The Application of Neural Networks and

Clarke-Concordia Transformation in Fault

Location on Distribution Power Systems
L. Sousa Martins, J. F. Martins, Member IEEE, V. Femao Pires, Member IEEE and C . M. Alegria

Finally a computing method defines the location of the fault.

Abstract- This paper presents a new approach to fault Several techniques are used for digital signal processing.
location on distribution power lines. This approach uses an Some of them are known as Artificial Intelligence methods.
artificial neural network based learning algorithm and Clarke- They can be normally used for two main tasks: - a) recognition
Concbrdia transformation. The a&O components of line currents of the fault type; - b) location of the fault. In particular the
resulting from the Clarke-Concbrdia transformation are used to
detect all types of fault. The neural network is trained to map the artificial neural networks (ANN), can be applied in association
non-linear relationship existing in fault location equations. to phasor computation [I], 121, or used as a pattern classifier to
The proposed approaeh is able to identify and locate all improve the performance of a distance relay and for fault
different types of faults (single line to ground, double line to classification [3]-151. Others are able to incorporate the
ground, line-to-line and three-phase short-circuit). This approach uncertainties associated to model power systems and fault
is subdivided into several main steps: - Data acquisition, impedance calculation as the Fuzzy-Neuro technologies 161.
corresponding on three-phase current signals; - Mathematical
Phasor-based algorithms use only the fundamental
treatment by the Clarke-Conc6rdia transformation; - Fault
components of the signals. The line model (for short lines) is
identification, obtained by the analysis of fault and pre-fault data;
- Fault location artificial neural network based learning usually the lumped-parameter model, applying symmetrical
algorithm. The fault position is presented as the output of the components. For long lines it is used the distributed-parameter
neural network on which, as the input, it was considered the model, based on partial differential equation algorithms, which
eigenvalue of matrix representing transformed line current. use the transient components of signals.
Results are presented which shows the ellectiveness of the In this paper a new approach is presented for Fault Location
proposed algorithm for a correct fault location on distribution
power system networks. on electrical power distribution system networks. This
technique is based on the application of the Clarke-Concordia
Index T e r m c Artificial Neural Networks, Clarke-Concbrdia Transfornation and also in the Eigenvalue Approach. Finally
Transform Fault Location on Distribution Power System an artificial neural algorithm is used for fault location
definition.
The proposed methodology is able to identify the existence
I. IN~RODUCTION any type of fault (Single line to ground, double line to ground,
he pnnctples of fault location remains essentially identical line-to-line, three-phase). It is also possible to locate the
f'or over more then 60 years. Mainly they consist in distance where the fault occurs.
computing impedance fault line based on voltage and current This methodology has been applied to a power distribution
phasors data. Thus can be established a relationship between system, typically a radial network; consisting in a source
impedance and distance of the fault. connected to a unique load located on a second node (Fig. 1).
This methodology remains essentially identical with the
introduction of microprocessors. The outputs of current and
voltage transformers are transformed into a sampled
digitalized form trough an A/D converter.

L. Sousa Martins is with the Department of Electrical Engineering, Ercola

Superior de Tecnologia de Seldbal, lnstituto Politknico de Setlibal. 2914-508
Setlibal, Portugal (e-mail: mmtinn@est.ips.pt).
J. F. Martins is with the Department of Electrical Engineering, Escola
Superior de Tecnologia de Setbbal, lnstituto PolitCcnico de Setlibal, 2914-508 Fig. I . Radial Netwok.
Setlibal, Portugal (e-mail: jrnartins@est.ips.pt).
V. Fernlo Pires is with the Department of Electrical Engineering, Escola
Superior de Tecnologia de Setlibal, lnstituto Politffnico de Sellibal, 2914-508
Setlibal. Portugal (e-mail: vpires@est.ips.pt). Fault conditions simulations were establish on
C. M. Alegna is with the Department of Electrical Engineering and
"MatlabiSimulink software.
Computing, I.S.T., Universidade Tknica de Lirboa, 1096 Lisboa, Portugal

0-7803-7525-4/02/$17.00 Q 2002 IEEE. 209 1

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 Applying Clarke-Concordia transformation, followed by the
eigenvalue approach [7], [SI it was obtained typical
characteristic parameters for each state. It allows also the
definition of fault location algorithm
To study the effectiveness of the proposed method, a model
for the physical components of the system (source,
transmission line and load) was developed. This system model
uses lumped parameters and adopts the differential equations
representing each of the possible fault or steady-state
situations.
It remains as a major advantage of this method, that it is
enough to consider only three current signals. Another
advantage, of significant importance, is the immunity to
interference such as harmonics and noise signals, since the
method is based on comparing patterns.
technique is able to characterize a set of data line currents,
using eigenvectors and eigenvalues of data sample correlation
matrix.
111. PROPOSEDALGORIWM
A. Fault Classification Algorithm
Each type of fault (Single line to ground, double line to
ground, line-to-line, and three-phase), is represented by
specific eigenvectors position on “ap U‘space.
Based on those eigenvectors it is possible to establish a
pattern for each fault type. Fault classification algorithm is
based on those patterns, which are represented in Table 1.
TABLE I

11. PROPOSED METHODOLOGY PATTERNS

FAULTCLASSIFICATION

The proposed methodology is based mainly in two different

stages. The most important one consists on converting currents Positivn quadrant of a w V & Q ~
lines into current components "ape' applying Clarke-
Concordia Transformation (1).
The second stage corresponds to the application of the
eigenvector operator. This approach is used to interpret data
resulting from the ‘‘ap U’conversion.
A . Clarke-Concdrdia Transform
Clarke transform is a well-known de-coupling method for
three-phase line parameters. The stationary two-phase
variables of the Clarke transform are denoted as “alpha” and
“beta”. A third one is known by zero-sequence component.
In our case we adopt a modified version more suitable for
real time implementations, which is known by Clarke-
Conc6rdia transformation as in [SI.
In this approach it is considered that “alpha” axis coincides (*) For these cases vectors orientation on “a” and ‘;O”
with line 1 of three-phase system. Therefore, the “beta” axis directions are off special significance. The correspondent
lags the “alpha” axis by 7712. graphic in “ap” plan is a circle. The vector “e,,” has no
components on “a,p”,and on “0 ” direction his module is 1.

I~ 2 2 1 Tables I1 and III illustrates perfectly the differences among

[T,] = .ElI 0
JJ
- --A I
all eigenvectors fault types.
2 1

I-L X Z’ 1
1 1
So it is possible to characterize the different fault states, by
current components i,, ib io. analysis, that can be obtained
considering the following:
To interpret the entire set of data signals (after Clarke-
Concordia transformation) eigenvalue approach was used. This
B. Fault Location Algorithm
There are several methodologies that can he used to extract
the unknown inputloutput functional relationship between
distance of the fault point “m” and characteristic eigenvalue
“A”,for a specific type of fault.
This paper considers the application of artificial neural
networks (ANN) since they present, among others, some
advantages as: capability to deal with nonlinearities; adaptive,
they can learn from data; they can handle noise or uncertain
data; good predictive accuracy; they can operate quickly.
The topology of the proposed algorithm (Fig. 2), is
comprised of two input vectors (eigenvalue data and fault type
vector), one hidden layer, composed by five neurons, and one
output layer.

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 R = 0.382 Oh&,
S = 95 ma; L= 0.33 mwkm.
Source - Substation power transformer of 20 MVA,
60/10 kV, Y/d, artificial neutral formed by short-circuit
current limiting impedance for 1 kA;
Load - Substation power transformers of 10/0,4 kV -
Dyn, with total power of 3.6 MVA, which corresponds
to maximum presumed capacity line.
B. Simulated Results
In order to confirm the effective performance of the
proposed methodology a high number of computer simulations
were performed.
The following basic conditions are considered:
Steady state with rated values. The steady state results
are important as a base standard for patterns definition;
Fig. 2. Anifieial Neural Network Topology.
Admissible distance fault variation of 0 to loo%, total
The applied ANN is of the Feedfonvard type. Error-Back- line length;
propagation it was considered since it i s a well-adapted Resistance fault of 1 Ohm, for line to ground faults; and
training algorithm for neural networks. of 0 Ohm, for line to line faults.
The weights and biases are updated using the generalized
delta rule with adaptive learning rate and momentum. With the obtained results, the following fault types were
identified: single line to ground; double line to ground; line-to-
line and three-phase short-circuit. Tables I1 and 111 represent
C. Algorithm Structure obtained eigenvectors for different fault situations on the line
The main steps of the proposed algorithm are the following: end.
Step 1) Single-end line data acquisition, from power The obtained relationships between engenvalues and fault
system currents. Digital conversion. distance are represented in Fig. 3 for different fault situations
Step 2) Mathematical treatment of the sample applying (line to ground fault, line-to-line and three phase fault).
Clarke-Concbrdia transformation.
Step 3) Eigenvalue approach obtaining eigenvectors
and eigenvalues of correlation matrix. TABLE II
Step 4) Fault Detection - Compare fault and pre-fault EIGENVECTORS
OF LINETO GROUND FAULTS
characteristic eigenvalues.
For each new incoming treated sample, this one is Fault Eigenvector I
compared to the one previously memorized, having as
an objective the identification of possible existing fault. _ el_ _ _
e2 ~ -e3
.0.2403 % + 0.4266 % + 0.8720 e.
If there is a significant difference between pre-set and + 0.9469 eg + 0.3008 q + 0. I138 eg
actual value it is assumed that a fault is occurred. Then +0.2138 ea - 0.8530 ea + 0.4762 eo
the location algorithm is activated. Othenvise the .0,6999 e., - 0.4738 e. - 0.5345 e,
-0.6815g +0.2191 eg +0.6983ea
storage sample is erased. +0.2137 eo - 0.8530 ea + 0.4762 ea
Step 5) Fault Classification - Compare characteristic
~

.0.9402 e. - 0.0473 e., - 0.3374 ea

eigenvectores with patterns (defined on Table I). +0.2653e0 +0.5199eg -0.8120e,
Step 6) Fault Location / Distance calculation -0.2138@
____... +0.8529~ - + O ! m - ,
+ 0.8972 e. - 0.3510 %
~

LI-U-C - 0.2679 e.
Definition of the adequate fault type location algorithm. - 0.4400 eg - 0.6597 eu - 0.6092 eo
Application of A N N algorithm for distance calculation -0.0371 ea
_____-.. - 0.6645 eo___ -+ 0.7464 eo -
(Obtained fault distance as a percentage of t o d length U-U-G + 0.0677 e., - 0.7469 e, + 0.661 5 e,
distribution line). - 0.9970 ep - 0.0260 eg + 0.0726 eg
+ 0.0370 ea
-______. + 0.6645 ea + 0.7464~!-_.
U-LI-G + 0.8295 e. + 0.3962 % - 0.3936 e.
+ 0.5573 eg - 0.6336 eg + 0.5366 e8
IV. CASESTUDY + 0.0368 ea + 0.6645 eo + 0.7464 ea 4

A . Power Distribution Network Data

The case study corresponds to a typical Portuguese electric The final results ofneural network are presented on Fig. 4,
power distribution network for 10 kV, formed by: considering the four types of fault we have study. The ANN
Distribution line - underground three aluminum results are represented by “x” lines.
conductors cable, with

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 TABLE 111 Where
EIGENVECTORSOF I.METO L~NEFAULTS
maDP calculated location of fault
rnre0, actual location of fault
Eigenvector
For the defined neural network algorithm, it is possible to
confirm that estimated error is less then 0.4 %.
LI-L2 -0.8972% +0.3510e, +0.0000e,,
+ 0.4400 e,, + 0.6597 e" + 0.0000ep
V. CONCLUSIONS
n -- -- I + 0.4400 e,, I + 0.6597en I + 0.0000 eo n In this paper a new methodology for fault location in
distribution power networks was proposed.
This methodology is based on the Clarke-Concordia
transformation and eigenvalue approach, used as a data
processing method. For the decision method it is used an
artificial neural network.
The main characteristics of the presented methodology are:
Reduced number of input signals;
Recognition of the faults type and identification of
, faulty line or lines;
Independence of the fault presence at the moment of the
analysis, (off-line operation);
Independence of noise, since the methodology is based
on ANN and in comparing patterns. Thus filtering can
be avoided.
Simulation results have been presented, showing the
effectiveness of the proposed technique for the correct Fault
Location.

0 01 02 0.) 0.4 os 06 07 0.8 OD 1

EISdYI

VI. REFERENCES
Fig. 3. Distance versus "eigenvalue", real value.
[I] A. Poeltl, K. Frohlich "Two New Methods for Very Fast Fault Type
Detection by Means of Parameter Fitting and Artificial Neural
Networks". IEEE Trans. on Power Delivery. Val. 14, N" 4, October
1999, pp. 1269.1275.
[Z] 2. Chen, J.C. Maun: "Artificial Neural Network Approach to Single-
Ended Fault Locator for Transmission Lincs". IEEE Trans. on Power
Systems. Vol. 15, N" 1, February 2000, pp. 370-375.
[3] D. V. Coury, D. C. Jorge; "Artificial Neural Network Approach to
Distance Protection of Transmission Line". IEEE Trans. on Power
Delivery; Vol. 13, N" I . Jan 1998, pp. 102-108.
[4] Aggarwal, Xuan, Dum, Johns, Benne: "A Novel Fault Classification
Techique far Double-circuit lines Based on a Combined
Unrupervisedirupcrvised Neural Network. IEEE Trans. on Power
Delivery; Vol. 14, No4, October 1999, pp. 1250-1256
[5] Jun Zhu, David L. Lubkeman, Adly A.Girgis; "Automated Fault
Loeation and Diagnosis on Electric Power Distribution Feeders". IEEE
Trans. on Power Systems; Vol. 12, No 2, April 1997, pp. 801-809.
[6] Huisheng Wang, W. W. L. Keetthipala; "Fuuy-Neum Approach to
F a d l Classification for Transmission Line Protection". IEEE Trans. on
PawerDeliveryVol. 13, N"4, 1998,pp. 1093-1104.
[7] Huben Podvin; "Fault location .on MV networks". PMAPS' 2000
Fig. 4. Distance versus "eigenvalue" after ANN application September 2000, pp. 6.
[8] Brandao Faria, J.A.; "Application of Clarke's Transformation to the
Modal Analysis of Asvmmenical Sinele-Circuit Three-phase Line
I

The percentage of error E is calculated as Configurations". ETEP European Trans. on Electrical Power, Vol. IO,
"4, JulyiAugust 2000, pp. 225-231.
191 C. V. Jones: "The unified theory of electiical machines". Plenum Press,
1967.

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 VU. BIOGRAPHIES

L. Sousa Martins graduated in Electrical Engineering

from the lnstituto Superior Tknico (IST). Thecnical
University of Lisbon, Lisbon. Ponugal, in 1975 and
received the Msc. Degree in Electrical and Computer
Engineering from IST in 1989. At the present date
preparing his Doctor degree.
His employment experience included thc Siderurgia
Nacional, Portugal, and Voest Alpine, Angola.
He is an Associate Professor at the Depanment of
Electrical Engineering, Escola Superior de Tecnolagia
de Setdbal (ESTS), lnstituto P o l i t h i c a de Setubal, SetGbal, Portugal. since
1991. His primary areas of interest are in electric power networks. design and
protection, electrical installations. Presently engaged in research on advanced
power systems protections.

J. F. Martins graduated in Electrical Engineering

from the InStituto Superior Tknico (IST), Thecnical
University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal, in 1990. He
obtained his M.Sc. in electrical engineering at the
same institute in 1996. He is finishing his Ph.D.
dissertation in electrical engineering, in the
application of grammatical inference learning
algorithms and cellular automata within drive systems,
at the IST.
He is currently Adjoint Professor in the Dcpartment of Electrical
Engineering at Escola Superior de Tecnologia I lnstituto Politicnico de
Setljbal. He is a150 with the Mechatronics Laboratory.
His research areas are in ~ontrnlof electrical drives, advanced learning
contml techniqucs for electromechanical systems and non-linear systcms.
He has published articles in international scientific journals such as the
IEEE Tmnr. On Industrid Electronics and Pollen! Recognilioa Letter*.

1 V. Fernso Pires received the B.S. degree in Electrical

Engineering from hstitufe Superior of Engineering of
Lisbon, Portugal, in 1988 and the M.S. and P h D
Degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from
Technical University of Lisbon, Ponugal, in 1995 and
2000, respectively.
Since 1991 he is a member of the teaching staff at
Electrical Engineering Department of Superior
Technical School of Setljbal Polytechnic Institute of
~

Setljbal. Presently he i s a Professor, teaching Power Electronics and Contrnl

of Power Converters. He is also researcher at Centm de Automdtica ofUTL.
His present research interests are in l h e areas of Low-Distortion Rectifier
topologies, Converter Control, Modeling and Simulation.

C.M. Alrgrh graduated in Electrical Engineering from

the h t i t u t o Superior Tbcnico (IST), Theenical
University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal, in 1975 and
received the Msc. and Ph.D. Degrees in Eleclncal
Engineering from Imperial College, University of
London, in I976 and 1980.
He i s Professor at the Department of Electrical
Engineering. lnstitulo Superior TCcnico of Lisbon
Portugal, since I977

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