High Impedance Fault Area Location in Distribution Systems Based on Current Zero Sequence Component

This paper presents a new methodology for detection and area location of high impedance faults (HIF) on unbalanced distribution systems. The method is called Quasi-Differential Zero Sequence Protection (PQDSZ) and it detects these faults by analyzing the current zero sequence rms value on a distribution feeder. The detection relies on a differential area, defined by two points of measurement. The data is sent to a control center, which analyzes the relation between the received currents and send an alarm if any problem is detected. A simulation system with the RTDS and real automation equipment is presented, in order to validate the PQDSZ.