Symmetrical Three-Phase

Faults

Dr. Muhammad Quamruzzaman

Professor
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
CUET
 Power System Faults

A fault in a circuit is any failure that interferes with

the normal flow of current to the load. In most
faults, a current path forms between two or more
phases, or between one or more phases and the
neutral (ground). Since the impedance of a new
path is usually low, an excessive current may flow.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Power System Faults…Causes

The cause of electric power system faults is insulation

breakdown or a conducting object comes into contact with
a live point
This faults can be due to a variety of different factors
– Lightning
– Wires blowing together in heavy winds
– Trees falling across lines
– Vehicles colliding with towers or poles
– Birds shorting lines
– Small animals entering switchgear

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Power System Faults…Causes

High-voltage transmission lines

have strings of insulators
supporting each phase. The
insulators must be large enough
to prevent flashover – a
condition when the voltage
difference between the line and
the ground is large enough to
ionize the air around insulators
and thus provide a current path
between a phase and a tower.

Fig. 2-1

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Power System Faults…Types
If flashover occurs on a single phase of the line, an arc will be produced.
Such faults are called single line-to-ground faults. Since the short-circuit
path has a low impedance, very high currents flow through the faulted
line into the ground and back into the power system. Faults involving
ionized current paths are also called transient faults. They usually clear if
power is removed from the line for a short time and then restored.
Single line-to-ground faults can also occur if one phase of the line breaks
and comes into contact with the ground or if insulators break… This fault
is called a permanent fault since it will remain after a quick power
removing.
Approximately 75% of all faults in power systems are either transient or
permanent single line-to-ground faults.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Power System Faults…Types

Sometimes, all three phases of a transmission line are shorted together –

symmetrical three-phase faults.
Two phases of a line may touch, or flashover may occur between two
phases – a line-to-line fault.
When two lines touch each other and also touch the ground, the fault is
called a double line-to-ground fault.
Lighting strokes cause most faults on high-voltage transmission lines
producing a very high transient that greatly exceeds the rated voltage of
the line. This voltage usually causes flashover between the phase and the
ground of the line creating an arc. Once the current starts flowing
through the arc, it remains even after the lightning disappears.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Power System Faults…Types

High currents due to a fault must be detected by protective circuitry and

the circuit breakers on the affected transmission line should
automatically open for a brief period (about 1/3 second). This will allow
ionized air to deionize. If the fault was transient, normal operation should
be restored after reclosing the breaker. Therefore, many transient faults
are cleared automatically. Otherwise, the circuit breaker should open
again isolating the transmission line.

Selecting an
appropriate
circuit breaker
(type, size, etc.)
is important…

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Power System Faults…Types

There are two main types of faults

– symmetric faults: system remains balanced; these faults are
relatively rare, but are the easiest to analyze so we’ll consider
them first.
– unsymmetric faults: system is no longer balanced; very
common, but more difficult to analyze

Most common types of faults on a three phase system

by far is the single line-to-ground (SLG), followed by
the line-to-line faults (LL), double line-to-ground
(DLG) faults, and balanced three phase faults
On very high voltage lines faults are practically always
single line to ground due to large conductor spacing.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Power System Faults…Effects
 Fire breakoutloss of property, loss of life and destruction of a
power system network.
 Cut of supply leading to power blackouts that
• interferes with industrial and commercial activities that
supports economic growth
• stalls learning activities in institutions, work in offices, domestic
applications and
• creates insecurity at night.

All the above results into retarded development due to low gross
domestic product realised.
It is important therefore to determine the values of system voltages
and currents during faulted conditions, so that protective devices may
be set to detect and minimize the harmful effects of such
contingencies
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
 Fault Analysis

Fault currents cause equipment damage due to

both thermal and mechanical processes
Goal of fault analysis is to determine the magnitudes
of the currents present during the fault
– need to determine the maximum current to
ensure devices can survive the fault
– need to determine the maximum current the
circuit breakers (CBs) need to interrupt to correctly
size the CBs
Standard EHV protective equipment is designed to clear faults
within 3 cycles (60 ms at 50 Hz).
Lower voltage protective equipment operates more slowly (for
example, 5 to 20 cycles)
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
 Fault Current Transients in Machines

R-L series circuit

To understand fault analysis we need to review the behavior of an RL circuit

v(t )  Vmax sin t   

R L

Vmax sin t     Ri  L

di
dt v(t)

The solution of this equation is

i
Vmax
Z

sin t         Rt / L sin     
Where

Z  R 2  L 
2

 L 
  tan 1  
 R 
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
Fault Current Transients in Machines

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Current Transients in Machines
…. Similarities with R-L series circuit
R L

v(t)

Xs
R
+
Eg
-

Fig. 2-2.1

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Current Transients in Machines
…. Similarities with R-L series circuit
R L 30

20

v(t) 10

v(t )  Vmax sin t  0

-10

-20

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1

30

20

10

v(t )  Vmax sin t  120 0

-10

-20

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1

30

20

10

v(t )  Vmax sin t  120 0

-10

-20
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
 Fault Current Transients in Machines
…. Similarities with R-L series circuit
R L 30

20

v(t) 10

v(t )  Vmax sin t  0

-10

-20

0 0.05
0.1 0.1
0.2 0.15
0.3 0.2
0.4 0.25
0.5 0.3
0.6 0.35
0.7 0.4
0.8 0.45
0.9 0.5
1

30

20

10

v(t )  Vmax sin t  120 0

-10

-20

0 0.05
0.1 0.1
0.2 0.15
0.3 0.2
0.4 0.25
0.5 0.3
0.6 0.35
0.7 0.4
0.8 0.45
0.9 0.5
1

30

20

10

v(t )  Vmax sin t  120 0

-10

-20
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
0 0.05
0.1 0.1
0.2 0.15
0.3 0.2
0.4 0.25
0.5 0.3
0.6 0.35
0.7 0.4
0.8 0.45
0.9 0.5
1
 Fault Current Transients in Machines
…. Similarities with R-L series circuit

Xs Phase b
R
+
Eg
-

Fig. 2-3

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Current Transients in Machines
…. Similarities with R-L series circuit

R L

Xs Phase b
R
+
Eg
-

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Current Transients in Machines

Xs
R
+
Eg
-

Since the voltages generated in the phases of a three-phase

machine are displaced 120 from each other, the short
circuit occurs at different points on the voltage wave of each
phase. For this reason, the instantaneous values of current
at the moment of the fault are different in each phase and
the magnitude of DC components will be different in
different phases.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Current Transients in Machines

To simplify analysis decaying DC component is eliminated…….

During a short-circuit, the

steady-state reactance is
temporarily reduced due to the
interaction of the magnetic flux
c
between the damper windings
and the armature windings.
Damper windings are used to b
counteract the rotor’s
tendency to stray from its a
synchronous speed when
reacting to transient
disturbances, such as load
changes and short-circuits (like
a tuned-mass in skyscraper).
The damper windings stabilize
the rotor by inducing an
electromagnetic torque that
resists undesired rotor motion. Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
Fig. 2-4
 Fault Current Transients in Machines

To simplify analysis decaying DC component is eliminated…….

The complex magnetic flux

interactions created by the small
resistances and inductances (self
and mutual) between the
c
various elements (damper
windings, field windings, and
rotor body) during a transient b
condition ultimately act
to dramatically and suddenly a
reduce the machine’s reactance.

This reactance reduction is

temporary, but its sudden drop
allows much higher
instantaneous short-circuit
currents to form during the first
few cycles of a fault.
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
Fig. 2-4
 Fault Current Transients in Machines

To simplify analysis decaying DC component is eliminated…….

Symmetrical AC
component of the fault
current:
Roughly 3 periods seen: c

1) Subtransient: first few

b
cycles immediately after the
fault – AC current is very large
a
and falls rapidly – first 10 to
20 ms;
2) Transient: current falls at
a slower rate, for up
to about 500 ms;

3) Steady-state: current gets

back to normal.
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
Fig. 2-4
 Fault Current Transients in Machines

It is possible to observe the

three periods of fault current
if the rms magnitude of the
AC component current is
plotted as a function of time
on a semilogarithmic scale.
It is possible to determine the
time constants for the three
periods…

Fig. 2-5
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
 Fault Current Transients in Machines
Subtransient current :
The AC current flowing in
the generator during the
subtransient period is called
the subtransient current and
c
is denoted by I”. This current
is caused by the damper
windings of synchronous b
machines. The time constant
of the subtransient current is a
denoted by T” and it can be
determined from the slope.
This current may be 10 times
the steady-state fault
current.

oc Eg
I   
2 X d

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Current Transients in Machines
Transient current :

The AC current flowing in the

generator during the transient
period is called the transient
c
current . It is caused by a
transient DC component of
current induced in the field b
circuit of a synchronous
generator at the time of fault. a
This transient field current
increases the internal
generated voltage of a machine
and, therefore, an increased
fault current.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Current Transients in Machines
Transient current :

The time constant of a field

circuit T’ is much larger than
the time constant of the c
damper winding, therefore,
the transient period lasts b
longer than the subtransient.
This current is often as much a
as 5 times the steady-state
fault

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Current Transients in Machines
Transient current :

ob E g
I  
2 X d
c

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Current Transients in Machines
Steady-state current :

After the transient period, the

fault current reaches a steady-
state condition. The steady-
state rms current is denoted c
by I and is approximated by
the fundamental frequency b
component of the internal
generated voltage normalized a
by the synchronous reactance:

oa E g
I  
2 Xd

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Current Transients in Machines

oc Eg
I   
2 X d
ob E g
I  
2 X d c

The above equations can be b

used to calculate the parameters
Xd and Xd of the machine when a
an oscillographic record such as
Fig. 2-4 is available. On the other
hand, The equations also indicate
the method of determining fault
current in a generator when its
reactances are known.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

Fault Current Transients in Machines

X   X   X
I   I   I

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault current transients
in machines

In general, subtransient reactances of generators and

motors are used to determine the initial current flowing
on the occurrence of a short circuit.
For determining the interrupting capacity of circuit
breakers, subtransient reactance is used for generators
and transient reactance is used for synchronous motors.
In stability studies, transient reactances apply.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

Example 2-1

Two generators are connected in parallel to the low-voltage side of a

three-phase -Y transformer as shown in Fig. 2(c). Generator 1 is rated
50,000 kVA, 13.8 kV. Generator 2 is rated 25,000 kVA, 13.8 kV. Each
generator has a subtransient reactance of 25%. The transformer is rated
75,000 kVA, 13.8 - 69Y kV, with a reactance of 10%. Before the fault
occurs, the voltage on the high-tension side of the transformer is 66 kV.
The transformer is unloaded, and there is no circulating current between
the generators. Find the subtransient current in each generator when a
three-phase short circuit occurs on the high-tension side of the
transformer.
G1

G2

Fig. 2-6

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

Example 2-1

Fig. 2-6

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

Solution 2-1
50,000 kVA 75,000 kVA
13.8 kV 13.8/69Y kV
X”=25% G X=10%
1

25,000 kVA
13.8 kV G2
X”=25%
Fig. 2-7

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

Solution 2-1 (contd…)

Fig. 2-8

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

Solution 2-1 (contd…)

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Internal Voltages of Loaded Machines
Under Fault Conditions
Zext P Zext P
+ + + +
jXdg IL jXdg IL
+ Vt Vf ZL + Vt Vf ZL
Eg Eg
S
- - - - - -
Fig. 2-9 Equivalent circuit for a generator supplying a balanced three-phase load.
Application of a three-phase fault at P is simulated by closing switch S.
(a) Usual steady-state generator equivalent circuit with load; (b) circuit for calculation of I.

Steady-state equivalent circuit of the generator

E g  Vt  jX dg I L
is its no-load voltage Eg in series with its
 I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg
E g  Vt  jX dg  I L synchronous reactance Xdg. If a three-phase
fault occurs at point P, we see that a short
 I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg
E g  Vt  jX dg  I L circuit from P to neutral in the equivalent
circuit does not

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Internal Voltages of Loaded Machines
Under Fault Conditions
Zext P Zext P
+ + + +
jXdg IL jXdg IL
+ Vt Vf ZL + Vt Vf ZL
Eg Eg
S
- - - - - -
Fig. 2-9 Equivalent circuit for a generator supplying a balanced three-phase load.
Application of a three-phase fault at P is simulated by closing switch S.
(a) Usual steady-state generator equivalent circuit with load; (b) circuit for calculation of I.

E g  Vt  jX dg I L satisfy the conditions for calculating

subtransient current , for the reactance of the
 I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg
E g  Vt  jX dg  I L generator must be X”dg if we are calculating
subtransient current I” or X’dg if we are
 I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg
E g  Vt  jX dg  I L calculating transient current I’.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Internal Voltages of Loaded Machines
Under Fault Conditions
Zext P Zext P
+ + + +
jXdg IL jXdg IL
+ Vt Vf ZL + Vt Vf ZL
Eg Eg
S
- - - - - -
Fig. 2-9 Equivalent circuit for a generator supplying a balanced three-phase load.
Application of a three-phase fault at P is simulated by closing switch S.
(a) Usual steady-state generator equivalent circuit with load; (b) circuit for calculation of I.

The figure (b) gives the desired result. Here a

E g  Vt  jX dg I L voltage E”g in series with X”dg supplies the
steady-state current IL when switch
 I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg
E g  Vt  jX dg  I L S is open and supplies the current to the short
 I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg
 I L
circuit through X”dg and Zext when switch S is
E g  Vt  jX dg
closed. If we can determine E”g , the current
through X”dg will be I".

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Internal Voltages of Loaded Machines
Under Fault Conditions
Zext P Zext P
+ + + +
jXdg IL jXdg IL
+ Vt Vf ZL + Vt Vf ZL
Eg Eg
S
- - - - - -
Fig. 2-9 Equivalent circuit for a generator supplying a balanced three-phase load.
Application of a three-phase fault at P is simulated by closing switch S.
(a) Usual steady-state generator equivalent circuit with load; (b) circuit for calculation of I.

E g  Vt  jX dg I L
With switch S open, we see that
 I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg
E g  Vt  jX dg  I L  I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg
E g  Vt  jX dg  I L
 I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg
E g  Vt  jX dg  I L and this equation defines E”g , which is called
the subtransient internal voltage.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Internal Voltages of Loaded Machines
Under Fault Conditions
Zext P Zext P
+ + + +
jXdg IL jXdg IL
+ Vt Vf ZL + Vt Vf ZL
Eg Eg
S
- - - - - -
Fig. 2-9 Equivalent circuit for a generator supplying a balanced three-phase load.
Application of a three-phase fault at P is simulated by closing switch S.
(a) Usual steady-state generator equivalent circuit with load; (b) circuit for calculation of I.

E g  Vt  jX dg I L Similarly, when calculating transient current

I’, which must be supplied through the
 I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg
E g  Vt  jX dg  I L transient reactance X’dg , the driving voltage
is the transient internal voltage E’g , where
 I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg
E g  Vt  jX dg  I L  I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg
E g  Vt  jX dg  I L

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Internal Voltages of Loaded Machines
Under Fault Conditions
Zext P Zext P
+ + + +
jXdg IL jXdg IL
+ Vt Vf ZL + Vt Vf ZL
Eg Eg
S
- - - - - -
Fig. 2-9 Equivalent circuit for a generator supplying a balanced three-phase load.
Application of a three-phase fault at P is simulated by closing switch S.
(a) Usual steady-state generator equivalent circuit with load; (b) circuit for calculation of I.

E g  Vt  jX dg I L Thus, the value of the load current iL

determines the values of the voltages E”g
 I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg
E g  Vt  jX dg  I L and E’g , which are both equal to the no-
load voltage Eg only when IL is zero so that
 I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg
E g  Vt  jX dg  I L Eg is then equal to Vt.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Internal Voltages of Loaded Machines
Under Fault Conditions
Zext P Zext P
+ + + +
jXdg IL jXdg IL
+ Vt Vf ZL + Vt Vf ZL
Eg Eg
S
- - - - - -
Fig. 2-9 Equivalent circuit for a generator supplying a balanced three-phase load.
Application of a three-phase fault at P is simulated by closing switch S.
(a) Usual steady-state generator equivalent circuit with load; (b) circuit for calculation of I.

At this point it is important to note that

E g  Vt  jX dg I L
the particular value of E”g in
 I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg
E g  Vt  jX dg  I L series with X”dg represents the generator
immediately before and immediately after
 I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg
E g  Vt  jX dg  I L the fault occurs only if the prefault current
in the generator has the corresponding
value of IL.
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
 Internal Voltages of Loaded Machines
Under Fault Conditions
Zext P Zext P
+ + + +
jXdg IL jXdg IL
+ Vt Vf ZL + Vt Vf ZL
Eg Eg
S
- - - - - -
Fig. 2-9 Equivalent circuit for a generator supplying a balanced three-phase load.
Application of a three-phase fault at P is simulated by closing switch S.
(a) Usual steady-state generator equivalent circuit with load; (b) circuit for calculation of I.

On the other hand, Eg in series with the

E g  Vt  jX dg I L synchronous reactance Xdg is the equivalent
circuit of the machine under steady-state
E g  Vt  jX dg 
 I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg 
 I L conditions for any value of the load current.

E g  Vt  jX dg 
 I L  V f  Z ext  jX dg  IL  The magnitude of Eg is determined by the field
current of the machine, and so for a different
value of IL in the circuit of Fig.(a) |Eg| would
remain the same but a new value of E”g would
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
be required.
 Internal Voltages of Loaded Machines
Under Fault Conditions
Synchronous motors have reactances of the same type as generators. When
a motor is short-circuited, it no longer receives electric energy from the
power line, but its field remains energized and the inertia of its rotor and
connected load keeps it rotating for a short period of time. The internal
voltage of a synchronous motor causes it to contribute current to the system,
for it is then acting like a generator. By comparison with the corresponding
formulas for a generator the subtransient internal voltage E”m and transient
internal voltage E’m for a synchronous motor are given by
Em  Vt  jX dm
 I L
Em  Vt  jX dm
 IL

where Vt is now the terminal voltage of the motor.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Internal Voltages of Loaded Machines
Under Fault Conditions
Zext IL Zext
P P
+
jXdg jXdm jXdg Ig Im jXdm
+ Vf + + +
If
Eg Em Eg
Em
- Neutral - - - Neutral -
(a) Before the fault (b) After the fault
Fig. 2-10 Equivalent circuits and current flows before and after a fault at the
terminals of a synchronous motor connected to a synchronous generator by line
impedance Zext.

E g  V f  Z ext  jX dg
  I L
Vf Vf
I f  I g  I m   …………..(A)

Z ext  jX dg 
jX dm
Em  V f  jX dm
 I L
I gf 
I mf
E g Vf
I g    IL Where I gf and I mf
 are the

Z ext  jX dg 
Z ext  jX dg respective contributions of
Em Vf the generator and motor
I m    IL to the fault current I f .

jX dm 
jX dm Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
 Internal Voltages of Loaded Machines
Under Fault Conditions
Zext IL Zext
P P
+
jXdg jXdm jXdg Ig Im jXdm
+ Vf + + +
If
Eg Em Eg
Em
- Neutral - - - Neutral -
(a) Before the fault (b) After the fault
Fig. 2-10 Equivalent circuits and current flows before and after a fault at the
terminals of a synchronous motor connected to a synchronous generator by line
impedance Zext.

Fault currents in systems containing generators and motors under load may be
solved in either one of two ways:
(1) by calculating the subtransient (or transient) internal voltages of the machines
or
(2) by using Thévenin's theorem.
A simple example will illustrate the two approaches.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

Example 2-2
A synchronous generator and motor are rated 30,000 kVA, 13.2 kV, and both
have subtransient reactances of 20%. The line connecting them has a
reactance of 10% on the base of the machine ratings. The motor is drawing
20,000 kW at 0.8 power factor leading and a terminal voltage of 12.8 kV when
a symmetrical three-phse fault occurs at the motor terminal. Find the
subtransient current in the generator, motor, and fault by using the internal
voltage of the machines.
IL
j0.10 P j0.10 P
+

j0.20 j0.20 j0.20 Ig Im j0.20

+ Vf + + +
If
Eg Em Eg
Em
- Neutral - - - Neutral -
(a) Before the fault (b) After the fault

Fig. 2-11 Equivalent circuits and current flows before and after a fault at the
terminals of a synchronous motor connected to a synchronous generator by
line impedance Zext.
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
Solution 2-2 (using transient/subtransient internal voltages)
IL
j0.10 P j0.10 P
+

j0.20 j0.20 j0.20 Ig Im j0.20

+ Vf + + +
If
Eg Em Eg
Em
- Neutral - - - Neutral -
(a) Before the fault (b) After the fault

Fig. 2-11 Equivalent circuits and current flows before and after a fault at the
terminals of a synchronous motor connected to a synchronous generator by
line impedance Zext.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

Solution 2-2 (contd…)(using transient/subtransient internal voltages)
IL
j0.10 P j0.10 P
+

j0.20 j0.20 j0.20 Ig Im j0.20

+ Vf + + +
If
Eg Em Eg
Em
- Neutral - - - Neutral -
(a) Before the fault (b) After the fault

Fig. 2-11 Equivalent circuits and current flows before and after a fault at the
terminals of a synchronous motor connected to a synchronous generator by
line impedance Zext.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

Solution 2-2 (contd…)(using transient/subtransient internal voltages)
IL
j0.10 P j0.10 P
+

j0.20 j0.20 j0.20 Ig Im j0.20

+ Vf + + +
If
Eg Em Eg
Em
- Neutral - - - Neutral -
(a) Before the fault (b) After the fault

Fig. 2-11 Equivalent circuits and current flows before and after a fault at the
terminals of a synchronous motor connected to a synchronous generator by
line impedance Zext.

For the generator, 0.814  j 0.207

I g 
Vt  0.97  j 0.1(0.69  j 0.52) j 0.3
 0.918  j 0.069 pu  0.69  j 2.71 pu
 1312(0.69  j 2.71) A
E g  0.918  j 0.069  j 0.2(0.69  j 0.52)
 905 - j 3550 A
 0.814  j 0.207 pu
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
Solution 2-2 (contd…)(using transient/subtransient internal voltages)
IL
j0.10 P j0.10 P
+

j0.20 j0.20 j0.20 Ig Im j0.20

+ Vf + + +
If
Eg Em Eg
Em
- Neutral - - - Neutral -
(a) Before the fault (b) After the fault

Fig. 2-11 Equivalent circuits and current flows before and after a fault at the
terminals of a synchronous motor connected to a synchronous generator by
line impedance Zext.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

Solution 2-2 (contd…)(using transient/subtransient internal voltages)
IL
j0.10 P j0.10 P
+

j0.20 j0.20 j0.20 Ig Im j0.20

+ Vf + + +
If
Eg Em Eg
Em
- Neutral - - - Neutral -
(a) Before the fault (b) After the fault

Fig. 2-11 Equivalent circuits and current flows before and after a fault at the
terminals of a synchronous motor connected to a synchronous generator by
line impedance Zext.

In the fault
1.074  j 0.138
I m 
j 0.2 I f  I g  I m
 0.69  j 5.37 pu  0.69  j 2.71  0.69  j 5.37 pu
 1312(0.69  j 5.37) A  -j8.08  1312 A
 905  j 7050 A  -j10 ,600 A
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
 Thévenin's Method

Fig. 2-12 Circuits illustrating the additional current flows due to the three-phase fault
at P. (a) applying Vf to network to simulate the fault.
(b) Thevenin equivalent looking into the circuit at point P.

The alternative approach using Thevenin's theorem is based on the

observation that Eq. (A) requires a knowledge of only Vf , the
prefault voltage of the fault point, and the parameters of the
network with the subtransient reactances representing the
machines.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Thévenin's Method

Fig. 2-12 Circuits illustrating the additional current flows due to the three-phase fault
at P. (a) applying Vf to network to simulate the fault.
(b) Thevenin equivalent looking into the circuit at point P.

Therefore, If and the additional currents produced throughout the

network by the fault can be found simply by applying voltage Vf to
the fault point P in the dead subtransient network of the system, as
shown in Fig. 2-12(a).

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Thévenin's Method

Fig. 2-12 Circuits illustrating the additional current flows due to the three-phase fault
at P. (a) applying Vf to network to simulate the fault.
(b) Thevenin equivalent looking into the circuit at point P.

If we redraw that network as shown in Fig. 2-12(b), it becomes

clear that the symmetrical values of the subtransient fault currents
can be found from the Thevenin equivalent circuit of the
subtransient network at the fault point.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Thévenin's Method

Fig. 2-12 Circuits illustrating the additional current flows due to the three-phase fault
at P. (a) applying Vf to network to simulate the fault.
(b) Thevenin equivalent looking into the circuit at point P.

The Thevenin impedance Zth is

jX dm Z ext  jX dg
 
Z th 
Z ext  j X dg  
  X dm

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Thévenin's Method

Fig. 2-12 Circuits illustrating the additional current flows due to the three-phase fault
at P. (a) applying Vf to network to simulate the fault.
(b) Thevenin equivalent looking into the circuit at point P.

Upon the occurrence of a three-phase short circuit at P, simulated by

closing switch S, the subtransient current in the fault is

I f 
Vf


V f Z ext  j X dg  
  X dm 
Z th  Z ext  jX dg
jX dm  

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Thévenin's Method
Example 2-2a (Using Thévenin's theorem)
A synchronous generator and motor are rated 30,000 kVA, 13.2 kV, and both
have subtransient reactances of 20%. The line connecting them has a
reactance of 10% on the base of the machine ratings. The motor is drawing
20,000 kW at 0.8 power factor leading and a terminal voltage of 12.8 kV when
a symmetrical three-phse fault occurs at the motor terminal. Find the
subtransient current in the generator, motor, and fault by using Thévenin's
theorem.
j0.10 P j0.20 j0.10

Igf Imf
P
j0.20 - j0.20 Igf
+
Vf
Vf j0.20 S
+ Igf
- If
If

(a) (b)

Fig. 2-13

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Thévenin's Method
Solution 2-2a
j0.10 P j0.20 j0.10

Igf Imf
P
j0.20 - j0.20 Igf
+
Vf
Vf j0.20 S
+ Igf
- If
If

(a) (b)

Fig. 2-13

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Thévenin's Method
Solution 2-2a
j0.10 P j0.20 j0.10

Igf Imf
P
j0.20 - j0.20 Igf
+
Vf
Vf j0.20 S
+ Igf
- If
If

(a) (b)

Fig. 2-13

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Thévenin's Method
Solution 2-2a
j0.10 P j0.20 j0.10

Igf Imf
P
j0.20 - j0.20 Igf
+
Vf
Vf j0.20 S
+ Igf
- If
If

(a) (b)

Fig. 2-13

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Thévenin's Method
Solution 2-2a
j0.10 P j0.20 j0.10

Igf Imf
P
j0.20 - j0.20 Igf
+
Vf
Vf j0.20 S
+ Igf
- If
If

(a) (b)

Fig. 2-13

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Thévenin's Method
Solution 2-2a
j0.10 P j0.20 j0.10

Igf Imf
P
j0.20 - j0.20 Igf
+
Vf
Vf j0.20 S
+ Igf
- If
If

(a) (b)

Fig. 2-13

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

Example 2-3
Thévenin's Method
2-14.

j0.1 j0.2

j0.1 j0.2
j0.8

1 2

j0.4 j0.4
3

Fig. 2-14 One-line diagram of the system

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

Example 2-3
Thévenin's Method
2-14.

j0.2 j0.8 j0.4

1 2

j0.4 j0.4

Fig. 2-14a Reactance diagram of the system

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
 Solution 2-3
Thévenin's Method
• Fault is simulated by switching on an impedance Zf at the faulted bus 3
• The change in the network voltages is equivalent to those caused by adding
the prefault bus voltage with all other sources short-circuited.

From Fig. 2-15(b), the fault current

at bus 3 is
V3 (0)
I3 (F ) 
Z 33  Z f
Z33  Thevenin’s impedance viewed
from the faulted bus.
V3(0) Thevenin’s voltage or the
prefault voltage.

Fig. 2-15 (a) The impedance network for fault at bus 3.

(b) Thévenin’s equivalent network.
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
 Solution 2-3 (contd….)
Thévenin's Method
• Fault is simulated by switching on an impedance Zf at the faulted bus 3
• The change in the network voltages is equivalent to those caused by adding
the prefault bus voltage with all other sources short-circuited.

Since the loads are neglected and

generator’s emfs are assumed equal to
the rated value, all the prefault bus
voltages are equal to 1.0 p.u., i.e.,

V1 (0)  V2 (0)  V3 (0)  1.0 pu

Fig. 2-15 (a) The impedance network for fault at bus 3.

(b) Thévenin’s equivalent network.
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
 Solution 2-3 (contd….)
Thévenin's Method
To find the Thevenin’s impedance, we convert the  formed by buses 123 to an
equivalent Y as shown in Fig. 2-16.

( j 0.4)( j 0.8)
Z1 s  Z 2 s   j 0.2
j1.6
( j 0.4)( j 0.4)
Z 3s   j 0.1
j1.6

Fig. 2-16 -Y transformation

of the network

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Solution 2-3 (contd….)
Thévenin's Method

Combining the parallel branches, Thevenin’s impedance is

( j 0.4)( j 0.6)
Z 33   j 0.1
j 0.4  j 0.6
 j 0.24  j 0.1
 j 0.34

Fig. 2-17a Reduction of Thevenin’s

equivalent network

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Solution 2-3 (contd….)
Thévenin's Method

From Fig. 2-17b, the fault current is

V3 ( F ) 1.0
I3 (F )     j 2.0 pu
Z 33  Z f j 0.34  j 0.16

Do yourself - for fault occurs at Bus-2

Fig. 2-17b Reduction of Thevenin’s
equivalent network
and Bus-1

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Short Circuit Capacity (SCC)
SCC is a common measure of the strength of a bus.

SCC or the short-circuit MVA at bus k is defined as the product of

the magnitudes of the rated bus voltage and the fault current.

Used for determining the dimension of a bus bar, and the

interrupting capacity of a CB.

Fault current
SCC  3 VLk[ pre f ] I k[ f ] at bus k

In per unit Rated bus voltage

Vk[ pre  f ] at bus k
I [f]
k 
X kk
SB
SCC 
X kk
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
 Short Circuit Capacity (SCC)

Find the SCC for bus 3

Z33 = j0.34
Sbase = 100 MVA
Sbase
SCC3 
Z 33
100 MVA

0.34
.  294 MVA
Fig. 2-18

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Analysis Using Bus Impedance Matrix
Ea 1
Ea 1 -j3.33
j0.2 j0.1 -j5
j0.2
4
4 -j4.0
j0.25 3
Ec 3 Ec -j3.33 -j8.0
j0.2 j0.1 j0.125

2 -j2.5
j0.4 Eb
Eb 2 -j3.33
j0.2 j0.1
-j5
j0.2
- +
Vf
- + - +
-Vf Vf If
(a) Reactance diagram (b) Admittance diagram

Fig. 2-19

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Analysis Using Bus Impedance Matrix
1
Ea -j3.33  A three-phase fault at bus 4 is simulated.
-j5
4  Vf is the pre-fault voltage at bus 4.
-j4.0
3
Ec -j3.33 -j8.0  Vf and -Vf constitute the short circuit.
 Vf alone would cause no current in the
Eb 2 -j2.5 branch.
-j3.33
-j5  Vf and -Vf in series creates short circuit
and the branch current is If.
- + - +  If Ea , Eb, Ec and Vf are short-circuited,
-Vf Vf If the voltages and currents are those due
only to -Vf.
 Then the only current entering a node from
a source is that from -Vf and is - If into
node 4, i.e. If from node 4.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Analysis Using Bus Impedance Matrix
Ea -j3.33
1 The node equations in matrix form for the
-j5 network with –Vf the only source
4
-j4.0
5.0   V1 
3 
Ec -j3.33 -j8.0  0   12.33 0.0 4.0
 0   0.0  10.83 2.5   
  5.0  V2 
j 
2 -j2.5  0   4.0 2.5  17.83 8.0   V3 
Eb -j3.33     
-j5  I f   5.0 5.0 8.0  18.0  V f
 

 V1   0  Vf
  I f 
- + - +   0  Z 44
 V2   
  Z bus
-Vf Vf If
 V  0  Z14
 3    V1   I f Z14  Vf
 V f   
 f 
I  Z 44
Z 24 Z 24
V2  Vf V3  Vf
Z 44 Z 44

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Analysis Using Bus Impedance Matrix
Ea -j3.33
1
According to principle of superposition, the
  
-j5 prefault voltages added to V1 , V2 and V3
4 yield the voltages existing after the fault
-j4.0
Ec 3 occurs.
-j3.33 -j8.0
If the faulted network are assumed without
loads before fault, no current is flowing
-j2.5
Eb -j3.33
2 before the fault and all voltages are the
-j5
same and equal to Vf.

-
V1  V f  V1  V f  I f Z14
+ - +
V2  V f  V2  V f  I f Z 24
-Vf Vf If

V3  V f  V3  V f  I f Z 34
V4  V f  V f  0

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Analysis Using Bus Impedance Matrix
Ea 1
-j3.33
-j5 In general terms for a fault on bus k (neglecting
4 pre-fault currents),
-j4.0
Ec 3
-j3.33 -j8.0 Vf
I f 
Z kk
2 -j2.5
Eb -j3.33
-j5 And the post-fault voltage at bus n is

Z nk
- + - + Vn  V f  Vf
-Vf Vf If Z kk

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Analysis Using Bus Impedance Matrix
1 The previous equations
Ea -j3.33
-j5
5.0   V1 

 0   12.33 0.0 4.0
  V 
4
-j4.0  0   0.0  10.83 2.5
Ec 3   j
5.0  2 
8.0   V3 
-j3.33 -j8.0
 0   4.0 2.5  17.83


   

 f 
I  5.0 5.0 8.0  18.0  V f 
2 -j2.5 
Eb -j3.33
-j5  V1  0.1488 0.0651 0.0864 0.0978   0 
  0.0651  
 V2

 0.1554 0.0799 0.0967   0 
 V  j
0.0864 0.0798 0.1341 0.1058  0 
- + - +  3    
-Vf Vf If  V f  0.0978 0.0967 0.1058 0.1566  I f 

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Analysis Using Bus Impedance Matrix
Ea 1  V1  0.1488 0.0651 0.0864 0.0978   0 
-j3.33   0.0651  
-j5
 V2

 0.1554 0.0799 0.0967   0 
 V  j
4
0.0864 0.0798 0.1341 0.1058  0 
-j4.0  3    
0.1566  I f 
3
Ec -j3.33 -j8.0  V f  0.0978 0.0967 0.1058

-j2.5
Eb -j3.33
2 Vf is assumed to be 1.00
-j5
1
I f    j 6.386 per unit
0.1566
- + - +
j 0.0978
-Vf Vf If V1  1   0.3755 per unit
j 0.1566
j 0.0967
V2  1   0.3825 per unit
j 0.1566
j 0.1058
V3  1   0.3244 per unit
j 0.1566

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Analysis Using Bus Impedance Matrix
1
I f    j 6.386 per unit
Ea 1 0.1566
j0.2 j0.1
j0.2
j 0.0978
4 V1  1   0.3755 per unit
j0.25 j 0.1566
Ec 3
j0.2 j0.1 j0.125
j 0.0967
V2  1   0.3825 per unit
j 0.1566
j0.4
Eb 2
j0.2 j0.1 j 0.1058
V3  1   0.3244 per unit
j0.2 j 0.1566
- +
Vf
Currents in any part of the network can be found
from the voltages and impedances
From the generator connected to
node 1 the current is V1  V3 0.3755  0.3244
I13  
j 0.25 j 0.25
Ea  V1 1  0.3755   j 0.2044 per unit
I a  
j 0.3 j 0.3
  j 2.0817 per unit
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman
 Fault Analysis Using Bus Impedance Matrix

j0.2 j0.8 j0.4

1 2

j0.4 j0.4

j0.16

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

 Fault Analysis Using Bus Impedance Matrix

 j8.75 j1.25 j 2.5

Ybus  j  j1.25  j 6.25 j 2.5
 j 2.5 j 2.5  j 5.0 
-j5 -j1.25 -j2.5

1 2  j 0.16 j 0.08 j 0.12

Z bus  j  j 0.08 j 0.24 j 0.16 
-j2.5 -j2.5  j 0.12 j 0.16 j 0.34 
3

Admittance diagram V3[ pre f ] 1.0 pu

I [f]
    j 2.0 pu
Z 33  Z f j 0.34  j 0.16
3

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman

Thank You

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. M. Quamruzzaman