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Fault Analysis by Symmetrical Components PDF

The document discusses unbalanced faults in power systems. When a short circuit occurs due to a fault, the current increases to an abnormally high value while the voltage decreases. There are two main types of faults: symmetrical faults where all three conductors are shorted simultaneously, and unsymmetrical faults which can include single line-to-ground, line-to-line, or double line-to-ground faults. Fault currents are calculated using the symmetrical components method to analyze unbalanced faults.

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Aayush Patidar
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24 views29 pages

Fault Analysis by Symmetrical Components PDF

The document discusses unbalanced faults in power systems. When a short circuit occurs due to a fault, the current increases to an abnormally high value while the voltage decreases. There are two main types of faults: symmetrical faults where all three conductors are shorted simultaneously, and unsymmetrical faults which can include single line-to-ground, line-to-line, or double line-to-ground faults. Fault currents are calculated using the symmetrical components method to analyze unbalanced faults.

Uploaded by

Aayush Patidar
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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References

• Elements of power system analysis


( William Stevenson )

• Power system analysis


( Hadi Sadaat )
FAULT ANALYSIS – UNBALANCED FAULTS

49
 Whenever a fault occurs on a network such
that a large current flows in one or more
phases, a short-circuit is said to have
occurred.
 When a short circuit occurs, a heavy current
called short circuit current flows through the
circuit.
 This can be beautifully illustrated by referring to
Fig. where a single phase generator of voltage V
and internal impedance Zi is supplying to a load
Z. Under normal conditions, the current in the
circuit is limited by *load impedance Z. However,
if the load terminals get shorted due to any
reason, the circuit impedance is reduced to a very
low value ; being Zi in this case. As Zi is very
small, therefore, a large current flows through
the circuit. This is called short-circuit current.
 A short circuit in the power system is the
result of some kind of abnormal conditions in
the system. It may be caused due to internal
and/or external effects.
 Internal effects are caused by breakdown of
equipment or transmission lines, from
deterioration of insulation in a generator,
transformer etc. Such troubles may be due to
ageing of insulation, inadequate design or
improper installation
 External effects causing short circuit include
insulation failure due to lightning surges,
overloading of equipment causing excessive
heating; mechanical damage by public etc.

• When a short-circuit occurs, the current


in the system increases to an abnormally
high value while the system voltage
decreases to a low value.
 The heavy current due to short-circuit causes
excessive heating which may result in fire or
explosion. Sometimes short-circuit takes the
form of an arc and causes considerable
damage to the system.
 For example, an arc on a transmission line
not cleared quickly will burn the conductor
severely causing it to break, resulting in a
long time interruption of the line.
 The low voltage created by the fault has a
very harmful effect on the service rendered by
the power system. If the voltage remains low
for even a few seconds, the consumers’
motors may be shut down and generators on
the power system may become unstable.
 Due to effects of short-circuit, it is desirable
and necessary to disconnect the faulty
section and restore normal voltage and
current conditions as quickly as possible.
 A fault occurs when two or more conductors
that normally operate with a potential
difference come in contact with each other.
These faults may be caused by sudden failure
of a piece of equipment, accidental damage
or short-circuit to overhead lines or by
insulation failure resulting from lightning
surges.
 Irrespective of the causes, the faults in a 3-
phase system can be classified into two main
categories viz
 Symmetrical faults. That fault which gives
rise to symmetrical fault currents (i.e. equal
faults currents with 120 degree displacement)
is called a symmetrical fault.
 The most common example of symmetrical
fault is when all the three conductors of a 3-
phase line are brought together
simultaneously into a short-circuit condition.
 Unsymmetrical faults. Those faults which
give rise to unsymmetrical currents (i.e.
unequal line currents with unequal
displacement) are called unsymmetrical
faults.
 The unsymmetrical faults may take one of the
following forms :
 (a) Single line-to-ground fault (b) Line-to-
line fault (c) Double line-to-ground fault.
 The great majority of faults on the power
system are of unsymmetrical nature; the most
common type being a short-circuit from one
line to ground. The calculations of such fault
currents are made by “symmetrical
components” method.
• Knowing the magnitude of the fault current is
important when selecting protection equipment
(type, size, etc..)
Positive Sequence
Negative Sequence
Zero Sequence

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