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This paper proposes a new approach for detecting and identifying arc flash faults in power systems. The proposed approach is structured to extract the phases of transient frequency components present in arc flash fault currents. The desired phases can be extracted by processing fault currents using a modulated filter bank that is composed of high-pass finite impulse response (FIR) filters. These filters are designed by using the Kaiser window method to achieve linear phase responses. Extracting the phases of transient frequency components, present in arc flash fault currents, can provide signature information for accurate and fast detection and distinguish of an arc flash fault. The proposed phase-based approach is implemented for off-line testing to evaluate its performance. Test cases of parallel and series arch flash faults are conducted for supplying linear, nonlinear, and dynamic loads. Simulation and off-line results demonstrate the validity, accuracy, speed, and reliability of the phase-based approach to detect and distinguish arc flash faults with minor sensitivities to the load type and arch flash type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground faults are among the major causes of disrupting the safe, secure, stable, and profitable operation of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind energy conversion systems (WECSs). On one hand, minimizing the possible damage in a DFIG-based WESC, caused by ground faults, requires accurate detection and fast response of ground protective devices. On the other hand, the responses of ground protective devices are highly dependent on ground currents and potentials, especially during high-impedance ground faults. This paper investigates the influences of grounding configurations on the responses of ground protective devices used in DFIG-based WECSs during high-impedance ground faults. Investigated influences are observed through the ability of ground protective devices, used in DFIG-based WECSs, to quickly and accurately respond to high-impedance ground faults for different grounding configurations. In this paper, the solid, low-resistance, high-resistance, and open grounding configurations are tested for DFIG-based WECS in order to establish comprehensive investigations. The results of the investigations show that the responses of ground protective devices vary depending on ground fault currents, which can have different levels due to the grounding configuration. Moreover, the results of the investigations reveal that the frequency-selective grounding configuration can offer a minimum impact on the responses of ground protective devices used in DFIG-based WECSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]