Challenges and Perspectives in Conductor Break Detection in Distribution Grids with Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20873/uft.2675-3588.2026.v7n1.p41-50Keywords:
Conductor Break Faults, Distribution Networks, Electric Vehicles (EVs), Fault Detection, Power System Protection, Smart GridsAbstract
The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is transforming power distribution systems by introducing new operational complexities and protection challenges. Among these, the reliable detection of broken conductor faults (CB) has become critical to ensure grid safety and stability. Unlike short-circuit faults, CB often generate low fault currents, rendering traditional overcurrent-based protection schemes inadequate. The integration of EVs further complicates detection due to their mobile nature, bidirectional power flows, and the widespread use of power electronic converters, all of which introduce significant voltage and current fluctuations. This paper presents a comprehensive bibliographic review of conductor break fault detection in the context of EV-integrated distribution grids. We begin with an overview of fundamental concepts and proceed to analyze both conventional and advanced detection techniques, with a particular emphasis on recent developments leveraging signal processing and machine learning. The influence of EV loads on fault characteristics is critically examined, followed by a comparative analysis of detection approaches. Finally, we identify current technical challenges and outline future research directions, highlighting the need for adaptive, real-time protection strategies capable of addressing the complexities introduced by large-scale EV integration into distribution networks.
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Copyright (c) 2025 João Pedro Ferraz Mourão Maya Barbosa, Murilo de Ávila Dilli, Jadiel Caparrós da Silva
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