1

Adaptive Digital Distance Algorithm

for Parallel Transmission Lines
Jan Izykowski, Member, IEEE, Eugeniusz Rosolowski, Senior Member, IEEE and Murari Saha, Senior Member, IEEE

AbstractA new digital distance algorithm for parallel power

transmission lines is presented. The algorithm requires providing
complete measurements from one end of parallel lines. The
approach originated initially for fault location aimed at
inspection-repair purposes is utilized here for assuring
adaptability of a distance relay to the reactance effect relevant
for resistive faults. Optimal estimation of a voltage drop across a
fault path resistance is introduced into the algorithm. As a result
of that, determination of the positive and negative sequence
currents is avoided. This differs the delivered algorithm from the
earlier known forms of the algorithms designated mainly for
fault location purposes. Two forms of the distance adaptive
algorithm, i.e., for phasors and with applying a differential
equation approach, are considered. The delivered new distance
algorithm has been tested with the fault data obtained from
versatile ATP-EMTP simulations. The sample examples are
reported and discussed in the paper.
Index Termsalgorithms, distance measurement, protective
relaying, simulation, transmission lines.

I. INTRODUCTION

HIS paper deals with distance protection of parallel power

transmission lines. It is worth to realize that fault location
algorithms aimed at application to inspection-repair procedure
[1][7] have to determine a distance to fault possibly most
precisely, while the computational time and burden are of less
importance. In contrast, for distance protective algorithms [8]
[9] speed of operation is very important. Protective relays can
identify a fault only in terms whether it has occurred within or
outside the protective zone. However, rapid development of
microprocessor techniques enables further improvement of
distance protective relays performance by applying the
measuring algorithms initially developed for fault location
purpose. Such possibility is especially easily applicable in case
of parallel lines which are terminated at the common bus-bars
(Fig. 1) and when simultaneously the following complete
measurements from one end of such lines [4][8] is provided
for a distance relay:
phase voltages,
phase currents from both, the faulted and healthy lines.

Such availability of complete measurements from end of

parallel lines has already been considered for fault locators
[4][7] and distance protection [8]. The approach from these
cited references is here further developed and adapted for
distance protection application. As a result of that one assures
adaptability of a distance relay to the reactance effect, which
is relevant for resistive faults and presence of pre-fault power
flow. The classic distance relays are affected by the reactance
effect and therefore the specially shaped impedance
characteristics are utilized for making a trip decision.
However, this does not prevent malfunctioning of distance
relays under certain high resistive faults. Adaptability of
distance relays to the reactance effect opens a possibility for
improving distance protection operation under such
troublesome fault cases.
The proposed adaptation takes into account that speed of
operation is of prime importance for a distance protection (first
zone). The considerations of this paper are therefore aimed at
minimizing a required computational burden. Thus, the effort
is directed to deriving the algorithm of very compact form and
which does not involve calculations, which cause a delay in
making a trip decision. In this respect, a new optimal
estimation of a voltage drop across a fault path resistance is
introduced in this paper. It is proved here that this estimation
can be accomplished with use only phase currents and zero
sequence currents from both, the faulted and healthy circuits.
Thus, the necessity of determining the positive and negative
sequence currents, what is required in all previous algorithms
[1][6], [8], is here avoided. This is important since usage of
positive and negative sequence quantities in the distance
algorithm is related with a certain delay dependent on the
way of their determination. In contrast, zero sequence currents
are determined simply and without any delay.
The other improvement, proposed in this paper, relays on
assuring appropriate dynamic behavior of the algorithm. For
this purpose the well-known differential equation approach is
utilized for formulating the algorithm. Note that in all previous
algorithms [1][6], [8] the phasors of the measured and
calculated quantities are processed.
II. NEW DISTANCE PROTECTION ALGORITHM

J. Izykowski is with Wroclaw University of Technology, POLAND

(e-mail: jan.izykowski@pwr.wroc.pl),
E. Rosolowski is with Wroclaw University of Technology, POLAND
(e-mail: rose@pwr.wroc.pl,
M. Saha is with ABB Automation Technology Products, Vsters,
SWEDEN (e-mail: murari.saha@se.abb.com).

Fig. 2 shows an equivalent circuit diagrams for a positive

(subscript: 1) and negative (subscript: 3) sequences. In [6] the
positive and negative sequence components of a total fault
current have been derived in the following form:

ZEQ

AB
IAB

LINE LB (healthy)

ZsA

EsA

LINE LA
(faulted)

AA

VAA

ZsB

(1d )Z0m

dZ0m
IAA

BB

ZLB

F
(1d )ZLA

dZLA
RF

DIST TRIP
REL

BA

VF

EsB

IF

Fig. 1. Distance protection of parallel lines under availability of complete measurements at one end.

Z1EQ

AB
~

IAB2
IAB1

Z1sA
dZ1LA

E1sA
E2sA=0

Z1LB

AA
VAA1
VAA2

IAA1
IAA2

BB
Z1sB

IF2
IF1

(1d)Z1LA
BA

~
E1sB
E2sB=0

IF1
IF2

Fig. 2. Equivalent circuit diagram of transmission network with parallel lines

for positive and negative sequences (quantities for negative sequences are
marked by squares with dotted line).

( Z 1LB / Z 1LA ) I AB1

I
I F1 = AA1
1 d

(1)

( Z 1LB / Z 1LA ) I AB 2
I
I F 2 = AA2
1 d

(2)

where:
d unknown distance to fault [pu],
( Z 1LB / Z 1LA ) ratio of impedances of both lines (LA , LB)
for positive (negative) sequences.
For the sake of simplicity it is assumed in all further
considerations that positive sequence impedance of both
parallel lines is identical, i.e. ( Z 1LB / Z 1LA ) = 1 , what is a
common case.
The sequence components of a total fault current (1)(2)
can be used for determining a voltage drop across a fault path
resistance R F (Fig. 1):
V F = R F (a F1 I F1 + a F 2 I F 2 + a F 0 I F 0 )

(3)

where:
a F1 , a F 2 , a F 0 weighting coefficients for the positive,
negative and zero sequences.
As its innovative, the presented here approach delivers the
optimal estimation of this voltage drop. From the point of view
of the considered application (adaptive distance protective
relay) the meaning of the feature optimal corresponds to the

simplest way of estimating the required voltage drop [7]. On

the other hand, assuring the highest possible accuracy of this
procedure is also important. Thus, derivation of the formula
for a voltage drop across a fault resistance is performed in the
following steps:
1. flow of fault currents is considered only for the
positive and negative sequences, and thus with
excluding the zero sequence from the voltage drop
across a fault resistance RF, what requires choosing the
set of the weighting coefficients with: a F 0 = 0 [6],
2. weighted sum of the positive and negative sequence
currents is transformed into the form involving only
measured phase currents and easily calculated zero
sequence currents.
It has been shown in [6] that there is certain freedom in
setting the weighting coefficients used in (3). This freedom
takes place even when the condition a F 0 = 0 is imposed.
However, it has been found that only the set as that presented
in TABLE I assures fulfilling the requirement stated in the
above 2-nd step of deriving the formula for a voltage drop
across a fault resistance. Using the set from TABLE I results
in optimal transforming of a voltage drop (3), in which the
necessity for calculating of the positive and negative sequence
currents is avoided.
TABLE I
WEIGHTING COEFFICIENTS FOR OPTIMAL ESTIMATION OF
VOLTAGE DROP ACROSS FAULT RESISTANCE

FAULT TYPE

a F1

aF2

aF0

a-g
b-g

1.5

1.5

1.5a

1.5a

0
0

c-g

1.5a

1.5a 2

a-b

0.5(1 a 2 )

0.5(1 a )

b-c

0.5(a 2 a )

0.5(a a 2 )

c-a

0.5(a 1)

0.5(a 2 1)

a-b-g, a-b-c,
a-b-c-g
b-c-g

1 a2

1 a

a2 a

a a2

a 1

a2 1

c-a-g

a = exp(j2 / 3) ,

j = 1

3
TABLE III
COMPOSITION OF FAULT LOOP SIGNALS

Substituting (1)(2) into (3), with taking into account that

according to TABLE I we have a F 0 = 0 , yields:
V F = RF

N 12

1 d
where after assuming ( Z 1LB / Z 1LA ) = 1 :

(4)

FAULT TYPE

N 12 = a F1 ( I AA1 I AB1 ) + a F 2 ( I AA2 I AB 2 ) .

At this stage, the positive and negative sequence
components of currents from both lines are involved in N 12 .

a-g

b-g

In order not to introduce a delay related with calculating the

sequence components involved in (4) special rearrangements
have been proposed.
For example considering phase-to-ground fault a-g:
a F1 = 1.5 , a F 2 = 1.5 from TABLE I. Thus:
N 12 = 1.5( I AA1 I AB1 ) + 1.5( I AA2 I AB 2 ) =
= 1.5( I AA _ a I AA0 ) 1.5( I AB _ a I AB0 )
where:
I AA _ a , I AB _ a currents of phase a of the lines LA, LB,
I AA0 , I AB 0 zero sequence currents of the lines LA, LB.
For example considering phase-to-phase fault a-b:
a F 1 = 0.5(1 a 2 ) , a F 2 = 0.5(1 a ) from TABLE I. Thus:

c-g
a-b, a-b-g
a-b-c, a-b-c-g

I AA _ p FAULT LOOP CURRENT

V AA _ a

I AA _ a + k 0 I AA0 + k 0m I AB 0
V AA _ b

I AA _ b + k 0 I AA0 + k 0m I AB0
V AA _ c

I AA _ c + k 0 I AA0 + k 0m I AB0
V AA _ a V AA _ b

I AA _ a I AA _ b

b-c, b-c-g

V AA _ b V AA _ c

c-a, c-a-g

V AA _ c V AA _ a

I AA _ b I AA _ c
I AA _ c I AA _ a

k 0 = ( Z 0 LA Z 1LA ) / Z 1LA

k 0 = Z 0 m / Z 1LA

Z 0 m mutual coupling impedance for zero sequence

N 12 = 0.5(1 a 2 )( I AA1 I AB1 ) + 0.5(1 a )( I AA2 I AB 2 ) =

= 0.5( I AA _ a I AA _ b ) 0.5( I AB _ a I AB _ b ).

V AA _ p FAULT LOOP VOLTAGE

Resolving (5) into real and imaginary parts gives:

Similarly, the quantity N 12 has been derived for the other

fault types TABLE II.

R
real(V AA _ p ) d real( Z 1LA I AA _ p ) F real( N 12 ) = 0 (6)
1 d

Substituting (4) into the fault loop model yields:

R
V AA _ p d Z 1LA I AA _ p F N 12 = 0
(5)
1 d
where:
V AA _ p , I AA _ p fault loop voltage, current, composed as

imag(V AA _ p ) d imag(Z 1LA I AA _ p )

in classic distance relays (TABLE III),

N 12 quantity defined in TABLE II.
TABLE II
OPTIMAL FORMS OF QUANTITY N12 USED FOR ESTIMATION
OF VOLTAGE DROP ACROSS FAULT RESISTANCE

FAULT TYPE

N 12

a-g

1.5[( I AA _ a I AA0 ) ( I AB _ a I AB 0 )]

b-g

1.5[( I AA _ b I AA0 ) ( I AB _ b I AB0 )]

c-g

1.5[( I AA _ c I AA0 ) ( I AB _ c I AB0 )]

a-b

0.5[( I AA _ a I AA _ b ) ( I AB _ a I AB _ b )]
0.5[( I AA _ b I AA _ c ) ( I AB _ b I AB _ c )]
0.5[( I AA _ c I AA _ a ) ( I AB _ c I AB _ a )]

b-c
c-a
a-b-g, a-b-c
a-b-c-g
b-c-g

[( I AA _ a I AA _ b ) ( I AB _ a I AB _ b )]

c-a-g

[( I AA _ c I AA _ a ) ( I AB _ c I AB _ a )]

[( I AA _ b I AA _ c ) ( I AB _ b I AB _ c )]

RF
(7)
imag(N 12 ) = 0
1 d

Elimination of the agent R F /(1 d ) yields the final

formula for a sought distance to fault in the following form:
d=

imag(V AA _ p ) real(N 12 ) real(V AA _ p ) imag(N 12 )

imag(U 1 ) real(N 12 ) real(U 1 ) imag( N 12 )

(8)

where:
U 1 p = Z 1LA I AA _ p .
The classic distance relay determines the fault loop
impedance from the fault loop signals defined in TABLE III:
V AA _ p
(9)
Z p _ classic =
I AA _ p
while according to the derived fault location algorithm:
Z p _ adapt =

imag(V AA_ p N *12 )

imag(U 1 p N *12 )

Z 1LA

(10)

In the next step of deriving the distance protection

algorithm the obtained quantity N 12 has been substituted to
(5) and the resultant formula has been transformed into the
Laplace transform. In order to get the digital form of the
algorithm the following substitution for the Laplace operator
s has been performed:

(1 z 1 )
(1 + z

(11)

where:
z 1 operator corresponding to a single sample delay,
w=

1
,
tan(0.51T )

1 pulsation for the fundamental frequency,

T sampling period.
As a result of such digitalization the following discrete
formula has been obtained:
P1 (n)d + P2 ( n)

RF
= Q ( n)
1 d

(12)

where:
n index marker for the present sampling instant,
P1 ( n ) , P2 ( n ) , Q (n ) coefficients determined with the
samples of the input signals (three consecutive samples) and
the impedance parameters (resistances / reactances) of parallel
lines, accordingly to the classified fault type.
In (12) there are two unknowns: d, (R F / (1 d ) ) . For
determining them different approaches have been considered:
application of the Least Error Square method,
filtering the input signals with a pair of orthogonal filters of
short data windows and formulating of (12) for both
orthogonal components,
additional formulating (12) for the other sampling instant, as
for example with using a single sample delay.

and for the mutual coupling: Z0m=(3.12+36.56j) . Sample

evaluation results for the algorithms are shown in Fig. 38.
Fig. 3 presents waveforms of measured voltages and
currents for the sample a-b fault applied at d=0.5 [pu] and with
fault resistance of 1 . Phase currents from the faulted line
contain the slowly decaying dc components.
Content of dc components in the measured currents from
the faulted line causes some difficulties for the distance
measuring algorithms. Fig. 45 show results for measuring a
fault loop impedance defined in (9), when the standard Fourier
filtration is used. In both cases for the data window length
(Fig. 4 full cycle Fourier filtration, Fig. 5 half cycle
Fourier filtration) one observes distinctive fluctuations in the
determined resistance and reactance.
Fig. 6 shows the results of measurements performed with
the developed adaptive algorithm. In this case additional
pre-filtration with use of a half cycle sine filter, for both
voltages and currents, was applied. Fluctuations in the
obtained results are now much lower when comparing to the
cases for the classic distance algorithms (Fig. 45).
4

Applying the third possibility from the above listing we get

the additional required equation:

1
0
-1
-2

-4

Equation (14) can be used for formulating the adaptive

distance algorithm:
Q(n) P2 (n 1) Q(n 1) P2 (n)
R p _ adapt (n) =
R1LA
(15)
P1 (n) P2 (n 1) P1 (n 1) P2 (n)
(16)

where:
R1LA , X 1LA resistance and reactance of the protected
line LA for the positive sequence.
III. ATP-EMTP EVALUATION
The presented algorithm has been evaluated with using the
fault data obtained from versatile simulations using the ATPEMTP [10]. In the study the transmission network containing
the parallel lines of 120 km length, rated at 220 kV has been
modeled. Impedances of parallel transmission lines were
assumed as: Z1LA=(3.31+37.82j) , Z0LA=(33.00+123.18j) ,

FAULTY LINE PHASE CURRENTS (A)

(13)

Solving the set (12)(13) one gets the simple first order
formula for the sought distance to fault:
Q(n) P2 (n 1) Q (n 1) P2 (n)
d ( n) =
(14)
P1 (n) P2 (n 1) P1 (n 1) P2 (n)

Q (n) P2 (n 1) Q(n 1) P2 (n)

X p _ adapt (n) =
X 1LA
P1 (n) P2 (n 1) P1 (n 1) P2 (n)

-3

HEALTHY LINE PHASE CURRENTS (A)

R
P1 (n 1)d + P2 (n 1) F = Q (n 1)
1 d

5
x10

3
PHASE VOLTAGES (V)

sw

1.5

20

40

60
Time (ms)

20

40

80

100

120

60
80
Time (ms)

100

120

4
x10

1
0.5
0
-0.5
-1
-1.5

800
600
400
200
0
-200
-400
-600
-800
0

20

40

60
80
Time (ms)

100

120

Fig. 3. Waveforms of measured: voltages, currents from faulty line and

currents from healthy line.

)
Fault Loop Resistance (

Resistance of Faulted Segment (

)

5
full cycle
Fourier
algorithm

actual

10

20

30

40

50

5
4
adaptive
algorithm
3

2
1

actual

0
0

10

full cycle
Fourier
algorithm

40

30

20
actual
10

0
0

10

20

30

40

50

30

40

50

40

50

50

Reactance of Faulted Segment (

)

Fault Loop Reactance (

)

50

20

Post-Fault Time (ms)

Post-Fault Time (ms)

40

adaptive
algorithm

30

20
actual
10

0
0

10

Post-Fault Time (ms)

20

30

Post-Fault Time (ms)

Fig. 4. Fault loop resistance, reactance measurement with the classic

algorithm (9) and use of full cycle Fourier filtration.

Fig. 6. Resistance, reactance measurement with the adaptive algorithm (10).

25
missing operation

half cycle
Fourier
algorithm

classic
algorithm
15

1st zone (85%)

Tripping Time (ms)

Fault Loop Resistance (

)

20

10

adaptive
algorithm

5
1
actual
0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

Distance to Fault (pu)

0

10

20

30

40

50

Post-Fault Time (ms)

Fig. 7. Tripping time for the first distance protection zone under a-g faults at
different locations.

50

30

half cycle
Fourier
algorithm

30

20
actual
10

classic
algorithm

20

15
adaptive
algorithm

10

1st zone (85%)

40

Tripping Time (ms)

Fault Loop Reactance (

)

missing operation
25

10

20

30

40

50

Post-Fault Time (ms)

Fig. 5. Fault loop resistance, reactance measurement with the classic

algorithm (9) and use of half cycle Fourier filtration.

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

Distance to Fault (pu)

Fig. 8. Tripping time for the first distance protection zone under a-b-g faults
at different locations.

Moreover, when using the adaptive measuring algorithm

(Fig. 6) the calculated resistance and reactance settle very
close to the actual values. In contrast, an influence of the
reactance effect is visible for measurements performed as in
the classic distance relay (Fig. 45). For the considered interphase fault the fault resistance of 1 is comparatively low.
However, for faults involving ground this resistance can be
much higher, and thus even stronger influence of the
reactance effect takes place.
Fig. 7 shows results for determining a tripping time under
single phase-to-ground fault (a-g fault) through fault resistance
of 10 , applied at different locations. Typical MHO circle
impedance characteristic covering 85% of the line length was
assumed in this study. A tripping command was considered as
issued after presence of the determined impedance ((9) or
(10)) during 5 consecutive sampling intervals (note: 1000 Hz
sampling frequency was used) iside the characteristic. The
classic distance measuring principle (9) provides tripping
faults up 0.7 [pu] length, while the new adaptive algorithm
(10) for the whole zone set at 85%. Moreover, a tripping
time is shorter in case of the new technique.
Similar results as in Fig. 7, but even more advantages for
the new adaptive algorithm, were obtained for the case of
phase-to-phase faults (a-b-g faults, fault resistance: 10 ).
IV. CONCLUSIONS
The new adaptive distance algorithm for parallel lines has
been presented. The algorithm requires providing complete
measurements from one end of the lines. Due to adapting the
principle originated for the fault location purpose the
algorithm assures complete compensation for the reactance
effect relevant for resistive faults and presence of pre-fault
load flow.
The delivered algorithm utilizes the optimal estimation of a
voltage drop across a fault path resistance. Phase currents and
zero sequence currents are used for that and thus it is simple
and not introducing a delay.
Apart of using the phasor notation also the differential
equation approach has been used for formulating the
algorithm. In consequence of that, good dynamic behavior and
rejection of dc components are assured.
Using the ATP-EMTP fault data, the developed adaptive
distance algorithm has been evaluated. The study has shown its
superior operation in comparison to the earlier algorithms.
V. REFERENCES
[1]

L. Eriksson, M. M. Saha and G. D. Rockefeller, An accurate fault

locator with compensation for apparent reactance in the fault resistance
resulting from remote-end infeed, IEEE Trans. Power Apparatus and
Systems, vol. PAS104, No. 2, pp. 424436, Febr. 1985.

[2]

Y. J. Ahn, M. S. Choi, S. H. Kang and S. J. Lee, An accurate fault

location algorithm for double-circuit transmission systems, in Proc.
2000 IEEE Power Engineering Society Summer Meeting, Seattle, CD
ROM: 0780364236, pp. 1-6.
[3] J. Izykowski, R. Kawecki, E. Rosoowski and M.M. Saha, Accurate
location of faults in parallel transmission lines under availability of
measurements from one circuit only, in Proc. 2002 14th Power
Systems Computation Conference, Sevilla, CD-ROM session 08,
paper 6.
[4] Q. Zhang, Y. Zhang, W. Song, Y. Yu and Z. Wang, Fault location of
two-parallel transmission line for non-earth fault using one-terminal
data, IEEE Winter Meeting, 1999, New York, USA, Paper PE433PWRD-0-10-1998, pp. 1-6.
[5] Q. Zhang, Y. Zhang, W. Song and Y. Yu, Transmission line fault
location for phase-to-earth fault using one-terminal data, IEE Proc.Gener. Transm. Distrib., Vol. 146, 1999, No. 2, pp. 121-124.
[6] M.M. Saha, K. Wikstrom, J. Izykowski and E. Rosolowski, New fault
location algorithm for parallel lines, in Proc. 1997 IEE 7th
International Conference on Developments in Power System
Protection, Amsterdam, pp. 407410.
[7] R. Kawecki, New algorithms for locating faults in parallel transmission
lines, Ph.D. dissertation, Institute of Electrical Power Eng., Wroclaw
Univ. of Technology, Wroclaw, Poland, 2003.
[8] Y. Liao and S. Elangovan, Digital distance relaying algorithm for first
zone protection for parallel transmission lines, IEE Proc.-Gener.
Transm. Distrib., Vol. 145, 1998, No. 5, pp. 531-536.
[9] Y. Hu, D. Novosel, M.M. Saha and V. Leitloff, An adaptive scheme
for parallel line distance protection, IEEE Trans. Power Delivery, vol.
17, No. 1, pp. 105110, January 2002.
[10] H. Dommel, Electro-Magnetic Transients Program BPA, Portland,
Oregon, 1986.

VI. BIOGRAPHIES
Jan Izykowski (M97) was born in Poland in 1949. He
received his M.Sc., Ph.D. and D.Sc. degrees from the
Faculty of Electrical Engineering of Wroclaw University
of Technology (WUT) in 1973, 1976 and in 2001,
respectively. In 1973 he joined Institute of Electrical
Engineering of the WUT where he is presently an
Assistant Professor. His research interests are in power
system protection and fault location.
Eugeniusz Rosolowski (M97, SM00) was born in
Poland in 1947. He received his M.Sc. degree in
Electrical Eng. from the Wroclaw University of
Technology (WUT) in 1972 where he is presently an
Associate Professor. From 1974 to 1977, he studied in
Kiev Politechnical Institute, where he received his Ph.D.
in 1978. In 1993 he received D.Sc. from the WUT. His
research interests are in power system analysis and
microprocessor application in power systems.
Murari Mohan Saha (M76, SM87) was born in 1947
in Bangladesh. He received B.Sc.E.E. from Bangladesh
University of Engineering and Technology (BUET),
Dhaka in 1968 and completed M.Sc.E.E. in 1970. In
1972, he completed M.S.E.E. and in 1975 he was
awarded with Ph.D. from the Technical University of
Warsaw, Poland. He joined ASEA, Sweden, in 1975.
Currently he is a Senior Research and Development
Engineer at ABB Automation Technology Products,
Vsters, Sweden. His areas of interest are measuring
transformers, power system analysis and simulation, and
protective digital relays.