FPGA implementation for fault detection on a power transmission lines

Abstract

Transmission lines are designed to transfer electric power from source locations to distribution networks. However, their lengths are exposed to various faults. Protective relay and fault recorder systems, based on fundamental power frequency signals, are installed to isolate and the faulty line and provide the fault position. However, the error is high especially in transmission lines. In this study presents an approach to the problem of fault detection in transmission line by using FPGA. The idea is to use concepts from signal processing and wavelet theory using C++ code to create sensitive fault detection. The output signal of the speed deviations of generator are taken as the input for wavelet analysis. By using Quartus II software and Nios II software the C++ code run in FPGA (DE2) board where the “oscillation signatures” are recorded using Multi Resolution Analysis (MRA) Wavelet Transform. The MRA decomposes the signal where the components are analyzed in the FPGA for their energy content and characteristic and then used as a feature for different classes and locations of the fault. The output of FPGA is saved in mat file and also fed to the Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) using Matlab Mfile program to give the location and classification of the fault. Then, test the system by Adding noise to the data and run the PPN algorithm. The approach described in this study does not depend on the availability of an accurate mathematical model. Hence it is expected to be robust and of wide applicability. Therefore, this study will show that FPGA can be used to be a new approach to fault detection on power transmission lines.