A Signal Processing Framework for DAS-Based Detection and Localization of Weak Acoustic Events on OPGW Fiber: A Cyber-Physical Resilience Approach for High-Impedance Arc Fault Detection

The increasing penetration of renewable energy sources and the growing complexity of modern power distribution networks have introduced new challenges in fault detection, particularly for High-Impedance Arc Faults (HIFs). These faults are difficult to detect using conventional protection schemes due to their low fault current magnitude and highly nonlinear characteristics. This paper proposes a novel signal processing framework for the detection and localization of HIFs using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology deployed on Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) fibers. The proposed approach leverages the mechanical vibrations generated by the arc fault, which propagate along the fiber and are captured by the DAS system as weak acoustic events. A comprehensive simulation framework is developed, including the IEEE ۳۳-bus distribution network, a detailed HIF model with nonlinear arc characteristics, and a full wave propagation model on a ۵ km OPGW fiber. The fault current signal is analyzed in both time and frequency domains, and an energy envelope-based localization algorithm is applied to the DAS data. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a localization error of only ۱۳.۹۵ meters (۰.۲۷۹% of the fiber length), confirming the effectiveness of DAS technology for HIF monitoring. The proposed framework offers a cyber-physical resilience approach by providing an independent, attack-resistant monitoring layer that enhances the situational awareness and reliability of smart grids

کلیدواژه ها:

Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) ، Signal Processing ، OPGW Fiber ، Cyber-Physical Resilience ، High-Impedance Arc Fault (HIF) ، Fault location