Robust Fault Location Method for Topologically Complex Distribution Networks

In recent years, electromagnetic time reversal techniques have emerged as a promising approach for locating faults in power networks. However, to date, these methods have typically considered relatively simple network topologies and low-impedance faults, which restricts their application. To overcome these limitations, this article proposes a novel fault location method using a new expression for the measured voltage, obtained by combining prefault and postfault systems into a unified system, which is applicable to more complex distribution network topologies. Extensive simulation studies are carried out using a topologically complex network that loosely represents a real medium voltage distribution network in Australia. The results show that the proposed method significantly outperforms prior methods in terms of fault location accuracy.