Collection Technique ..........................................................................

Cahier technique no. 18

Analysis of three-phase networks
in disturbed operating conditions
using symmetrical components

B. de Metz-Noblat

Building a New Electric World

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no. 18
Analysis of three-phase
networks in disturbed
operating conditions using
symmetrical components

Benot de METZ-NOBLAT
A graduate engineer from ESE (Ecole Suprieure dElectricit), he
worked for the Saint-Gobain group before joining Merlin Gerin in
1986. Currently attached to the Technology & Innovations
department, he is a member of the Electrical Networks working
group, which is responsible for studying electrical phenomena
relating to the operation of networks and their interaction with
equipment and devices.

ECT 18 first issue, October 2005

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.2

Analysis of three-phase networks in

disturbed operating conditions using
symmetrical components
The dimensioning of an installation and the equipment to be used, the
settings for the protection devices, and the analysis of electrical
phenomena often require calculation of the currents and voltages in
electrical networks.
The purpose of this Cahier Technique is to set out a simple method of
calculating all these parameters in three-phase networks subject to
disturbance using the symmetrical components method, and to provide
specific application examples.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Brief review of vector mathematics

p. 4

3 Basic applications

2.1 Vector representation of a physical phenomenon

p. 5

2.2 Basic definition

2.3 Vector representation
2.4 Symmetrical components
2.5 Analysis of a three-phase system into its symmetrical
components
2.6 Mathematical calculation of the symmetrical components
2.7 Conclusion: Relevance to electrical engineering

p. 5
p. 6
p. 7
p. 8
p. 9
p. 10

4 Worked examples

3.1 Method of calculating unbalanced states

p. 11

3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8

p. 12
p. 13
p. 14
p. 15
p. 16
p. 17
p. 19

Phase-to-ground fault (zero-sequence fault)

Two-phase to ground fault
Three-phase fault
Network with an unbalanced load
Network with one open phase
Impedances associated with symmetrical components
Summary formulae

Appendix

4.1 Breaking capacity of a circuit-breaker at the supply end

p. 20

4.2 Breaking capacity of circuit-breakers at the ends of a line

4.3 Settings for zero-sequence protection devices in a grounded
neutral MV network
4.4 Settings for a protection device with a negative-sequence
current in an electrical installation
4.5 Measuring the symmetrical components of a voltage
and current system

p. 21
p. 24
p. 26
p. 27
p. 29

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.3

1 Introduction

In normal, balanced, symmetrical operation, the

study of three-phase networks can be reduced to
the study of an equivalent single-phase network
with voltages equal to the phase to neutral
voltages of the network, currents equal to those
of the network and impedances equal to those of
the network, known as cyclic impedances.
Asymmetrical operation can occur in a network if
there is an unbalance in the voltage or
impedance system of the electrical elements
(due to a fault or by design).
If the asymmetry is significant, simplification is
no longer possible because the relations in the
various conductors cannot be determined by

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.4

means of a cyclic impedance for each element of

the network.
The general method based on Ohms and
Kirchhoffs laws is possible, but it is complex and
laborious.
The symmetrical components method
described in this document simplifies the
calculations and provides a much easier solution
by reducing it to the superposition of three
independent single-phase networks.
After a brief review of vector concepts, this
method is explained by reference to basic
applications on various types of short-circuit,
followed by worked examples of actual cases.

2 Brief review of vector mathematics

2.1 Vector representation of a physical phenomenon

A vibrating physical phenomenon is sinusoidal
when the elongation of a vibrating point is a
sinusoidal time function:
x = a cos(t + ).
The application to electrical engineering, in
which voltages and currents are sinusoidal
phenomena, is well known.
c Consider a vector OM with modulus a, rotating
in the plane (Ox, Oy) about its origin O with a
constant angular velocity (see Fig. 1 ).
If at starting time t = 0, the angle (Ox, OM) has
the value , at time t it will have the value
(t + ).
We can project the current vector OM onto the
Ox axis.

c In the same way, a rotating vector can be

made to correspond to any sine function
x = a cos(t + ).
The function x is conventionally represented by
the vector OM in the position which it occupies
at starting time t = 0; the modulus of the vector
represents amplitude a of the sine function and
the angle (Ox, OM) represents its starting phase.

y
+
a
t +
-a

At time t, the algebraic value of its projection is:

x = a cos(t + ). Thus:
v The movement of the projection of the end of
the vector rotating about the Ox axis is a
sinusoidal movement with amplitude a equal to
the modulus of this vector.
v The angular frequency of the sinusoidal
movement is equal to the angular velocity of the
rotating vector.
v The initial phase is equal to the angle made
by the rotating vector with the Ox axis at starting
time t = 0.

x +a

Fig. 1

c The study of a sinusoidal physical

phenomenon can therefore be reduced to the
study of its corresponding vector. This is useful
because mathematical manipulation on vectors
is relatively straightforward.
This applies in particular to three-phase
electrical phenomena in which voltages and
currents are represented by rotating vectors.

2.2 Basic definition

c Consider a sinusoidal vibrating electrical
phenomenon represented by a rotating vector V
(see Fig. 2 ).

This is in principle as follows:

c A reference axis Ox of unit vector x : x = 1.
c A direction of rotation conventionally defined
as positive in the anti-clockwise direction + .
c The vector V whose origin is reduced to O is
essentially characterized by:
v An amplitude V : At a given time the length of
the vector is numerically equal to the modulus of
the size of the phenomenon.
v A phase : At a given time this is the angle
(Ox, V) made by V with the reference axis Ox ,
taking into account the adopted direction of
rotation.
v An angular frequency: This is the constant
speed of rotation of the vector in radians per
second.

O
X

Fig. 2

This is commonly expressed in revolutions per

second, in which case it is the frequency of the
phenomenon in Hz (1 Hz = 2 rd/s).
c A three-phase system is a set of 3 vectors
V1, V2 , V3 , with the same origin, the same
angular frequency and each with a constant
amplitude.
c An electrical system is linear when there is a
proportionality in the relations of causes to
effects.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.5

2.3 Vector representation

The vector V is traditionally represented in a
system of rectangular coordinate axes
(see Fig. 3 ).

V = OM = OX + OY = OX x + OY y
c Operator j
To simplify operations on the vectors, V can be
represented in an equivalent way by a complex
number using the operator j.
j is a vector operator which rotates the vector to
which the operation is applied through + /2, in
other words jx = y .
Thus we can see that:
j2 = -1 (rotation of 2
j3 = -1 (rotation of 3

j4 = +1 (rotation of 4

hence:

3
2

Fig. 3

aV

120

= 2 )

120

v a3 rotates a vector by:

2
= 2 (equivalent to 0)
3
3
a = - 0.5 + j
2
3

3
2

so
a0 = a3 = a6 = 1
a = a4 = a7 a2 = a-2 = a-5
a - a2 = je and 1 + a + a2 =0

V
120

2 4
2
=
(equivalent to )
3
3
3

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.6

c Operator a
a is a vector operator which rotates the vector
to which the operation is applied through + 2/3
(see Fig. 4 ).
Thus we can see that:
v a2 rotates a vector by:

a 2 = - 0.5 - j

= )

V = OX x + OY jx = x OX + j OY

y
+ Y

a V

Fig. 4

This last relation can be verified graphically from

the figure, where we can see that the sum of the
vectors shown is zero:
V + aV + a 2 V = 0
so V (1 + a + a2) = 0
therefore 1 + a + a2 = 0

2.4 Symmetrical components

Consider a set of three sinusoidal three-phase
vectors rotating at the same speed. They are
therefore fixed in relation to one another.
There are three specific arrangements in which
the vectors are symmetrical to one another and
which are therefore known as symmetrical
components:

V3
+

120
120

c The positive-sequence system

(see Fig. 5 ), in which V1, V2 , V3
v have the same amplitude
v are shifted by 120
v are arranged such that an observer at rest
sees the vectors pass by in the order

V1
120
V2

Fig. 5

V1, V2 , V3 ;
V1
+

V2 = a 2 V1 = a V3

V2
120

V3 = a V1

V1

c The negative-sequence system (see Fig. 6 ),

in which V1, V2 , V3

120

v have the same amplitude

120

v are shifted by 120

v are arranged such that an observer at rest
sees the vectors pass by in the order
V3

V1, V3 , V2 ;

V1

Fig. 6

V2 = a V1
V3 = a 2 V1 = a V2
c The zero-sequence system (see Fig. 7 ), in
which V1, V2 , V3
v have the same amplitude
v are in phase and therefore co-linear, so an
observer at rest sees them all pass by at the
same time.

V3
V2

V1

Fig. 7

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.7

2.5 Analysis of a three-phase system into its symmetrical components

Consider any three-phase system formed from
three vectors V1, V2 , V3 (see basic definitions);
we can show that this system is the sum of three
balanced three-phase systems:
Positive-sequence, negative-sequence and
zero-sequence.
c Positive-sequence system: Vd1 , Vd2 , Vd3
c Negative-sequence system: Vi1 , Vi2 , Vi3
c Zero-sequence system: Vo1 , Vo2 , Vo3

following equations:
V1 = Vd + Vi + Vo

V2 = a 2 Vd + a Vi + Vo
V3 = a Vd + a 2 Vi + Vo
We can calculate the symmetrical components:

1
V1 + a V2 + a 2 V3
3
1
Vi = V1 + a 2 V2 + a V3
3
1
Vo = V1 + V2 + V3
3
Their geometric construction is easy by taking
into account the meaning of the operator a
(rotation by 2/3) (see Fig. 8 ).
Vd =

This gives:
V1 = Vd1 + Vi1 + Vo1

V2 = Vd2 + Vi2 + Vo2

V3 = Vd3 + Vi3 + Vo3
If we choose the vectors with index 1 as origin
vectors and apply the operator a, we obtain the

O
V2

V2

+
V3
Vd

120
V1

V3

aV2

120

Vd =

V1

Original system

1
V1 + a V2 + a 2 V3
3

a2 V2

O
Vi
O

V3

Vo

V2

aV3

V1
Vi =

1
V1 + a 2 V2 + a V3
3

Vo =

a2 V2

Fig. 8 : Geometric construction of symmetrical components with operator a.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.8

V1

1
V1 + V2 + V3
3

More practically, we can construct the

symmetrical components directly on the figure
without having to transfer vectors (see Fig. 9 ).
Consider the points D and E such that BDCE is
a rhombus composed of two equilateral triangles
BDC and BCE and with O as the barycenter of

the triangle ABC; a simple calculation (see

paragraph below) shows that:

Vd =

EA
3

Vi =

DA
3

Vo = OO'

Vd
V2

B
+
V2

V3

V3
O

Vo
D

V1
Vi

Original system

V1

Fig. 9 : Geometric construction of symmetrical components on the three-phase system.

2.6 Mathematical calculation of the symmetrical components

Consider the points D and E such that (BDCE) is
a rhombus composed of two equilateral triangles
(BDC) and (BCE).

EA = EB + BA , thus EB = a 2 BC therefore
EA = a BC + BA
2

= a 2 BO + a 2 OC + BO + OA

= OA + OB -a 2 -1 + a 2 OC
= OA + a OB + a 2 OC
= V1 + aV2 + a 2 V3 = 3Vd
EA
Vd =
3

DA = DB + BA , thus DB = a BC therefore
DA = a BC + BA

DA = OA + a 2 OB + a OC
= V1 + a 2 V2 + a V3 = 3Vi

Vi =

DA
3

Let O be the barycenter of triangle ABC, then

O' A + O' B + O' C = 0
V1 + V2 + V3 = 3Vo
= OA + OB + OC
= OO' + O' A + OO' + O' B + OO' + O' C
= 3 OO' + O' A + O' B + O' C
= 3 OO'

Vo = OO'

= a BO + a OC + BO + OA
= OA + OB(-a -1) + a OC

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.9

2.7 Conclusion: Relevance to electrical engineering

The method described in the previous section is
directly relevant to electricity in the case of linear
three-phase networks with a single frequency.
This is because three-phase systems applied to
electrical networks can be unbalanced by load or
fault asymmetries.
In addition, the simplicity provided by
calculations reduced to the superposition of
three independent systems, which are treated
separately by reducing each to the simple singlephase case, is both practical and effective.
Note that these mathematical manipulations
correspond well to a physical reality of the
phenomena: the symmetrical impedances of the
electrical equipment can be measured (see
chapter 3), as can the symmetrical components
of a voltage or current system (see chapter 4,
example 4).
As an illustration, Figure 10 shows the method
for measuring the zero-sequence impedance of
an electrical element. The three input terminals
are joined together, as are the three output
terminals, the whole system is supplied with a
phase to neutral voltage E and a current Io flows
in each phase; the zero-sequence impedance is
then defined by Zo = V / Io.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.10

Io
Io
3I o

Inputs

Outputs

Io

E
Zo = E / I o

Fig. 10 : Principle of measuring the zero-sequence

input impedance of an electrical element.

Notes
c In the remainder of the text, voltage and
current vectors are shown without arrows, for the
sake of simplicity.
c The symmetrical components of voltages and
currents chosen to represent the system in
simple terms are those of phase 1:
Vi = Vd + Vi + Vo
c The residual vector Gresidual = 3 x Go
corresponds to any zero-sequence vector Go.

3 Basic applications

3.1 Method of calculating unbalanced states

Superposition principle
Let us examine the behavior of a linear,
symmetrical three-phase network, in other words
one that is composed of constant, identical
impedances for the three phases (as is the case
in practice), comprising only balanced
electromotive forces but in which the currents
and voltages may be unbalanced due to
connection to an asymmetrical zone D.
Electromotive forces (emf) are inherently
positive-sequence systems, since the e.m.f. of
negative-sequence and zero-sequence systems
are zero.
The operation of the network is interpreted by
considering the superposition of three states,
corresponding to the positive-sequence,
negative-sequence and zero-sequence systems
respectively.
In this linear, symmetrical network, the currents
in each system are linked solely to the voltages
in the same system and in the same way, by
means of the impedances of the system in
question. Note that these impedances Zd, Zi and
Zo depend on actual impedances, in particular
mutual inductances.
For a network comprising a single e.m.f., the
symmetrical components of voltage and current
being respectively Vd, Vi, Vo, Id, Ii, Io, at point D
of the asymmetry, the relations defining the three
states are:
E = Vd + Zd Id
0 = Vi + Zi Ii
0 = Vo + Zo Io.
They are shown in simplified form in Figure 11 .
These equations remain valid for networks
comprising multiple sources, provided that E and
Zd, Zi, Zo are considered respectively as the
e.m.f. and as the internal impedances of the
Thevenin-equivalent generator.

Zd

Id

Vd

Zi

Ii

Vi

Zo

Io

Vo

Fig. 11

Practical solution method

The method summarized below is described in
detail in the next section (phase-to-ground fault).
c The network is divided into two zones:
v An asymmetrical zone D (unbalanced network)
v A symmetrical zone S (balanced network).
c We write the equations linking currents and
voltages:
v In zone D (actual components)
v In zone S (symmetrical components)
v Continuity at the D-S boundary
v Operation in zone S.
c By solving the equations mathematically, we
can calculate the values of the symmetrical
components and the actual components of the
currents and voltages in zones D and S.
Note that we can calculate the values of the
symmetrical components directly using
representative diagrams of the symmetrical
systems (see Fig. 11).

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.11

3.2 Phase-to-ground fault (zero-sequence fault)

The circuit is assumed to be a no-load circuit.
Writing the equations
c Isolation of the asymmetrical zone (see Fig. 12 )
c Equations for the actual components in (D)

E
a2 E

These equations describe the case in question.

They are the only ones which are specific to this
example.
c Equations for the symmetrical components
in (S)
I1 = I d + I i + I o

2
I 2 = a I d + a I i + I o
I 3 = a I d + a 2 I i + I o

V1 = Vd + Vi + Vo
V2 = a 2Vd + aVi + Vo

V3 = aVd + a 2Vi + Vo

Phase 2

aE

I 2 = I 3 = 0
V = Z I
1
1

Phase 1

Phase 3

I d , I i, I o
Vd, Vi, Vo
Zone S

I3

I2

V3

V2

I1
V1

Zone D

Fig. 12

These equations link the actual currents and the

actual voltages respectively to their symmetrical
components. They are the same in all
calculations for unbalanced states. They are
derived from the definitions set out earlier
(see chapter 2).
c Continuity at the D-S boundary
By combining the equations for the actual
components in (D) and the equations for the
symmetrical components in (S) we obtain:

Vd = E - Zd I d = E - Zd

a 2 I d + a I i + I o = 0

2
a I d + a I i + I o = 0
Vd + Vi + Vo = Z I
1

E
Zd + Zi + Zo + 3Z

Vo = -Zo I o

I1

I d = I i = I o = 3

Vd + Vi + Vo = 3Z I o

Vd = E

Zi + Zo + 3Z
Zd + Zi + Zo + 3Z

Vi = -Zi I i
Vi = -Zi

E
Zd + Zi + Zo + 3Z

Vo = -Zo

E
Zd + Zi + Zo + 3Z

c Network diagram based on symmetrical

components (see Fig. 13 )

c Equations for operation in S

Vd

E = Vd + Zd I d

0 = Vi + Zi I i
0 = Vo + Zo I o

Id
E
Zd
Vi

These three equations are found in all

calculations for unbalanced states comprising
just one voltage source.

Ii

Io

c Values of the symmetrical components of the

currents and voltages
E + 0 + 0 = Vd + Vi + Vo + Zd Id + Zi Ii + Zo Io
= 3Z Io + (Zd + Zi + Zo) Io
ie.

I o = I d = Ii =

E
Zd + Zi + Zo + 3Z

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.12

Zi

Vo

Solving the equations

Zo

I d = Ii = I o
3Z

Fig. 13

c Values of the actual voltages and currents

I1 = Id + Ii + Io

3E
Zd + Zi + Zo + 3Z
I2 = 0

I1 =

I3 = 0
V1 = Z x I1

V1 = 3Z

E
Zd + Zi + Zo + 3Z

V2 = a 2Vd + aVi + Vo
=E

Zi (a 2 - a) + Zo (a 2 - 1) + 3a 2Z
Zd + Zi + Zo + 3Z

Zd + a 2Zi + aZo
2
V2 = a 2E 1 = a Ek1
Zd + Zi + Zo + 3Z

The ground fault factor at a given point is the

ratio of the highest rms voltage between a
healthy phase and ground when the network is
affected by a fault, relative to the rms voltage
between phase and ground in the absence of the
fault.
Figure 14 shows the overall situation in the
special case where Z = 0 (bolted fault) and
Zd = Zi Xd.
The range of high values for Xo/Xd corresponds
to isolated or compensated neutral networks.
The range of low positive values for Xo/Xd
corresponds to neutral-to-ground networks.
The range of low negative values for Xo/Xd is
unsuitable in practice due to the existence of
resonances.

Zd + a 2Zi + aZo
Zd + Zi + Zo + 3Z

where k1 = 1-

V3 = aVd + a 2Vi + Vo
=E

NB:
The terms k1 and k2 are known as ground fault
factors; their values vary between 1 and 1.8.

Zi (a - a ) + Zo (a -1) + 3aZ
Zd + Zi + Zo + 3Z

2.5 Ro/X =1
1

Zd + aZi+ a 2Zo
2
V3 = aE 1 = a Ek 2
Zd + Zi + Zo + 3Z
where k 2 = 1-

Zd + aZi + a 2Zo
Zd + Zi + Zo + 3Z

Special cases
c Bolted fault
If Z = 0, the phase-to-ground fault current takes
the value: I1 =

3E
Zd + Zi + Zo

c Impedance ground fault

If 3Z >> Zd + Zi + Zo, the phase-to-ground fault
E
current is defined by the fault impedance: I1 =
Z

2.0

50
5 1

k 1.5

Ro/X1 =0

1.0
0.5

0
-100

Not suitable for

practical applications

-10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 100

Xo/X 1

IEC 1 03096

Fig. 14: Ground fault factor as a function of Xo/X1 for

R1/X1 = 0 and R = 0 (graph according to IEC 60071-2).

3.3 Two-phase to ground fault (see Fig. 15 overleaf)

Writing the equations
c In zone (D)
I1 = 0
V = V = Z (I + I )
3
3
2
2

c In zone (S)
I1 = I d + I i + I o

2
I 2 = a I d + a I i + I o
I 3 = a I d + a 2 I i + I o

V1 = Vd + Vi + Vo
V2 = a 2Vd + aVi + Vo

V3 = aVd + a 2Vi + Vo

c Continuity at the (D) - (S) boundary

I d + I i + I o = 0

Vd = Vi
Vo = Vd + 3Z I o

c Operation in (S)

E = Vd + Zd I d

0 = Vi + Zi I i
0 = Vo + Zo I o

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.13

I 2 + I 3 = - 3E
Phase 1

V1 = E
a2 E

Phase 2

3Zi (Zo + 2Z)

Zd Zi + (Zd + Zi)(Zo + 3Z)

V2 = V3 = E
Phase 3

aE

I d , I i, I o
Vd, Vi, Vo
Zone S

I3

I2

V3

I1

V2

V1

Zone D

Fig. 15

Solving the equations

Id = E
Ii =

Zi
Zd Zi + (Zd + Zi)(Zo + 3Z)

- 3Z Zi
Zd Zi + (Zd + Zi)(Zo + 3Z)

c Network diagram based on symmetrical

components (see Fig. 16 )
Special cases
c Bolted fault
If Z = 0, the phase-to-ground fault current
assumes the value:
3E Zi
I2 + I3 = Zd Zi + Zi Zo + Zd Zo
c Two-phase fault
If Z = , the phase fault current is then:

I2 = - I3 = E

Zi + Zo + 3Z
Zd Zi + (Zo + 3Z)(Zd + Zi)

(a 2 - a)
3
= -jE
Zd + Zi
Zd + Zi

-E (Zo + 3Z)
Zd Zi + (Zd + Zi)(Zo + 3Z)

Io =

Vd

Id

-E Zi
Zd Zi + (Zd + Zi)(Zo + 3Z)

Vd = Vi =

E
Zd

E Zi (Zo + 3Z)
Zd Zi + (Zd + Zi)(Zo + 3Z)

Vi

Ii

E Zi Zo
Vo =
Zd Zi + (Zd + Zi)(Zo + 3Z)

Zi

3Z

I1 = 0

Io

Zo + 3Z - aZi
I2 = -j 3 E
Zd Zi + (Zd + Zi)(Zo + 3Z)

I3 = j 3 E

Zo + 3Z - a 2Zi
Zd Zi + (Zd + Zi)(Zo + 3Z)

Zo
Vo

Fig. 16

3.4 Three-phase fault (see Fig. 17 overleaf)

Writing the equations
c In zone (D)
V1 = V2 = V3 = Z (I1+ I 2 + I 3 )
c In zone (S)
I1 = I d + I i + I o

2
I 2 = a I d + a I i + I o
I 3 = a I d + a 2 I i + I o

V1 = Vd + Vi + Vo
V2 = a 2Vd + aVi + Vo

V3 = aVd + a 2Vi + Vo

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.14

c Continuity at the (D) - (S) boundary

Vo

I1+ I 2 + I 3 = 3 I o = Z

Vd = Vi = 0

V1 = V2 = V3 = Vo

c Operation in (S)
E = Vd + Zd I d

0 = Vi + Zi I i
0 = Vo + Zo I o

E
Zd
E
I3 = a
Zd
V1 = V2 = V3 = 0

I2 = a2

Phase 1

a2 E

Phase 2

aE

Phase 3

I d , I i, I o
Vd, Vi, Vo

Zone S

I3
V3

I2
V2

The results are independent of the values Z, Zi

and Zo.
c Network diagram based on symmetrical
components (see Fig. 18 ).

Vd = 0

I1
V1

Zone D

Id
E
Zd

Fig. 17

Solving the equations

Zi

E
and I i = I o = 0
Zd
Vd = Vi = Vo = 0

Id =

Zo

E
I1 =
Zd

3.5 Network with an unbalanced load

Fig. 18

(see Fig. 19 )

Writing the equations

c In zone (D)
I 1 = 0
V - V = I Zc = I Zc
3
2
3 2

Phase 1

a2 E

Phase 2

c In zone (S)

aE

Phase 3

I1 = I d + I i + I o

2
I 2 = a I d + a I i + I o
I 3 = a I d + a 2 I i + I o

V1 = Vd + Vi + Vo
V2 = a 2Vd + aVi + Vo

V3 = aVd + a 2Vi + Vo

I d , I i, I o
Vd, Vi, Vo
Zone S

I3

I2

V3 Zc V2

I1
V1

Zone D

c Continuity at the (D) - (S) boundary

Fig. 19

I o = 0

I d = I i
Vd Vi = Zc I d

Solving the equations

c Operation in (S)
E = Vd + Zd I d

0 = Vi + Zi I i
0 = Vo + Zo I o

E
Zd + Zi + Zc
E
Ii = Zd + Zi + Zc
Io = 0

Id =

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.15

E (Zi + Zc)
Zd + Zi + Zc
E Zi
Vi =
Zd + Zi + Zc
Vo = 0

and V1, V2, V3 tend towards the values of the

symmetrical network, in other words towards E,
a2E, aE.

I1 = 0

I3 = - I3 = j

Vd =

I2 = -j

c Two-phase short-circuit clear of ground

If Zc = 0 the fault current is then equal to

E 3
Zd + Zi

E 3
Zd + Zi + Zc
Vd

E 3
Zd + Zi + Zc
E (2 Zi + Zc)
V1 =
Zd + Zi + Zc

I3 = j

Id
E
Zd
Zc

E (a Zc - Zi)
Zd + Zi + Zc
E (a Zc - Zi)
V3 =
Zd + Zi + Zc
V2 =

Vi

Ii
Zi

c Network diagram based on symmetrical

components (see Fig. 20 ).
Special cases
c Low-power load
If Zc then I1 and I3 0

Zo

Fig. 20

3.6 Network with one open phase (see Fig. 21 )

Writing the equations
c In zone (D)
I 1 = 0

V2 = V2

V3 = V3

E
a2 E
aE

c In zone (S)
I1 = I d + I i + I o

I 2 = a 2 I d + a I i + I o

2
I 3 = a I d + a I i + I o

V1 = Vd + Vi + Vo

2
V2 = a Vd + aVi + Vo

2
V3 = aVd + a Vi + Vo
V = V d + V i + V o
1
V = a 2V d + aV i + V o
2
V = aV d + a 2V i + V o
3

c Continuity at the (D) - (S) boundary

I d + I i + I o = 0

Vd V d = Vi V i

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.16

I1

V1

V'1

I2

V2

V'2

I3

V3

V'3

Zone D
Zone S

Fig. 21

c Operation in (S)
E = Vd + zd I d

0 = Vi + zi I i
0 = Vo + zo I o

0 = V d zd I d

0 = V i zi I i
0 = V o zo I o

Zd = zd + zd

Zi = zi + zi
Zo = zo + zo

Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3

Solving the equations

Zi + Zo
Zd Zi + Zd Zo + Zi Zo
Zo
I i = -E
Zd Zi + Zd Zo + Zi Zo
Zi
I o = -E
Zd Zi + Zd Zo + Zi Zo
[zd (Zi + Zo)+ Zi Zo]
Vd = E
Zd Zi + Zd Zo + Zi Zo
zd (Zi+ Zo)
and V d = E
Zd Zi + Zd Zo + Zi Zo
Zo zi
Vi = E
Zd Zi + Zd Zo + Zi Zo
Zo zi
and V i = -E
Zd Zi + Zd Zo + Zi Zo
Zi zo
Vo = E
Zd Zi + Zd Zo + Zi Zo
Zi zo
and V o = -E
Zd Zi + Zd Zo + Zi Zo
I1 = 0

V3 = V3 = E

Id = E

I2 = E

a [zd (Zi + Zo)+ Zi Zo] + a 2Zo zi + Zi zo

Zd Zi + Zd Zo + Zi Zo

c Network diagram based on symmetrical

components (see Fig. 22 ).
Special cases
c If the load is isolated, the zero-sequence
impedance of the system is very high.
The current in the non-open phases is:

I 2 = - I 3 = - jE

3
Zd + Zi

The voltage in the open phase is:

V1 - V1 = 3E

Zi
Zd + Zi

Vd

E
zd

Zi (a - 1)- j 3 Zo
Zd Zi + Zd Zo + Zi Zo

Zi (a 2 - 1)+ j 3 Zo
Zd Zi + Zd Zo + Zi Zo
zd (Zi + Zo)+ Zi Zo + zi Zo + Zi zo
V1 = E
Zd Zi + Zd Zo + Zi Zo
zd (Zi+ Zo)- Zo zi - Zi zo
and V1 = E

Zd Zi + Zd Zo + Zi Zo

zi

Zi Zo
Zd Zi + Zd Zo + Zi Zo
a [zd (Zi + Zo)+ Zi Zo] + aZo zi + Zi zo
Zd Zi + Zd Zo + Zi Zo

zo

zd

Vi

Ii

Vo

ie.

V2 = V2 = E

Id

Vi

I3 = E

V1 - V1 = 3E

Vd

zi

Vo

Io

zo

Fig. 22

3.7 Impedances associated with symmetrical components

In this section we consider the main elements
which can be involved in an electrical network.
For rotating machines and transformers, the
orders of magnitude of the impedances are
shown as percentages:

Sn
z % = 100 Z U2

where:
Un = rated voltage,
Sn = rated apparent power,
Z = cyclic impedance.
Synchronous machines
Generators generate the positive-sequence
component of the power. Faults produce the

negative-sequence and zero-sequence

components, which move from the location of
the fault towards the balanced elements,
gradually weakening as they do so.
c When disturbance occurs, the positivesequence reactance of a machine varies from its
subtransient value to its synchronous value. In a
fault calculation, the following percentage values
can be used:

Reactance %
Subtransient
Transient
Synchronous

Salient poles
30
40
120

Constant air gap

20
25
200

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.17

c The negative-sequence reactance is less than

the transient positive-sequence reactance, at
around 20%.
c The zero-sequence reactance is only taken
into account if the neutral of the alternator is
connected to ground directly or via a coil/resistor.
Its value is around half that of the subtransient
reactance, at around 10%.
Asynchronous machines
In motors the positive-sequence component
generates rotating fields in the positive direction
(useful torque).
The negative-sequence component produces
rotating fields which generate braking torques.
c The positive-sequence reactance can
generally be considered as a passive
impedance: U2 / (P- jQ).

Zero-sequence
reactance

10 to 15 Xd
Xd
0.1 to 0.2 Xd

Star connection
(symbol )

Zig-zag connection (symbol Z)

Zigzag connections are only used on the
secondary side of distribution transformers.

Fig. 23

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.18

Delta connection
(symbol )

Transformers
The circulation of a zero-sequence current in the
windings of a transformer requires a connection
whose neutral point is connected to ground or to
a neutral conductor.
c In positive-sequence and negative-sequence
systems they give currents an impedance equal
to their short-circuit impedance of around 4% to
15%.
c The zero-sequence reactance depends on the
way in which the windings are connected and on
the nature of the magnetic circuit.
The table in Figure 23 sets out the orders of
magnitude of this reactance and shows various
possible connections. A table in the Appendix
shows the value or the method of calculating Xo
for each connection mode.

c The negative-sequence reactance varies

between 15% and 30%.

Transformer
(seen from secondary)
No neutral
Yyn or Zyn
Free flux
Forced flux
Dyn or YNyn
Primary zn

It is approximately equal to the starting

reactance.
c The zero-sequence reactance is very low.

A connection is designated by a set of two

symbols:
c The first (upper-case) is assigned to the highest
voltage.
c The second (lower-case) is assigned to the
lowest voltage.
The designation also includes the phase angle
value (vector group). For economic reasons and to
obtain an adequate tolerance of the load unbalance
between phases, the usual connections in HV/LV
distribution are as follows:
c Yzn 11 for 50 kVA,
c Dyn 11 from 100 to 3150 kVA. Where:
D : Delta connection in HV
d : Delta connection in LV
Y : Star connection in HV
y : Star connection in LV
Z : Zigzag connection in HV
z : Zigzag connection in LV
N : External neutral in HV
n : External neutral in LV
11 : Vector group defining the phase angle
between HV and LV.

Overhead lines

Cables
c The positive-sequence and negative-sequence
reactance and capacity depend on the geometry
of the cables.

Let us consider transposed lines:

c The positive-sequence or negative-sequence
impedance and capacity depend on the
geometry of the line.

The zero-sequence capacity is around 0.6 times

the positive-sequence capacity.

c The zero-sequence characteristics of a cable

cannot easily be deduced from the positivesequence and negative-sequence
characteristics. They are generally negligible in
comparison with those of the transformers they
are supplying.

Line

LV

MV

HV

Cable

LV

Rd = Ri /km

0.3

0.7

0.02 to 0.12

Rd = Ri /km

0.12 to 0.16 0.08 to 0.16 0.02 to 0.05

Xd = Xi /km

0.3

0.4

0.2 to 0.4

Xd = Xi /km

0.06 to 0.10 0.08 to 0.12 0.1 to 0.2

10
3.3

9 to 13
3 to 4

Cd = Ci F/km 1
mS/km 0.3

c The zero-sequence impedance is roughly

three times the positive-sequence impedance.

Cd = Ci nF/km
S/km

MV

HV

0.1 to 0.6
0.2
0.03 to 0.2 0.07

Ro

/km

0.25

Ro

/km

Xo

/km

1.8

0.75 to 1.5

Xo

/km

0.12 to 0.2 0.16

Co

nF/km
S/km

4.5 to 9
1.5 to 3

Co

F/km 2
mS/km 0.6

0.1
0.1 to 0.6
0.1 to 0.6
0.03 to 0.2 0.03 to 0.2

3.8 Summary formulae

Notation
c rms phase-to-phase voltage = U
c rms phase-to-neutral voltage V = U/e
c Short-circuit current in module = Isc
c Ground fault current in module = Iground

c Symmetrical impedances = Zd, Zi, Zo

c Short-circuit impedance = Zc
c Ground impedance = Z
The table below summarizes the currents in the
module in various asymmetries.

Type of asymmetry

Impedance asymmetry

Single-phase
short-circuit

I sc =

Two-phase shortcircuit to ground (Zc = 0)

I ground =

Two-phase shortcircuit clear of ground

I sc =

U
V 3
=
Zd + Zi + Zc
Zd + Zi + Zo

I sc =

U
V 3
=
Zd + Zi
Zd + Zi

I sc =

U
Zd + Zc

I sc =

U
V
=
Zd
Zd 3

(Z = )
Three-phase short-circuit
(any Z)

Solid asymmetry
(Z = 0 and/or Zc = 0)

U 3
3V
=
Zd + Zi + Zo + 3Z
Zd + Zi + Zo
U 3 Zi
Zd x Zi (Zd + Zi)(Zo + 3Z)

V
Zd + Zc

I sc =

U 3
3V
=
Zd + Zi + Zo
Zd + Zi + Zo

I ground =

U 3 Zi
Zd x Zi + Zi x Zo + Zd x Zo

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.19

4 Worked examples

4.1 Breaking capacity of a circuit-breaker at the supply end (see Fig. 24 )

100 MVA

c Short-circuit currents
v Three-phase
U
36
3 = 3 = 17 kA
I sc =
Zd
1.22

2500 MVA
17 kV

Xd = 35%
Xi = 25%

8% 36 kV

Fig. 24

Problem
What should be the breaking power of the
circuit-breaker?
Solution
When the circuit-breaker is tripped, the aperiodic
component is switched off inside the network but
not inside the windings of the alternator.
c Impedances
v of the alternator reduced to the secondary
transformer:

35
362
Positive - sequence Za =

= j 0.18
100 2500
25
362
Negative - sequence Za =

= j 0.13
100 2500
Zero-sequence Za = disregarded
v of the transformer reduced to the secondary
transformer:
8
362
Positive - sequence Zt =

= j 1.04
100 100
Negative-sequence Zt = j1.04
Zero-sequence Zt = j1.04

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.20

v Total impedances:
Positive-sequence Z = j1.22
Negative-sequence Z = j1.17
Zero-sequence Zt = j1.04

v Single-phase

I sc =
=

U 3
Zd + Zi + Zo
36 3
= 18 kA
1.22 + 1.17 + 1.0

v Two-phase clear of ground

I sc =

U
36
=
= 15 kA
Zd + Zi
1.22 + 1.17

v Two-phase-to-ground

I sc =
=

U Zo - a Zi
Zd Zi + Zi Zo + Zo Zd
36 1.915
= 17.6 kA
3.91

c The circuit-breaker must therefore break a

short-circuit current of 18 kA, giving a breaking
capacity of:
18 x 36 e = 1122 MVA

4.2 Breaking capacity of circuit-breakers at the ends of a line (see Fig. 25 )

For a 60 kV line, the reactance is:
c 0.40 /km in a positive-sequence or negativesequence state,
c 3 0.40 /km in a zero-sequence state.
The power station units have a positive-sequence
or negative-sequence reactance of 25%.
The active power loads P have an estimated
equivalent reactance of j 0.6U2/P.

Problem
In a 60 kV network, determine the breaking
capacity of the circuit-breakers at substations C
and E supplying the 15 km line.
The short-circuit reactance of the power station
unit and network transformers is 10% and that of
the other transformers is 8%.

40 MVA

40 MVA
30 MW
A

40 km

60 km
40 MVA

15 MVA

8 MW

12 MVA

15 km

10 MW
B

20 MVA

14 MW

C
E

10 MW

15 MVA
50 MVA
40 km

50 km
150 kV
network
D
1500 MVA

20 MVA

20 MVA

Fig. 25

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.21

Solution
c Global positive-sequence or negative-sequence
diagram (reduction to 60 kV) (see Fig. 26 )

h = j Usc
i= j

a=j

U2
25 602 25

= j 22.5
Psc 100 40 100

b = j Usc

k=j

C1 = j 0.40 60 = j 24
C3 = j 0.40 40 = j 16

m= j

C4 = j 0.40 40 = j 16

e=j

g= j

602
U2
0.6 = j 72
0,6 =
30
P
U2
10 602
=

= j 7.2
Psc 100 50

U2
602
=
= j 2.4
Psc 1500
p = j 0.4 15 = j 2.4
o=j

60
U
0.6 =
0.6 = j 216
10
P

f = j Usc

8
602
U2
=

= j 7.2
Psc 100 40

n = j Usc

8
602
U2

=
= j 19.2
Psc 100 15

10 602
U2
=

= j 18
Psc 100 20

U2
25 602 25

= j 45
Psc 100 20 100

l = j Usc

C2 = j 0.40 50 = j 20

d = j Usc

602
U2
0.6 =
0.6 = j 216
10
P

j = j Usc

10
602
U2

=
= j9
Psc 100 400

8
602
U2
=

= j 19.2
Psc 100 15

8
602
U2
=

= j 24
Psc 100 12

q = j Usc

602
U2
0.6 =
0.6 = j 270
8
P

r=j

U2
8
602
=

= j 14.4
Psc 100 20

U2
602
0.6 =
0.6 = j 154
P
14

a
b
A
d
c4
g

B
c3

D
j
k

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.22

m
l

Fig. 26

c1

n
c2

E
p

c Global zero-sequence diagram (reduction to

60 kV) (see Fig. 27 )
The substation transformers stop zero-sequence
currents in the delta windings.
b = b = j 9
c1 = 3c1 = j 72
c2 = 3c2 = j 60
c3 = 3c3 = j 48
c4 = 3c4 = j 48
d =
f =
h =
j = j = j 18
l =
n = n = j 7,2
p = 3p = j 18
q =

c Dimensioning of the line circuit-breaker at C

Case 1: Busbar fault (see Fig. 29 )
Zd = j 6 + j 168.4 = j 174.4
Zo =
v Three-phase Isc is equal to:
U
60
=
= 0.195 kA
Zd 3 174.4 3

so Psc = UI e = 20.7 MVA

v Single-phase Isc is equal to:
U 3
=0
Zd + Zi + Zo
so Psc = 0
Case 2: Line fault (see Fig. 30 overleaf)
Zd = j 6.45
Zo = j 6.09
v Three-phase Isc is equal to:

c Reduced diagrams
For the study with which we are concerned, we
can reduce the diagrams to focus on C and E
only (see Fig. 28 ).

U
60
=
= 5.37 kA
Zd 3 6.45 3

so Psc = UI e = 558.1 MVA

Positive-sequence/negative-sequence diagram

b'

j6

j168.4

j6.45

A
d'
c'4
f'

c'1

c'2
h'

c'3

Zero-sequence diagram

l'

p'
n'

j18

j6.09

q'
Fig. 28

Positive-sequence diagram
C

j6

j168.4

D
j'

Zero-sequence diagram
C

Fig. 27

j18

Fig. 29

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.23

Positive-sequence diagram
C

Positive-sequence diagram

j6.45

j6.45

Zero-sequence diagram

Zero-sequence diagram
C

j6

line open

v Single-phase Isc is equal to:

Fig. 31

Positive-sequence diagram

U 3
60 3
=
= 5.47 kA
Zd + Zi + Zo
18.99
so Psc = UI e = 568.7 MVA
The line circuit-breaker at point C must therefore
be dimensioned to 570 MVA.
c Dimensioning of the line circuit-breaker at E
Case 1: Busbar fault (see Fig. 31 )
Zd = j 6 + j 6.45 = j12.45
Zo = j 18 + j 6.09 = j 24.09
v Three-phase Isc is equal to:
U
60
=
= 2.782 kA
Zd 3 12.45 3

so Psc = UI e = 289.2 MVA

v Single-phase Isc is equal to:
U 3
60 3
=
= 2.121 kA
Zd + Zi + Zo
48.99
so Psc = UI e = 220.5 MVA
Case 2: Line fault (see Fig. 32 )
Zd = j168.4
Zo =

j6.09

j6.09

Fig. 30

j18

line open

j168,4

Zero-sequence diagram
E

Fig. 32

v Three-phase Isc is equal to:

U
60
=
= 0.206 kA
Zd 3 168.4 3
so Psc = UI e = 21.4 MVA
v Single-phase Isc is equal to:
U 3
=0
Zd + Zi + Zo
so Psc = 0
The line circuit-breaker at point E must therefore
be dimensioned to 290 MVA.

4.3 Settings for zero-sequence protection devices in a grounded neutral MV network

(see Fig. 33 overleaf)
Problem
What should the intensity setting be for the zerosequence relays on the various feeders?
Solution
We start from the formulae in the section on
phase-to-ground faults; in addition, we note that
the ground impedance Rn is equivalent to three

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.24

impedances of value 3Rn, each placed on one

phase of the network connected directly to
ground. The zero-sequence current at the point
of the ground fault splits into two parallel
channels:
c The first corresponds to the neutral impedance
3Rn in series with the zero-sequence impedance

of the transformer and of the section of

conductor between the fault and the transformer.
ie. 3Rn + ZOT + ZOL.

c The second corresponds to the parallel

connection of the conductor capacitive circuits:

C on

-j
n

Coi
1

i
HV / MV

Strictly speaking, we should take the transformer

and line impedances into account. They are,
however, negligible in comparison with the
capacitive impedances.

Rn
2

Ground fault current I1 (see 3.2):

3E
Zd + Zi + Zo + 3Z
where :

I1 =

Co 2

Zo = (3Rn + ZOT + ZOL )

in parallel with
-j

Co1

Coi
1

I1

Z fault

so
Zo =

3Rn + ZOT + ZOL

n

1+ j(3Rn + ZOT + ZOL ) Coi

1

Fig. 33

By substitution:

n

3E 1+ j(3Rn + ZOT + ZOL ) Coi

I1 =
n

(Zd + Zi+ 3Z)1+ j(3Rn + ZOT + ZOL) Coi + 3(3Rn + ZOT + ZOL)

If, as is often the case, Zd, Zi, ZOT, ZOL are

negligible in comparison with 3Rn and the fault is
bolted (Z = 0) then:

I1

E
+ j3 Coi E
Rn
1

The contribution of each healthy feeder to the

ground current is therefore 3 Coi E (in module).
The setting for the zero-sequence relay for each
of these feeders must therefore be greater than
this capacitive current, to prevent unintentional
tripping. This current depends on the type and
length of the conductors.
For example:
v For a 15 kV line the zero-sequence capacity is
around 5 nF/km, giving a current of:
3 x 5 x 10-9 . 314 x 15000/e = 0.04 A/km or 4 A
per 100 km.

v For a 15 kV three-core cable the zerosequence capacity is around 200 nF/km, giving a
current of:
3 x 200 . 10-9 x 314 x 15000/e =1.63 A/km or
almost 2 A per km.
v It is worth comparing these capacitive current
values with those for the current crossing the
neutral impedance, which currently amount to
several tens to several hundreds of amps.
Numerical application and graphical
representation (see Fig. 34 overleaf)
Consider a bolted fault on a 5500 V - 50 Hz
impedant neutral power system, where:
Rn = 100
Co = 1 F
Z = Zd = Zi = ZOT = ZOL = 0

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.25

5500
= 3175 V
3
3Rn
Zo =
1+ j3Rn Co

E=

V3
(5500 V)

3175
+ j3 3175 10-6 314
100
(32 + j3) amps

I1 =

E3
(3175 V)

Vo
(3175 V)

120

120
Vd

120

I2 = I3 = 0

120

V1 = 0

3
volts
V2 = ja E 3 = -3175 1.5 + j
2

3
volts
V3 = E (a -1) = -3175 -1.5 + j
2

V2
(5500 V)

E1
(3175 V)

E2
(3175 V)

Fig. 34

4.4 Settings for a protection device with a negative-sequence current in an electrical

installation
Problem
What should be the setting for the protection
device with a negative-sequence current
(ANSI 46) on an electrical switchboard supplying
Passive Loads and Motors (see Fig. 35 ) when a
phase is opened?
Solution
Let us start from the simplified formulae in
section 3.6 (Network with one open phase), with
ungrounded loads and hence a high zerosequence impedance.
In addition, the network impedances are
disregarded because they are lower than the
load impedances.

Zd = Zi = Zload
so

I2 = I3 =
=

U
2 Zload

3
I
0.87 Iload
2 load

I d = Ii =

Iload
2

= 0.50 Iload

c Motors case
Consider as motor characteristic data the
impedance Zmot with a rated current Zmot and a
starting current Istart such that:

Istart = k Imot
Imot = U / e Zmot
Where for a standard motor k 5.
Protection device

v In normal operation or no-load operation, the

slip is low, Zd = Zmot and Zi = Zstart = Zmot / k
so

I2 = I3 =
M

PL

U
k
= 3 Imot
(Zd + Zi)
(1+ k )

as k 5 then:

I1 = I 2 1.44 Imot
Fig. 35

I d = I i = Imot

c Passive loads case

Consider as characteristic data the impedance
load Zload with a rated current Iload such that:

Iload =

U
3 Zload

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.26

k
0.83 Imot
(1+ k )

v During load increase, the slip is high,

Zd = Zi = Zstart = Zmot / k
so

I1 = I 2 =

U
k
= 3 Imot
2
Zd + Zi)
(

as k 5 then:

Assuming a supply voltage unbalance of less

than 2% (Vimax = 0.02 V), the value of the
minimum negative-sequence current in normal
operation is:

I1 = I 2 4.33 Imot
I d = I i = Imot

k
2.5 Imot
2

v For a passive load:

c Settings for the protection device relay

The setting for the incoming circuit-breaker must
take the following constraints into consideration:
v Ithreshold > Iimax (maximum negative-sequence
current in normal operation)
v Ithreshold < Iimin (minimum negative-sequence
current on faulty feeder, ie. with an open phase)

Iimax = 0.02 Iload

v For a motor:

Iimax = Vimax / Zimin = Vimax / Zstart = 0.02 k Imot

Where k 5, Iimax 0.1 Imot
The table below shows the threshold setting
limits for the line protection devices.

Protection device
setting

Individual passive
load

Individual
motor

Ithreshold greater than ...

0.02 Iload

0.1 Imotor

Ithreshold less than ...

0.5 Iload

Electrical switchboard
for motors + passive loads

0.83 Imotor

Inegative-sequence in normal operation

= 0.1 Imotor + 0.02 Iload
0.5 Iload for the smallest load or
0.83 Imot for the smallest motor

4.5 Measuring the symmetrical components of a voltage and current system

Voltage system

V1
V2
V3

c The zero-sequence component is measured

using three voltage transformers (VT), the
primary windings connected between phase and
neutral and the secondary windings connected in
series to supply a voltmeter (see Fig. 36 ).
V = 3 Vo k where k = transformation ratio.
c The positive-sequence component is measured
using two voltage transformers installed between
V1 and V2 and between V2 and V3 (see Fig. 37 ).

V1
V2
V3

Voltage
transformer
ratio k

V3

V2

V1

Fig. 37

kV 3

kV 2

V
kV 1 + kV 2 + kV 3 = V = 3Vo k

Fig. 36

kV1

The first voltage transformer is loaded by a

resistor R. The second voltage transformer is
loaded by an inductance and by a resistance
such that:

Z = -a 2R = R e

Z comprises a resistance
R

3
in series.
2

R and a reactance
2

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.27

The two circuits are connected in parallel to an

ammeter which measures a current proportional
to:

(V1 - V2 ) + [-a2 (V2 - V3 )] = V1 - V2 (1+ a2 ) + a2V3

= V1 + aV2 + a 2V3 = 3Vd

c The negative-sequence component is

measured in the same way as the positivesequence component but by inverting terminals
2 and 3.

(V1 - V3 ) + [-a2 (V3 - V2 )] = V1 + a2V2 - V3 (1+ a2 )

= V1 + a 2V2 + aV3 = 3Vi

Current system
c The positive-sequence component is
measured using three current transformers (CT)
installed as shown in Figure 38 .
Auxiliary transformer T2 supplies a current
proportional to (I3-I2) across R.
Auxiliary transformer T1 supplies a current
proportional to (I1-I3) across Z, which is equal to
-a2 R.
The voltage at the terminals of the voltmeter is
proportional to:

(I3 - I2 ) + (I1- I3 )(-a2 ) = I3 - I2 - a2 I1+ a2 I3

c The negative-sequence component is also

measured using three current transformers, but
installed as shown in Figure 39 . Identical
reasoning to that for the previous case shows
that the voltage at the terminals of the voltmeter
is proportional to

(I1- I3 ) + (I3 - I2 )(-a2 ) = I1+ a2 I2 - I3 (a2 + 1)

= I1+ a 2 I 2 + a I 3 = 3 Ii

c The zero-sequence component is equal to

one-third of the neutral current flowing directly
into the ground connection (distributed neutral).
Three current transformers connected in parallel
can be used to measure the component at
ammeter A:

I1 + I2 + I3 = Ih (see Fig. 40 ).
A toroidal transformer surrounding all the active
conductors can also be used to measure it by
the vector sum of the phase currents.

I1

V1

I2
I3

V2
V3

= -a I1+ a I 2 + a I 3 = 3a I d
2

T1

I1

V1

I2
I3

T2

I3 - I2

I1 - I 3

V2

V3

R/2 R 3/2
V

Fig. 39
T1

T2

Z
R 3/2

I1

I3 - I2

I1 - I 3

I2

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.28

I3

R/2

Fig. 38

Fig. 40

Appendix: Zero-sequence reactance of transformers

Group
Primary
winding

Equivalent single-line diagram Value of the zero-sequence reactance

of the transformer, seen from the
primary
secondary
terminals 1
terminals 2

Secondary
winding

Infinite

Infinite

Infinite

Infinite

X22 = 1% of Sn

F. L.: infinite

F. L.: infinite

F. F. :
X11 = 10 to
15 times Xsc

F. F.: infinite

2
x22
1

1
1

Infinite

Note:
Fr.L.: Free flux
F.F.: Forced flux

Infinite

X12 = Xsc

x12

X12 = Xsc

Infinite

F. F.: infinite

x11

F. F.:
X11 = 10 to
15 times Xsc

Fr. L.: infinite

Infinite

X12 = Xsc

Infinite

Infinite

Fr. L.: infinite

x11

2
2

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.29

Group
Primary

Equivalent single-line
diagram
Secondary

Value of the zero-sequence reactance

of the transformer, seen from the
primary
secondary
tertiary
terminals 1
terminals 2
terminals 3

Tertiary

Infinite

X22 = 1% of Xn

Fr. L. : infinite

x22

Fr. L.:
X22 = 1% of Xn

x22
1

x11

x22

Infinite

Fr. L.: infinite

Infinite

F. F.:
X22 = 1% of Xn

Infinite

F. F.:
X11 = 10 to
15 times Xsc

F. F.:
X11 = 10 to
15 times Xsc

x11
1

2
x2

x3

x01

x02

X1 +

(X2 + X02 )(X3 + X03 )

x03

x1

X 2 + X 02 + X 3 + X 03

X2 +

X1 +

2
x2

X 2X 3
X2 + X3

Infinite

X3 +

(X1 + X01)(X2 + X02 )

X1 + X 01 + X 2 + X 02

(X1 + X01)(X3 + X03 )

X1 + X 01 + X 3 + X 03

Infinite

Infinite

Infinite

X3 +

Infinite

X33 = 1% of Xn

x1
1

x3

3
2

X1 +

x2
x01

X 2 (X 3 + X 03 )

X 2 + X 3 + X 03

X 2 (X1 + X 01)

X1 + X 2 + X 01

x1
1

x3

3
2
x2
x1
1

Note:
Fr.L.: Free flux
F.F.: Forced flux

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 18 / p.30

x33

x03

X1 + X2 = X12

Direction Scientifique et Technique,

Service Communication Technique
F-38050 Grenoble cedex 9

2005 Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric

DTP: Axess Valence.

Transl.: Lloyd International - Tarportey - Cheshire - GB
Editor: Schneider Electric

E-mail : fr-tech-com@schneider-electric.com
10-05