Distribution Network Fault Segment Localization Method Based on Transfer Entropy MTF and Improved AlexNet

In order to improve the localization accuracy and model interpretability of single-phase ground fault sections in distribution networks, a knowledge-integrated and data-driven fault localization model is proposed. The model transforms the transient zero-sequence currents into Markov Transition Field (MTF) images based on transfer entropy, and improves the two-channel feature expression with both causal and temporal structures. On this basis, a knowledge guidance mechanism based on a physical mechanism is introduced to focus on the waveform backpropagation characteristics of upstream and downstream nodes of the fault through the feature attention module, and a similarity weighting strategy is constructed by integrating the Hausdorff distance in the all-connectivity layer in order to enhance the model’s capability of discriminating between the key segments. The dataset is constructed in an improved IEEE 14-node simulation system, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by t-SNE feature visualization, comparison experiments with different parameters, misclassification correction analysis, and anti-noise performance evaluation. For misclassified sample datasets, this method achieves an accuracy rate of 99.53%, indicating that it outperforms traditional convolutional neural network models in terms of fault section localization accuracy, generalization capability, and noise robustness. Research shows that the deep integration of knowledge and data can significantly enhance the model’s discriminative ability and engineering practicality, providing new insights for the construction of intelligent power systems with explainability.