Monitoring and Fault Location Sensor Network for Underground Distribution Lines

Abstract

One of the fundamental tasks of electric distribution utilities is guaranteeing a continuous supply of electricity to their customers. The primary distribution network is a critical part of these facilities because a fault in it could affect thousands of customers. However, the complexity of this network has been increased with the irruption of distributed generation, typical in a Smart Grid and which has significantly complicated some of the analyses, making it impossible to apply traditional techniques. This problem is intensified in underground lines where access is limited. As a possible solution, this paper proposes to make a deployment of a distributed sensor network along the power lines. This network proposes taking advantage of its distributed character to support new approaches of these analyses. In this sense, this paper describes the aquiculture of the proposed network (adapted to the power grid) based on nodes that use power line communication and energy harvesting techniques. In this sense, it also describes the implementation of a real prototype that has been used in some experiments to validate this technological adaptation. Additionally, beyond a simple use for monitoring, this paper also proposes the use of this approach to solve two typical distribution system operator problems, such as: fault location and failure forecasting in power cables.

A Multinomial DGA Classifier for Incipient Fault Detection in Oil-Impregnated Power Transformers

“…Parejo et al [26] made a proposition that entailed installing a network of sensors to overlay the main power cables of the distribution network. The setup involved installing a network node in each maintenance hole along the line.…”

Multi-Parameter Optical Monitoring Solution Applied to Underground Medium-Voltage Electric Power Distribution Networks

“…In [10], the second generation of an underground sensing and monitoring system was introduced and discussed, and the results and the conclusions of the tests performed by IREQ (Hydro-Quebec, Varennes, QC, Canada) were presented. In [11], a distributed sensor network was proposed, based on several nodes deployed over underground distribution lines useful in urban environments. In [12], a monitoring system was proposed, capable of detecting and classifying the health conditions of MV (Medium-voltage) underground cables.…”

Machine Learning-Based Fault Location for Smart Distribution Networks Equipped with Micro-PMU

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