Siemens 7SE20 Travelling Wave Fault Locator & Recorder

The Siemens 7SE20 is a high-precision travelling wave fault locator and recorder designed for fast and accurate fault detection in high-voltage transmission lines, HVDC systems, and submarine cables. It uses the advanced travelling wave method to identify fault locations with exceptional accuracy, significantly reducing outage times and improving grid reliability.

Unlike conventional impedance-based fault locators, the 7SE20 detects high-frequency travelling waves generated at the moment of a fault, enabling ultra-fast and precise fault localization even in complex network configurations.

With a sampling rate of up to 10 MHz and GNSS-based time synchronization with nanosecond accuracy, the device ensures precise time stamping and correlation of fault events across multiple locations. This makes it especially suitable for long transmission lines, underground cables, and offshore systems.

The system records and stores disturbance data in COMTRADE format, allowing easy analysis and integration with modern power system monitoring tools. It is an ideal solution for utilities and industries seeking advanced fault analysis and rapid restoration capabilities.

Main Function

• Travelling Wave Fault Location
• Disturbance Recording
• High-Precision Fault Analysis

Key Features

• Fault location using the travelling wave method
• Ultra-high sampling rate: up to 10 MHz
• GNSS time synchronization with nanosecond accuracy
• Supports the COMTRADE format for disturbance data analysis
• High-speed detection of fault inception
• Accurate fault location even in:
  • Long transmission lines
  • HVDC systems
  • Submarine/underground cables

Technical Specifications

Measurement & Recording

• High-frequency transient recording (travelling waves)
• Sampling rate: up to 10 MHz
• High-resolution waveform capture
• Event-based disturbance recording

Time Synchronization

• GNSS-based synchronization
• Time accuracy: nanosecond-level precision
• Enables precise correlation between multiple devices

Fault Location Capability

• Accurate fault location using travelling wave propagation
• Works independently of:
  • Load conditions
  • System impedance variations
• Suitable for:
  • Point-to-point HV lines
  • Multi-terminal HVDC systems
  • Submarine cables

Data & Analysis

• Records data in COMTRADE format
• Compatible with:
  • Power system analysis software
  • SCADA / monitoring systems
• Enables post-fault analysis and diagnostics

Communication & Integration

• Integration with substation automation systems
• Supports modern communication architectures
• Compatible with digital substations

Engineering & Software

• Advanced analysis tools for travelling wave signals
• Simplified event analysis and fault reconstruction
• Supports remote monitoring and diagnostics

Advanced / Latest Features (2024–2026 Update)

• Ultra-fast fault detection and localization
• Enhanced data analytics for grid reliability
• Suitable for renewable-integrated grids
• Supports wide-area monitoring systems (WAMS)
• Improved interoperability with digital substations

Applications

• High-voltage (HV/EHV) transmission lines
• HVDC transmission systems
• Submarine and underground cable systems
• Long-distance power transmission networks
• Utility grid monitoring and fault analysis
• Offshore wind farm connections