Binary search for three-phase fault location in low voltage distribution systems using smart meters' last gasp functionality

Energy systems are experiencing a period of rapid evolution. The digital transition allows connectivity and automatization of several sub-optimal tasks. Nevertheless, most energy distribution systems lack efficient and automated outage management systems that provide alarms and event notifications for different fault types, especially when no power is available to smart meters after a sustained three-phase fault. Most of the time the fault location is defined by customers' calls. As an alternative, we propose a binary search algorithm for three-phase fault location based on smart meters with radio mesh communication capabilities. A virtual environment is used to evaluate the proposed method. The results show a better performance of the binary search compared with a linear search method without significant location errors. Several challenges were accounted for, such as the hidden terminal problem and the collision of messages when a burst of last gasp signals is transmitted through a wireless link. The proposal validates the feasibility of outage management systems that provide fault locations based on smart meters' last gaps signals. The solution can be deployed in a similar infrastructure with minor investments in telecommunication apparatus.