Bargwanna, Matthew (2023) Operational Implementation of Broken Conductor Detection Method to Mitigate Wires Down Events. [USQ Project]
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Abstract
Power system broken conductor events typically occur due to failed aged assets or environmental factors like storms or car accidents involving power poles. Consequently, such events pose significant risk to public safety and reduce network reliability with many inherent factors contributing to the challenges faced by utilities in managing these difficult faults. Regulatory drivers and asset management principles are encouraging utilities to find solutions using innovative processes to mitigate downed conductor risk. Ausgrid have embarked on a trial to implement a detection method based on voltage magnitude which triggers an alarm if certain parameters are met, indicating a broken conductor event.
Literature identifies many proposed detection methods for broken conductors or phase discontinuities that can be broadly categorised into voltage, current or harmonic based alternatives. This project considers several variations available and evaluates the candidate method and algorithm to be integrated into existing network telemetry. An overview of fault analysis theory is provided with focus on voltage and current quantities for open circuit faults. A model was developed using Simulink® to support the candidate method through simulation of various broken conductor scenarios found on Ausgrid overhead 11kV radial feeder systems. Simulation results were validated against previous modelling conducted in Electromagnetic Transients Program (EMPT®) and expected values based on fault analysis theory and delta-star transformer phenomena.
Findings suggest typical broken conductor scenarios can be modelled using the candidate method and obtained results are reproducible across various software applications. As such, analysis indicates the developed algorithm is task appropriate and able to achieve successful detection of broken conductor events using measured changes in voltage magnitude. Ausgrid’s trial is ongoing with teams currently working on system integration, testing and deployment.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Engineering (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Ahfock, Tony |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Sep 2025 05:08 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Sep 2025 05:08 |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52926 |
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