit.
The steady state (fault absence) is also studied. The steady
state results are important as a base standard for fault x 10
4

2.5
classification and fault location patterns.
The following basic conditions were considered: 2

• Each sample train (10 kHz) has one period total 1.5

length (20 ms). 1

• Admissible distance fault of 0 to 100% of total line 0.5

i beta

length; 0

• Resistance fault Rd of 1 Ω for ground faults and of 0 -0.5

Ω for phase faults; -1

• rd
Total harmonic distortion of 8 %, due to the 3 , 5 th
-1.5

and 7th. -2

-2.5
-2 -1 0 1 2

C. Sensitivity to Harmonics i alpha x 10

4

In the absence of a fault the distortion caused by harmonics
on the distribution data sample in αβ0 space does not assume
a special meaning. In fact, the curve on αβ plan (Fig. 8) is
practically a circle with a slide distortion, as expected.
The total eigenvalue deviation is less then 0.012 %.
Obtained results for fault absence with and without harmonics
are:
• λ α = 159.88 (under optimal conditions)
• λ α = 159.90 (under harmonics influence)
Fig. 9. Network under harmonics influence in case of a double-line fault.
Figure 10 shows the obtained results with a total harmonic
distortion (THD) of 8%, for different fault conditions
occurring along the line length. For single-line-to-ground
fault the distortion is practically equivalent to zero. For the
other types of fault, the distortion assumes a very low value,
which increases with the proximity of the feeder end-side.
5

From the obtained results it is possible to verify that the

0,050
influence of the harmonics over the proposed location
0,040 algorithm is minimum.
∆ λ [%]

0,030

0,020
V. CONCLUSIONS
0,010
In this paper a new approach for fault location in
0,000 distribution power networks was proposed. This approach
0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,9 1
uses the eigenvalue/eigenvector and an artificial neural based
Distance [pu]
learning algorithm.
The main characteristics and particularities of the proposed
a) method are:
• Reduced number of input signals (this is an
0,50 importance aspect due to the non-use of voltage
0,40
detectors);
• Recognition of the faults type and identification of
∆ λ [%]

0,30 faulty line or lines;

0,20
• Location of the fault, independent of his presence at
the moment of the analysis;
0,10 • Almost independent on harmonics influence.
0,00
0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,9 1 Simulation results presented show that the proposed
Distance [pu] algorithm is a promising technique for Fault Location on
distribution power systems.
b)

0,50
VI. REFERENCES
0,40
[1] A. Poeltl, K. Frohlich; “Two New Methods for Very Fast Fault Type
Detection by Means of Parameter Fitting and Artificial Neural Networks”.
∆λ [%]

0,30
IEEE Trans. on Power Delivery. Vol. 14, Nº 4, October 1999, pp. 1269-
1275.
0,20
[2] Z. Chen, J.C. Maun; “Artificial Neural Network Approach to Single-
Ended Fault Locator for Transmission Lines”. IEEE Trans. on Power
0,10 Systems. Vol. 15, Nº 1, February 2000, pp. 370-375.
[3] D. V. Coury, D. C. Jorge; “Artificial Neural Network Approach to
0,00 Distance Protection of Transmission Line”. IEEE Trans. on Power
0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,9 1 Delivery; Vol. 13, Nº 1, Jan 1998, pp. 102-108.
Distance [pu] [4] Aggarwal, Xuan, Dunn, Johns, Benne; “A Novel Fault Classification
Techique for Double-circuit lines Based on a Combined
Unsupervised/supervised Neural Network”. IEEE Trans. on Power
c) Delivery; Vol. 14, Nº 4, October 1999, pp. 1250-1256
[5] Jun Zhu, David L. Lubkeman, Adly A.Girgis; “Automated Fault Location
0,50 and Diagnosis on Electric Power Distribution Feeders”. IEEE Trans. on
Power Systems; Vol. 12, Nº 2, April 1997, pp. 801-809.
0,40 [6] Takagi T, Yamakoshi Y, Yamura M, Kondow R, Matsushima T.
Development of a new type Fault Locator Using the One-Terminal Voltage
∆ λ [%]

0,30 and Current Data. IEEE Trans. on Power Apparatus and Systems 1982;
101(8): 2892-2898.
0,20 [7] Jun Zhu, David L. Lubkeman, Adly A. Girgis; “Automated Fault Location
and Diagnosis on Electric Power Distribution Feeders”. IEEE Trans. on
0,10
Power Systems; Vol. 12, Nº 2, April 1997, pp. 801-809.
[8] Bollen MHJ. Travelling-Wave-based Protection of Double-Circuit Lines.
IEE Proc.-Gener. Transm. Distribution 1993; 140(1): 37-47.
0,00
[9] Jones CV. The unified theory of electrical machines. Plenum Press, 1967.
0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,9 1
[10] Sousa Martins L, Pires VF, Alegria CM. A New Accurate Fault Location
Distance [pu] Method Using αβ Space Vector Algorithm. 14th PSCC (Power Systems
Computation Conference), June 2002, PS 08 (3), pp. 1-6.
[11] Sousa Martins L, Martins JF, Pires VF, Alegria CM. The Application of
d) Neural Networks and Clarke-Concórdia Transformation in Fault Location
on Distribution Power Systems. IEEE PES Transmission and Distribution
Fig. 10. Eigenvalue deviation due to harmonics: a) single–line-to-ground; b) Conference and Exhibition 2002: Asia/Pacific, October 2002, Vol. 3, pp
double–line-to-ground fault; c) double–line fault; d) three-phase short-circuit. 2091-2095.
 VII. BIOGRAPHIES

L. Sousa Martins graduated in Electrical Engineering

from the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), (Technical
University of Lisbon) Lisbon, Portugal, in 1975 and
received an Msc. Degree in Electrical and Computer
Engineering from IST in 1989. At the present date he is
preparing his Doctoral degree.
His employment experience included the Siderurgia
Nacional, Portugal, and Voest Alpine, Angola.
He has been an Associate Professor at the Department
of Electrical Engineering, Escola Superior de Tecnologia
de Setúbal (ESTS), Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Portugal, since 1991. His
primary areas of interest are in electric power networks, design and protection,
electrical installations. He is presently engaged in research on advanced power
systems protections.

J. F. Martins graduated in Electrical Engineering from

the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Thecnical
University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal, in 1990. He
obtained his M.Sc. and Ph.D. Degrees in Electrical and
Computer Engineering from the Technical University of
Lisbon, Portugal, in 1996 and 2003, respectively.
He is currently Associate Professor at the Department
of Electrical Engineering, Escola Superior de Tecnologia
de Setúbal (ESTS), Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Portugal. He is also with the
Mechatronics Laboratory.
His research areas are in control of electrical drives, advanced learning
control techniques for electromechanical systems and non-linear systems.
He has published articles in international scientific journals such as the IEEE
Trans. On Industrial Electronics and Pattern Recognition Letters.

C. M. Alegria graduated in Electrical Engineering from

the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Thecnical University
of Lisbon, Portugal, in 1975 and received Msc. and Ph.D.
Degrees in Electrical Engineering from Imperial College,
University of London, in 1976 and 1980. He is Professor
at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Instituto
Superior Técnico of Lisbon Portugal, since 1977.

V. Fernão Pires received a B.Sc. degree in Electrical

Engineering from the Instituto Superior de Engenharia
(Higher Institute of Engineering) Lisbon, Portugal, in
1988 and M.Sc. and Ph.D. Degrees in Electrical and
Computer Engineering from the Technical University of
Lisbon, Portugal, in 1995 and 2000, respectively.
Since 1991 he has been a member of the teaching
staff in the Electrical Engineering Department of Escola
Superior de Tecnologia (School of Engineering) of the
Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal. Currently he is a Professor, teaching Power
Electronics and Control of Power Converters. He is also researcher at Centro de
Automática of UTL. His present research interests are in the areas of Low-
Distortion Rectifier topologies, Converter Control, Modeling and Simulation.