Module 4

Unsymmetrical Fault Analysis

Syllabus: Introduction, Symmetrical Component Analysis of Unsymmetrical Faults, Single Line-To-Ground (LG)
Fault, Line-To-Line (LL) Fault, Double Line-To-Ground (LLG) Fault, Open Conductor Faults.

Table of Contents

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Symmetrical Component Analysis of Unsymmetrical Faults

4.3 Single line to ground fault on an unloaded generator

4.4 Line to line fault on an unloaded generator

4.5 Double line to ground fault on an unloaded generator

4.6 Unsymmetrical faults on unloaded generator with fault impedance

4.7 Unsymmetrical Faults on Power System

4.8 Unsymmetrical Faults on Power System with impedance

4.9 Open conductor faults

4.10 Two conductor open fault

4.11 One conductor open fault

4.12 Worked Examples

4.1 Introduction
The concept of faults has been already introduced in module 2 which was dedicated to the treatment of
symmetrical faults. In this chapter, we shall deal with unsymmetrical faults. The unsymmetrical faults are
basically categorized into two types, namely,
1. Shunt type of faults and
2. Series type of faults.
Shunt type of fault involves short circuit between conductors or between the conductors and ground. They are
characterized by an increase in current and fall in voltage and frequency in the faulted phase. Shunt type of
faults are in turn classified as:
i. Single line to ground (LG) fault
ii. Line to line (LL) fault
iii. Double line to ground (LLG) fault.
When one or two lines in a thee phase system get opened while other lines or line remain intact, such faults are
called as series type of faults. They are characterized by increase in voltage and frequency and fall in current in
the faulted phase series type of faults can be grouped as:
i. One conductor open fault
ii. Two conductor open fault
We will individually consider each of these faults in this chapter. Before that, let us look into the typical relative
frequencies of different kinds of faults in a power system in order of decreasing severity.
Symmetrical faults (3L) -5%
Double line to ground (LLG) faults -10%
Double line (LL) faults -15%
Single line to ground (LG) fault- 70%
It can be observed that three phase faults (3L) has the maximum severity, though its occurrence is infrequent.
Hence the rapturing capacity of circuit breakers are calculated on the basis of a three phase symmetrical fault.
However, for relay setting, single phase switching and performing the system stability studies, the analysis of
unsymmetrical faults are very important. Since any unsymmetrical fault causes unbalanced currents to flow in
the system, the method of symmetrical components is very useful in an analysis to determine the currents and
voltages in all parts of the system after the occurrence of the fault. Also the sequence networks of the system
will come quite handy in this process. First, we shall discuss fault at the terminals of an unloaded synchronous
generator. Then, we shall consider faults on a power system.
4.2 Symmetrical Component Analysis of Unsymmetrical Faults
Consider a general power network shown in fig.1. It is assumed that a shunt type fault occurs at point F
in the system, is a result of which currents Ia, Ib, Ic flow out of the system, and Va, Vb, Vc are voltages of lines
a, b, c with respect to ground

Fig. 1: A general power network

Let us also assume that the system is operating at no load before the occurrence of a fault. Therefore,
the positive sequence voltages of all synchronous machines will be identical and will equal the prefault voltage
at F. Let this voltage be labelled as Ea.
As seen from F, the power system will present positive, negative and zero sequence networks, which are
schematically represented by Fig 2a,2b, 2c. The reference bus is indicated by a thick line and the point F is
identified on each sequence network. Sequence voltages at F and sequence currents flowing out of the networks
at F are also shown on the sequence networks. Fig 3a, 3b, 3c respectively, give the Thevenin equivalents of the
three sequence networks.

Fig 2: sequence networks as seen from the fault point F

Recognizing that voltage Ea is present only in the positive sequence network and that there is no coupling
between sequence networks, the sequence voltages at F can be expressed in terms of sequence currents and
Thevenin sequence impedances as
 Fig 3: Thevenin equivalents of the sequence networks as seen from the fault point F

Depending upon the type of fault, the sequence current and voltages are constrained, leading to a
particular connection of sequence networks. The sequence currents and voltages and fault currents and voltages
can then be easily computed. We shall now consider the various types of faults reckoned previously.

4.2 Single line to ground fault on an unloaded generator (LG Fault)

Fig 4.1: Unloaded three phase Y- connected generator

The Fig. 4.1 shows an Unloaded three phase Y- connected generator, whose neutral is grounded through a
current limiting reactor of impedance Zn. A single line to ground fault occurs on phase a.
The conditions at fault are,

Ib = 0, Ic = 0 and Va = 0

The symmetrical components of the fault current Ia are given by

The equations 4.3 and 4.5 are special equations for a single line to ground fault. They are used along
with equation 4.4 to determine all the voltages and currents in the fault. The positive, negative and zero sequence
networks of the generator are interconnected to satisfy the above equations as shown in above diagram.
The fault current is given by, If = Ia = 3 Ia1
If the neutral of the generator is not grounded, the zero sequence network is open circuited and Ia0 = Ia1 = 0. The
fault current Ia = 3 Ia1 = 0. No fault current flows in line a.
4.3 Line to Line Fault on an Unloaded Generator (LL Fault)
The circuit diagram in Fig 4.3 shows a line to line fault on an unloded generator. There is a line to line
fault between b and c. The conditions at fault are

Ia = 0 , Ib = -Ic and Vb = Vc
The equation 4.9, 4.11 and 4.14 are special equations for line to line fault. These equations indicate as to how
the sequence networks are connected to represent the fault. Fig 4.4 shows the connection of sequence networks
for line to line fault.

Fig 4.4: Sequence networks for line to line fault.

Since the fault is not grounded, no current can flow in the ground. In = 3Ia0 = 0. As they contain no zero sequence
components. The presence or absence of grounded neutral at the generators does not affect the fault current.

The fault current is given by

4.4 Double Line to Ground Fault on an Unloaded Generator (DLG Fault)

Fig 4.5 represents the circuit diagram of double line to ground fault on an unloaded generator. Both the lines b
and c are grounded. The conditions at fault are:
Equation 4.18 and 4.19 are special equations for DLG fault. The sequence diagram is shown in fig 4.6.

The fault current is given by, If = Ib + Ic = In = 3 Ia0

4.5 Unsymmetrical faults on unloaded generator with fault impedance

i. Single line to ground fault

Fig 4.7 represents circuit diagram of LG fault with impedance Zf. The conditions at fault are
The symmetrical components of currents are given by
ii. Line to line fault

Fig 4.9 represents LL fault with impedance Zf . The conditions at fault are:
iii. Double line to ground fault
Fig 4.9 represents LL fault with impedance Zf . The conditions at fault are:
4.7 Unsymmetrical Faults on Power System
i. Single line to ground fault on a power system

The Fig 4.28 shows the single line to ground fault on a power system. The conditions at fault are:
Ib = Ic =0 and Va = 0
The special euations are same as for an unloaded generator, except that Vf replaces Ea.
Thus, the special equations are:
 The above equations indicate that, the three
sequence networks should be connected in
series through the fault point in order to
simulate a LG fault, as shown in sequence
network.

The sequence networks are indicated

schematically by rectangles enclosing a line,
which represents reference bus of the network
and a point P to represent the fault point. The
positive sequence network contains emf
source that represent the internal voltages of
the machines

ii. line to line fault on a power system

The Fig 4.30 shows the LL fault on a power system. The conditions at fault are:
 The interconnection of sequence networks is shown below,

iii. Double line ground fault on a power system

The above Figure shows the DLG fault on a power system. The conditions at fault are:
 iv. Three phase fault on a power system

A three phase fault is a symmetrical fault and hence is

representaed by only positive sequence network as shown
in above Figure.
The special equations are:
Ia = Vf / Zf

4.8 Unsymmetrical Faults on Power System with Impedance

Most of the faults on a power system are due to the flashover across the insulators due to lightning and
switching surges. The impedance between the line and the ground depends on the resistance of the arc, the tower
and tower footing. The tower footing depends on the soil conditions. The resistance of dry earth is 10 to 100
times the wet earth.
i. Single line to ground fault through impedance

The above figure shows the SLG fault with through an impedance of Zf .The conditions at fault
and special equations remains same as discussed for generator. Except that, E a is replaced by Vf .The
interconnected sequence networks for SLG fault is shown below.
ii. line to line fault through impedance

The above figure shows the LL fault with through an impedance of Zf .The conditions at fault and
special equations remains same as discussed for generator..The interconnected sequence networks for
LL fault is shown below.

iii. Double line to ground fault through impedance

 The above figure shows the DLG fault with through an impedance of Zf .The conditions at fault and
special equations remains same as discussed for generator. The interconnected sequence networks for
DLG fault is shown below.

iv. Three phase fault through impedance

The above figure shows the three phase fault with through an impedance of Zf .As the system is
balanced, only positive sequence currents flow through the fault which is shown below.
4.9 Open Conductor Faults

An open conductor fault occurs in series with the line. Is is required that the line currents and voltages between
open ends of the conductor are to be calculated.

Above figure shows an open circuit fault. F and F1 represents the two sides of the fault. Th
represents the two ends of the conductor at fault. The series currents and voltages at fault are given by;

The symmetrical components of the voltages and currents are given by

lly represented as shown below.

4.10 Two Conductors Open Fault

The above figure shows the two conductors b and c open fault. The conditions at fault are:

In terms of symmetrical components, we can write

From the above equations, the interconnected sequence network may be written as shown below
4.11 One Conductor Open Fault

The above figure represents one conductor open fault in a line a. the conditions at fault are:

In terms of symmetrical components, we can write

From the above equations, the interconnected sequence network may be written as shown below
4.12 Worked Examples
Example-1: A three phase generator with constant terminal voltages gives the following currents when under
fault: 1400 A for a line-to-line fault and 2200 A for a line-to-ground fault. If the positive sequence generated
voltage to neutral is 2 ohms, find the reactances of the negative and zero sequence currents.

Solution:

Case a) Consider the conditions w.r.t. the LL fault:

Ia1 = [Ea1/(Z1 + Z2)]

If = Ib = - Ic = 3 Ia1

= 3 Ea1 / (Z1 + Z2) or

(Z1 + Z2) = 3 Ea1 / If

i.e., 2 + Z2 = 3 [2000/1400]

Solving, we get, Z2 = 0.474 ohms.

Case b) Consider the conditions w.r.t. a LG fault:

Ia1 = [Ea1/(Z1 + Z2+Z0)]

If = 3 Ia1

= 3 Ea1 / (Z1 + Z2+Z0) or

(Z1 + Z2+Z0) = 3 Ea1 / If

i.e., 2 + 0.474 + Z0 = 3 [2000/2200]

Solving, we get, Z0 = 0.253 ohms.

Example-2: A dead fault occurs on one conductor of a 3-conductor cable supplied y a 10 MVA alternator with
earhed neutral. The alternator has +ve, -ve and 0-sequence components of impedances per phase respectively
as: (0.5+j4.7), (0.2+j0.6) and (j0.43) ohms. The corresponding LN values for the cable up to the point of fault
are: (0.36+j0.25), (0.36+j0.25) and (2.9+j0.95) ohms respectively. If the generator voltage at no load (Ea1) is
6600 volts between the lines, determine the (i)Fault current, (ii)Sequence components of currents in lines and
(iii)Voltages of healthy phases.

Solution:

There is LG fault on any one of the conductors. Consider the LG fault to be on conductor in phase a. Thus the
fault current is given by:

(i) Fault current: If = 3Ia0 = [3Ea/(Z1 + Z2 + Z0)]

= 3(6600/ 3)/ (4.32+j7.18)

= 1364.24 58.970.

(ii) Sequence components of line currents:

Ia1 = Ia2 = Ia0 = Ia/3 = If/3

= 454.75 58.970.

(iii) Sound phase voltages:

Va1 = Ea - Ia1Z1 = Ea(Z2+Z0)/(Z1+Z2+Z0) = 1871.83 -26.170,

Va2 = - EaZ2/(Z1+Z2+Z0) = 462.91 177.60,

Va0 = - EaZ0/(Z1+Z2+Z0) = 1460.54 146.50,

Thus,

Sound phase voltages Vb = a2Va1+aVa2+Va0 = 2638.73 -165.80 Volts,

And Vc = aVa1+a2Va2+Va0 = 3236.35 110.80 Volts.

Example-3: A generator rated 11 kV, 20 MVA has reactances of X1=15%, X2=10% and X0=20%. Find the
reactances in ohms that are required to limit the fault current to 2 p.u. when a a line to ground fault occurs.
Repeat the analysis for a LLG fault also for a fault current of 2 pu.

Solution:
Case a: Consider the fault current expression for LG fault given by:

If = 3 Ia0

i.e., 2.0 = 3Ea / j[X1+X2+X0]

= 3(1.0 00) / j[0.15+0.1+0.2+3Xn]

Solving we get

3Xn = 2.1 pu

= 2.1 (Zb) ohms = 2.1 (112/20) = 2.1(6.05)

= 12.715 ohms.

Thus Xn = 4.235 ohms.

Case b: Consider the fault current expression for LLG fault given by:

If = 3Ia0 = 3 { -Ia1X2/(X2 + X0+3Xn)}= 2.0,

where, Ia1 = {Ea/ [X1+X2(X0+3Xn)/(X2+X0+3Xn)]}

Substituting and solving for Xn we get,

Xn = 0.078 pu

= 0.47 ohms.

Example-4: A three phase 50 MVA, 11 kV generator is subjected to the various faults and the surrents so
obtained in each fault are: 2000 A for a three phase fault; 1800 A for a line-to-line fault and 2200 A for a line-
to-ground fault. Find the sequence impedances of the generator.

Solution:

Case a) Consider the conditions w.r.t. the three phase fault:

If = Ia = Ia1 = Ea1/Z1
 i.e., 2000 = 11000/ ( 3Z1)

Solving, we get, Z1 = 3.18 ohms (1.3 pu, with Zb = (112/50) = 2.42 ohms).

Case b) Consider the conditions w.r.t. the LL fault:

Ia1 = [Ea1/(Z1 + Z2)]

If = Ib = - Ic = 3 Ia1

= 3 Ea1 / (Z1 + Z2) or

(Z1 + Z2) = 3 Ea1 / If

i.e., 3.18 + Z2 = 3 (11000/ 3)/1800

Solving, we get, Z2 = 2.936 ohms = 1.213 pu.

Case c) Consider the conditions w.r.t. a LG fault:

Ia1 = [Ea1/(Z1 + Z2+Z0)]

If = 3 Ia1

= 3 Ea1 / (Z1 + Z2+Z0) or

(Z1 + Z2+Z0) = 3 Ea1 / If

i.e., 3.18+ 2.936 + Z0 = 3 (11000/ 3)/ 2200

Solving, we get, Z0 = 2.55 ohms = 1.054 pu.

References
th
1. edition
2. , First edition
st
3. edition