A Convolutional Neural Network(CNN)–Residual Network (ResNet)-Based Faulted Line Selection Method for Single-Phase Ground Faults in Distribution Network

Single-phase ground faults account for more than 80% of total faults in distribution networks. However, the introduction of distributed generation complicates power grid topology, leading to strong nonlinearity and non-stationarity in the zero-sequence current. This limits the accuracy of traditional faulted line selection methods. To address this problem, a CNN–ResNet-based method for faulted line selection for single-phase ground faults in distribution networks is proposed. Firstly, a 10 kV arc ground fault simulation test platform is built to analyze the nonlinear distortion characteristics of fault current. The WOA–VMD algorithm, optimized by permutation entropy, is used to denoise the zero-sequence current signal. The Gram Angular Difference Field (GADF) is then adopted to convert the one-dimensional signal into a two-dimensional image that retains its temporal characteristics. A hybrid deep learning model is constructed by fusing the one-dimensional time-domain features extracted by CNN and the two-dimensional time-frequency image features extracted by ResNet34. Matlab/Simulink simulations and physical experimental verification demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a training accuracy of over 97%, with zero misjudgments recorded in 15 arc grounding fault tests, representing a significant improvement in accuracy compared with existing diagnostic algorithms. It can adapt to complex scenarios such as high-resistance grounding and changes in neutral point grounding mode, effectively improving the accuracy and robustness of faulted line selection and providing technical support for the safe operation of distribution networks.