Detection of Series Arc Faults Through Power Variation Analysis in the Frequency Domain

In this study, we analyzed power signal characteristics under series arc fault conditions, which can occur due to poor connections or deteriorated wiring, posing significant risks to electrical systems. The research focused on examining power fluctuations caused by series arcs under controlled experimental conditions, using test specimens that simulate arc fault scenarios. Voltage and current signals were sampled at 20 kHz, enabling detailed harmonic analysis. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) was applied to extract harmonic components within the 0-10 kHz range, specifically targeting multiples of 60 Hz. Active power (P) and reactive power (Q) were calculated for each cycle, and the results were normalized using apparent power (S) from steady-state conditions without arc faults. The analysis of power variations between successive cycles revealed distinct fluctuations linked to arc faults, providing insights into the development of more effective power signal analysis and detection techniques.