This paper presents an improved fault location method based on the travelin
g wave theory of the transmission lines. Fault transients recorded at one e
nd of a transmission line are processed to determine the distance from the
fault location. Wavelet transform is utilized for this purpose. The propose
d method also takes advantage of the different travel times of the modal co
mponents in differentiating between dose-in and remote end faults. The appr
oach has the advantages of being independent of the fault impedance, mutual
coupling effects and series compensation capacitors. The method's performa
nce for typical faults is illustrated using transient simulations obtained
by an electromagnetic transients program. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al
l rights reserved.