Journal Article

Fault Location in Distribution Networks Using Apparent-Inductance-Based Algorithm

Li, He, Lehtonen, Matti, Tuyishime, Silas, Toman, Petr, Muhayimana, Obed, Aljazaeri, Ali

2026

Overview

Accurate fault location is essential for rapid service restoration in distribution networks. However, modern active distribution networks (ADNs) with high penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) challenge conventional methods through multi-source fault contributions, bidirectional power flows, and converter-limited fault currents. This paper presents a time-domain fault location method for both passive distribution networks (PDNs) and ADNs, based on a three-sample apparent inductance estimator that uses local voltage and current measurements. The estimator exploits the strong correlation between line inductance and fault distance, with reduced sensitivity to fault resistance compared with classical impedance approaches. Its performance was evaluated on a 22 kV, 20 km distribution feeder, covering three fault types, four fault resistance levels (5–500 Ω), four fault locations, EN 50160 standard-compliant harmonic distortion, and DER penetration levels from 0 to 80%. Under ideal sinusoidal conditions, relative location errors remained below 2% for low-resistance faults. In ADNs, the method achieved errors below 5% for low-resistance faults across all fault types, with accuracy decreasing for high-resistance faults at high DER penetration. A sensitivity analysis confirmed robustness across the tested simulation conditions, covering the SNR, load current, THD, and DER penetration.

• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Subject: Accuracy / active distribution networks / Algorithms / apparent inductance / distributed energy resources / distribution systems / Estimates / fault location / fault resistance / Parameter estimation / Signal processing