Traveling wave-based fault locators: Performance analysis in series-compensated transmission lines

In this paper, the performances of one-ended and two-ended traveling wave (TW)-based fault location techniques in series compensated transmission lines (SCTLs) are thoroughly investigated, highlighting the impact of the series capacitors (SCs) and their associated overvoltage protection on such routines. To do so, a diversity of fault simulations were carried out on a realistic Alternative Transients Program (ATP) power system model of a 500 kV/60 Hz double-circuit SCTL located in the north region of Brazil. From the carried out studies, it is demonstrated that the two-ended algorithm is not impacted when the SCs are installed at the line ends, but the single-ended routines based on correlation functions are more affected by the SCs banks, even though some promising results may be obtained depending on their adjustments. •Novel sensitivity analyses of TW-based functions on series-compensated lines.•Investigation on the performance of one- and two-ended TW-based fault locators.•Analysis considering a realistic power system model with SCs, SVCs, DC lines etc.•Points out the need of new adjustments for one-ended applications in SCTLs.•Addresses the challenges and viability of using TW-based fault locators in SCTLs.