Deep learning-based fault location of DC distribution networks

Compared with AC distribution networks, DC ones have a number of advantages. Intensive connections of distributed renewable energy can lead to large amount of power electronic converters and complex models. Underground cable is widely used in DC distribution networks. Accurate location of faults can help engineers find the fault points and shorten the time of maintenance. In DC distribution networks, where only a few measuring units are equipped and low sampling rates are adopted, there is limited data used for fault location. Also, for monopole grounding fault, the fault features are sometimes unobvious for recognition. Deep learning which provides feature hierarchy can learn experiences automatically and recognise raw data as human brain does. It reveals a high potential to solve location problems in DC distribution systems. This paper proposes a depth learning based fault location for DC distribution networks. First, a DC distribution network with radiant topology is modelled, and faults are added with different parameters to simulate various scenarios in practical projects. Then, a deep neural network is generated and trained with normalised fault currents. The parameters of network are discussed according to particular application. Finally, the location performance of deep neural network is tested.