ANSI/IEEE Calculation Methods: Standard Compliance

Calculation Methods - Short-Circuit ANSI/IEEE Page 1 of 36
ANSI/IEEE Calculation Methods

ETAP provides two Short-Circuit Calculation Methods based on ANSI/IEEE and IEC Standards. You can select the calculation method from the Short-Circuit Study Case Editor.
This section describes the ANSI/IEEE Standard Method of Calculation.
Standard Compliance
ETAP short-circuit calculation per ANSI/IEEE Standards complies with the latest ANSI/IEEE and UL Standards, as listed below:
Standard Pub. Year Title

IEEE C37.04 1979 (1988) Standard Rating Structure for AC High-Voltage Circuit Breakers Rated on a Symmetrical Current Basis and
IEEE C37.04f 1990 Supplements
IEEE C37.04g 1986
IEEE C37.04h 1990
IEEE C37.04i 1991
IEEE C37.04 1999
IEEE C37.010 1979, 1988,1999 IEEE Application Guide for AC High-Voltage Circuit Breakers Rated on a Symmetrical Basis and supplements
IEEE C37.010b 1985
IEEE C37.010e 1985
IEEE C37.010 1999
IEEE C37.13 1990 Standard for Low-Voltage AC Power Circuit Breakers Used in Enclosures
IEEE C37.013 1997 Standard for AC High-Voltage Generator Circuit Breakers Rated on a Symmetrical Current Basis
IEEE C37.20.1 2002 Standard for Metal Enclosed Low-Voltage Power Circuit Breaker Switchgear
IEEE Std 399 1990 & 1997 Power System Analysis – the Brown Book
IEEE Std 141 1986 & 1993 Electric Power Distribution for Industrial Plants – the Red Book
IEEE Std 242 1986 & 2001 IEEE Recommended Practice for Protection and Coordination of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems – the Buff
Book
UL 489_9 1996,2000,2002 Standard for Safety for Molded-Case Circuit Breakers, Molded-Case Switches, and Circuit-Breaker Enclosures
General Description of Calculation Methodology

In ANSI/IEEE short-circuit calculations, an equivalent voltage source at the fault location, which equals the prefault voltage at the location, replaces all external voltage sources and
machine internal voltage sources.
All machines are represented by their internal impedances. Line capacitances and static loads are neglected. Transformer taps can be set at either the nominal position or at the
tapped position, and different schemes are available to correct transformer impedance and system voltages if off-nominal tap setting exist. It is assumed that for 3-phase fault, the
fault is bolted. Therefore, arc resistances are not considered. You can specify fault impedance in the Short-Circuit Study Case for single-phase to ground fault. System impedances
are assumed to be balanced 3-phase, and the method of symmetrical components is used for unbalanced fault calculations.
Three different impedance networks are formed to calculate momentary, interrupting, and steady-state short-circuit currents, and corresponding duties for various protective devices.
These networks are: ½ cycle network (subtransient network), 1.5-4 cycle network (transient network), and 30 cycle network (steady-state network).
ANSI/IEEE Standards recommend the use of separate R and X networks to calculate X/R values. X/R ratios are obtained for each individual faulted bus and short-circuit current.
This X/R ratio is then used to determine the multiplying factor to account for the system DC offset.
Using the ½ cycle and 1.5-4 cycle networks, the symmetrical rms value of the momentary and interrupting short-circuit currents are solved first. These values are then multiplied by
appropriate multiplying factors to finally obtain the asymmetrical value of the momentary and interrupting short-circuit currents.
Definition of Terms
The following terms are helpful in understanding short-circuit calculations using ANSI/IEEE Standards.
½ Cycle Network
This is the network used to calculate momentary short-circuit current and protective device duties at the ½ cycle after the fault. The following table shows the type of device and its
associated duties using the ½ cycle network.
Type of Device Duty
High voltage circuit breaker Closing and latching capability
Low voltage circuit breaker Interrupting capability
Fuse Interrupting capability
Switchgear and MCC Bus bracing
Relay Instantaneous settings
½ Cycle Network Duty
The ½ cycle network is also referred to as the subtransient network, primarily because all rotating machines are represented by their subtransient reactance, as shown in the
following table:
Type of Machine Xsc

Utility X”
Turbo generator X d”
Hydro-generator with amortisseur winding X d”
Hydro-generator without amortisseur winding 0.75 Xd’
Condenser X d”
Synchronous motor X d”
Induction Machine
> 1000 hp @ 1800 rpm or less X d”
> 250 hp @ 3600 rpm X d”
All other > 50 hp 1.2 Xd”
< 50 hp 1.67 Xd”
(Xd” = 1/LRC for induction motors)
1.5-4 Cycle Network

This network is used to calculate the interrupting short-circuit current and protective device duties 1.5-4 cycles after the fault. The following table shows the type of device and its
associated duties using the 1.5-4 cycle network.
Type of Device Duty

High voltage circuit breaker Interrupting capability
file:///C:/Users/carlo/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhEB79.htm 3/04/2024
Low voltage circuit breaker N/A

Fuse N/A
Switchgear and MCC N/A
Relay N/A
The 1.5-4 cycle network is also referred to as the transient network. The type of rotating machine and its representation is shown in the following table:
Type of Machine Xsc

Utility X”
Turbo generator X d”
Hydro-generator with amortisseur winding X d”
Hydro-generator without amortisseur winding 0.75 Xd’
Condenser X d” *
Synchronous motor 1.5 Xd”
Induction machine
> 1000 hp @ 1800 rpm or less 1.5 Xd”
> 250 hp @ 3600 rpm 1.5 Xd”
All other > 50 hp 3.0 Xd”
< 50 hp Infinity
(Xd” = 1/LRC for induction motors)

* Note that, in the 1.5-4 cycle network, the positive sequence reactance value for a condenser depends on the option selected for SCANSICondenserMFOpt in the Options
(Preferences). For details see the ETAP.Ini section.
30 Cycle Network
This is the network used to calculate the steady-state short-circuit current and duties for some of the protective devices 30 cycles after the fault. The following table shows the type
of device and its associated duties using the 30 cycle network:
Type of Device Duty

High voltage circuit breaker N/A
Low voltage circuit breaker N/A
Fuse N/A
Switchgear and MCC N/A
Relay Overcurrent settings
30 Cycle Network Duty
The type of rotating machine and its representation in the 30 cycle network is shown in the following table. Induction machines, synchronous motors, and condensers are not
considered in the 30 cycle fault calculation..
Type of Machine Xsc

Utility X”
Turbo generator X d’
Hydro-generator with amortisseur winding X d’
Hydro-generator without amortisseur winding X d’
Condenser Infinity
Synchronous motor Infinity
Induction machine Infinity
30 Cycle Network Impedance
ANSI Multiplying Factor (MF)

The ANSI multiplying factor is determined by the equivalent system X/R ratio at a particular fault location. The X/R ratio is calculated by the separate R and X networks.
Local and Remote Contributions

A local contribution to a short-circuit current is the portion of the short-circuit current fed predominately from generators through no more than one transformation, or with external
reactance in a series, which is less than 1.5 times the generator subtransient reactance. Otherwise the contribution is defined as remote.
No AC Decay (NACD) Ratio

The NACD ratio is defined as the remote contributions to the total contributions for the short-circuit current at a given location.
l Total short circuit current Itotal = Iremote + Ilocal

l NACD = 0 if all contributions are local.
l NACD = 1 if all contributions are remote.
Calculation Methods
Momentary (1/2 Cycle) Short-Circuit Current Calc. (Buses and HVCB)
The Momentary Short-Circuit Current at the ½ cycle represents the highest or maximum value of the short-circuit current before its AC and DC components decay toward the
steady-state value. Although the highest or maximum short-circuit current actually occurs slightly before the ½ cycle in reality, the ½ cycle network is used for this calculation.
The following procedure is used to calculate momentary short-circuit current:
1. Calculate the symmetrical rms value of momentary short-circuit current using the following formula:
where Zeq is the equivalent impedance at the faulted bus from the ½ cycle network.
2. Calculate the asymmetrical rms value of momentary short-circuit current using the following formula:
where MFm is the momentary multiplying factor, calculated from:
3. Calculate the peak value of momentary short-circuit current using the following formula:
where MFp is the peak multiplying factor, calculated from:
This value is the calculated Asymmetrical kA Crest printed in the Momentary Duty column of the Momentary Duty page in the output report.
In both equations for MFm and MFp calculation, X/R is the ratio of X to R at the fault location obtained from separate X and R networks at ½ cycle. The value of the fault current
calculated by this method can be used for the following purposes:
l Check closing and latching capabilities of high voltage circuit breakers

l Check bus bracing capabilities
l Adjust relay instantaneous settings
l Check interrupting capabilities of fuses and low voltage circuit breakers
High Voltage Circuit Breaker Interrupting Duty Calculation

The interrupting fault currents for high voltage circuit breakers correspond to the 1.5-4 cycle short-circuit currents, i.e., the 1.5-4 cycle network is used for this calculation.
Contact Parting Time

The magnitude of the DC component of the short-circuit current is dependent on the contact parting time of the individual circuit breaker. On the Rating page of High Voltage
Circuit Breaker Editor, you can specify the contact parting time for a circuit breaker. If the C37.010-1999 option is selected on the Standard page of the Short-Circuit Study Case,
then the contact parting time entered in the High Voltage Circuit Breaker Editor will be used in the calculation.
If the C37.010-1979 and Older option is selected, then the default contact parting time given in the following table will be used. The default contact parting time is dependent on the
rated cycle of the circuit breaker. In this case, the contact parting time entered in the High Voltage Circuit Breaker Editor will be ignored in the calculation.
Circuit Breaker Contact Parting

Rating in Cycles Time in Cycles
8 4
5 3
3 2
2 1.5
S Factor
The S Factor reflects the ability of a symmetrically rated high voltage circuit breaker to interrupt a fault current with a DC component. It is defined as the ratio of asymmetrical
interrupting rms rating over symmetrical interrupting rms rating of a circuit breaker.
If the C37.010-1999 option is selected on the Standard page of Short-Circuit Study Case, the S Factor for a symmetrically rated circuit breaker is calculated using the contact parting
time entered in the High Voltage Circuit Breaker Editor and the standard time constant for the DC component provided in IEEE Standards. According to IEEE Standard C37.10-
1999, the time constant is equal to 45 ms for an AC high voltage circuit breaker rated on a symmetrical current basis. According to IEEE Standard C37.013-1997, the time constant
is equal to 133 ms for an AC high voltage generator circuit breaker rated on a symmetrical current basis. The calculated S Factor is also displayed on the Rating page of the High
Voltage Circuit Breaker Editor.
If the C37.010-1979 and Older option is selected, the default S factor given in the following table will be used. The default S Factor is dependent on the rated cycle of the circuit
breaker. In this case, the S Factor displayed in the High Voltage Circuit Breaker Editor will not be used in the calculation.
Circuit Breaker
Contact Parting Time S Factor
4 1.0
3 1.1
2 1.2
1.5 1.3
S Factor for AC High Voltage Circuit Breaker
Rated on a Symmetrical Current Basis
Calculation Procedure
The following procedure is used to calculate the interrupting short-circuit current for high voltage circuit breakers:
1. Calculate the symmetrical rms value of the interrupting short-circuit current using the following formula:
where Zeq is the equivalent impedance at the faulted bus from the 1.5-4 cycle network
2. Calculate the short-circuit current contributions to the fault location from the surrounding buses.
3. If the contribution is from a Remote bus, the symmetrical value is corrected by the factor of MFr, calculated from:
where t is the circuit breaker contact parting time in cycles.
The following table shows the Multiplying Factors for Remote Contributions (MFr) for default contact parting time.
8 Cycle CB 5 Cycle CB 3 Cycle CB 2 Cycle CB

X/R Ratio
(4 cy CPT) (3 cy CPT) (2 cy CPT) (1.5 cy CPT)
100 1.487 1.540 1.599 1.63
90 1.464 1.522 1.585 1.619

80 1.438 1.499 1.569 1.606
70 1.405 1.472 1.548 1.59
60 1.366 1.438 1.522 1.569
50 1.316 1.393 1.487 1.54

45 1.286 1.366 1.464 1.522
40 1.253 1.334 1.438 1.499
35 1.215 1.297 1.405 1.472
30 1.172 1.253 1.366 1.438
25 1.126 1.201 1.316 1.393

20 1.078 1.142 1.253 1.334
18 1.059 1.116 1.223 1.305
16 1.042 1.091 1.190 1.271
14 1.027 1.066 1.154 1.233
12 1.015 1.042 1.116 1.190

10 1.007 1.023 1.078 1.142
9 1.004 1.015 1.059 1.116
8 1.002 1.009 1.042 1.091
7 1.001 1.005 1.027 1.066
6 1.000 1.002 1.015 1.042

5 1.000 1.00. 1.007 1.023
4 1.000 1.000 1.002 1.009
3 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.002
2 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
1 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
If the contribution is from a Local generator, the symmetrical value is corrected by the factor of MFl, which is obtained from: ANSI/IEEE C37.010, Application Guide for AC High
Voltage. Since the standard only provides curves for several typical contact parting time values, if a curve exists for the contact parting time of a circuit breaker, the factor MFl will
be obtained from the curve. Otherwise, the two curves with closest contact parting time values, one on each side, will be used to interpolate MFl. In the High Voltage Circuit Breaker
Editor, you can only enter a contact parting time that is within the range limited by the curves available in the standard. This ensures that MFl will only be calculated by means of
interpolation on available curves, not extrapolation.
8 Cycle CB 5 Cycle CB 3 Cycle CB 2 Cycle CB

X/R Ratio
(4 cy CPT) (3 cy CPT) (2 cy CPT) (1.5 cy CPT)
100 1.252 1.351 1.443 1.512
90 1.239 1.340 1.441 1.511
80 1.222 1.324 1.435 1.508
70 1.201 1.304 1.422 1.504
60 1.175 1.276 1.403 1.496
50 1.141 1.241 1.376 1.482

45 1.121 1.220 1.358 1.473
40 1.098 1.196 1.337 1.461
35 1.072 1.169 1.313 1.446
30 1.044 1.136 1.283 1.427
25 1.013 1.099 1.247 1.403

20 1.000 1.057 1.201 1.371
18 1.000 1.039 1.180 1.356
16 1.000 1.021 1.155 1.339
14 1.000 1.003 1.129 1.320
12 1.000 1.000 1.099 1.299

10 1.000 1.000 1.067 1.276
9 1.000 1.000 1.051 1.263
8 1.000 1.000 1.035 1.250
7 1.000 1.000 1.019 1.236
6 1.000 1.000 1.005 1.221

5 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.205
4 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.188
3 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.170
2 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.152
1 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.132
4. Calculate the total remote contributions and total local contribution, and thus the NACD ratio.
5. Determine the actual multiplying factor (AMFi) from the NACD ratio and calculate the adjusted rms value of interrupting short-circuit current using the following formula.
Iint,rms,adj = AMF Iint,rms,symm

i
where
AMFi = MFl + NACD (MFr – MFl)
6. For symmetrically rated breakers, the adjusted rms value of interrupting short-circuit current is calculated using the following formula:
where the correction factor S reflects an inherent capability of AC high voltage circuit breakers, which are rated on a symmetrical current basis.
The value of this current is applied to check high voltage circuit breaker interrupting capabilities.
For AC high voltage circuit breakers rated on a total current basis, the interrupting current rating entered in the circuit breaker editor is the asymmetrical value. The short-
circuit current used to compare against the circuit breaker rating can be calculated by the same formula given above with the S value equal to 1.0.
Low Voltage Circuit Breaker Interrupting Duty Calculation

Due to the instantaneous action of low voltage circuit breakers at maximum short-circuit values, the ½ cycle network is used for calculating the interrupting short-circuit current.
The following procedure is used to calculate the interrupting short-circuit current for low voltage circuit breakers:
1. Calculate the symmetrical rms value of the interrupting short-circuit current from the following formula:
where Zeq is the equivalent impedance at the faulted bus from the ½ cycle network
2. Calculate the adjusted asymmetrical rms value of the interrupting short-circuit current duty using the following formula:
where MF is the multiplying factor, considering the system X/R ratio and the low voltage circuit breaker testing power factors.
The following equation is used to calculate the multiplication factor for an unfused power, a molded, or an insulated circuit breaker when the Based on Peak Current option is
selected in the Short-Circuit Study Case:
The following equation is used to calculate the multiplication factor for a fused power, a molded, or an insulated circuit breaker when the Based on Asymmetrical Current
option is selected in the Short-Circuit Study Case:
where (X/R)test is calculated based on the test power factor entered from the Low Voltage Circuit Breaker Editor. The manufacturer maximum testing power factors given in
the following table are used as the default values:
Max Design (Tested)

Circuit Breaker Type % PF (X/R) test
Power Breaker (Unfused) 15 6.59
Power Breaker (Fused) 20 4.90
Molded Case (Rated Over 20,000 A) 20 4.90
Molded Case (Rated 10,001-20,000 A) 30 3.18
Molded Case (Rated 10,000 A) 50 1.73
Maximum Test PF for Low Voltage Circuit Breaker
The calculated duty value Iint,rms,adj can be applied to low voltage breaker interrupting capabilities.
If the calculated multiplication factor is less than 1, it is set to 1 so that the symmetrical fault current is compared against the symmetrical rating of the device. If the symmetrical
fault current is less than the symmetrical rating of the device, the checking on asymmetrical current will certainly pass.
Fuse Interrupting Short-Circuit Current Calculation

The procedures for calculating the fuse interrupting short-circuit current is the same as those for the Circuit Breaker Interrupting Duty calculation.
Note: The current limiting effect of certain devices like current limiting fuses or circuit breakers are not considered for short-circuit calculations or for device duty evaluations.
Comparison of Device Rating and Short-Circuit Duty

ETAP compares the rating of protective devices and bus bars with the fault duties of the bus. The comparison results are listed in the Summary page of the output report. The device
rating and fault duty used in the comparison are shown below.
Device Type Device Capability Calculated Short-Circuit Duty

Momentary Duty
HV Bus Bracing Asymm. KA rms Asymm. KA rms
Asymm. KA Crest Asymm. KA Crest
LV Bus Bracing Symm. KA rms Symm. KA rms
Asymm. KA rms Asymm. KA rms
HVCB C&L Capability kA rms Asymm. KA rms

C&L Capability kA Crest Asymm. KA Crest
Interrupting Duty
HVCB Interrupting kA*** Adjusted kA
LVCB Rated Interrupting kA Adjusted kA
***The interrupting capability of a high voltage circuit breaker is calculated based on the nominal kV of the connected bus and the prefault voltage (Vf ) if the flag is set in the
Short-Circuit Study Case, as shown below:
Interrupting kA = (Rated Int. kA) * (Rated Max. kV) / (Bus Nominal kV)
or
Interrupting kA = (Rated Int. kA) * (Rated Max. kV) / (Bus Nominal kV * Vf )
The calculated interrupting kA (as shown above) is then limited to the maximum interrupting kA of the circuit breaker.
Generator Circuit Breakers

Determination of Generator Circuit Breakers
In order for ETAP to evaluate a circuit breaker as a generator CB according to IEEE C37.013 1997, it must be associated with the corresponding generator, by making the selection
from the rating page of the high voltage circuit breaker. Also, the generator CB must be directly connected to the generator or must be located along the connecting path between the
generator and the unit step-up transformer (as shown in Figures A & B below).
Generator Circuit Breakers are rated only on a symmetrical current basis. In calculating the S factor, the standard time constant for the DC component specified in IEEE Std.
C37.013 1997 is 133 ms for a Generator Circuit Breaker.
If a circuit breaker is connected in a configuration similar to that shown in Figure C below (Gen CB1), even if the circuit breaker is flagged as a Generator Circuit Breaker in the
editor, the program evaluates the circuit breaker device duty as regular HVCBs. This method yields conservative results in most cases, but they are not as accurate as the current per
IEEE Std. C37.013 1997. Note that, for an HVCB assigned as a generator CB even if it is handled as a regular HVCB, the time constant will change to 133ms and it is the value
used in the calculation.
Short-Circuit Current Calculation for Generator Circuit Breakers

For a Generator Circuit Breaker, ETAP calculates short-circuit current according to the guidelines specified in IEEE Std. C37.013 1997. The short-circuit duty calculated
includes symmetrical, asymmetrical, and peak kA for momentary and interrupting duty, as well as the DC kA and degree of asymmetry for interrupting duty.
For each circuit breaker, it determines short-circuit current when the system side is faulted (generator-source) and when the generator side is faulted (system-source). For each fault
location it calculates short-circuit current for three generator pre-fault loading conditions: full load at lagging power factor, full load at leading power factor and no load. The
lagging power factor is the generator rated power factor and the leading power factor can be set from the ETAP ini file. A default value of 95% is used for the leading power factor.
The calculation of short-circuit current for different loading conditions is necessary to reveal the worst possible fault current values. For example, for the generator-source fault, the
worst asymmetrical duty occurs under lagging load power factor condition, while the worst degree of asymmetry occurs under leading power factor condition.
For a fault on the system side of the circuit breaker (generator-source), the short-circuit current through the circuit breaker is only from the generator. ETAP applies generator full
dynamic model in the short-circuit calculation, including transient and sub-transient impedance and time constant. This complete model captures the detailed behavior of a
generator under short-circuit, including both ac and dc current decay. Tests have shown that ETAP calculation at no load is within 1% of the value calculated by hand in Annex
C37.013-1997. ETAP is more accurate and more conservative than the hand calculations in the example based on the standard because ETAP does not ignore the impedances
removed from the equations given in the standard to simplify the hand calculations.
For a fault on the generator side (system-source), the system contribution is the only current flowing through the circuit breaker. The program uses the system side symmetrical fault
current and the X/R calculated based only on the system side to determine the asymmetrical current. The symmetrical closing and latching duty is calculated based on the
symmetrical and dc fault current at 1/2 cycle.
The plot below displays an asymmetrical generator source short-circuit current and the pattern is identical to the results shown in Figure A3 from C37.013-1997:
Panel/1-Ph UPS/1-Ph Subsystem Device Duty Short-Circuit Calculation

ETAP can perform device duty short-circuit calculations for 3-phase and 1-phase subsystems. These subsystems are defined as those connected to the output of a Panel, 1-Phase
uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or 1-phase elements connected below a phase adapter. ETAP performs these calculations if the options are selected on the Info page of the
Short-Circuit Study Case. The program faults every single bus in the subsystem and it displays the fault current at every bus in the subsystem.
3-Phase Panel Subsystems Short-circuit Current

3-phase subsystems can be connected below panels. These elements are just an extension of the regular 3-phase system and ETAP will perform the device duty for these elements in
similar fashion as if these elements were connected directly to the 3-phase system (i.e. without the 3-phase panel). However, the only differences are that the short-circuit
contributions from the motors in the subsystem are not considered. This simplification/method is acceptable since in real life applications the size of the motors connected below 3-
Phase panels are small and generally negligible in contributions to a fault.
The image below shows a 3-Phase panel subsystem with short-circuit results.
3-Ph Panel A and 3-Ph Panel B are similar buses. The image above shows both buses being faulted along with Panel1, Pnl A and Pnl B. Every location below (and including) Panel1
are faulted when the “Run Panel/1-Ph UPS/1-Ph System Device Duty” button is pressed on the short-circuit toolbar. The program also determines which device’ short-circuit ratings
(momentary, interrupting, close and latch, etc) are exceeded and it generates warnings in the alert view window or on the one-line diagram by changing the color of the overstressed
device. This mechanism is similar to the regular 3-phase system alert system.
1-Phase Subsystems Short-circuit current

These systems are classified as those with the following phase types: A, B, C, AB, BC, CA, LL, L1, and L2 (center-tap 3-wire systems). The calculation method used by the
program to determine the short-circuit current depends on the type of connection and phase being faulted. The program considers the upstream contributions (from the 3-phase
system) towards the faulted elements in the 1-phase subsystem by considering the impedance networks of the 3-phase system (i.e. positive, negative and zero sequence). The
contributions from 1-phase motor loads connected in the 1-phase subsystem are not considered by the program. The following image shows examples of 1-phase subsystem faults:
Low voltage Circuit Breaker Device Duty below Panel/1-P UPS/1Ph Subsystem
This calculation is similar to the one for LVCBs connected in a regular three-phase system. The ½ cycle network short-circuit currents are used to evaluate the breaker interrupting
and momentary capability.
Low Voltage Fuse Device Duty below Panel/1-P UPS/1Ph Subsystem

This calculation is similar to the one for fuses connected in a regular three-phase system. The ½ cycle network short-circuit currents are used to evaluate the fuse interrupting
capability.
Medium Voltage Circuit Breaker Device Duty in 3-Ph or 1-Ph Subsystem

The program uses the ½ cycle short-circuit current to determine the momentary and interrupting duty of medium voltage circuit breakers connected below Panels/UPS/1Ph
subsystems. The use of the ½ cycle currents for evaluating the interrupting capability should yield more conservative results for this device. This simplification is applicable for both
3-phase and 1-phase medium voltage breakers. If more accuracy is needed, then the regular 3-phase short-circuit calculation can be used for 3-phase medium voltage breakers
instead.
Device Duty Evaluation on Protective Devices for Panel Internal Circuits

In the Panel/1 Ph UPS/1Ph Subsystem Device Duty Short-Circuit Calculation, device duty evaluation also includes protective devices for panel internal circuits. However, in order
for ETAP to carry out the device duty evaluation for an internal circuit, protective device parameters for the circuit must be selected from the ETAP Library. This can be done from
the Protective Device subpage of the Schedule page of the Panel Editor.
Device Duty Evaluation for Protective Devices Connected to 3-Wire Center-Tap Systems
For Center-Tap 3-wire systems from center-tap transformer secondary, ETAP will use the highest short-circuit current to evaluate 2-pole connected protective devices (PDs). That is
where a 2-pole PD is connected, (either as a panel main CB or a PD along the feeder), ETAP will take the higher of the 1-pole or 2-pole short-circuit current to evaluate the device
duty. In center-tap transformers, the following short-circuit conditions may occur:
1. The LL (2-pole) short-circuit current can be higher than that of the L1/L2 (1-pole). This normally occurs for shell type (non-interlaced) 1-phase center-tap transformers.
2. The LL (2-pole) short-circuit current can be much lower than that of the L1/L2 (1-pole). This is expected for core type (interlaced) 1-phase center-tap transformers.
The 1-phase device evaluation considers both 1-pole and 2-pole fault conditions and automatically uses the highest one to evaluate main and feeder protective devices. The image
below shows and example of this process where the main and feeder protective devices are evaluated based on the higher current between LL and L1. In previous versions of ETAP,
the main and feeder breakers would be evaluated based only on the LL fault currents.
Center-Tap Transformer Impedance Model for 1-Phase Short-Circuit

This section describes the center-tap transformer impedance model used for the calculation of the LL, L1 and L2 short-circuit currents in 3-wire systems.
The full-winding impedance of the transformer is defined in the impedance page of the 1-phase center-tap transformer.
As an example, the impedance for a 7.2 kV/240V-120V, 25 kVA transformer is shown below:
ETAP determines if the transformer is of “core” (interlaced) or “shell” (non-interlaced) type as defined in the “Info” page (see below):
The default type for 1-phase center type transformers is of shell type.
Once the transformer type (or construction) is determined; its impedance (p.u.) is determined according to the following formulas:
For core type [1], [3] & [4] (interlaced secondary winding construction)
For shell type [1] & [2] (non-interlaced secondary winding construction):
Note that per [1] & [2], the reactance multiplier for the secondary windings reactance should be 3.3 for (outer winding) Z1 and 3.1 for (inner winding) (Z2); however, ETAP uses 3.2
(average) for both secondary windings as shown in the equations above. The diagram below shows the equivalent transformer impedances in per-unit for each winding (where Z0 is
used to describe the primary winding).
For the 7.2 kV/240V-120V, 25 kVA transformer shown in the example, the LL (240 Volts) and L1/L2 (120 Volts) fault currents using (1) and (2) for core type construction would
be (with full winding R = 1.2% and X = j1.4%):
As can be observed, the L1/L2 fault currents in a core type transformer can be significantly higher because of the smaller L1/L2 impedance values in an interlaced transformer.
For another system with the same rating 7.2 kV/240V-120V, 25 kVA transformer; the LL (240 Volts) and L1/L2 (120 Volts) fault currents assuming it is of shell type construction
using equations (3),(4) & (5) would be (with full winding R = 1.2% and X = j1.4%):
As can be observed, the L1/L2 fault currents are slightly smaller than the LL current for shell type 1-phase center tap transformers.
The calculation results of ETAP 16.0 and prior versions were similar to those of shell type transformers but with slightly higher L1/L2 fault current values as shown below. The
method used in ETAP 16.0 was superseded with the equations provided in this section. The image below shows ETAP 16.0 results for a similar 7.2 kV/240V-120V, 25 kVA
transformer with R = 1.2% and X = j1.4%.
References for center-tap distribution transformer impedance models:
[1] Electric Power Generation. Transmission, and Distribution, 3rd ed. Edited by Leonard L. Grigsby
[2] W. H. Kersting, Distribution System Modeling and Analysis, 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2007
[3] IEEE Std. 242-1986, IEEE recommended Practice for Protection and Coordination of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems table 14, pp 64.
[4] Electric Power Distribution System Engineering, Turan Gonen, 1st ed. Copyright© 1986 - pp. 115~122
Short-Circuit Calculations using Constant Current Sources

This section is dedicated to the short-circuit calculations using constant-current injection for inverters (including PV array inverters), type 3 wind turbines with full or partial
converters and type 4 wind turbines with a full converter. It provides explanations on the modeling and also examples which illustrate the differences in short-circuit current
behavior when different options are applied.
SC Model Page – Current Limiting Functionality

The inverter has a short-circuit (SC) model page. The SC Model page was designed to provide a semi-graphical representation of the current-limiting effect and the modes of
operation of the inverter. When an inverter operates in its current limiting mode, it is considered to inject a constant current into the network limited by the maximum value specified
by the current-limiting curve. Hence it can be considered to be a constant-current source in terms of current magnitude but not in terms of its active and reactive components. The
proportion and limit of the active and reactive component of the inverter current is determined by settings defined in SC model page and FRT page.
One important item to consider is that the determination of the current magnitude and final power factor of the inverter current output is an iterative process which may have
multiple solutions. The resulting output current depends on the impedance between the wind turbine terminal and the fault location. For faults near the inverter terminals, it can be
expected that the output current will be very close to Isc,max. For remote faults, where the terminal voltage is not zero, but still below Vop,min, there is control on the active and reactive
power components of the output current. The iterative process is complex and it is beyond the scope of this discussion. The following example illustrates the concepts described up
to this point using a simple inverter model for a type 4 wind turbine system.
The sample system contains three 2-MW type 4 wind turbines with full inverters. Their inverter settings and ratings are provided in the images below. WTG1 inverter is operating in
the User-Defined PF, WTG2 inverter operates in Real Power Priority and WTG3 inverter operates in Reactive Power Priority. All three units have equal SC current-limiting ratings,
and their only difference is their SC PF settings.
The first simulation consists of a three-phase fault at a remote location in the grid. The wind turbine inverters are operating at near 100% of their generation category (using
Normal generation category). The positive sequence inverter terminal voltage, obtained using an iterative short-circuit process, is approximately 35.21%. With this voltage, it is
expected that all three wind turbines operate in their current-limiting region. Also, according to their current limiting curve, for a 35.21% terminal voltage the wind turbines should
output approximately 130% of FLA (or 2.95 kA) short-circuit current. The simulation results are shown below.
The second simulation is similar with the exception that this time all wind turbines are operating at only 20% of their generation capacity under their winter generation category.
Under this generation condition, the active power is limited and thus some of the units cannot provide the same amount of short-circuit current output (based on design this is WTG2
and WTG3). The second short-circuit iterative solution results in a WTG terminal voltage of approximately 37%. Note that not all three wind turbines output the same current
magnitude.
The output current of WTG1 inverter appears to be only limited by its current magnitude since its output value is identical to that of the previous step (~2.93 kA). This is true since
by design for User-Defined PF mode the output current is only limited by the current-limiting curve. On the other hand, WTG1 and WTG2 inverters have reduced short-circuit
current output. This is caused by the fact that only 20% of their rated active power is available for generation.
The effect of the PF control modes can also be judged by the active and reactive power injection for each wind turbine. The active and reactive power (P, Q) output reveals different
power factors at the output of each wind turbine inverter.
For WTG1 inverter: the calculated PF is approximately 33%

The difference in PF is caused by the active power priority and the different reactive component current limits being enforced by their SC PF modes. The modes with active and
reactive power priority result in a higher overall power factor.
The third simulation consists of a more remote fault. The fault is so far into the grid that the wind turbine inverters only experience approximately a 5% voltage drop at their
terminals. The wind turbine inverters are still operating under their winter generation category where only 20% of the rated MW is available. As can be seen in the results below, the
iterative SC solution shows the wind turbines only generate about 20% of their FLA (453 out of 2226 Amps).
The fourth simulation may seem a bit impractical, but under some circumstances the fault location may cause the inverter terminal voltage magnitude to be above Vop,max. Under
this condition, the wind turbine inverters shut-off. This condition is detected by the iterative short-circuit engine by first placing the fault without the wind turbine inverters in the
system. Next, the fault is repeated with the inverters in place, and if the inverter current contribution (based on the given generation condition), causes the terminal voltage to rise
above Vop,max, the inverters shut-off to prevent the over-voltage condition. The output current of the wind turbine inverters becomes zero in this case.
The fifth simulation shows the effect of a fault at the inverter terminal bus. Under this condition, the terminal current is always limited by Isc,max even when reduced generation
conditions are considered since the terminal voltage is zero. The results for this simulation are provided below where it can be seen that all three inverter units output maximum
current of 3.396 kA.
The sixth simulation illustrates the effect of the FRT on the reactive power injected by the inverter during the fault. The same system used for simulation number two can be used,
but this time the inverter connected to WTG3 is configured with a very low-leading reactive power injection setting as shown in the image below. (Note that WTG1 and WTG2
inverter FRT settings are the same and are shown in the image above).
The results for the simulation (see image below) show that the WTG3 inverter has a considerable reduction in short-circuit current contribution towards the faulted bus. This
reduction is caused by the low reactive current injection setting, which is only about 40% of its rated value. This drop in reactive power injection causes the terminal voltage of the
WTG inverters to drop to approximately 24%. The current output from WTG1 and 2 increases, because their inverters sense a lower voltage than that obtained in the second
simulation.
WTG3 inverter 1.842 kA of output current is composed of 20% active power generation plus approximately 40% of its rated reactive power output. This output power is not enough
to cause the inverter current output to hit the magnitude current-limiting value specified under the SC model page (which at 24% voltage would be approximately 3.094 kA).
SC Model for Inverters (including PV), WTG Type 3 and Type 4

The same principles for constant current injection with active and reactive current controls provided for the inverter are used for regular inverters, PV inverters, WTG type 4 and
WTG type 3 (with no crowbar). This section provides some additional considerations for these elements.
The elements which share this behavior are shown in the image below:
Single-phase inverters and UPS units do not share this behavior and still maintain their existing voltage behind impedance model for short-circuit calculations.
SC Model for Constant-Current Sources during Unbalanced Faults

The constant current injection is a function of the positive sequence current and voltage. The constant-current injection and control schemes indicated under the SC model and FRT
tabs of the elements that support constant-current operation apply control on the positive sequence current. The control feedback voltage is the positive sequence voltage at the
terminals of the element. The diagram below shows a rendering of the constant-current control applied to the positive sequence impedance network only.
The behavior of negative and zero sequence currents are also affected by the type of technology being modeled in the short-circuit simulation. For example, full-converter (or
inverters) of wind-turbine units are modeled as positive sequence injection only. There is no negative or zero sequence current flows. Unlike WTG type 4 inverters, WTG Type 3
with partial or full-size converters may experience negative or zero sequence current flows. The diagram above shows a positive current injection with negative current flow and no
zero sequence current (WTG Type 3).
The positive sequence voltage magnitude and angle change depending on the type of fault. LG, LL and LLG faults will induce different positive sequence voltage magnitudes at the
terminal of the constant-current injection elements. The following diagram represents a LL (line-to-line) sequence impedance diagram involving a constant-current injection
element:
These different voltages may require the use different positive sequence voltage criteria for determining the current-injection. There are some advanced settings available through
the ETAP Options (Preferences) editor for the configuration of the magnitude of positive sequence voltage used to determine the current injection angle for each source. The entries
are highlighted in the image below.
The LLG positive sequence voltage is generally the highest one and thus the current-injection control angle is determined using a higher voltage threshold (0.5 p.u.). The main effect
of these entries is that if the positive sequence voltage at the terminal is less than the threshold then the constant-current injection is referred to voltage using a fixed angle (typically
0 degree). Angle shifts are also possible depending on the settings specified in the SC Standards page “WTG/Inverter Control Adjustment Angle” group of settings. The terminal
voltage positive sequence voltage angle used to determine the current injection can be shifted from zero using either a global angle or an individually-specified angle at each
element.
This is the voltage limit, in pu (based on source rated kV), for determining terminal bus positive sequence voltage angle reference for the constant-current sources. For each fault
location, ETAP first calculates the system voltage without current sources. If the terminal voltage is higher than or equal to the threshold, the current injection from the source is
with respect to the bus voltage angle under the fault; otherwise, the current injection is with respect to the bus prefault voltage angle.
Auto-Trip (Enable Check Box)

This check box enables the Auto Trip feature; which is used to model the behavior of constant current sources during a fault (short-circuit or arc fault) in the power system. The
feature can be used to model the automatic shut off based on the internal protection which may be available for constant current sources such as inverters, PV inverters, WTG type 4
and WTG type 3 (with no crowbar).
When enabled, this feature helps the arc-flash program (which is the only module that considers this option) to determine which constant current sources may automatically shut off
during an arc fault.
Trip Time
This field is used to specify how long it would take the internal protection of the constant current source to operate when a fault occurs in the power system. By default this field is
set to 0.166 sec and has a range of 0.004 sec to 99999 sec.
V shut-off
This field specifies the machine terminal voltage threshold (in percent) used to determine if the inverter should shut off. In other words, if the terminal voltage is below the specified
value, then the inverter may shut-off.
Logic for Auto Trip Determination
ANSI Min Short Circuit (30 Cycle):

The constant current source does not contribute to the fault if the following conditions are met:
a. The terminal voltage is less than “V shut-off”

b. The “Trip Time” is less than 0.5 sec (30 cycles @ 60 Hz)
ANSI Half, Four and IEC Arc-Flash:

The constant current source is not treated as a source when:

b. The “Trip Time” is less than 0.5 sec (30 cycles @ 60 Hz)
ANSI Arc Flash Decay:

The constant current source is not treated as a source and is not considered when calculating the steady-state currents if the following conditions are met:

b. The “Trip Time” is less than the “Steady State Ibf at” time specified in the arc-flash study case.
Short-Circuit Analysis
ANSI Toolbar
IEC Toolbar
GOST Toolbar
Study Case Editor
Display Options
IEC Calculation Methods
AC-DC Converter Models
Required Data
Output Reports
Alert View
Short-Circuit Result Analyzer

ETAP provides two Short-Circuit Calculation Methods based on ANSI/IEEE and IEC Standards. You can select the calculation method from the Short-Circuit Study Case Editor.
This section describes the IEC Standard Method of Calculation.
Standard Compliance
ETAP short-circuit calculation per IEC Standards fully complies with the latest IEC documentation as listed below:
Standard Pub. Year Title

High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 100: High-voltage alternating-current circuit breakers
IEC 62271-100 2003
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 200: AC metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages
IEC 62271-200 2003 above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 203: Gas-insulated metal-enclosed switchgear for rated voltages above
IEC 62271-203 2003 52 kV
High-voltage fuses – Part2: Expulsion fuses

IEC 60282-2 1997
Electrical installations of ships and mobile and fixed offshore units – Part 1: Procedures for calculating short-circuit
IEC 61363-1 1998 currents in three-phase a.c.
Short-Circuit Currents in three-phase a.c. systems - Part 0: Calculation of Currents

IEC 60909-0 2016
Short-circuit currents in three-phase a.c. systems - Part 1: Factors for the calculation of short-circuit currents according
IEC 60909-1 2002 to IEC-60909-0
Electrical equipment - Data for short-circuit current calculations in accordance with IEC 60909 (1988)
IEC 60909-2 1992
Short-circuit currents in three-phase a.c. systems Part 4: Examples for the calculation of short-circuit currents
IEC 60909-4 2000
Low voltage switchgear and control gear, Part 1: General rules
IEC 60947-1 2004
Low voltage switchgear and control gear, Part 2: Circuit breakers
IEC 60947-2 2003
These standards are for short-circuit calculation and equipment rating in AC systems with nominal voltages operating at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. They cover 3-phase, line-to-ground, line-to-
line, and line-to-line-to-ground faults.
IEC 60909 and the associated standards classify short-circuit currents according to their magnitudes (maximum and minimum) and fault distances from the generator (far and near).
Maximum short-circuit currents determine equipment ratings, while minimum currents dictate protective device settings. Near-to-generator and far-from-generator classifications
determine whether or not to model the AC component decay in the calculation, respectively.
IEC 61363-1 Standard calculates the short-circuit current as a function of time and displays its instantaneous values using the machine’s subtransient reactance and time constants.
This provides an accurate evaluation of the short-circuit current for sizing protective devices and coordinating relays for isolated systems such as ships and offshore platforms.
General Description of Calculation Methodology

In IEC short-circuit calculations, an equivalent voltage source at the fault location replaces all voltage sources. A voltage factor c is applied to adjust the value of the equivalent
voltage source for minimum and maximum current calculations.
All machines are represented by their internal impedances. Transformer taps can be set at either the nominal position or at an operating position, and different schemes are available
to correct transformer impedance and system voltages if off-nominal tap setting exists. System impedances are assumed to be balanced 3-phase, and the method of symmetrical
components is used for unbalanced fault calculations.
Zero sequence capacitances of transmission lines, cables and shunt admittances can be considered for unbalanced fault calculations (LG and LLG) if the option in the study case is
selected to include branch Y and static load. This means that the capacitances of static loads and branches are considered based on IEC 60909-0 2001. The basic model used to
consider these shunt admittances is shown below:
Calculations consider electrical distance from the fault location to synchronous generators. For a far-from-generator fault, calculations assume that the steady-state value of the
short-circuit current is equal to the initial symmetrical short-circuit current and only the DC component decays to zero. However, for a near-to-generator fault, calculations count for
decaying in both AC and DC components. The equivalent R/X ratios determine the rates of decay of both components, and different values are recommended for generators and
motors near the fault.
Calculations also differ for meshed and unmeshed networks. The factor k, which is used to multiply the initial short-circuit current to get the peak short-circuit current ip, is defined
differently for different system configurations and the methods selected to calculate the R/X ratios.
Definition of Terms
IEC Standards use the following definitions, which are relevant in the calculations and outputs of ETAP.
Initial Symmetrical Short circuit current (I”k)

This is the rms value of the AC symmetrical component of an available short-circuit current applicable at the instant of short-circuit if the impedance remains at zero time value.
Peak Short Circuit Current (ip)

This is the maximum possible instantaneous value of the available short-circuit current.
Symmetrical Short Circuit Breaking Current (Ib)

This is the rms value of an integral cycle of the symmetrical AC component of the available short-circuit current at the instant of contact separation of the first pole of a switching
device.
Steady-State Short Circuit Current (Ik)

This is the rms value of the short-circuit current, which remains after the decay of the transient phenomena.
Subtransient Voltage (E”) of a Synchronous Machine

This is the rms value of the symmetrical internal voltage of a synchronous machine which is active behind the subtransient reactance Xd” at the moment of short-circuit.
Far-From-Generator Short Circuit

This is a short-circuit condition during which the magnitude of the symmetrical AC component of available short-circuit current remains essentially constant.
Near-To-Generator Short Circuit

This is a short-circuit condition to which at least one synchronous machine contributes a prospective initial short-circuit current which is more than twice the generator’s rated
current, or a short-circuit condition to which synchronous and asynchronous motors contribute more than 5% of the initial symmetrical short-circuit current (I”k) without motors
Subtransient Reactance (Xd”) of a Synchronous Machine

This is the effective reactance at the moment of short-circuit. For the calculation of short-circuit currents, the saturated value of (Xd”) is taken.
According to IEC Standard 60909-0, the synchronous motor impedance used in IEC short-circuit calculations is calculated in the same way as the synchronous generator.
where kVn and kVr are the nominal voltage of the terminal bus and the motor-rated voltage, respectively, cmax is determined based on machine-rated voltage, Xd” is machine
subtransient reactance (per unit in motor base), and qr is the machine-rated power factor angle.
Minimum Time Delay (Tmin) of a Circuit Breaker

This is the shortest time between the beginning of the short-circuit current and the first contact separation of one pole of the switching device.
The time delay (Tmin) is the sum of the shortest possible operating time of an instantaneous relay and the shortest opening time of a circuit breaker. Minimum time delay does not
include the adjustable time delays of tripping devices.
Voltage Factor c
This is the factor used to adjust the value of the equivalent voltage source for minimum and maximum current calculations according to the following table:
Voltage Factor c (± 6% voltage tol)

For Maximum Short-Circuit For Minimum Short-Circuit
Nominal Voltage Un Current Calculation Calculation
cmax cmin
Others < 1000 V 1.05 0.95
Medium voltage: > 1 kV to 230 kV 1.10 1.00
High voltage: > 230 kV 1.10 1.00
Voltage Factor c (± 10% voltage tol)

For Maximum Short-Circuit For Minimum Short-Circuit
Nominal Voltage Un Current Calculation Calculation
cmax cmin
Others < 1000 V 1.10 0.90
Medium voltage: > 1 kV to 230 kV 1.10 1.00
High voltage: > 230 kV 1.10 1.00
For more detailed information please refer to IEC 60909-2016 Table 1.
ETAP provides three (3) options for you to select the c factors in the Short-Circuit Current Group of the Standard Page of the Study Case:
l Max: If this option is selected, the maximum values given in the cmax column are used.
l User-Defined c Factors: If the User-Defined c Factor option is selected, the user specified c factor values will be used. The user-defined values must be in the range between the
values given in the cmax and cmin columns. ETAP allows the c Factors to be higher or lower than cmax and cmin to help comply with some regional standard adaptations of
IEC 60909 which may require higher or lower values of the c Factors.
l Min: If the Min option is selected, the minimum values given in the cmin column will be used in the calculation.
Calculation Methods
Initial Symmetrical Short Circuit Current Calculation
Initial symmetrical short-circuit current (I”k) is calculated using the following formula:
where Zk is the equivalent impedance at the fault location.
Peak Short Circuit Current Calculation

Peak short-circuit current (ip) is calculated using the following formula:
where k is a function of the system R/X ratio at the fault location
IEC Standards provide three methods for calculating the k factor:
l Method A - Uniform ratio R/X. The value of the k factor is determined from taking the smallest ratio of R/X of all the branches of the network. Only branches that contain a
total of 80 percent of the current at the nominal voltage corresponding to the short-circuit location are included. Branches may be a series combination of several elements.
l Method B - R/X ratio at the short-circuit location. The value of the k factor is determined by multiplying the k factor by a safety factor of 1.15, which covers inaccuracies
caused after obtaining the R/X ratio from a network reduction with complex impedances.
l Method C - Equivalent frequency. The value of the k factor is calculated using a frequency-altered R/X. R/X is calculated at a lower frequency and then multiplied by a
frequency-dependent multiplying factor.
Symmetrical Short Circuit Breaking Current Calculation

For a far-from-generator fault, the symmetrical short circuit breaking current (Ib) is equal to the initial symmetrical short circuit current.
For a near-to-generator fault, Ib is obtained by combining contributions from each individual machine. Ib for different types of machines is calculated using the following formula:
where µ and q are factors that account for AC decay
They are functions of the ratio of the minimum time delay and the ratio of the machine’s initial short-circuit current to its rated current, as well as real power per-pair of poles of
asynchronous machines.
IEC Standards allow you to include or exclude AC decay effect from asynchronous machines in the calculation.
DC Component of Short-Circuit Current Calculation

The DC component of the short-circuit current for the minimum delay time of a protective device is calculated based on initial symmetrical short-circuit current and system X/R
ratio:
Where f is the system frequency, tmin is the minimum delay time of the protective device under concern, and X/R is the system value at the faulted bus.
ETAP plots the dc component of the fault current vs. time. The Idc component is printed in the “Breaking and DC Fault Current (kA)” section of the short-circuit report for each
fault location. The currents in this report are always based on the total bus fault current.
Asymmetrical Short Circuit Breaking Current Calculation

The asymmetrical short-circuit breaking current for comparison with circuit breaker rating is calculated as the rms value of symmetrical and DC components of the short-circuit
current.
ETAP plots the asymmetrical breaking current at every bus starting from 0.01 until 0.3 sec. This information can be used for selection of the circuit breaker breaking current
depending on the tmin value of the device. The Ibasym is printed in the “Breaking and DC Fault Current (kA)” section of the short-circuit report for each fault location. The currents
in this report are always based on the total bus fault current.
Steady-State Short circuit current Calculation

Steady-state short circuit current Ik is a combination of contributions from synchronous generators and power grid. Ik for each synchronous generator is calculated using the
following formula:
where λ is a function of a generator’s excitation voltage, ratio between its initial symmetrical short circuit current and rated current, other generator parameters, and IrG is the
generator’s rated current.
The steady-state short circuit current calculated is dependent on the option selected for Short circuit current in the study case. If the Max and User-Defined c Factor is selected, the
maximum steady-state current short circuit is reported. If the Min option is selected, the minimum steady-state short circuit current is reported.
This maximum steady-state short circuit current is used to determine minimum device ratings. The minimum steady-state short circuit value is used for relay coordination purposes
in preventing the occurrence of nuisance trips and loading deviations.
Meshed and Non-Meshed Network

According to IEC 60909-0 Standard, short-circuit contributions from meshed and non-meshed sources are calculated differently regarding various factors and R/X ratio. In ETAP
calculations, the short-circuit contribution in the following cases is considered as from a non-meshed network:
l A contributing machine is connected directly to the faulted bus.

l A contributing machine is connected to the faulted bus through a radial network in which the machine is the only source making short-circuit contributions to the faulted bus.
In all other cases, the short-circuit contributions are considered as from a meshed network..
Adjustment of Ib
According to IEC Standard 60909-0, to improve accuracy of Ib calculation for a near-to-generator three-phase short circuit in a meshed network, the breaking current can be
adjusted for decay in Ib from synchronous and induction machines based on Equation (75) of the standard. This adjustment will reduce Ib slightly from Ik”.
In ETAP, this adjustment is implemented according to Equation (75) for each sub-network that has near-to-generator short circuit contributions to the faulted bus. A sub-network
with respect to a given faulted bus includes all elements that are connected together, except through the faulted bus. When a sub-network has multiple contributions to a faulted bus,
the total Ib adjustment (a phase value) is distributed among all contributions from the sub-network based on the phase ratio of individual Ik” contribution over total Ik” of all the
contributions from the sub-network.
Modeling of Power Station Unit

According to IEC Standard 60909-0, Sections 6.7, the impedance of a power station unit needs to be modeled with special considerations. Depending on where the fault location is
in the system and if the unit transformer has on-load tap-changer, the impedance values of the generator and unit transformer will be adjusted by different factors.
Designation of a Power Station Unit

To specify a synchronous generator and a two-winding transformer as a power station unit, check the “Unit Transformer for Generator” option in the Tap Page of the 2-Winding
Transformer Editor and select the generator in the list next to this field as the Unit Generator.
Note: A generator can be selected as a unit generator for only one unit transformer.
In short-circuit calculation, the generator and the transformer specified as a pair for a power unit will be modeled as a power unit only when both the generator and the transformer
are energized. If the transformer is not energized, the generator will be modeled as a regular generator. If the generator is not energized, the transformer will be modeled as a
network transformer. The generator and the transformer specified as a pair for a power unit must also be connected either directly or through branches other than transformers;
otherwise, they will be modeled as a regular generator and a network transformer.
Network Bus, Connecting Bus and Auxiliary System Bus for a Power Station Unit
According to IEC Standard 60909-0, “The generator and the transformer in a power station unit will be modeled differently depending on the fault location.” In ETAP, a faulted bus
can be classified as one of three types with respect to a power station unit: a network bus, a connecting bus, and an auxiliary system bus.
A connecting bus for a power station unit is the bus on the shortest connecting path between the unit generator and the unit transformer. ETAP automatically determines the
connecting path and connecting buses for a power station unit.
An auxiliary bus is a bus that is in the auxiliary system of a power station unit, but not a connecting bus. The auxiliary system includes all the elements that are connected to the
connecting buses without going across the unit transformer.
Network buses are all the rest of the buses that are neither connecting buses nor auxiliary buses.
Note: Bus type designation is with respect to a given power station unit. For the system given below, generator Unit-Gen and transformer Unit-XFMR form a power station unit. For
this power station unit, Gen-Bus is the connecting bus for the power station unit. Auxiliary system buses include Aux-Bus-1 and Aux-Bus-2. The rest pf the buses are all network
buses.
Wind Power Station Units

Wind power station units can be modeled per section 6.8 of IEC 60909-2016 by using the options shown in the image below. Note that unlike the power station units for
synchronous generators ETAP is not checking for valid network configurations of wind power station units. Users are responsible for selecting the correct unit transformer from the
Tap page of the two-winding transformer.
For methodology on different types of wind turbine models, please refer to sections 6.8.2, 6.8.3 and 6.9. The SC Model page of the wind turbine can be used to specify doubly-fed
and full size converter (constant-current injection) wind turbine technology. The image below shows an example of WTGs with different technology:
For wind turbines using asynchronous generators (induction generators), the WTG editor Imp/Model page determines their short-circuit contribution.
For wind turbines with doubly-fed asynchronous generators (with crowbar) the IEC Short-Circuit section of the SC Model determines their short-circuit current.
The values of these impedances are used by ETAP to find an equivalent impedance used to determine the contribution of the power station generator towards a fault on the primary
or secondary side of its unit transformer. iWDmax, kWD, RWD/XWD and µWD are used to find the initial symmetrical current. IkWDmax and IkWDmin are used to determine the
steady-state contribution from the WTG power station.
For doubly-fed asynchronous generator with full size converter (i.e. converter which can be used for current output regulation where the crowbar is not needed to limit the current)
the model SC page and FRT pag determine the power station current contribution:
Note that the IEC short-circuit contribution of the wind power station generator is determined based on the magnitudes of current specified in the IEC Short-circuit section. IskPF is
for 3-phase faults, I(1)sk1PF for line-to-ground and line-to-linet-toground faults and I(1)sk2PF for line-line faults. IkPFmax for steady-state current and finally IkPFmin for
minimum steady-state currents. Please refer to the constant-current injection section of this chapter for more details.
Power Station Units with full size converter

To model the power station units with full size converter in ETAP, make the selection in the Tap page of the two-winding transformer. A full size inverter or WTG can be selected
there to make a generator / unit transformer pair.
For full-size (fully decoupled WTG terminals from a.c. system) the SC model and FRT pages denote the behavior of the power station during faults. Please refer to the constant-
current injection section of this chapter for more details.
The user is responsible to make the proper selection to specify the full size converter and unit transformer pair per section 6.9.
IEC Short-Circuit Mesh Determination Method

IEC Standards have published different benchmark sample calculation results based on IEC Standard 60909-0 2001. These calculation examples have been published in IEC
Standard 60909-4 2000 and are described in detail in Sections 3.1, 4.1, 5.1 and 6.1 of IEC 60909-4. These examples appear to have been created mostly for hand-calculation (except
for Example 4), and one problem which arises because of these multiple solutions is that they do not establish a single calculation method which produces consistent results for all
four (4) examples for a computer-based solution. Because of these inconsistencies in the standard, certain calculation assumptions have been added to ETAP’s short-circuit program
in order for the results to match those published in these four (4) examples.
These calculation preferences affect the selection of calculation methods for Idc, Ib and Ik. One of the most important causes of the inconsistencies in the standard is the method
used to determine the meshed or non-meshed (radial) parts of the systems. This determination is very important since the results are affected considerably once this determination is
made.
Meshed/Non-Meshed Systems
A meshed system can be considered a looped system or one that has multiple source contributions meshed together through the same contributing branch. A non-meshed system is
defined as a radial system or one which has only one contribution passing through a branch towards the faulted bus. The following images illustrate the concept of meshed and non-
meshed as described by IEC Standard 60909-0 2016:
IEC 60909-4
IEC 60909-0
The areas enclosed in red color represent the Meshed contributions in this system towards the faulted buses. The areas enclosed in green color represent the Non-meshed (radial)
contributions to their connected bus. In other words, the contributions of G2, G1, G3, M3 and M2 are considered to be non-meshed as long as the fault is placed at the bus to which
they are connected. These same contributions could be handled as meshed contributions to faults in other parts of the system.
These engineering calculation preferences can be modified by changing the value of the entry IEC Short-Circuit Mesh Determination Method from the ETAP “Options
(Preferences)” menu.
This entry can take on the value of “0”, “1” or “2”.
IEC Short-Circuit Mesh Determination Method = 0

For a faulted bus, ETAP checks if any contributions can be classified as Meshed network contributions. If any contribution to a faulted bus is indeed classified as “Meshed”, then all
contributions to the bus will be treated as if they are coming from a meshed network. If none of the contributions can be classified as Meshed, then all the contributions are treated as
coming from Non-meshed parts of the system. In Figure 16 above, all buses can be classified as meshed since meshed contributions are part of every bus faulted bus in the system.
In Figure 12, all the contributions would be considered as Non-meshed since none of them are considered to be Meshed.

For a faulted bus, meshed or non-meshed contributions are determined based on individual contributions. That is, for non-meshed contributions, ETAP uses individual branch R/X
ratios. For all the meshed network contributions it uses the R/X of the equivalent meshed part of the system. For Figure 16, the program will determine that the contributions of G1
and G2 are non-meshed for a fault at Bus 4 and 3. The rest of the contributions to these faulted buses will be handled as meshed.

If a faulted bus is part of a PowerStation unit group (generator, unit transformer and auxiliary load connecting bus), then ETAP will handle this part of the system with the
methodology described for option = 1. If the faulted bus is outside the PowerStation group (network bus), then ETAP will handle the meshed/non-meshed determination as if option
= 0 had been selected.
Impact of the Meshed/Non-Meshed Determination on Ib, Ik and Idc

Once the program has determined the meshed and non-meshed parts of the system, then it makes some decisions based on this for calculating the value of Ib, Idc and Ik as described
throughout IEC Standard 60909-0 2001.
1. Idc: If the branch contribution is considered to be coming from a non-meshed source, then the R/X of the individual branch is used to determine the value of the Idc coming into
the faulted bus. The equivalent R/X value of the meshed network will be used to determine the value of Idc for the meshed contributions. Please see Sections 4.3.1.1, 4.3.1.2 and
4.4.
2. Ib: If a contribution is non-meshed, then the program will use the method described in section 4.5.2.2 Equations 71 and 72 to determine the contributions of Ib from different
non-meshed components. If the system is meshed, then the program uses a very different approach to determine Ib, it will use Section 4.5.2.3 Equations 74 and 75 to determine
the value of Ib.
3. Ik: If the contribution or system is considered to be non-meshed, then the program will use the method described in Section 4.6.2 Equations 82 and 83. If the contribution of the
system is considered to be meshed, then the program will use the method described in Section 4.6.3 Equations 84 and 85 to determine Ik. Note that the use of these equations
may result in the value of Ik being higher than Ib as can be observed in the results published in IEC Standard 60909-4 2000 for Example 4.
From the previous description in items 1-3, it becomes apparent that the determination of meshed and non-meshed parts of the system can have a drastic effect on the results. The
options that ETAP provides are designed to provide choices on how the analysis should be performed.
Comparison of Device Rating and Short-Circuit Duty Method

In the 3-phase Device Duty calculation, ETAP compares the protective device rating against bus short-current duty for the devices that are checked as complying with IEC Standard
and also have device rating entered. In case the short-circuit duty is greater than the device duty, ETAP will flag the device as underrated in both one-line diagram and output
reports. The following table lists the device ratings and short-circuit duties used for the comparison for MVCB, LVCB, and fuses:
Short-Circuit
Device Type Device Capability
Current Duty
MVCB Making ip
AC Breaking Ib,symm
Ib,asymm * Ib, asymm
Idc *
Ithr Ith
LVCB Making Ip
Breaking Ib,symm
Ib,asymm * Ib,asymm
Ithr Ith
Fuse Breaking Ib,symm
Ib,asymm * Ib,asymm
Comparison of Device Rating and Short-Current Duty

*Device capability calculated by ETAP.
Calculation of IEC Device Capability

As shown in the above table, some of the device capability values are calculated by ETAP based on capability provided by users and default parameters given in IEC Standards.
l • MVCB – The asymmetrical breaking and DC current ratings for MVCB are calculated as follows:
where tmin is the minimum delay time, and Ib,symm is the AC breaking current provided by the user. Following IEC Standard 62271-100, is equal to 45 milliseconds.
l LVCB – The asymmetrical breaking current rating for LVCB is calculated as follows:
where f is the system frequency, tmin is the minimum delay time, and Ib,symm is the breaking current provided by the user. X/R is calculated based on a testing PF given in IEC
Standard 60947-2, Table 11.
l Fuse – The asymmetrical breaking current rating for fuse is calculated as follows:
where f is the system frequency, tmin is assumed to be a half cycle, and Ib,symm is the breaking current provided by the user. X/R is calculated based on the default testing PF of 15
%.
l Ith – The thermal equivalent short-circuit current through LVCB and MVCB is calculated based on specifications on IEC 60909-0 2001 Annex A as follows:
These equations represent the Joule Integral and the equivalent short circuit current Ith that ETAP determines in order to compare against the value of Ithr specified on the Circuit
breaker rating page (LV or MV).
ETAP compares the Circuit Breaker (CB) rated short-time withstand thermal energy in Mega Joules (calculated as current (Ithr)2 times the “rated short-time in seconds (Tkr)”) with
the calculated thermal equivalent short-circuit energy in MJ (calculated as current (Ith)2 times either the “rated short-time in seconds (Tkr)” or the “user-defined short-time in
seconds (Tk)”). The comparison of thermal energy values is provided in the summary report. An example of the report is provided in the image below. As can be observed in the
image below the rated thermal energy for CB11 is 192.0 MJ while the short-circuit thermal energy was determined to be 126.0 MJ.
Transient Short-Circuit Calculation (IEC Std 61363)

In additional to short-circuit current calculations per IEC Standard 60909, ETAP also provides transient short-circuit calculation per IEC Standard 61363-1 and device duty
evaluation based on calculated currents. The transient short-circuit calculation presents fault current waveforms as a function of time, considering a number of factors that affect
short-circuit current variations at different time after the fault. These factors include synchronous machine subtransient reactance, transient reactance, reactance, subtransient time
constant, transient time constant, and DC time constant. It also considers decay of short-circuit contributions from induction motors. This detailed modeling provides an accurate
evaluation of the short-circuit current for sizing protective devices and coordinating relays for isolated systems such as ships and offshore platforms. The calculation can be
conducted on both radial and looped system with one or multiple sources.
Based on the equations given in IEC Standard 61363, the short-circuit current from a machine in general includes ac and dc components. The ac component of SC currents from
synchronous machines include 3 parts: subtransient, transient, and steady state components. For induction machines, the SC currents include only transient component which
eventually reaches zero with time. The subtransient and transient components equal to a magnitude multiplied by an exponential term. The short-circuit current at any given time is
the summation of the three components. The following equations are used to calculate ac component of a synchronous generator,
where I”kd, I’kd, and Ikd are subtransient, transient, and steady stead components of short-circuit current; T”d and T’d are subtransient and transient time constants; E”qo and E’qo are
generator internal voltage; Z”d and Z’d are subtransient and transient impedance values of the generator. If the fault location is not at generator terminal, the impedance from the
generator to the fault location should be added to the impedance values in the equations.
The IEC 61363-1 performed by ETAP applies to both meshed and non-meshed systems since it is unrealistic to expect an electrical system to be completely non-meshed. The same
approach is used to determine the contributions from meshed systems as is used for non-meshed systems since there is no other methodology provided in the guideline to handle the
transient short-circuit currents for meshed systems.
ETAP provides the user with options to specify prefault loading conditions. It can be based on the no-load condition or a selected loading condition. If a loading condition is to be
considered, the user select a load flow study case and ETAP performs a full scale load flow calculation. Based on the load flow results, ETAP determines internal voltage values of
short-circuit contributing sources.
As calculation results, ETAP provides short-circuit current as function of time up to 0.1 second at 0.001 second time increment. It also presents short-circuit current as function of
cycles up to 1 cycle at 0.1 cycle increment. Along with the instantaneous current values, ETAP also furnish calculated AC component, DC component, as well as top envelope of the
current waveform.
The IEC 61363 short-circuit calculation also perform device duty evaluation for all IEC standard devices, including bus, high-voltage circuit breaker, low-voltage circuit breaker,
fuse, recloser, and switch, etc. The logic and method for duty evaluation applied in IEC 61363 are the same as that used in device duty evaluation based on IEC 60909. The only
difference is in the method and models used for short-circuit calculation. The fault current values used for IEC 61363 duty evaluation are retrieved from calculated current
waveforms at applicable times.
In addition, ETAP provides options to increase the time of the transient waveform plots, plot all three phases, and also modify the angle at which the fault will initiate. Note that
extending the time beyond the default and previous value of 100 ms falls outside of the scope of the IEC 61363 standard. The plots are assumed to be the natural decay of the time
constants of the electrical system and machinery. Machine control units are not considered for this calculation. Please see the Standard page of the Study Case Editor for more
details.
Short-Circuit under No Load Condition

When the study case option for no load condition is selected, the short-circuit calculation will ignore the effect of system operating conditions before the fault. In this case, the
internal voltage values for all short-circuit sources are set to terminal bus nominal voltage multiplied by the c factor for the faulted bus as specified from the Standard page of the
study case.
As the internal voltage of a short-circuit contributing source directly affects its current contribution, with this option, the user can change the c factor to get more conservative short-
circuit current results. This flexible option becomes important in device duty evaluation with the short-circuit currents calculated per IEC standard 61363. In device duty evaluation
studies, it is often the practice to use the most conservative short-circuit currents, instead the short-circuit currents from a given prefault operating condition.
If the Min. Short-Circuit option for c factor is selected from the Standard page, ETAP skips device duty evaluation in the short-circuit calculation because the calculated fault
currents are not suitable for sizing/evaluating protective devices.
Short-Circuit under Loaded Condition -- Prefault Load Flow

When the “Prefault Load Flow” option is selected from the study case, ETAP includes the effect of prefault loading conditions based on the load flow study case selected in PreFault
page. It first performs a load flow calculation in the same way as in the Load Flow mode and then calculates internal voltage phase values for all machines based on bus voltage and
flow results from load flow calculation.
For synchronous machines, internal voltage E”qo and E’qo are calculated based on the following equations,
Where Uo and Io are prefault terminal voltage and current; Z”d and Z’d are subtransient and transient impedance values of the generator; E”qo and E’qo are generator internal voltage.
The short-circuit currents calculated in this case is based on a specific loading condition defined in the selected study case. In general, the internal voltages for generators are higher
and internal voltages for motors are lower than that from no load conditions. If device duty evaluation is required, it is important to first determine an operating condition which
results in more conservative short-circuit currents for the evaluation studies.
Fault Initiation Time

The dc component of short-circuit current is very much dependent on the initiation time of a fault. In fact, if the fault occurs at a special moment, there may no dc component a
phase current. In order to perform device duty with more conservative short-circuit current, it assumes the fault occurs at -90 degree for phase A current at each faulted bus. The
gives the highest possible dc component for phase A current. In device duty evaluation, phase A current values are used to compare against device rating.
If the “Plot All Three-Phases” option is checked from the study case, ETAP will skip device evaluation in IEC 61363 short-circuit calculation. This is because the user can freely
enter fault initiation angle and it may not results in highest dc component in short-circuit current.
Short-Current Waveforms
ETAP generates short-circuit waveforms for bus fault current. They include instantaneous fault current in kA, ac component of current in kA, dc component of current in kA and
percent, and top envelope of fault current in kA. These waveforms can be for phases A, B, & C or for phase A only depending on the study case option. In device duty evaluation,
the fault duty current values are extracted from these waveforms at applicable time moments.
Device Duty Evaluation

ETAP performs device duty evaluation for all IEC devices based on short-circuit current calculated per IEC 61363. The logic and method applied for device evaluation is the same
as that used in device duty evaluation based on short-circuit calculation per IEC 60909, as explained in section Comparison of Device Rating and Short-Circuit Duty Method. The
only exception is that, in this version of ETAP, device thermal rating (Ith) is not evaluated in IEC-61363 calculation. The under-rated devices will be alerted in both report and one-
line diagram.
The device rating calculation is performed as described in section Calculation of IEC Device Capability. The short-circuit duty current values are extracted from current waveforms
calculated. In the current version of ETAP, only bus total fault current are used for device duty evaluation.
The waveforms generated from IEC-61363 short-circuit calculation include instantaneous fault current, top envelope of fault current, ac component of fault current and dc
component of fault current. The peak duty current (ip) is obtained from the top envelope of fault current at a half cycle time. The symmetrical braking (Ibsym) and dc duty current
(Idc) values are obtained from the ac component and dc component of fault current respectively, both at the minimum time delay of devices. The asymmetrical breaking time
(Ibsym) is calculated based on Ibsym and Idc at the minimum time delay of devices.
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Charger
When performing AC analyses, chargers and UPSs are considered as loads to their input AC buses. The rectifiers in these elements block the current from flowing back into the AC
system. Therefore, chargers and UPSs are not included in an AC Short-Circuit Analysis.
3-Phase UPS in 3-Phase System Calculation

The 3-Ph UPS element is modeled as a voltage source behind impedance in 3-phase system short-circuit calculations. This impedance is determined from the short-circuit current
contribution (specified on the “SC Imp” page of the UPS editor). This impedance value is determined using the “rated output kV” of the UPS and the “Isc” fault current value. The
maximum UPS current contribution will be limited by the equivalent impedance of the UPS. It is a function of the pre-fault voltage at the faulted buses downstream of the UPS.
The 3-Ph UPS has a bypass switch. If the bypass switch is open, then the UPS contribution is determined from its internal impedance as described above. If the bypass is closed,
then there is a tie-pd connection between the input and output which allows the direct contribution of a short-circuit current towards the output of the UPS. The bypass is not
allowed if the UPS rated output voltage is not the same as the UPS rated input voltage. If a bypass needs to be modeled under these conditions, then an external transformer which
steps the voltage up/down would be required and the UPS output and input voltage should then be set to the same value.
The 3-Ph UPS output is modeled as a part of the regular 3-Ph short-circuit calculations. All short-circuit calculations, except for the 1-Ph device duty calculation (Panel/1-Ph UPS/1-
Phase System Device Duty), model the 3-Ph UPS as an equivalent impedance behind an ideal voltage source. Since the 3-Ph UPS is modeled as a part of the regular 3-Ph short-
circuit network, it means that the UPS output can be operated in loop configurations. This is a major enhancement for modeling short-circuit faults for higher reliability designs (i.e.
data centers) with multiple UPS units operating in parallel or looped systems. The following image shows the short-circuit results for a looped 3-Ph UPS system.
The 3-Ph UPS has a grounding option which allows the unit to be modeled as solidly grounded or ungrounded on the output terminal. Checking the “Grounded” option allows zero
sequence currents to flow for an unbalanced (i.e. phase to neutral) fault. The negative and zero sequence impedance of the 3-Ph UPS are the same as the positive sequence. The
grounding resistance “Rg” at the output is not considered at this time.
UPS Modeling in 1-Phase System Calculation

UPS elements involved in 1-Ph device duty short-circuit calculations are mostly 1-ph UPS. However, there can be 3-Ph UPS powered by a panel and it will be modeled the same
way as a 1-Ph UPS described in this section. The 1-Ph UPS output short-circuit is modeled only as part of the 1-Ph device duty short-circuit calculation.
The 1-Ph UPS is modeled as an impedance behind a voltage source, then its contribution is determined similarly as the 3-Ph UPS in 3-Ph system calculations. The resistance of the
UPS is determined using the rated output voltage and rated Isc of the unit.
The following image shows the voltage behind impedance results for the same pair of UPS units. In this case, the short-circuit current of the 1-Ph UPS units can only be equal to Isc
if the fault is at the output terminals of the UPS. If the fault is anywhere downstream from the UPS output terminal (i.e. with additional circuit impedance), then the fault current will
be less and is limited by the sum of the UPS equivalent resistance plus the impedance of the downstream output elements.
Inverter / Photo Voltaic (PV) Array / Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) Type 4
An inverter is a voltage source to the AC system. Under fault conditions, it will provide fault contribution to the AC system. When its terminal bus is faulted, the contribution from
an inverter is equal to the multiplication of its AC full load amp by a constant K, which is entered on the Rating page of the Inverter editor or Imp/Model page of the WTG Editor.
This is the maximum possible contribution from the inverter. If the fault location is away from the terminal bus, then the contribution from the inverter decreases. The inverter is
modeled similar to that of the 3-Ph UPS.
The inverter elements have a grounding option which allows the units to be modeled as solidly grounded or ungrounded on their output terminal. Checking the “Grounded” option
allows zero sequence currents to flow for an unbalanced (i.e. phase to neutral) fault. The negative and zero sequence impedance of the inverter units are the same as the positive
sequence (Rn = R0 = Rp). The grounding resistance “Rg” at the output is not considered at this time.
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)

With the bypass switch for short-circuit set to “open”, the VFD element is modeled as a voltage source behind an impedance. The resistance of the VFD is determined from the
rated output voltage and Isc of the unit. Similar to the 3-Ph UPS and Inverter elements, the short-circuit contribution is determined assuming a voltage behind impedance approach.
With the bypass switch open, no short-circuit contribution from any motors on the output of the VFD can flow towards a fault on the input AC bus of the VFD. This is due to the
fact that the rectifiers in VFD block the current from flowing back into the input AC system. The bypass is not allowed if the VFD rated output voltage is not the same as the VFD
rated input voltage.
There is no VFD operating output frequency variation considered for short-circuit calculations on the output side of the VFD. This means that the short-circuit calculation for a
VFD (with the bypass switch open) only considers the system nominal frequency (typically 50/60 Hz or as defined in the Project \Standards\Frequency value). The operating
frequency and V/Hz settings do not have any effect in the short-circuit current calculation. (The effect of operating output frequency will be considered for both short-circuit and arc
flash in future versions of the program.)
If the bypass switch condition is set to “closed”, then the VFD is not considered and the short-circuit current flows directly from the input AC bus into the output of the unit and vice
versa (similar to a tie-protective device). Also, any motor short-circuit contribution from the electrical network on the output AC bus of the VFD can flow towards a fault on the
input AC bus of the VFD. The following image illustrates short-circuit results (at nominal system frequency) for the VFD with bypass switch “open” and “closed”. It can be seen
that full contribution from the AC Input bus flows into the VFD output fault and that the output motor contributes towards a fault on the input AC bus with the bypass closed.
The VFD element has a grounding option which allows the unit to be modeled as solidly grounded or ungrounded on its output terminal. Checking the “Grounded” option allows
zero sequence currents to flow for an unbalanced (i.e. phase to neutral) fault. The negative and zero sequence impedance of the VFD unit are the same as the positive sequence (Rn =
R0 = Rp). The grounding resistance “Rg” at the output is not considered at this time.
Note: For Short-circuit / Arc-Flash studies: If you attempt to change the system nominal frequency by changing the Project\Standards\Frequency setting, then all reactances need to
be adjusted manually or obtained again from the library (in case of cables), in order to adjust the reactances (which are typically entered at nominal frequency). The program does
not adjust most reactances automatically.
The reason for this is that in most cases, the reactance is specified in the libraries and impedance fields at nominal frequencies instead of specifying the actual inductance or
capacitance (L & C) of the elements. Careful considerations should be taken when performing such frequency manipulations.
However, for other load flow-based studies, the reactances of all branch elements and loads are adjusted based on the operating output frequency of the VFD. This means that the
effect of frequency variations for motor dynamic acceleration or for steady-state load flow VFD operation is considered. The frequency limitation on the output of the VFD applies
only to short-circuit-based studies including sequence-of- operation and STAR short-circuit.
High Voltage DC Link (HVDC)

When a bus on the inverter side of a High Voltage DC Link is faulted, the DC link will make short-circuit contribution. Due to the application of Voltage Dependent Current Order
Limiter (VDCOL), which is very common in a DC link, the short-circuit contribution is limited about 150% of rated current and lasts only about 1.5 cycle.
In ETAP short-circuit calculations, a DC link is represented as a constant voltage source behind an equivalent reactance. The voltage source has a constant voltage value equal to the
prefault voltage. The equivalent reactance is determined so that if a 3-phase short-circuit fault occurs at the inverter side terminal bus, the contribution from the DC link is equal to
maximum operating current Imax.
Due to the very short duration of short-circuit current contribution from a DC link, for ANSI Standard, ETAP considers the contribution only in ½ cycle (momentary) short-circuit
current calculation. For IEC Standard, the contribution is included only in calculation of ip, I”k, Ib, and Idc.
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ANSI/IEEE Calculation Methods: Standard Compliance

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Calculation Methods - Short-Circuit ANSI/IEEE Page 1 of 36

ANSI/IEEE Calculation Methods

Standard Pub. Year Title

General Description of Calculation Methodology

Type of Machine Xsc

(Xd” = 1/LRC for induction motors)

1.5-4 Cycle Network

Type of Device Duty

Low voltage circuit breaker N/A

Type of Machine Xsc

(Xd” = 1/LRC for induction motors)

Type of Device Duty

Type of Machine Xsc

ANSI Multiplying Factor (MF)

Local and Remote Contributions

No AC Decay (NACD) Ratio

l Total short circuit current Itotal = Iremote + Ilocal

The following procedure is used to calculate momentary short-circuit current:

where MFm is the momentary multiplying factor, calculated from:

where MFp is the peak multiplying factor, calculated from:

l Check closing and latching capabilities of high voltage circuit breakers

High Voltage Circuit Breaker Interrupting Duty Calculation

Contact Parting Time

Circuit Breaker Contact Parting

where t is the circuit breaker contact parting time in cycles.

8 Cycle CB 5 Cycle CB 3 Cycle CB 2 Cycle CB

90 1.464 1.522 1.585 1.619

50 1.316 1.393 1.487 1.54

25 1.126 1.201 1.316 1.393

12 1.015 1.042 1.116 1.190

6 1.000 1.002 1.015 1.042

8 Cycle CB 5 Cycle CB 3 Cycle CB 2 Cycle CB

50 1.141 1.241 1.376 1.482

25 1.013 1.099 1.247 1.403

12 1.000 1.000 1.099 1.299

6 1.000 1.000 1.005 1.221

Iint,rms,adj = AMF Iint,rms,symm

Low Voltage Circuit Breaker Interrupting Duty Calculation

Max Design (Tested)

Fuse Interrupting Short-Circuit Current Calculation

Comparison of Device Rating and Short-Circuit Duty

Device Type Device Capability Calculated Short-Circuit Duty

HVCB C&L Capability kA rms Asymm. KA rms

LVCB Rated Interrupting kA Adjusted kA

Generator Circuit Breakers

Short-Circuit Current Calculation for Generator Circuit Breakers

Panel/1-Ph UPS/1-Ph Subsystem Device Duty Short-Circuit Calculation

3-Phase Panel Subsystems Short-circuit Current

1-Phase Subsystems Short-circuit current

Low Voltage Fuse Device Duty below Panel/1-P UPS/1Ph Subsystem

Medium Voltage Circuit Breaker Device Duty in 3-Ph or 1-Ph Subsystem

Device Duty Evaluation on Protective Devices for Panel Internal Circuits

Center-Tap Transformer Impedance Model for 1-Phase Short-Circuit

References for center-tap distribution transformer impedance models:

Short-Circuit Calculations using Constant Current Sources

SC Model Page – Current Limiting Functionality

For WTG1 inverter: the calculated PF is approximately 33%

SC Model for Inverters (including PV), WTG Type 3 and Type 4

SC Model for Constant-Current Sources during Unbalanced Faults