Use Case

Detecting Ground Faults

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Distance-to-fault calculations in Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS) are more accurate when line sensors combine fault magnitudes with fault type identification. Fault type identification is important because line-to-line faults will have different fault magnitudes than line-to-line-to-ground faults in the same location. If the ADMS incorrectly assumes inclusion of the ground in a fault the calculated fault location could be significantly off compared to a line-to-line fault. This will lead to extended fault restoration times as field crews search for the actual fault location.

Sentient Energy Line Sensors

Sentient Energy’s intelligent line sensors can be added to distribution system at locations where increased visibility is beneficial. New sensor locations can break long feeders into smaller patrol segments. Sensors can bracket hard to patrol areas and enable monitoring of laterals. With data from more locations the ADMS can zero in on the actual fault location, especially if the data is accurate and complete.
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How It Works

Sentient Energy’s MM3TM overhead line sensors not only detect faults and provide accurate fault magnitudes, but they identify fault types to improve accuracy of ADMS distance-to-fault calculations. These sensors offer:
  1. Accurate fault magnitude measurements – Sentient Energy MM3 line sensors accurately capture peak fault current magnitude up to 10kA within 2% accuracy.
  2. Identification of ground faults – MM3 sensors and Ample® can distinguish between line-to-line and line-to-line-to-ground faults. Depending on the feeder, this distinction can significantly improve fault location.
  3. Support for dual DNP1 Masters – Sentient Energy sensors can report DNP data directly to an ADMS in addition to the Ample Analytics Platform. Ample provides sensor management capabilities plus waveform visualization.

Results

Sentient Energy intelligent line sensors have been proven in the field to improve the effectiveness of
ADMS distance to fault calculations used to help crews locate faults quickly and for automated ADMS fault
isolation and restoration schemes.

1 DNP/IEC 60870-5-104 through concentrator

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