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Automatic fault locator (AFL) For Railways

At GK Expertise, we specialize in the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of Automatic Fault Locators (AFLs) for 2×25 kV AC traction systems. Our advanced solutions are tailored to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and safety of railway electrification systems.

Measuring Unit

GK Expertise proudly introduces the GKAFL-M Automatic Fault Locator Measuring Unit, engineered to meet the RDSO Specification TI/SPC/PSI/AFL/0240. This cutting-edge AFL measuring unit is designed for precision fault detection and location in railway electrification systems, ensuring enhanced operational efficiency and reliability.

Application

  • Type of Fault detection (T-R & F-R)
    AT CB status Monitoring
  • AT Neutral CT healthiness Monitoring
  • Measuring all Neutral currents of AT, Traction line voltages.
  • All measured data will stored by MU and transferred to CU once the Trigger Signal from CU.

Key Features

  • 20×4 LCD Alpha Numeric Display
  • 8 Human Interface Keys
  • Self Diagnostic Features
  • Individual LED for AT CB ON/OFF Status
  • IEC 60870-5-104 communication protocol
    for CU & MU Communication

Technical Data Overview

  • Rated Voltage – 110VDC
  • IP – IP54
automatic fault locator measuring unit

Calulating Unit

GK Expertise introduces the GKAFL-C Automatic Fault Locator Calculating Unit, an advanced solution tailored to meet the RDSO Specification TI/SPC/PSI/AFL/0240. Designed for precision and reliability, this calculating unit is integral to efficient fault management in  2×25 kV AC traction systems.

Application

  • Collecting all AT neutral CT currents,
    Traction line voltage/fault type, Failure of ATs
    Neutral CT from MUs.
  • Collects Traction Current, Feeder current,
    Traction voltage for T-F Fault.
  • CU send a health check command to MU,
    ensure the MU healthiness.
  • Transfer Fault distance along with fault type,
    Communication fail, MU & CU Fail to RCC
    through SCADA.
  • Calculate Fault distance:
    T-F Fault – Reactance Method
    T-R & F-R – AT Neutral current ratio

Key Features

  • 20 x 4 LCD Alpha Numeric Display
  • 8 Haman Interface Keys
  • Self Diagnostic Features
  • Individual LED for Fault Trigger, MU fail, Communication fail & AT CT fail
  • IEC 6-870-5-103 and IEC 61850 communication protocol for RTU

Event Logging

  • Stores the last 20 fault events and 5000 system events for analysis.
  • Records details such as fault type, distance, timestamp, and system health information

Technical Data Overview

  • Rated Voltage – 110VDC
  • IP – IP54
automatic fault locator measuring unit

Architecture of Automatic fault locator (AFL)

architecture of automatic fault locator

Automatic fault locator (AFL) Panels

TSS Panel
automatic-fault-locator-panel-tss
SP
SSP
Automatic Fault Locator – TSS Panel

        Panel Composition:

  • 2 Calculating Unit (CU) for fault distance calculation and
    centralized control.
  • 2 Measuring Units (MUs) for each direction (left and
    right) at TSS.
    Data Collection:
  • The MUs measure:
    Auto Transformer (AT) neutral currents.
  • Traction line voltage.
  • Circuit breaker (CB) ON/OFF status.
  • Neutral CT health.
    Fault Detection:
  • Traction to Earth (T-E)
  • Feeder to Earth (F-E) &
  • Traction to Feeder (T-F).
    Communication and Integration:
  • Interfaces with SCADA for real-time data transfer to the Remote Control Center (RCC).
  • Uses LAN extenders and media converters for robust communication.
    User Interface and Alarms:
  • Features a backlit LCD display for fault details and event logs.
  • Provides audible and visual alarms for system health issues and failures.
Automatic Fault Locator – SP Panel

        Panel Composition:

  • 2 Measuring Units (MUs): One for the left end of the SP and one for the right end.
    Data Collection:
  • The MUs measure:
    Auto Transformer (AT) neutral currents.
  • Traction line voltage.
    Circuit breaker (CB) ON/OFF status.
  • Neutral CT health.
  • Status of bridging interrupters.
  • Fault Detection:
  • Captures fault-related data and transmits it to the CU at TSS for fault localization and type determination.
  • Communication and Integration:
  • Data is sent to the TSS CU via a communication medium (LAN
    extenders/media converters).
    Health Monitoring and Alerts:
  • Monitors the status of connected equipment and sends alerts to the TSS CU for communication or equipment failures.
Automatic Fault Locator – SSP Panel

        Panel Composition:

  • 1 Measuring Unit (MU) installed at the SSP.
    Data Collection:
  • The MUs measure:
    Auto Transformer (AT) neutral currents.
  • Traction line voltage.
    Circuit breaker (CB) ON/OFF status.
  • Neutral CT health.
    Fault Detection:
  • Captures fault-related parameters and sends them to the CU at TSS for fault distance calculation and type determination.
  • Communication and Integration:
  • Data is sent to the TSS CU via communication channels (LAN extenders/media converters).
    Health Monitoring and Alerts:
  • Monitors the status of the MU and connected equipment.
  • Sends failure alerts (MU, CT, communication) to the TSS CU.