The function of multi-end fault locator (FL) can determine a fault location on lines with high

reliability; it is useful in case of power system failure. The following two calculations run in
the FL; then the FL selects one of the calculation results to provide a fault location.
(1)
(2)

Note: Several IED models do not have fault locator features. To determine whether the
features are implemented in the IED or not, locate the IED ordering number; and check the
order number at G&T position referring to the comparison table below. For more information,
see .

Ordering No. at G&T

feature
33 37
FL-Z Fault locator (21FL)
FL-A Fault locator (FL)
: Applicable NA: Not applicable

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2.32.1
When considering the , user
should note the computation requires minimum two-cycles of fault continuing time. The FL
result includes calculation errors: fixed error and proportional error. The fixed error is because
of the arithmetic error, but the proportional error is because of the settings in Segregated-
current-differential protection1 (DIFL) function. The proportional error corresponds to the
setting2 [ ], but this error is inversely proportional to the differential current2 (Id).

The FL calculation requires data of voltages and currents at a local-terminal and remote-
terminals. The FL does not calculate for a switch-onto-fault or for a fault when the line
energizes from one terminal and the other terminal is out-of-service.

When user considers the FL calculation in three-terminal application, if one of the three-
terminal is out-of-service, and when a fault arises between the junction and the out-of-service
terminal, the FL calculation assumes this fault being at the junction.

1Note: For more information of the DIFL, see Chapter

2Note: Setting [ ] and differential current (Id) are discussed in the DIFL.

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(i)

Figure 2.32-1 shows two IEDs exist at the end of the line GH. Voltages due to the fault are
calculated by Equation (2.32-1) and Equation (2.32-2).
Bus G F Bus H

Fault
VG VH
IED G IG Vf IH IED H

ZGH
× ZGH (1 )× ZGH

(2.32-1)

(2.32-2)

where,
VG : Voltage at IED G
IG:Current at IED G
VH : Voltage at IED H
IH: Current at IED H
Distance ratio of GF to GH
V : Voltage at fault point
ZGH1: Impedance on line GH

Substituting Equation (2.32-1) for Equation (2.32-2) gives,

(2.32-3)

The distance ratio ( ) is also calculated with the differential current (Id) because the net
currents at the IED G and the IED H are equal to the differential current (Id= IG+IH):

(2.32-4)

1Note: User should set the ZGH into Line1_Element. For further information, see section
2.32.5(ii). For setting methods, see section 2.32.6(iii).

The principle mentioned above is also applicable for the operation of three terminals, as shown
in Figure 2.32-2. Note that one of three calculations (Calc. 1 to 3) determines the fault location.

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The three calculations are in sequence performed and a calculation result is selected from
them:
(Calc. 1) Calculation for a fault being as far as the junction (a fault on line GJ)
(Calc. 2) Calculation for a fault being beyond the junction (a fault on line JH)
(Calc. 3) Calculation for a fault being beyond the junction (a fault on line JS)

Bus G ZGJ Junction J ZJH Bus H

VG VH
IED G IG IH IED H

F
ZJS

VS , I S
IED S

Bus S

The FL in IED G makes calculation with the following equations:

(2.32-5)

(2.32-6)

(2.32-7)

(2.32-8)

where,
VG , V H , V S : Voltage at IED G, IED H, and IED S
IG, IH, IS: Current at IED G, IED H, and IED S

GJ: Distance ratio of GF to GJ when a fault (F) arises on line GJ

JH: Distance ratio of JF to JH when a fault (F) arises on line JH

JS: Distance ratio of JF to JS when a fault (F) arises on line JS

ZGJ: Section impedance2 on line GJ
ZJH: Section impedance2 on line JH
ZJS: Section impedance2 on line JS

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 2Note: User should set the values of each section impedances into each Line_Element.
For the consideration of the section and their Line_Element, see section 2.32.5(i)
and section 2.32.6(iii).

For instance, the IED G makes calculation in the following sequences:

At the outset, the IED G makes calculation of the equation (2.32-5) assuming that the fault
arises on line GJ.

If the calculation result is not identical to the input data from a line, then the IED G makes
calculation with Equation (2.32-6) assuming that the fault arises on line JH.

Then, the IED G makes calculation with Equation (2.32-7), when both Equation (2.32-5)
and Equation (2.32-6) do not hold true for the input data from a line, and finally the IED
G decides that the fault arises on line JS, as shown in Figure 2.32-2.

In practice, the FL calculation is carried out in symmetrical components; hence, Equations

(2.32-4) to (2.32-7) are converted to symmetrical equations in the FL.

For example, in Figure 2.32-1, the distance ratio ( ) can be expressed in symmetrical
components when we substitute symmetrical components for Equation (2.32-4).

(2.32-9)

where,
V1G: Positive-sequence voltage at IED G
V1H: Positive-sequence voltage at IED H
I1H, I2H and I0H: Current (IH) at IED H represented by positive-sequence,
negative-sequence, and zero-sequence
I1d, I2d and I0d: Differential current (Id) represented by positive-sequence,
negative-sequence, and zero-sequence
Z11, Z12 and Z10 Line impedance (ZGH) represented by positive-sequence,
negative-sequence, and zero-sequence
Note: When we can assume that the respective mutual-impedances are equal (Z =Z ,
Z =Z , and Z =Z ), symmetrical components (Z11, Z12 and Z10) are obtained
from the following Equations (2.32-10) to (2.32-12):

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 (2.32-10)

(2.32-11)

(2.32-12)

where, a and a2 are represented as

Note: When we suppose that all the self-impedance and all the mutual-impedance are
identical (Zaa=Zbb=Zcc and Zab=Zbc=Zca), we can see that both Z12 and Z10 are
represented as zero when Z10 is identical to ZGH.
Note: To run the FL, user should set either the symmetrical components (Z11, Z12 and
Z10) or the self-impedance (Z , Z and Z ) and mutual-impedance (Z , Z and
Z ). For example, the value of Z11 is placed for setting [ ] and [ ]
when symmetrical setting is selected. If symmetrical setting is not selected, user
should set the value of the Z for setting [ ] and [ ]. For more
information, see section 2.32.6(iii).

(ii)
The calculation is stated by signals; and following protection functions provide the trigger
signals:
(a) Current differential protection (DIFL)
(b) External protection

With regard to the trigger signal of the external protection function, user can program
the trigger signal for recording data and calculation by using Element IDs (PLC connection
points), as shown in Table 2.32-2.

Element ID Name Description

310022EC64 FLAZ_RecF Trigger for data recording
310022EC66 FLAZ_LocF Trigger for calculation
Note: Element IDs are also listed in section 0.

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 Figure 2.32-3 shows a trigger signal for data recording. If elements operate and switches are
closed, the FL records the data of current and voltage. It is also possible that the FL starts to
record these data when the PLC1 signal is appeared.

Operation signal from DIFL2 element

Trigger signal for data recording:
Operation signal from RDIF2 element
Current and voltage data are saved

Operation signal from DIFG2 element by the operation signals from

Operation signal from RDIFG2 element elements.

310022EC64 FLAZ_RecF

1Note: User can configure a signal with the PLC logic. For more information on the PLC,
see Chapter .
2Note: Respective switches in the above figure are closed when respective elements
operate. After that, data recording is provided for the FL. Elements and
characteristics (DIFL, RDIF, DIFG, and RDIFG) are discussed in the DIFL. See
Chapter .

Figure 2.32-4 shows a calculation trigger; the calculation is carried out when the FL receives
the result signals of the DIFL and the DIFG. The calculation also starts by the PLC signal.

Result signal from DIFL

Result signal from DIFG

Trigger signal for calculation:
Calculation of fault locator is
initiated by the DIFL or the DIFG.
310022EC66 FLAZ_LocF

(iii)
User should note that the calculation error might be larger when a setting value is far from
the actual data of line impedance. For example, if abnormal settings1 are done, the calculation
error will be appeared notably.
1Note: Abnormal settings can be exist when values are far from actual impedance data of
transmission line. For example, resistance value is so larger then reactance value,

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 and so on.

The nominal measurement error can be with in ±1km when the following conditions are
applied:
The line length (L) is shorter than 100km.
The setting value [ ] is lower than a half of the rated current2 ( ).
The differential current (Id) is larger than double of the rated current2 ( ).

In other words, the calculation error can be with in ±1% when the following conditions are
applied:
The line length (L) is shorter than 100km.
The setting value [ ] setting is lower than a half of the rated current2 ( ).
The differential current (Id) is larger than double of the rated current2 ( ).

The nominal measurement error can be with in ±2km when the following conditions are
applied:
The line length (L) is shorter than 100km.
The setting value [ ] is larger than a quarter of the rated current2 ( ).

The reactance per unit length ( ) is smaller than the value ( ).

The reactance per unit length ( ) is lower than the value ( ).

The differential current (Id) is larger than double of the rated current2 ( ).

On the other hand, the calculation error can be with in ±2% when the following conditions are
applied:
The line length (L) is shorter than 100km.
The setting value [ ] is lower than a quarter of the rated current2 ( ).

The reactance per unit length ( ) is larger than the value ( ).

The reactance per unit length ( ) is smaller than the value ( ).

The differential current (Id) is larger than double of the rated current2 ( ).
2Note: Rated current (In) is described separately. (See Chapter
)

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2.32.2
When considering the FL calculation with data at a local-terminal only, user should note the
time of this calculation is longer than the time of FL calculation with data at a local-terminal
and remote-terminals1. This FL calculation requires data of the reference current, which is
obtained by measuring the change in current before and after the fault occurrence. The
reference current is used to remove the influence of load voltage and arc voltage.
1Note: In the , more calculation time
that are longer than three-cycles as fault continuing time is required.
Conversely, minimum two-cycles as fault continuing time are required in the
.

If a phase-to-phase fault occurs, is used

with data of the reference current (I "), which is obtained by measuring the change in current
before and after the fault occurrence.

If an earth fault occurs, is used with another

reference current (I "), which is similarly obtained by measuring the change in the current
before and after the fault.

In order to maintain the measurement accuracy, the compensation factors for impedance
imbalance are considered in the calculation when the variation of the impedance in each phase
is large.

(i)

We suppose the occurrence of a phase-b-to-phase-c fault. The fault distance ( is calculated

with the following Equations (2.32-13) to (2.32-16). Equation (2.32-16) is a general expression
when lines are treated as having lumped constants; and this expression is sufficient for lines
within 100km.

(2.32-13)

(2.32-14)

(2.32-15)

(2.32-16)

where,

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 Ib, Ic: Line-to-neutral currents when a phase-bc fault arises
Ibc: Line-to-line currents when a phase-bc fault arises (=Ib Ic)
Vbc: Line-to-line voltages when a phase-bc fault arises (=Vb Vc)
ILb: Load-current in phase-b before the fault
ILc: Load-current in phase-c before the fault
: Load-current change before and after the fault (=(Ib Ic Lb ILc))
I : Complex conjugate of
R1: Resistance component of line impedance1 in positive-sequence
1: Reactance component of line impedance1 in positive-sequence
Kbc: Compensation factor2 for imbalance impedance
L: Line length3 in the kilometer or mile
Im( ): Expression of imaginary part when a value is placed in parentheses
Re( ): Expression of real part when a value is placed in parentheses
: Symbol of Vector product

1Note: For example, user should set the R1 and the X1 with settings [ ] and
setting [ ] respectively, when the impedance of line GJ is considered in
symmetrical components, as shown in Figure 2.32-2. For further information, see
section 2.32.6(iii).
2Note: User should set the Kab, Kbc and Kca with settings [ ], [ ], and
[ ], when the imbalance impedance is considered. For further information,
see section 2.32.6(vi).
3Note: User should set the line length for settings [ ] when the length of line
GJ is considered and when the unit of length is represented by kilometer, as
shown in Figure 2.32-2. For further information, see section 2.32.6(v).

When the line length is beyond 100km, the result of Equation (2.32-16) requires compensation.
Equation (2.32-17) is used to find the compensated distance ( ) with respect to the fault
distance ( ) which is the result of Equation (2.32-16):

(2.32-17)

where,
k: Propagation constant fixed of the line ( )

(ii)

When we suppose the occurrence of an earth fault in phase-a, the fault distance ( ) is

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determined with Equations (2.32-18) to (2.32-23):

(2.32-18)

(2.32-19)

(2.32-20)

(2.32-21)

(2.32-22)

(2.32-23)

where,
Va: Fault voltage (Va=Va0)
: Fault current (=(2Ia Ib Ic)/3)
: Current change before and after the fault (=(2Ia Ib Ic)/3 (2ILa ILb ILc)/3)
: Complex conjugate of
Ia, Ib, Ic: Fault currents in phase-a, phase-b, and phase-c
ILa, ILb, ILc: Load-current in phase-a, phase-b, and phase-c before the fault
I0s: Current in zero-sequence at local terminal
I0m: Adjacent-line current in zero-sequence in parallel lines
R1: Resistance component of line impedance1 in positive-sequence
1: Reactance component of line impedance1 in positive-sequence
R0: Resistance component of line impedance2 in zero-sequence
0: Reactance component of line impedance2 in zero-sequence
R0m: Mutual resistance3 between parallel lines in zero-sequence
X0m: Mutual reactance3 between parallel lines in zero-sequence
Ka: Compensation factor4 for imbalance impedance
Im( ): Expression of imaginary part when a value is placed in parentheses
Re( ): Expression of real part when a value is placed in parentheses
L: Line length5 in the kilometer or mile
: Symbol of Vector product

1Note: For example, user should set the R1 and the X1 with settings [ ] and
setting [ ] respectively, when the impedance of line GJ is considered in

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 symmetrical components, as shown in Figure 2.32-2. For further information, see
section 2.32.6(iii).
2Note: In the calculation of earth fault, user is required to set the R0 and the X0 with
settings [ ] and setting [ ] respectively, when the impedance of line
GJ is considered in symmetrical components.
3Note: When the mutual impedance of line GJ is considered , and when parallel lines are
applied, user should set the R0m and the X0m with settings [ ] and
setting [ ] respectively,. If a single line is considered, user are not
required to set these settings.
4Note: User should set the Ka, Kb and Kc with settings [ ], [ ], and [ ],
when the imbalance impedance is considered. For further information, see section
2.32.6(vi).
5Note: User should set the line length for settings [ ] when the length of line
GJ is considered and when the unit of length is represented by kilometer, as
shown in Figure 2.32-2. For further information, see section 2.32.6(v).

Consider the influence of the distributed capacitance in Equation (2.32-23), likewise section
2.32.2(i)-2. When the line length is beyond 100km, the result of Equation (2.32-23) requires
compensation. Thus, Equation (2.32-17) is used to find the compensated distance ( ) with
respect to the fault distance ( ) which Equation (2.32-23) calculates. The setting procedures
are discussed later. (See section 2.32.6(iii)-2)

(iii)
The calculation is started by signals; and following protection functions provide the trigger
signals:
(a) Distance protection1 (ZS/ZG)
(b) Over current protection2 (OC)
(c) Current differential protection (DIFL)
(d) External protection3

1Note: For more information of the ZS/ZG, see Chapter

.
2Note: For more information of the OC, see Chapter
.
3Note: With regard to the trigger signal from the external protection function, user can
program this trigger signal by using Element IDs (PLC connection points), as
shown in Table 2.32-3, which are also listed in section 0.

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 Element ID Name Description
310022EC60 FLZ_RecF Trigger for data save
310022EC61 FLZ_RecR Trigger for data save
310022EC62 FLZ_LocF Trigger for calculation
310022EC63 FLZ_LocR Trigger for calculation

Figure 2.32-5 shows a trigger signal for data recording. Respective elements of protective
functions (ZS/ZG, OC, and DIFL) output their operation signals when respective elements
operate; and then, these signals are summarized to the trigger signal by a logic OR . In
response to scheme switch [ ], the FL can record the data of current and voltage if the
fault occurs in either forward or reverse.
Forward
Z1S DIR Reverse
Z1S
1
Forward
Z1XS DIR Reverse 1 Trigger signal
Z1XS Forward
Forward & for data
Z2S DIR Reverse recording
Z2S
Forward
Z3S DIR Reverse
Z3S

1
Operation signal of ZS elements

1
Forward
Z1G DIR Reverse Reverse
Z1G
1 Trigger signal
Forward
Z1XG DIR Reverse & for data
Z1XG
Forward
recording
Z2G DIR Reverse
Z2G
Forward
Z3G DIR Reverse
Z3G

1
Operation signal of ZG elements

Forward
OC1-Dir Reverse 1
OC1
Forward
OC2-Dir Reverse
OC2 Forward
FL-DIR Reverse
Operation signal of OC elements 1

DIFL
1
RDIF

Operation signal of DIF elements

Forward
310022EC60 FLZ_RecF 1

310022EC64 FLAZ_RecF
Reverse
310022EC61 FLZ_RecR
PLC signals

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 Note: In the FL, user should verify the direction between the FL function and the other
protection function. For example, if is set for the scheme switch [ ],
user should set for the respective scheme switches [ ], [ ]
and [ ]. If contradiction is found, the FL does not operate. For further
information, see section 2.32.6(iii).

Figure 2.32-6 shows trigger signals for FL calculation. Result signals1 from the respective
protection functions are summarized by logic OR , which provides the trigger signal.
Forward
Z1S Z1S DIR Reverse
Forward 1
Z1XS DIR Reverse 1
Z1XS
Forward Trigger signal
Forward &
Reverse for calculation
Z2S Z2S DIR
Forward
Z3S DIR Reverse
Z3S

1
Result signal of ZS function

1
Forward
Z1G DIR Reverse Reverse
Z1G
1
Forward Trigger signal
Z1XG DIR Reverse &
Z1XG for calculation
Forward
Z2G Z2G DIR Reverse
Forward
Z3G Z3G DIR Reverse

Result signal of ZG function 1

Forward
OC1-Dir Reverse 1
OC1
Forward
OC2 OC2-Dir Reverse
Forward
FL-DIR
Reverse
Result signal of OC function 1

DIFL
1
RDIF

Result signal of DIF function

310022EC62 FLZ_LocF
Forward
1
310022EC66 FLAZ_LocF

310022EC63 FLZ_LocR Reverse

PLC signals

1Note: The result signals can start the FL calculation, but the result signals are not the same as the
operation signals of
Figure 2.32-5.

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 (iv)
User should note that the calculation error could be larger when a setting value is far from
actual line impedance. For example, if abnormal settings1 are done, the calculation error will
be appeared notably.

The calculation error can be with in ± 2.5 km when the following conditions are applied:
A fault is assumed to arise up to 100 km distance.
The fault current is larger than double of the rated current2 ( ).

The reactance3 per unit length ( ) is longer than a value ( ).

In other words, this calculation error can be with in ±2.5% when the following conditions
are applied:
The line length (L) is shorter than 100km.

The reactance per unit length ( ) is larger than a value ( ).

The fault current is larger than double of the rated current2 ( ).

1Note: Abnormal settings can be exist when values are far from actual impedance data of
transmission line. For example, resistance value is so larger then reactance value,
and so on.
2Note: Rated current (In) is described separately. (See Chapter
)
3Note: The term X1 is the reactance component of line impedance.

2.32.3
At the outset, we discuss that the FL calculation consist of two groups: (1) FL calculation with
data at a local-terminal and remote-terminals and (2) FL calculation with data at a local-
terminal only. Hence, either (1) or (2) is selected as a calculation result in accordance with a
fault condition. The FL selects the result of (2) FL calculation with data at a local-terminal
only when the FL finds the following conditions after the calculations:
The calculation results are less than 20% of the line length (L).
The result difference between (1) and (2) is within 5% of the line length (L).
The calculation result is less than 40km.

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