System Ground-Fault Identification and Detection

Cornerstone Research Group Inc. (CRG) and the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) propose to develop a System Ground-Fault Identification and Detection (SG-FIND) platform for naval shipboard three-phase radial power systems. These ungrounded and high-resistance grounded power systems allow for continued operation with a single line fault; however, a second line fault on another phase presents a line-to-line fault and loss of service to potentially critical loads. Current manual methods to identify and locate ground faults are tedious, labor-intensive, and cumbersome to carry out. The slow process of elimination via isolation of individual branches to identify and isolate a fault is not always effective nor efficient. Leveraging experience with power systems development and analysis, the team will assess technologies for ground fault detection and ground fault localization. CRG and UDRI will perform research and experiments to close knowledge gaps and mitigate technical risks for ground fault detection and ground fault localization of both ungrounded power systems and high-resistance grounded power systems on Navy ships. The ability to reliably detect and localize ground faults will facilitate prompt remediation and significantly improve efficiency and safety by mitigating the risk for loss of power to both essential and mission critical equipment.