Search

Traditional distribution networks are transforming into active distribution networks (ADNs) with the advancement of distributed generators (DGs). Break faults that lead to voltage and current imbalances and fluctuations threat the safety of sensitive power electronic equipment in ADNs. However, locating break faults in ADNs remains a challenge under the influence of DG fault polymorphism. This paper proposes a new method to locate break faults by monitoring information of DG current based on the observability of ADNs. The DG equivalent model is established based on the DG output characteristics under the presence of a single-phase break fault. The characteristics of the fault current contributed by DG are analyzed. An identification method of break faults is proposed based on the variations in DG current. Thus, a fault-locating matrix algorithm is proposed combined with current information and location information of DGs. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method can locate break faults quickly and accurately. The method is not affected by topology and changes of DG output and load.