Power distribution systems have underwent a lot of significant changes in the last two decades. Wide-scale integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) have made the distribution grid more resilient to abnormal conditions and severe weather induced outages. These DERs enhance the reliability of the system to bounce back from an abnormal situation rather quickly. However, the conventional notion of a radial system with unidirectional power flow does not hold true due to the addition of these DERs. Bidirectional power flow has challenged the conventional protection schemes in place. The most notable effects on the protection schemes can be seen in the field of islanding or Loss of Mains(LOM) detection and general fault identification and isolation. Adaptive protection schemes are needed to properly resolve these issues. Although, previous works in this field have dealt with this situation, a more comprehensive approach needs to be taken considering multiple topologies for developing adaptive protection schemes. The most common protective devices widely deployed in the distribution system such as overcurrent relays, reverse power relays at Point of Common Coupling(PCC), fuses, reclosers and feeder breakers need to studied in implementing these schemes. The work presented in this dissertation deals with simulation based and analytical approaches to tackle the issues of islanding and adaptive protection schemes. First we propose a multiprinciple passive islanding detection technique which relies on local PCC measurements, thus reducing the need of additional infrastructure and still ensuring limited Non Detection Zone (NDZ). The next step to islanding detection would be to sustain a islanded distribution system in order to reduce the restoration time and still supply power to critical loads. Such an approach to maintain generator load balance upon islanding detection is studied next by appropriate shedding of non-critical and low priority critical loads based upon voltage sensitivity analysis. Thereafter, adaptive protection schemes considering limited communication dependency is studied with properly assigning relay settings in directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs), which are one of the most widely deployed protective devices in distribution systems by catering to multiple topologies and contingencies. A simulation based technique is discussed first and then an analytical approach to solve the conventional optimal relay coordination problem using Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) with the usage of multiple setting groups is studied. All these approaches make the distribution more robust and resilient to system faults and ensure proper fault identification and isolation, ensuring overall safety of system. / Doctor of Philosophy / With widespread integration of inverter-based distributed energy resources (DERs) in the distribution grid, the conventional protection and control schemes no longer hold valid. The necessity of an adaptive protection scheme increases as the DER penetration in the system increases. Apart from this, changes in system topology and variability in DER generation, also change the fault current availability in the system in real-time. Hence, the protection schemes should be able to adapt to these variations and modify their settings for proper selectivity and sensitivity towards faults in the system, especially in systems with high penetration of DERs. These protection schemes need to be modified in order to properly identify and isolate faults in the network as well as correctly identify Loss of Mains (LOM) or islanding phenomenon. Special attention is needed to plan the next course of action after the islanding occurrence. Additionally, the protective devices in distribution system should be utilized to their maximum capability to create an adaptive and smart protection system. This document elaborately explains the research work pertaining to these areas.

Power generation from solar energy has significantly increased, and the growth is projected to continue in the foreseeable future. The main challenge of dealing with solar energy is its intermittent nature. The received irradiation energy of the sun on the earth's surface can fluctuate in a matter of seconds and cause voltage issues to power systems. Considering the high growth rate of solar photovoltaic (PV) resources, it is essential to be prepared to encounter and manage their high penetration levels. Currently, simplified approaches are used to model the impacts of cloud shadows on power systems. Using outdated standards also limits the penetration levels more than required. Approximately 40% of the new PV installations are residential, or installed at a low voltage level. Currently, all components between utility distribution transformers and customers/loads are either ignored or modeled with oversimplification. Furthermore, large PV systems require a considerable amount of land. However, point sensor models are currently used to simulate those systems. With a point model, the irradiance values measured at a point sensor are used to represent the output of a large PV system. However, in reality, clouds cover photovoltaic resources gradually and if the solar arrays are widespread over a large geospatial area, it takes some time for clouds to pass over the solar arrays. Finally, before 2014, participation of small-scale renewable resources was not allowed in controlling voltage. However, they can contribute significantly in voltage regulation. The main objective of this dissertation is to address the abovementioned issues in order to increase the penetration levels as well as precisely identify and locate voltage problems. A time-series analysis approach is used in modeling cloud motion. Using the time-series approach, changes of the received irradiation energy of the sun due to cloud shadows are simulated realistically with a Cloud Motion Simulator. Moreover, the use of the time-series approach allows implementation of new grid codes and standards, which is not possible using the old step change methods of simulating cloud impacts. Furthermore, all electrical components between utility transformers and customers are modeled to eliminate the inaccuracy due to using oversimplified models. Distributed PV models are also developed and used to represent large photovoltaic systems. In addition, the effectiveness of more distributed voltage control schemes compared to the traditional voltage control configurations is investigated. Inverters connect renewable energy resources to the power grid and they may use different control strategies to control voltage. Different control strategies are also compared with the current practice to investigate voltage control performance under irradiation variations. This dissertation presents a comprehensive approach to study impacts of solar PV resources. Moreover, simulation results show that by using time-series analysis and new grid codes, as well as employing distributed PV models, penetration of solar PV resources can increase significantly with no unacceptable voltage effects. It is also demonstrated that detailed secondary models are required to accurately identify locations with voltage problems. / PHD / Power generation from solar energy has significantly increased, and the growth is projected to continue in the foreseeable future. The main challenge of dealing with solar energy is its intermittent nature. The received irradiation energy of the sun on the earth’s surface can fluctuate in a matter of seconds and cause voltage issues to power systems. Considering the high growth rate of solar photovoltaic (PV) resources, it is essential to be prepared to encounter and manage their high penetration levels. Currently, simplified approaches are used to model the impacts of cloud shadows on power systems. Using outdated standards also limits the penetration levels more than required. Approximately 40% of the new PV installations are residential, or installed at a low voltage level. Currently, all components between utility distribution transformers and customers/loads are either ignored or modeled with oversimplification. Furthermore, large PV systems require a considerable amount of land. However, point sensor models are currently used to simulate those systems. With a point model, the irradiance values measured at a point sensor are used to represent the output of a large PV system. However, in reality, clouds cover photovoltaic resources gradually and if the solar arrays are widespread over a large geospatial area, it takes some time for clouds to pass over the solar arrays. Finally, before 2014, participation of small-scale renewable resources was not allowed in controlling voltage. However, they can contribute significantly in voltage regulation. The main objective of this dissertation is to address the above mentioned issues in order to increase the penetration levels as well as precisely identify and locate voltage problems. A time-series analysis approach is used in modeling cloud motion. Using the time-series approach, changes of the received irradiation energy of the sun due to cloud shadows are simulated realistically with a Cloud Motion Simulator. Moreover, the use of the time-series approach allows implementation of new grid codes and standards, which is not possible using the old step change methods of simulating cloud impacts. Furthermore, all electrical components between utility transformers and customers are modeled to eliminate the inaccuracy due to using oversimplified models. Distributed PV models are also developed and used to represent large photovoltaic systems. In addition, the effectiveness of more distributed voltage control schemes compared to the traditional voltage control configurations is investigated. Inverters connect renewable energy resources to the power grid and they may use different control strategies to control voltage. Different control strategies are also compared with the current practice to investigate voltage control performance under irradiation variations. This dissertation presents a comprehensive approach to study impacts of solar PV resources. Moreover, simulation results show that by using time-series analysis and new grid codes, as well as employing distributed PV models, penetration of solar PV resources can increase significantly with no unacceptable voltage effects. It is also demonstrated that detailed secondary models are required to accurately identify locations with voltage problems.

Doctor of Philosophy / Computing and Information Sciences / Scott A. DeLoach / As sensor prices drop and computing devices continue to become more compact and powerful, computing capabilities are being embedded throughout our physical environment. Connecting these devices in cyber-physical systems (CPS) enables applications with significant societal impact and economic benefit. However, engineering CPS poses modeling, architecture, and engineering challenges and, to fully realize the desired benefits, many outstanding challenges must be addressed. For the cyber parts of CPS, two decades of work in the design of autonomous agents and multiagent systems (MAS) offers design principles for distributed intelligent systems and formalizations for agent-oriented software engineering (AOSE). MAS foundations offer a natural fit for enabling distributed interacting devices. In some cases, complex control structures such as holarchies can be advantageous. These can motivate complex organizational strategies when implementing such systems with a MAS, and some designs may require agents to act in multiple groups simultaneously. Such agents must be able to manage their multiple associations and assignments in a consistent and unambiguous way. This thesis shows how designing agents as systems of intelligent subagents offers a reusable and practical approach to designing complex systems. It presents a set of flexible, reusable components developed for OBAA++, an organization-based architecture for single-group MAS, and shows how these components were used to develop the Adaptive Architecture for Systems of Intelligent Systems (AASIS) to enable multigroup agents suitable for complex, multigroup MAS. This work illustrates the reusability and flexibility of the approach by using AASIS to simulate a CPS for an intelligent power distribution system (IPDS) operating two multigroup MAS concurrently: one providing continuous voltage control and a second conducting discrete power auctions near sources of distributed generation.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The increased water demand to be supplied by municipal water distribution systems, and subsequent increased storage period of reserve water, may have implications with regards to water ageing and subsequently may have an impact on health and safety. Current master planning design standards could have a negative effect on water residence time. The decay of the disinfectant potential is a function of the residence time in the distribution system. The objective of this study is to identify and measure existing systems to optimally increase water quality in a distribution system while supplying an increase in demand, dealing with the deterioration of pipe infrastructure and the introduction of alternative water sources. To do this, one must understand the dynamics of water networks and the parameters that affect water quality. The foundation of a water quality model is based on the construction of an accurate hydraulic model. To identify and measure these systems, one must understand the aspects of water purification and the techniques used to achieve water standards in a distribution system. These techniques and standards play a huge role in the prediction of water quality. In this paper the fundamentals and techniques used to determine and measure such a model are discussed. Consequently, additional design parameters to assess water quality must be incorporated into current master planning practice to optimally design water networks. These models are used to determine the appropriate levels of disinfectant at strategic locations in a system. To illustrate these design parameters and systems currently used in practice, a case study involving Umgeni Water (UW) and EThekwini municipality (EWS) was used to determine the most suitable disinfectant strategy for a municipality’s distribution system. Future scenarios and the impact of disinfectant mixing and increased residence time of the water in the system were also determined. The use of this water quality model in a distribution system will ultimately provide a sustainable platform for a risk monitoring procedure. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die verhoogde aanvraag na water in munisipale voorsieningstelsels, en die daaropvolgende verhoogde stoortydperk van reserwe water, kan implikasies inhou met betrekking tot water veroudering waarna dit ‘n impak op gesondheid en veiligheid kan hê. Huidige meesterbeplanning ontwerpstandaarde kan 'n noemenswaardige uitwerking op water retensietyd hê, veral omdat chloor se vervaltyd op sy beurt 'n funksie van water retensietyd is. Die doel van hierdie studie is om 'n prosedure te identifiseer om watergehalte optimaal te verhoog in 'n waterverspreidingstelsel, terwyl die toename in water aanvraag voortduur. Om dit te kan doen moet die dinamika van water netwerke en die parameters wat die gehalte van water beïnvloed, bestudeer word. Die opstel van 'n waterkwaliteit model is gebaseer op die bou van 'n akkurate hidrouliese model. Om uiteindelik die ontwerp van 'n waterkwaliteit oplossing suksevol uit te voer, moet 'n mens al die aspekte van watersuiwering en die tegnieke wat gebruik word om waterstandaarde te handhaaf in 'n verspreidingstelsel verstaan. In hierdie verslag word die beginsels en tegnieke wat gebruik word om so 'n model op te stel, bespreek. Bykomende waterkwaliteit ontwerpparameters moet by huidige meesterbeplanning gevoeg word om waternetwerke optimaal te ontwerp. Hierdie modelle word gebruik om die geskikte vlakke van ontsmettingsmiddel op strategiese plekke in 'n stelsel te bepaal. 'n Gevallestudie van Umgeni Water (UW) en eThekwini-munisipaliteit (EWS) is gebruik om die mees geskikte ontsmettingsmiddel strategie vir 'n munisipaliteit se verspreiding te illustreer. Toekomstige scenario's en die impak van ontsmettingsmiddelvermenging en verhoogde retensietyd van die water in die stelsel sal ook bepaal kan word. Die gebruik van hierdie gehalte-watermodel in 'n verspreidingstelsel sal uiteindelik 'n volhoubare platform vir 'n risiko moniteringstelsel inhou.

A water distribution system (WDS) design deals with achieving the desired network performance. WDS design can involve new and / or existing network redesigns in order to keep up with the required service performance. Very often, WDS design is expensive, which encourages cost effectiveness in the required investments. Moreover, WDS design is associated with adverse environmental implications such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to energy consumption. GHGs are associated with global warming and climate change. Climate change is generally understood to cause reduction in water available at the sources and increase water demand. Urbanization that takes into account factors such as demographics (population ageing, household occupancy rates, etc.) and other activities are associated with water demand changes. In addition to the aforementioned issues, the challenge of meeting the required hydraulic performance of WDSs is worsened by the uncertainties that are associated with WDS parameters (e.g., future water demand). With all the factors mentioned here, mitigation and adaptive measures are considered essential to improve WDS performance in the long-term planning horizon. In this thesis, different formulations of a WDS design methodologies aimed at mitigating or adapting the systems to the effects of future changes such as those of climate change and urbanization are explored. Cost effective WDS designs that mitigate climate change by reducing GHG emissions have been investigated. Also, water demand management (DM) intervention measures, i.e., domestic rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems and water saving appliance schemes (WSASs) have been incorporated in the design of WDSs in an attempt to mitigate, adapt to or counteract the likely effects of future climate change and urbanization. Furthermore, flexibility has been introduced in the long-term WDS design under future uncertainty. The flexible methodology is adaptable to uncertain WDS parameters (i.e., future water demand in this thesis) thereby improving the WDS economic cost and hydraulic performance (resilience). The methodology is also complimented by strategically incorporating DM measures to further enhance the WDS performance under water demand uncertainty. The new methodologies presented in this thesis were successfully tested on case studies. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for possible further research work are made. There are potential benefits (e.g., cost savings, additional resilience, and lower GHG emissions) of incorporating an environmental objective and DM interventions in WDS design. Flexibility and DM interventions add value in the design of WDSs under uncertainty.

The research work presented in this thesis describes the development and testing of a new data analysis methodology for the automated near real-time detection and approximate location of pipe bursts and other events which induce similar abnormal pressure/flow variations (e.g., unauthorised consumptions, equipment failures, etc.) in Water Distribution Systems (WDSs). This methodology makes synergistic use of several self-learning Artificial Intelligence (AI) and statistical/geostatistical techniques for the analysis of the stream of data (i.e., signals) collected and communicated on-line by the hydraulic sensors deployed in a WDS. These techniques include: (i) wavelets for the de-noising of the recorded pressure/flow signals, (ii) Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) for the short-term forecasting of future pressure/flow signal values, (iii) Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) for the selection of optimal ANN input structure and parameters sets, (iv) Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques for the short and long term analysis of the burst/other event-induced pressure/flow variations, (v) Bayesian Inference Systems (BISs) for inferring the probability of a burst/other event occurrence and raising the detection alarms, and (vi) geostatistical techniques for determining the approximate location of a detected burst/other event. The results of applying the new methodology to the pressure/flow data from several District Metered Areas (DMAs) in the United Kingdom (UK) with real-life bursts/other events and simulated (i.e., engineered) burst events are also reported in this thesis. The results obtained illustrate that the developed methodology allowed detecting the aforementioned events in a fast and reliable manner and also successfully determining their approximate location within a DMA. The results obtained additionally show the potential of the methodology presented here to yield substantial improvements to the state-of-the-art in near real-time WDS incident management by enabling the water companies to save water, energy, money, achieve higher levels of operational efficiency and improve their customer service. The new data analysis methodology developed and tested as part of the research work presented in this thesis has been patented (International Application Number: PCT/GB2010/000961).

A proteção de Sistemas de Distribuição (SDs) é de fundamental importância considerando as condições adversas de operação e faltas elétricas a que os mesmos podem estar submetidos. A crescente utilização de Geradores Distribuídos (GDs) conectados aos SDs e as possíveis operações em ilhamento promovem interferências consideráveis aos dispositivos de proteção. Dessa forma, evidencia-se a importância de estudos para esses novos cenários. Neste contexto, esta pesquisa tem como proposta analisar o desempenho do sistema de proteção, quando na presença de uma elevada contribuição de geração distribuída, e aprimorar a proteção tradicional, quando tem-se a mudança do cenário de operação para o modo ilhado. Sendo assim, evidencia-se através de simulações no Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) os efeitos da perturbação nos Relés de Sobrecorrente (RSC). Na metodologia desenvolvida implementa-se um sistema de proteção adaptativo, cujos parâmetros são definidos por um algoritmo de otimização. Também são adicionadas as proteções associadas aos GDs, recomendadas por norma. Tal prática é dificilmente abordada em trabalhos correlatos a pesquisa, no entanto através dos resultados observou-se que esses dispositivos podem influenciar na respostas dos elementos de proteção implementados nos SDs. Como diferencial também buscou-se implementar todo o sistema de controle dos GDs e utilizou-se da simulação em malha fechada com relés comerciais, afim de aproximar a modelagem da realidade encontrada nos SDs. Por fim, evidenciou-se que a utilização de relés adaptativos pode viabilizar a operação em ilhamento. / The protection of Distribution Systems (DSs) is of fundamental importance, considering the adverse operating conditions and electrical faults to which they may be submitted. The increasing usage of Distributed Generators (DGs) connected to DSs, and possible islanded operations promote considerable interference to protective devices. Thus, it is evident the importance of studies for these new scenarios.This research aims to analyze the performance of the protection system, when in the presence of a massive contribution of distributed generation, and to improve the traditional protection when there is a change from the operating scenario to island mode. Thus, via simulations, carried out in the Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS), the effects of the disturbance on the Overcurrent Relays (OCs) were evident. The developed methodology implements an adaptive protection system, whose parameters are defined by an optimization algorithm. The protections associated with DGs were also added, as recommended by the standard. This practice is hardly approached in related studies however, through the results, it was observed that these devices could influence the responses of the protective elements implemented. The closed-loop simulations carried out considering the standard controls systems regarding DGs and commercial intelligent eletronic devices, ensuring the test bed verisimilitude to actual DSs. This approach is not standard on the literature related. Finally, it was evidenced that the use of adaptive relays can contribute to the islanded operation.

Orientador: Ruben Augusto Romero Lazaro / Resumo: Este trabalho apresenta uma proposta baseada na meta-heurística Busca Tabu, chamada de Busca Tabu Reformulada para resolver o problema de operação ótima dos sistemas de distribuição, utilizando uma estratégia integrada de reconfiguração e alocação de bancos de capacitores fixos e chaveados para obter a topologia radial que apresente o menor custo de operação. Para encontrar a topologia radial inicial foi aplicado o algoritmo de Prim, em que foi obtida uma solução reconfigurada, e essa solução encontrada foi submetida à uma heurística para alocação de capacitores fixos e chaveados. A proposta de solução inicial é submetida ao algoritmo de Busca Tabu Reformulada que utiliza uma vizinhança que considera como solução vizinha uma topologia vizinha da topologia radial corrente e com a proposta de alocação de bancos de capacitores modificada. Como proposta da metodologia Busca Tabu Reformulada o procedimento é repetido até um critério de parada definido. Todos os programas foram escritos em linguagem FORTRAN 77. Os algoritmos propostos foram testados com os sistemas de 33, 70, 84 e 136 barras. / Abstract: This paper presents a proposal based on the Tabu Search metaheuristic called Tabu Search Reformulated to solve the problem of optimal operation of the distribution systems, using an integrated strategy of reconfiguration and allocation of fixed and switched capacitor banks to obtain the radial topology which presents the lowest operating cost. To find the initial radial topology the Prim algorithm was applied, in which a reconfigured solution was obtained, and this solution was submitted to a heuristic for the allocation of fixed and switched capacitors. The initial solution proposal is submitted to the Reformulated Tabu Search algorithm that uses a neighborhood that considers as neighbor solution a neighboring topology of the current radial topology and with the proposed allocation of modified capacitor banks. As a proposal of the Tabu Search Reformulated methodology, the procedure is repeated up to a defined stop criterion. All the programs were written in FORTRAN 77 language. The proposed algorithms were tested with the 33, 70, 84 and 136-node systems. / Mestre

Este trabalho tem como objetivo o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia de monitoramento a partir da alocação de medidores voltada para a estimação de estado harmônico trifásica em sistemas de distribuição de energia elétrica desequilibrados. O algoritmo de estimação de estado harmônico desenvolvido tem como entrada os fasores de tensão e de corrente em pontos pré-definidos de medição sobre os alimentadores em análise. Para a alocação dos medidores, verificou-se a necessidade de a mesma ser realizada e direcionada para este problema, e um algoritmo de otimização em específico foi desenvolvido utilizando algoritmos genéticos. Para a estimação de estado harmônico, a técnica de Decomposição em Valores Singulares foi utilizada, por ser adequada a sistemas não completamente observáveis. Em relação às simulações, cargas não lineares (ou perturbadoras) foram conectadas ao longo dos alimentadores testes do IEEE de 13, 34 e 37 barras, considerando configuração trifásica assimétrica para as linhas e cargas desbalanceadas. Todas as simulações computacionais foram realizadas dispondo do programa DIgSILENT PowerFactory. Os resultados satisfatórios encontrados denotam que o desempenho do estimador desenvolvido é dependente dos pontos de medição pré-definidos a partir da alocação dos medidores realizada. Pela metodologia implementada e aplicada, o algoritmo de estimação de estado harmônico veio a corretamente calcular todas as variáveis de estado e, consequentemente, os sistemas testes em análise tornaram-se completamente observáveis para todas as fases e ordens harmônicas caracterizadas. / This research aims for the development of a monitoring methodology through the allo-cation of meters in order to perform a three-phase harmonic state estimation in unbalanced distribution systems. The harmonic state estimation algorithm developed has voltage and current phasors as inputs at predefined measurement points on the feeders about analysis. For an allocation of the meters, there was a need for it to be performed and directed to this problem, and a specific optimization algorithm was developed using Genetic Algorithms. For a harmonic state estimation, the Singular Value Decomposition technique was made, because it is suitable for systems that are not completely observable. Regarding the simulations, the non-linear (or disturbing) loads were connected along the test feeders of the IEEE of 13, 34 and 37 bus, considering the three-phase asymmetric configuration for lines and loads. All computational simulations were performed in the DIgSILENT PowerFactory software. The satisfactory results found note that the performance of the developed estimator depends on the pre-defined measurement points from the allocation of the realized meters. By the applied methodology, the harmonic state estimation algorithm came to correctly calculate all the state variables and, consequently, the test systems about analysis became fully observable for all phases and harmonic orders characterized.

Nos sistemas de distribuição, a grande ramificação, radialidade, heterogeneidade, dinâmica das cargas e demais particularidades, impõem dificuldades à localização de faltas, representando um desafio permanente na busca por melhores indicadores de continuidade e confiabilidade no fornecimento de energia elétrica. A regulação incisiva dos órgãos do setor, a penetração de geração distribuída e a tendência de modernização trazida pelas redes inteligentes, demandam detalhados estudos para readequação dos sistemas elétricos a conjuntura atual. Neste contexto, esta tese propõe o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia para localização de faltas em sistemas de distribuição empregando a capacidade dos medidores inteligentes de monitoramento e de aquisição de tensão em diferentes pontos da rede elétrica. A abordagem proposta baseia-se na estimação, por ferramentas de aprendizado de máquina, das impedâncias de sequência zero e positiva entre os pontos de alocação dos medidores inteligentes e de ocorrência de falta, e do estado de sensibilização destes medidores frente a correntes de falta. Assim, calculando-se as respectivas distâncias elétricas em função das impedâncias estimadas e definidas as direções das mesmas em relação a topologia da rede, busca-se identificar o ponto ou área com maior sobreposição de distâncias elétricas como o local ou a região de maior probabilidade da falta em relação aos medidores inteligentes. Para tanto, faz-se uso combinado de ferramentas convencionais e inteligentes pela aplicação dos conceitos de análise de sistemas elétricos, diagnóstico dos desvios de tensão, e classificação de padrões por meio da técnica de aprendizado de máquina denominada Árvore de Decisão. Os resultados obtidos pela aplicação desta metodologia demonstram que o uso de informações redundantes fornecidas pelos medidores inteligentes minimiza os erros de estimação. Além disso, para a maior parte dos casos testados o erro absoluto máximo de localização da falta se concentra entre 200 m e 1000 m, o que reduz a busca pelo local de ocorrência da falta pelas equipes de manutenção da rede elétrica. / In distribution systems, the dense branching, radial pattern, heterogeneity, dynamic of the loads, and other characteristics create several difficulties in defining the fault location, representing a great challenge in the search for better continuity and reliability indicators of the electrical energy supply. The intense government regulations, the increasing use of distributed generation, and the trend towards modernization via smart grids require a detailed study in order to upgrade the current systems. In this context, this thesis proposes a methodology development for fault location in distribution systems with the use of smart meters monitors and the acquisition of voltage at different points in the electrical network. The proposed method is based on the estimation, using machine learning, of the state of awareness of smart meters across the fault currents and of the zero and positive sequence impedance between the location of these meters and of the fault occurrence. Therefore, by calculating the electrical distances as a function of the estimated impedances and defining its the direction in relation to the network topology, the point/region with the biggest superposition of the electrical distances can be assigned as the point/region with the highest probability of fault occurrence in relation to the smart probes. For this purpose, a machine learning technique named decision tree is used to apply concept analyses to the electrical systems, diagnosis of voltage deviations, and pattern recognition of the electrical systems. The results obtained by the application of this methodology demonstrate that the use of redundant information provided by the smart meters minimizes estimation errors. In addition, for most of the cases tested, the maximum absolute error of the fault location is concentrated between 200 m and 1000 m, which reduces the search for the fault location by the maintenance teams of the electrical network.