CA1

TOPIC : UNSYMMITRICAL FAULTS

NAME : DIPANJAN MANDAL

STREAM : ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING-1(X)
UNIVERSITY ROLL NO. : 12001622026
SUBJECT :POER SYSTEM-II
SUBJECT CODE : PC-EE-602
INTRODUCTION

An unsymmetrical fault in a power system refers

to a fault condition where only one or two
phases of a three-phase system are affected,
creating an imbalance in the electrical circuit,
unlike a symmetrical fault which impacts all
three phases equally; essentially, it's a fault that
doesn't distribute its impact evenly across the
phases, making it more complex to analyze and
manage than a balanced fault.
TYPES OF UNSYMMETRICAL FAULT

The three main types of unsymmetrical faults are line-

to-ground (L-G), line-to-line (L-L), and double line-to-
ground (LL-G) faults.

EXPLAINATION

1. Line-to-ground (L-G) fault: The most common type

of fault, where a conductor touches the ground.
2. Line-to-line (L-L) fault: Occurs when two
conductors short-circuit.

3. Double line-to-ground (LL-G) fault: Occurs when

two conductors short-circuit and touch the ground.
CAUSES OF UNSYMMETRICAL FAULTS

1. Insulation Failure : Over time, the insulation on conductors can degrade due to age, overheating, or
exposure to environmental factors. This can cause conductors to short-circuit to the ground or other
phases, resulting in unsymmetrical faults.

2. Equipment Failures : Faulty transformers, circuit breakers, or switchgear can result in unsymmetrical
faults. For instance, a transformer might fail, causing a double line-to-ground fault or a line-to-line
fault.

3. Connection Failures : Poor connections, loose wiring, or damaged connectors can lead to unbalanced
faults, especially in high-voltage equipment like transformers or transmission lines.

4. Unbalanced Load : An unbalanced load (such as unequal current draw from each phase) can stress
the system, causing voltage imbalances that may eventually lead to faults. This is more likely in
situations where large motors or industrial equipment are involved, and one phase may experience a
higher load than the others.

5. Overheating of Cables : Cables that overheat due to excessive current or poor ventilation can break
down, leading to phase-to-ground faults or short circuits between phases.
6. Single Line-to-Ground Fault (SLG) : Caused by a tree falling onto a single phase, or insulation
breakdown.

7. Line-to-Line Fault (LL) : Happens when two phases short-circuit due to conductor damage or
equipment failure.

8. Double Line-to-Ground Fault (DLG) : Often occurs when two phases make contact with the ground,
usually from equipment failure or severe environmental conditions.

9. Neighboring Power System Faults : A fault in a neighboring system or transmission line can
propagate into a system, causing unsymmetrical faults. For example, faults in interconnected grids can
lead to line-to-line or line-to-ground faults in connected lines.

10. Electromagnetic Interference : Electromagnetic fields caused by nearby electrical equipment, large
motors, or high-voltage transmission lines can induce faults in nearby lines or equipment, especially if
the insulation is weak or damaged.
DETECTION OF UNSYMMETRICAL FAULTS

The detection of unsymmetrical faults is crucial for the reliable protection of power systems. Various
techniques are employed for fault detection:

1. Impedance-based Methods: This method measures the impedance of each phase to determine if a
fault has occurred. A sudden change in the impedance compared to the pre-fault value could
indicate a fault.

2. Overcurrent Protection: This method detects overcurrent conditions in any of the phases. When the
current exceeds a set threshold, a fault may be indicated. In the case of unsymmetrical faults, only
one or two phases will have elevated current, whereas the third phase will show a normal current.

3. Sequence Component Analysis: This method involves the decomposition of the phase quantities
(voltage or current) into sequence components: positive, negative, and zero-sequence components.
Unsymmetrical faults cause the negative and zero-sequence components to become significant,
making this a good method for detecting these types of faults.

4. Differential Protection: In this method, the difference between the incoming and outgoing currents is
calculated. A large difference indicates a fault.
5. Wavelet Transform: Advanced signal processing techniques such as wavelet transforms can be
used for fault detection by analyzing transient signals caused by faults.
PROTECTION AGAINST UNSYMMETRICAL FAULTS

To protect the system from damage during unsymmetrical faults, various protection schemes are
implemented

1. Overcurrent Protection Relays: Overcurrent relays are commonly used for detecting unsymmetrical
faults. These relays operate when the current exceeds a predefined value, causing a trip in the
affected phase(s). Time-delay settings may be used to differentiate between temporary faults and
permanent faults.

2. Distance Protection: Distance relays, often used in transmission lines, measure the impedance
between the relay and the fault. They can detect unsymmetrical faults by observing the changes in
impedance values that occur during a fault condition.

3. Phase-Failure or Unbalance Protection: This type of protection detects if one phase is not operating
as expected (e.g., phase loss or under-voltage). It helps to protect the system by de-energizing
parts of the network affected by the fault.

4. Breaker Coordination: Proper coordination between different protection devices (e.g., relays and
breakers) is essential to ensure that the right section of the network is disconnected during a fault.
For unsymmetrical faults, this may involve selective tripping of one or two phases.
CHARACTERISTICS OF UNSYMMETRICAL FAULTS

1. Imbalance: Causes unequal phase voltages and currents.

2. Short-Circuit Current: The fault current behaves differently for each phase.

3. Harmonics: May introduce harmonics into the system, affecting power quality.

EFFECT ON POWER SYSTEM

1. Voltage Imbalance: Impacts motor performance and efficiency.

2. Unbalanced Currents: Can damage transformers and generators.

3. System Instability: Possible cascading failures if not properly cleared.

METHODS FOR ANALYSIS

1. Sequence Component Method: Using positive, negative, and zero sequence components to
analyse faults.

2. Symmetrical Components: Decompose the unbalanced fault into balanced components.

3. Fault Analysis Software: Modern tools for simulating and analysing fault conditions.

CONCLUSION

Unsymmetrical faults, which involve an imbalance between the phases in a power system, are
critical events that can have significant consequences on the stability, reliability, and efficiency of
electrical systems. Unlike symmetrical faults, which are balanced and simpler to analyze,
unsymmetrical faults create unbalanced conditions that require more complex detection and
protection methods.
THANK YOU