A method for distribution network line selection and fault location based on a hierarchical fault monitoring and control system

•A cloud-edge-terminal hierarchical fault monitoring and control system is constructed.•A novel traveling wave-based line selection and fault location algorithm based on the time difference is presented.•A least squares model is introduced to eliminate the calibration error of the initial traveling wave-front arrival time.•A low-cost, low-power embedded TWAM and a special traveling wave sensor especially used in distribution networks are development by the author’s R&D team.