IOSR Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IOSR-JEEE)

e-ISSN: 2278-1676,p-ISSN: 2320-3331, Volume 13, Issue 3 Ver. I (May. – June. 2018), PP 43-51
www.iosrjournals.org

Modeling and Simulation of Faults in Distribution Network

System Using MATLAB/Simulink
1Dauda A. Folarin, 2Japhet D. Sakala, 3Edwin Matlotse&
4Mandu A. Gasennelwe-Jeffrey
Department of Electrical Engineering,Faculty of Engineering and Technology,
University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
Corresponding Author: Dauda A. Folarin

Abstract: This study presents the detail integration of faults in distribution network systems (DNS). Simulation
and modeling is carried out using MATLAB/Simulink software package. The suggested model is user friendly
and can be used as a common platform for both control and power system engineers. The proposed model is
very simple, fast and precise. A detailed modeling technique is presented. Ede distribution Business Hub of
Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) of Osun Region, South West, Nigeria is used for the
modeling. This network contains two feeders that is: Ede Township feeder and Ede Cottage feeder. The
designed model is used to validate the results of reliability appraisal from the data of IBEDC to justify the need
to transform from the long century present traditional grid to smart distribution grid. The results of simulation
shows from the waveform display that various contests facing centralized traditional distribution grid need
modern technologies to shift to decentralized smart distribution grid for smooth distribution of power system to
ensure an improved quality and reliability.
Keywords: Fault, DNS, Simulation and modeling, MATLAB/Simulink, IBEDC, reliability appraisal.
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Date of Submission: 08-05-2018 Date of acceptance: 24-05-2018
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I. Introduction
The economic growth and development of a country depends greatly on the reliability and quality of
the electric power supply [1]. The last decade in Nigeria witnessed huge investment in expanding the generation
capacity and increasing the transmission lines. However, regardless of the significant function of Electric power
distribution system in the conveyance of electricity, the system have generally grown in an unplanned manner
resulting in high technical and commercial losses in addition to poor quality of power[2]. As stated by Ogujor,
[3], the Nigerian electric power distribution system (EPDS) as a developing one is horizontally characterized by
very long radial circuits, undersized distribution conductors and various other factors that affect reliability. The
power distribution network is characterized with a number of distribution substations positioned over a huge
geographical area which is susceptible to faults occasioned by wind storms, lightning, rain, insulation
breakdown, overloading and short circuits. According to Car, distribution lines experience faults more
frequently than the faults experienced by other power system facilities [4].

II. Distribution System Faults

Distribution networks of an electric power system connect bulk sources of energy to customers'
services. Distribution lines are generally operated in radial mode with loads tapped along the lines; which could
be single or three-phase taps. The substation transformer steps the voltage down to 415V. It is projected that
80% of all interruptions occur due to failures in distribution systems [5, 6, and 7]. Faults situation are
unexpected strange change to the normal circuit arrangement [1] that results in energy being dissipated in
manner other the serving of the intended load [8]. The circuit quantities, current and voltage, will alter, and the
circuit will pass through a transient state to a steady state. In the transient state, the initial magnitude of the fault
current will depend upon the point on the voltage wave at which the fault occurs. The decay of the transient
condition, until it merges into steady state, is a function of the parameters of the circuit elements [1]. The
different types of faults that occur in a network can be classified in threemajor groups [1, 10]: short circuit
faults; open circuited faults and simultaneous faults. Simultaneous faults are a combination of the two groups
described above. The most dangerous phenomenon is normally the high current that occurs at a short circuit.
The magnitude of the fault current is dependent on what type of fault that occurs [1]. The faults have different
possible origin which includes electric, climatologic and human activity or error.

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 Modeling And Simulation Of Faults In Distribution Network System

Short Circuit Faults

Short circuit is the unplanned or intentional conductive linking through a relatively low resistance or
impedance between two or more points of a circuit which are generally at different potentials [1, 6, and 10].
When short-circuit take place in an installation served by a distribution network (far from the generator), a short
circuit current consisting of two components-the transient aperiodic component and steady state sinusoidal
component will flow [6]. The aperiodic components decay towards zero. On three-phase power systems, there
are ten separate possible shunt faults types [9] which involves single phase, two phase and three phase. These
are categorized in the following four groups [7]:
(i) Single - phase - to - ground faults
(ii) Two - Phase - to - ground faults
(iii) Phase - to - phase faults
(iv) Three - phase faults.

Single-phase-to-ground faults
The following three types of single-phase-to-ground faults as shown Fig. no.1 occurred in Electrical Power
Distribution System [1, 7]: a) Phase R-to-ground fault; b) Phase B-to-ground fault and
c) Phase Y-to-ground fault.

Two-phase-to-ground faults
The following three types of Two-phase-to-ground faults are defined [11] as shown in Fig.no. 2.
a) Phase R and phase B-to-ground fault;
b) Phase B and phase Y-to-ground fault and
c) Phase Y and phase R-to-ground fault.

Phase-to-phase faults
The three types of phase-to-phase faults that can be experienced on three phase lines as shown in Fig. no. 3 are
as follows [11].a) Phase R-to-phase B fault; b) Phase R-to-phase Y fault and c) Phase B-to-phase Y fault.

Three phase short circuit faults

According to [12], a 3-phase short circuit faults also known as symmetrical or balanced fault implies that all
three phases of the power system are simultaneously short-circuited to each other through a direct or "bolted"
connection. These faults can be with or without ground as shown in Fig. no. 4. The three phase faults give the
highest short circuit currents and play pivotal role in short circuit calculations for the selection of protective
devices [1].

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 Modeling And Simulation Of Faults In Distribution Network System

(a) (b)
Figure no. 4: Three Phase faults experienced on three-phase lines

III. Methodology
The environment in which we build our simulation model was MATLAB. The name MATLAB stands
for matrix laboratory. MATLAB, developed by MathWorks Inc., is a software package for high performance
numerical computation and visualization. The combination of analysis capabilities, flexibility, reliability, and
powerful graphics makes MATLAB the premier software package for scientific researchers. MATLAB provides
an interactive environment with hundreds of reliable and accurate built-in mathematical functions [13, 16].
These functions provide solutions to a broad range of mathematical problems including matrix algebra,
complex arithmetic, linear systems, differential equations, signal processing, optimization, nonlinear systems,
and many other types of scientific computations. The most important feature of MATLAB is its programming
capability, which is very easy to learn and to use, and which allows user-developed functions. It also allows
access to FORTRAN algorithms and C codes by means of external interfaces. There are several optional
toolboxes written for special applications such as signal processing, control systems design, system
identification, statistics, neural networks, fuzzy logic, symbolic computations, and others. MATLAB has been
enhanced by the very powerful Simulink program [13, 16].
Simulink is a software package for modeling, simulating, and analyzing dynamical systems. It supports
linear and nonlinear systems, modeled in continuous time, sampled time, or a hybrid of the two. Systems can
also be multi-rate, i.e., have different parts that are sampled or updated at different rates. For modeling,
Simulink provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for building models as block diagrams, using click-and-drag
mouse operations. With this interface, you can draw the models just as you would with pencil and paper (or as
most textbooks depict them). Simulink includes a comprehensive block library of sinks, sources, linear and
nonlinear components, and connectors [14]. You can also customize and create your own blocks Models are
hierarchical.
This approach provides insight into how a model is organized and how its parts interact. After you
define a model, you can simulate it, using a choice of integration methods, either from the Simulink menus or
by entering commands in MATLAB's command window [14]. The menus are particularly convenient for
interactive work, while the command-line approach is very useful for running a batch of simulations (for
example, if you are doing Monte Carlo simulations or want to sweep a parameter across a range of values).
Using scopes and other display blocks, you can see the simulation results while the simulation is running. In
addition, you can change parameters and immediately see what happens, for "what if" exploration. The
simulation results can be put in the MATLAB workspace for post processing and visualization. And because
MATLAB and Simulink are integrated, you can simulate, analyze, and revise your models in either environment
at any point. [13, 16].

Simulating faults in Simulink MATLAB

The model has been produced with a toolbox of MATLAB/SIMULINK called Sim Power Systems. To
be able to simulate a fault in any point of any line, it is essential to model every line with two blocks, the first

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 Modeling And Simulation Of Faults In Distribution Network System

will have the distance equal to the distance from the commencement of the line to the fault and the second will
have a distance equal to the total length of the line minus the fault distance. Loads were coupled at the nodes to
reproduce a real-life environment. Generally electric lines are modeled with the sequential impedance and the
parallel admittance. As the lines are short, the parallel are omitted. All the required parameters to build the
model of the line are known: topology (as shown in table no. 1), section lengths, section unitary impedances,
transformer nominal powers. Faults were simulated at different positions on the 415V overhead lines as shown
in figure 5. The parameters of the line were adjusted at constant intervals.
The simulated faults as shown in figure no. 5 are:
a) Single phase short circuit fault with ground;
b) Phase - phase short circuit fault;
c) Two - phase short circuit fault with ground and
d) Three - phase short circuit fault with ground;

IV. Analysis and Discussion of Results

From the above results, it is obvious that the behavior of the system was successfully described using
the suggested simulation methodology. It is also important to mention that this simulation method provides the
ability to change the different system parameters to create new environment and hence, new simulation
scenarios. This new simulation methodology proves the ability of the Simulink MATLAB to be a useful and
flexible approach to study the effect of integration of faults into existing DNS. Below is the detail algorithm use
to carry out modeling of faults in DNS.
Algorithm for Modelling on MATLAB/Simulink is detail in [16].

Table no. 1: Parameters Used For Modeling Distribution Network (Source: Osun Region Of Ibedc)
S/N ITEMS BOOK DESCRIPTION PARAMETERS USED FOR MODEL
1 5T5 Step down transformer at the  Phase to phase voltage(v) =132kV
60MVA National Control Center  Phase angle of phase A =0o
132/33kv (Osogbo Nigeria)  Phaseangle of phase B = -120o
 Phase angle of Phase c = 120o
 Frequency = 50Hz
 3 phase Short circuit level of base voltage (VA) = 100MVA
 Base voltage (Vrms phase to phase) = 25kV
 ×/r = 7
 Generator type Swing
2 Ede town feeder & The main feeder serving some  Parameters on each feeder
cottage feeder of the town (distribution  Normal power: 15MVA
network) frequency : 50Hz

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 Modeling And Simulation Of Faults In Distribution Network System

 Winding 1 parameters
V1 ph-ph(Vrms) =1.32×10 5 V
R1(pu) = 0.014882
L1 (pu) = 0. 49608
 Winding 2 parameters
V2 ph-ph (Vrms) = 33×103
R2(pu) = 0.43736
L2(pu) = 1.4579
 Magnetization resistance Rm(pu) = 500
 Magnetization inductance Lm(pu) = 500
3 Distributed Line The transmission line between  Number of phase(N) = 3
parameters the power source(NCC) to  Frequency (f) = 50Hz
the various loads on  Resistance/unit length(Ω/Km) = [N×N]matrix
distribution network( [0.01273 0.3864]
destination)  Inductance/ unit length(H/km) = [N×N] matrix
[0.9337 ×10-3 4.1264×2×103]

Conductance /Unit length (f/km)[N×N]matrix [12.74 × 10 9
7.751×10 9]
 Length of line(km) = 20 & 50.2 respectively 20 & 50.2
respectively
4 V.I measurement Ideal for 3 phase voltage  Voltage measurements = phase to ground
block and current measurements  Base power(VA) = 100MVA
 Normal voltage measurement(pu) (Vrms phase to phase ) =
500MV
5 Distribution the transformer step down the  Note; All measurement in (pu)
transformer voltage to consumable  Normal Power (VA) = 5×103
(Typical voltage (415V)  Frequency: 50Hz
Substation)  Winding 1 parameter
V1 (ph-ph) Vrms = 11kV
R1(pu) = 0.51529
L1 (pu)1.9843
 Winding 2 parameters
V2 (ph-ph) Vrms = 0.415kv
R2(pu) = 0.0984021
L2(pu) = 3.2801
 Magnetization resistance Rm(pu) = 500
 Magnetization inductance Lm(pu) = 500
6 Phase to Phase The block model represent The  Fault resistance(Ω) = 0.001
Fault fault with phase to phase  Transform status [1 0 ]
fault characteristics  Translation [1/60 3/60]
 Snubber Resistance [Ω] =1×106
7 Two phase to The block model represent  Fault resistance(Ω) = 0.001
ground fault the fault with two phase  Transform status [1 0 ]
to ground characteristic  Translation [1/60 3/60]
 Snubber Resistance [Ω] =1×106
8 Single Phase With Fault model with single phase to  Fault resistance(Ω) = 0.001
Ground Fault ground fault characteristic  Transform status [1 0 ]
 Translation [1/60 3/60]
 Snubber Resistance [Ω] =1×106
 Snubber capacitance Cp (farad) =inf

9 Three Phase To Three phase fault characteristics  Fault resistance(Ω) = 0.001

Ground Fault  Transform status [1 0 ]
 Translation [1/60 3/60]
 Snubber Resistance [Ω] =1×106
 Snubber capacitance Cp (farad) = inf .

10 Typical Load On The model represent the load on  Normal voltage ph to ph =11kV
the Network each of the substation it  Normal frequency =50Hz
represents the resistance,  Active power 10×106 W
capacitive and inductive load  Inductive reactive power 2.5×106Var.
on the network  Capacitive reactive power =100 Var
 Type of load = constant z

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 Modeling And Simulation Of Faults In Distribution Network System

V. Results of Faults Simulation

The waveforms for the various categories of faults are shown in Figures no. 6 to no. 10.

Figure no. 6: Waveform Results of Vabc and Iabc of modeled Single phase with ground fault

Figure no. 7: Waveform Results of Vabc and Iabc of modeled phase to phase fault

Figure no. 8: Waveform results of Vabc and Iabc of modeled two phase with ground fault

Figure no. 9: Waveform results of Vabc and Iabc of modeled three phase with ground fault
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 Modeling And Simulation Of Faults In Distribution Network System

Figure no. 10: Waveform result of source Voltage with fault

VI.Discussion of Results
Single Phase Fault to ground
The single phase fault to ground lead to distortion on one of the three phases as shown in Figure no. 6,
however, this is prominent on yellow phase. Although, the effect is not so adverse. The single phase fault on the
yellow phase result to some interruptions on the phase, it also has some effect on the other phase. However, over
certain time lag, the fault is cleared off and waveforms become normal as shown on the simulation result
obtained.

From Figure no. 6:

1 division = 0.025 s
1 complete cycle = 10 divisions
1 cycle = 0.025 * 10
= 0.25s.
Duration of interruption Ri = 60 * 0.25
= 15
No of Customer served Nt = 38185
No of interrupted Customers Ni = 1:4 = 38185/5
= 7637
Sum of Customer Interruption Durations = 15x 7637
= 114555
SAIDI = NiRi/Nt
= 114555/38185 = 3.0
SAIFI = 5
CAID = 3.0/5 = 0.6
ASAI = 1- [(114555/ (38185*24)]
= 0.88

Two Phase to Ground Faults

From Figure no. 7:
Duration of interruptions = 0.2x60
= 12
No of interrupted Customers Ni = 38185/6
= 6364
Sum of Customer interruption = 12 * 6364
= 76368
SAIDI = 76368/38185 = 1.999995
SAIFI = 6
CAIDI = 1.999995/6
= 0.3333
ASAI = 1-[(76368/38185*24)]
= 0.916

Phase to Phase Faults

From Figure no. 8:
Duration of interruption = 0.15 * 60 =9.0
No of interrupted customers = 38185/8 = 4773
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 Modeling And Simulation Of Faults In Distribution Network System

Sum of Customer interruption = 9*4773 = 42957

SAIDI = 42957/38185 = 1.125
SAIFI = 8
CAIDI = 1.125/8 = 0.0134
ASAI = 1-[(42957/38185 * 24)]
= 0.9531

Three Phase to Ground

From Figure no. 9:
Duration of interruption = 0.18 * 60
= 10.8
No of interrupted customers Ni = 1:3
= 38185/4 = 9546
Sum of customer interruption = 10.8 * 9546
= 103096.8
SAIDI = 103096.8/38185
= 2.7
SAIFI = 4
CAIDI = 2.7/4 = 0.675
ASAI = 1-[(103096.8/ (38185*24)]
= 0.8875

Source Voltage waveform with fault

Figure no. 10 shows waveform of the source voltage from National Control Centre (NCC). The
waveforms are observed not to smooth neither are they accurate. We observed some sparks and distortion. This
indicates that the overall power quality from the source have been distorted as a result of interruptions due to the
combination of different types of line faults on the system. This has validated results obtained in appraisal of
reliability using data from IBEDC, Osun region in [15] on 33kV Ede Water Works feeder. Practically this is
what happen on the distribution network. This justify the need to make the system return to approximately ideal
state All the above waveforms are results of the modeled Ede feeders that are modeled on MATLAB/Simulink
to validate the results obtained with data gathered from Osun region of IBEDC, South West, Nigeria in [15].

For Figure no. 10; 33kV Water Works Feeder;

No of Customer served = 58513
Duration of interruptions = 2.0 * 60
= 120
No of interrupted customers Ni = 58513/20
= 2925
Sum of interruption customers = 120* 2925
= 351000

SAIDI = 26325/58513
= 5.9987
SAIFI = 20
CAIDI = 5.9987/20
= 0.29993
ASAI = 1-[(351000/ (58513*24)]
= 0.7500.

VII. Conclusion
In this paper, a new simulation methodology of faults incorporation into distribution networks was
presented. MATLAB/Simulink was used as the tool to build the simulation environment. The strength of this
simulation method falls in the ability to study the effect of different kind of faults on the system behavior. The
other advantage of this method is its flexibility in building different kind of faults and ability to appraise the
gravity of effect on network systems and assist to validate the results of reliability appraisal using real data from
IBEDC. This simulation methodology could be used to build different fault types and opens the doors to use the
MATLAB in this new field.

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Electrical and Electronics Engineers, (IOSR - JEEE) Volume 13, Issue 2 Ver. I (Mar. – Apr. 2018), PP 57-65 www.iosrjournals.org

IOSR Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IOSR-JEEE) is UGC approved Journal with Sl.
No. 4198, Journal no. 45125.

Dauda A. Folarin “Modeling and Simulation of Faults in Distribution Network System Using
MATLAB/Simulink." IOSR Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IOSR-JEEE) 12.3
(2018): 43-51.

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