COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus
ASSIGNMENT-3 – Semester SPRING 2025
Course Title: Power Distribution and Utilization Course Code: EEE-375 Credit Hours: 4(3,1)
Course Instructor: Nisma Saleem Program Name: FA23-BSEE-A
Assignment Date: 02-05-2025 Submission Date: 05-05-2025
Total Marks: 20 Obtained Marks:
Student’s Name: Ahmad Salar Dawood Reg. No. FA23-BEE-016
Note:
Solve all the questions on A4 pages, two sides.
Add this assignment page as the front page of your assignment.
Questions must be solved with complete steps mentioned in your assignment, no short cut allowed.
No assignment will be submitted after the given deadline.
All copied assignments (cheating) will be marked zero.
Question 1: CLO1, PLO1, C2 (03+04+03 = 10 marks)
A one-line diagram of a section of distribution system having three feeder circuit and a tap
from one branch is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1
i. Describe the basic function of circuit breaker, recloser and sectionalizers in the given
distribution system.
ii. If a fault occurs on Feeder 2, illustrate the operation of the whole circuit in terms of
fault identification and isolation process.
iii. How will the equipment operate in case of temporary faults? Also outline their
individual response towards permanent fault on any section of the given distribution
system.
Question 2: CLO1, PLO1, C2 (03+03+04 = 10 marks)
What do you understand by protective relays? Illustrate the purpose and operation of
following types of Protective Relays:
i. Over-current relays:
Purpose:
Overcurrent relays are protective devices used in electrical power systems to detect and
respond to excessive current flow. They help prevent damage to transformers, cables, motors, and
other equipment caused by overcurrent conditions. By isolating faulty sections quickly, they reduce
the impact on the overall system. They protect personnel and prevent fire hazards caused by
overheating or short circuits.
Operation:
Overcurrent relays monitor current in a circuit and operate (i.e., trip a circuit breaker)
when the current exceeds a predetermined threshold. A current transformer (CT) steps down
the line current to a measurable level and feeds it to the relay.The relay compares the
sensed current with a preset value (pickup current).If the current exceeds this value, the
relay starts timing.Many overcurrent relays use an inverse time characteristic, meaning the
higher the current, the faster they trip.Time-delay settings help coordinate with other
protection devices.If the overcurrent condition persists beyond the delay time, the relay
sends a trip signal to the circuit breaker.
ii. Under-Voltage relays:
Purpose:
Undervoltage relays are protective devices used to detect when the voltage in a system
drops below a specified level. Many devices (motors, transformers, etc.) can be damaged
or operate inefficiently at low voltages.Motors can overheat or stall under low voltage,
causing damage.Helps prevent voltage instability or collapse by disconnecting non-
essential loads.Can trigger shedding of less critical loads during voltage dips to stabilize
the system.
Operation:
Undervoltage relays work by continuously monitoring the system voltage. When it falls
below a set threshold, the relay initiates a protective actions.The relay measures the line
voltage either directly or via a potential transformer (PT) for high-voltage systems.The
actual voltage is compared with a preset undervoltage threshold.To prevent tripping on
short-term dips (like motor starts), a time delay is often used.If the low voltage persists
beyond the delay time, the relay activates.Sends a trip signal to a circuit breaker to
disconnect sensitive equipment or triggers alarms and control logic.
iii. Differential Relays:
Purpose:
Differential relays are protective devices designed to detect internal faults within
electrical equipment by comparing the current entering and leaving the protected
zone.They protect transformers, generators, busbars, and large motors from faults
occurring within the equipment.They operate very quickly and accurately, minimizing
damage and ensuring only the faulty section is isolated.They can detect small fault currents
that other protection schemes may miss.
Operation:
Differential protection works on the principle of Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)
the current entering a protected zone should equal the current leaving it. If there is a
difference (i.e., a differential current), it indicates a fault.Current transformers are placed
at both ends of the protected equipment.The relay receives these CT inputs.The relay
continuously compares the incoming and outgoing currents.If both are equal (no fault), the
relay remains inactive.If there is a significant difference (above a preset threshold), it
indicates an internal fault.To avoid tripping during external faults or CT mismatches,
percentage differential or biased differential relays introduce a restraint based on current
magnitude.If an internal fault is confirmed, the relay sends a trip signal to isolate the
equipment quickly.
END OF ASSIGNMENT!
