Application of synchronized phasor measurements in RPA devices of distribution networks

The paper discusses the efficiency of RPA devices application with support of synchronized phasor measurements (SPM) at the step-down substations and in 6-20 kV distribution networks. The main part of the paper presents a description of the algorithm developed by the authors for determining the damaged cable line during single-phase ground faults (SGF) in 6-20 kV distribution networks with compensated and isolated neutral. The proposed algorithm makes it possible to realize reliable, fast-acting, and selective SGF protection in distribution cable networks acting either on a signal or on a trip. Based on the SGF protection using SPM, an SGF localization system can be created. This makes it easier to find a damaged cable line in the distribution network. The report presents the conditions for the application of this algorithm, which ensure the stability and reliability of its operation under various parameters of the network. The paper authors propose options for improving the SGF protection algorithm, which allows expanding the field of its application. The results of virtual modeling confirm the effectiveness of SGF protection based on the SPM using the developed algorithm. The final part of the paper contains examples demonstrating other areas of SPM application for RPA devices of step-down transformers, substations, cable distribution networks.