LEVEL 2 Short Circuit ABC—Learn It in an Hour, Use It Anywhere, Memorize No Formula Abstract—Short circuit ABC-learn it in Four, use it anywhere, memorize 90 formula. The MVA method for solving industrial power system short circuits appropriately fits this description. Indeed, solving short cizcuit problems withthe MVA method ia a1 easy a2 Teaming the ABC's. - INTRODUCTION HORT CIRCUIT studies ate necessary for any power distribution system to determine switchgear rating for S protective relaying, and to determine the voltage drop during starting of large motors. One line diagrams are not complete unless the short circuit values are solved at various strategic points. No substation equipment, motor control centers, breaker panels, etc., can be purchased without knowledge of of the complete short circuit information of the enfite power distribution system. Knowing how to calculate: short circuit problems is a must for every electrical engineer. To learn it may be easy for some, difficult for others. However, to do the problems anywhere in or out of the office where the references are not available _ may not.be an easy task because the conventional methods of solving short circuits involve too many formulas. To memorize them at all times is impractical for the majority. Wuat REALLY Is THE MVA MeTHoD? "Basically, the MVA method is a modification of the Ohmic method in which the impedance of a circuit is the sum of the impedances of the various components of the circuit. Since, by definition, admittance is the reciprocal of impedance, it “follows that the reciprocal of the system admittance is the sum —" of the reciprocals of the admittances of the componeints:~Also, by definition; the ‘admittance of a circuit or component is the "maximum current or KVA at unit voltage which woilld flow through the circuit or component to a short circuit or fault —When_supplied from a source of infinite capacity,” Refer to Fig. 1. y QM @ @ - @ a Zotens “= KVAye = 1000X (KV) X ¥ - MV Age = (KV)EX Ye, sobs STC MVAL Se Ne Paper TOD-73-132,approved by the Petroleum and Chemical Industry Committee of the IEEE Industry Applications Society for presentation A the 1973 Petroleum and Chemical Industry Conference, Houston, Tet September 17-19,” Manuscript released for publication Octobe! ‘The author is with the Bechtel Corporation, San Francisco, Calif, MOON H: YUEN, SENIOR MEMBER, IEEE WEurvinees Busvivez zeanoms Weta = ear ae Fig. 1. One line diagram, 12 mm } =] ol eaten =] > oto A a8 + ms ie Fig. 2. Impedance diagram, Fig. 3. MVA diagram, Y admittance of a circuit Zona impedance in ohms Zyy impedance in per unit KV line to line voltage short circuit KVA. MVAye short circuit MVA MVA,. (13.8)?/0.01 = 19 000 (for Fig. 1). Practically, the MVA method is used by separating the circuit into components, calculating each component with its own infinite bus as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Fig 2isa typical impedance diagram of a one line diagram, Fig. 3 is an MVA diagram. The conversion from a one line diagram to an MVA diagram is simple arithmetic. Component 1, the system, is normally given a short circuit MVA ‘ating. So, one merely writes down 500, which is its system short cizcuit MVA. Sometimes, ifthe system MVA is not available, but its voltage and impedance are given, the short circuit MVA can be calculated with the application of @. KVAeFUSE TECHNOLOGY COURSE LEVEL 2 Next, for component 2, use (4). The short circuit MVA of “ransformer is equal to its own MVA base divided by its uu per unit impedance, (Use reactance X with the MVA method.) ‘Next, for component 3, again use (4). The short circuit =MVA-contribution ofthe Motor is-equal~to’ its ‘own MVA base “divided by its own"per unit impedance (Use reactance X with the MVA method.) Now, Iet us examine the MVA diagram, Fig. 3. If a short sireujt is taken at point F, there will bea series low of MVAy ind MVA;, and their combination will be in parallel with MVA3. The question now is: how do you combine the °4VA values in series and in parallel? The answer is again simple arithmetic AVAL) X (MV Ag: series MVAL.2 = Gavas) F(MVAL) MVA..2 =MVA; +MVAz. © (5) parallel From (5) and (6), it can easily be recognized that series MVA combinations are exactly as resistances computed in parallel. Parallel MVA combinations are exactly as resistances computed in series, The MVAye at point # of Fig, 2 then can be calculated as follows: — MVAy = MVAT +MVA, = 250+ 250= 500. The term with the asterisk isthe new MVA, value which is the result of combining MVA, and MVA;. After the opera tion, the new MVA, which is 250 MVA, replaces the old MVA, and MVA. This scheme of replacing old quantities with new quantities Telates to computer data memory storage system, At this point the short circuit MVA is solved. To find the current value, only the voltage value i requized. For example, if the voltage is 13.8 KV, the current ys —-——MVA-X 1000. -500 X 10002 KEV yx 10.500 AL . ‘Tue ABC oF THE MVA Up to now, the reader has spent about 15 min in slow read- ing. He has found that there has been nothing new, and the formulas art no more than good old Ohm's Law arithmetics. Now, he can forget the formulas and start the ABC, 4, Convert to MVA’s Convert all one line components to short circuit MVA’s. Equipment. such as generators, motors, transformers, etc., are normally given their own MVA and impedance or reactance tings. The short circuit MVA of each is equal to its MVA divided by its own per unit impedance or reactance. ‘or a feeder where voltage is given and its impedance or re. ctance is known, its short circuit MVA is equal to (KV)? vided by its impedance or reactance in ohms. PAGE 4.7.2 rag En abuse 4 pee Lo Sar sn @) &) Fig. 4. The ABC of the MVA. (a) One line diagram, (b) MVA diagram. ulus $+ Wy 109+ Opa bg + B34 09 ® ® Fig.S. The ABC of the MVA. (a) Delta connection. (0) Wye oon: Fig. 6. Series combination rato Incoming line short circuit duty in MVA is normally given by power companies. Therefore, use the value #8 given and no conversion is required. However, if impedance or reactance at the terminal is given, find its short circuit MVA by dividing its (KVP by its ohms. As conversion is being made, an MVA diagram is being developed. One line diagram 4{a) is replaced with MVA. diagram 4(b). B. Combine MVA's 1) Series MVA’s are combined as resistances in parallel. 2) Parallel MVA's are added arithmetically. Refer to Fig.FUSE TECHNDLUGYT COURSE - LEVEL 2 | sous mit ? Fig. 7, One line diagram. ease 4(0) for the following: 1500 x 123 MVAy 2 = 1280 2° 4500 +1230 ~ 675 (this is the new MVA,) = . = 675X198 MVA,,3 = S218 Ava “e754 198” 15 MVAys¢ = MVA, +MVAy = 153 +75 = 228 228 X 1000 Ine : Say 7 100A, “For MVAY3, add MVA, ‘aiid MVAJ in series. For MVAry4, add MVA, afid MVA, in parallel. current at 12kV, 0 ~ --3) Delta to-wye conversions are rarely used in industrial power distribution systems, but they are again simple arith- é--Refer to Figs. 5(a) and (b).— = -4)-The Mabe point that needs more at Tia is the short circuit ‘the series combination if a slide rule is not available. The attempt here is to be able to solve most short circuit problems with reasonable -accuracy-without the use-of-asliderrule: With the aid of the curve in Fig. 6, let us analyze the series combination (MVA,) X (MVA3), (MVA,) + (MVA,)” (VA, and = total MVA, so that AXB_A(B)_= A+B A+B MVA, ARB 4B is plotted asa constant on a log-log scale base from 100 which is the ratio of B/A. (Refer to Fig. 6.) For example, let A = 10,8 = 40, and B/A = 4, Read 4, at hori- zontal scale. From 4 project upward until it intersects the T ' Co Uda Fig. 8. MVA digram, curve. Read the horizontal value 0.8, which is the result of BIA + B; then T=A(@IA+B) 10X0.8=8, It is also noted that when combining two quantities in series, the result is always smaller than the smallest of the two. The, example shows the result to be 8 when combining 10 and 40, CG Reduce MVA Diagram ° Reducing an MVA diagram takes the same reduction process required for the per unit impedance diagram, except that MVA quantities are used instead of per unit impedances or reactances. Fig. 7 is a typical distribution one line diagram including 2 delta connected feeder system. Reactances only are ued for Fig. 8 is an MVA diagram that shows all practical purposes. Fig. 9(2) shows elements in the one line in MVA quantities.FUSE TECHNOLOGY COURSE LEVEL 2 PAGE 4.7.4 first step reduction sequence. Note that there are three LNT t6 be ciléilated, Fy Fy, and Fy : The ist step reduction” combines the series and parallel mponents s0 that the simplest diagram can be accomplished, d that any fault can be solved in random feshion. Fig. 9(a) ows-that items. and.5 have been-combined to:make a new items 6 and 7 have been combined to make a new 6: items 10 have been combined to make a new 8. Fig. 9(b) con- ried a delta to a wye configuration. Fig. 9(c) is further juced_to Fig. 10(@), indicating items 2 and 4 have been mbined 10 jake’ new 2.” Figuie 10(a) then is the simplest gram. that-would, allow. the solving of any of the thiee ts in random selection. Figs. 10(a)-(c) show the reduction eats. in solving-Taulte,7Fyand Fy respectively. — 5 Wity THE MVA Merion? are many reasons why.the MVA method is recom: nded for industrial power short circuit calculations. ) It does not require a common MVA base as required by ‘per unit method. ‘sexy fo ST cee veo &) pf “od rein © Fig. 10, MVA reduction, acount ceed setae alae eeeFUSE TECHNOLOGY COURSE LEVEL 2 PAGE 4.7.5 2) It is not necessary to convert impedances from one voltage to another as required by the Ohmie method. 3) The conversion formulas as used for both the Ohmic and the per unit methods are complex and not easy to 4) Both the Ohmic and the per unit methods usvally end up with’ small decimals resulting from converting impedances from one voltage to another or from converting impedances to.the same common base. Therefore, one can make mistakes in the decimals, with resulting wrong answers. 5) The MVA method utilizes large whole numbers denoting MYA quantities. With a little practice, one can estimate the sult by looking at the combination. For example, 10 and 10 1 series become 5; 10 and 100 in series become 9.1; and 10 and 10.000 in series give 10. A small number combined with too large a number, 100 times larger or more, will have no ef- fect on the small number. In order to further prove the preceding points, it is necessary to give the following comparison of methods that are utilized in solving industrial power system short circuits. - _ Comanison oF MeTHoDs A one line diagram, Fig. 11, is shown, Solve the three-phase “fault point F with afd without motor contribution. Note-that_teactances only are considered in the thee cases being compared... It is felt that using impedances would give the same result, but would complicate the calculations. It is ——also-widely recognized-and-acceptable-by-industries to use reactances only in calculating industrial power system short circuits, in that it would result in a higher short circuit value, pethaps by’ 0-3 percent in most cases. Reference [1] exemplifies the use of reactances rather than impedances. “Figs, 12(@)-(c) tabulate the conversion calculations for the three methods. Figs. 13-15 show the three methods utilized for comparison, Fig. 16 tabulates the results of the three “nethods—— = CAN PHASE-GrouND FAULT BE SOLVED? ‘The answer, of course, is yes. Solving phase-ground fault is as easy as solving three-phase fault. Refer to Figs. 4(a) and (b). This problem is taken from the California State Professional Engineer Registration Examina- GRE @ a a = | o f ieee nal jmanronsn | Str © “Fig. 12, @) Obmic conversion, (@) Per unt sonvesion. (6) MVA tion of August, 1965. As noted, the three-phase fault has been solved to be 228 MVA at the 12XV bus. Since the positive sequence fault is equal to the negative sequence fault, therefore, MVAxy = MVAqa = 228. ‘The zero sequence fault MVA, however, must be calculated, and its MVA value then is combined with the positive and negative MVA values. Refer to Fig. 4(a) again. During a fault on the 12kV bus, only the transformer and the motor contribute to zero sequence MVA’s, The delta primary of the transformer blocksFUSE TECHNOLOGY COURSE LEVEL 2 ==Fig. 15. Ohmic method resetance diagram, Fig. 14, Reactance diagram, me f se «fone jens moron contnmrion ote | mene Fig. 16, Result of comparison of methods PAGE 4.7.6 Mn Mn at fw ‘80 Fy MoToR ZERO SEQUENCE REACTANCE Fig. 17, Zero sequence fault power. a a o Tyga ta Be neon ig. 18. Phase-ground fault of MVA circuit, any zero sequence power flowing from the system and across the transformer. Therefore, Fig. 17 shows the zero sequence power circuit MVAyor = MVAx1 = MVAya = 198 (the transformer zero sequence reactance is equal to its posi= tive and negative reactances) 15 MVAxom =97 = SOMVA (Gince the zero sequence reactance of the motor is about } of its positive sequence reactance). The total zero sequence fault power then is equal to the sum, which is MVAxor + MVAxoy = 198 + 150 = 348, The phase-ground fault power is obtained with-the use of Fig. 18. Since these are three branches in parallel, the simplest approach is to take one branch out of the circuit and solve its MVA value, then multiply the value by 3, which gives the final answer MVA,,2 = 28/2 114 Mvay,» = 24X28. 114+ 348 MV Apo =3 X 86 = 258 (258 X 1000 = 258 X1000 19 400 4. Trex 12 124004. ‘The problem, as shown in Fig. 4(a), is also solved with the per unit method as Appendix I. This gives further comparison ofFUSE TECHNOLOGY COURSE LEVEL 2 teh SS =< muse = ——Fig."21, Two-phate-t0 ground fault by per unit method. wag: Bee vag 3Mihg, sane Fig. 22, ‘Two-phase to ground fault by MVA method. - PAGE 4.7.7 fed arse Fig. 23. Motor starting voltage érop calculation. the amount of calculation involved between the MVA and the per unit methods. Phase-ground fault with an added fault neutral reactance also can be calculated with the MVA method. Fig. 19 il lustrates the preceding problem with an added fault neutral reactance Xj. Note that using both the MVA and the per unit methoils obtain the same result except that the MVA method shows much less calculation. ‘Two-PHASE To GROUND FAULT Can two-phase to ground fault be solved with the MVA method? The answer is again, yes. Fig. 20 shows a two-phase to ground fault diagram and connéctions between sequence networks. As indicated, Jy is the fault current between phases C,B, and ground. In order to develop an MVA equation for two-phase to ground fault calculations, the classical symmetrical component equations are utilized as basis. Relationships between phase and sequence quantities are expressed by the following: Van VotVi +, @ Vy = Vo ta?¥, tay (8) Vo=¥_taV, +a*V ) Tq Fly thy + Ia (a0) tal, tal an tah +a7hy, (a2) From the preceding equations, the following relationships are obtained: Vo=3 (Vat Ve + Ve) (a3) Vy =4(Vatavy +a7V,) (a4y Vz=4Vata Vy +a¥.) (as) Io=4(atly +1) a6) T= hla t aly +aI,) an = $y tatly tal.). co)PAGE 4.7.8 FUSE TECHNOLOGY COURSE LEVEL 2 : @ he oise|_.100 AVE Fone Ware: = ORS aay eet 8) td = 104TH «VA - = ROMAN SV veya > Sion inet va » Fig. 24, (a) Voltage drop by graphic solution, (b) Graphic solution proven by analytic geometry. ‘Connections between sequence networks can be found from From the preceding analysis, (22)-(25) can be derived for 13-08) a the application of both the per unit method E —— 22) a) PeECacaN ” ea Ga) + Oe) ‘Equations-(15}-and-(20)-are-satisfied-if-the-sequence net- do =I, X (23) otks are connected as follows: pee sp ely tl ~ and the MVA method id by addition of (11) and (12) MVA\(MVAy + MVAp) 1 a + In tle ®Uy +(@ 4a) (h, +15). Was “Miva eQnVA; #MVA) 4) MVAo Whe WARS HvA Fig. 21 shows the use of (22) and (23) for solving the two- phase to ground fault of the same problem, the per unit method. Fig. 22 indicates the utilization of (24) and (25) for solving the two-phase to ground fault of the same problem, . the MVA method. It is obvious as shown, that the use of the : Ip Ue ~ (-ly)= lo. (21) MVA method is simpler.FUSE TECHNOLOGY COURSE LEVEL 2 ~ PAGE 4.7.9 ‘OPERATOR B 1203 4 5 6 7 @ 9 1 2 3 ‘4 wo 2 1 4S wo 19 zo 5 6 7 8 9 10 SHORT CIRCUIT MVA — ig. 25. Slide rule model. MVA Metiop FoR INSTANTANEOUS VOLTAGE ESTIMATE Large motors are frequently connected to power systems © consisting of complicated“networks of lines and cables for ‘which a calculation of the voltage drop would be difficult. Yet, it may be critical to know approximately what the voltage at certain bus must be. This is because the voltage affects the motor torque in a square function; ie., motor torque"varies as"the square. of the voltage for a 10-percent The torque loss is 19 percent. The voltage drop may be estimated with reasonable ac- curacy, however, if the short circuit MVA is known at the point.of power delivery...When motor starting MVA is drawn from’a system, the voltage drop in per.unit of the initial _. voltage is-approximately equal to the motor starting MVA divided by the sum of this MVA and the short circuit MVA a \7 MVA,+MVA. Va 26) st, 23 shows an example applying the MVA method in estimating the voltage at the 13.8-KV bus when a large motor ie started Fig. 24(a) shows a graphic solution of the problem. Figure 24(b) illustrates the validity of the graphic solution by analytic geometry. Fig. 25 shows a slide ule made for the sole purpose of solving instantaneous voltage érop in starting large motors. The instruction for the use of the slide rule as shown is self-explanatory, Fig. 26 is a compilation of standard industrial nominal voltages and motor terminal voltages. Note that the unique relationship between the nominal and terminal voltages is 4 percent different. This unique relationship aids the slide rule operation in solving instantaneous voltage drop during motor starting. THE SoMpLe COMPUTER TIME SHARE PROGRAM ‘Why is it necessary to develop a computer program for such an easy method? , The answer is simply economics. True, the MVA method enables the engineer to quickly calculate the faults on a power system, but how about documentation? After the engineer finishes his calculation, the result needs typing, proofreading, ete. From manual calculation to print- ing, the estimated cost fora problem as shown in Appendix II, having 12 components and three faults, is approximately $100 including the engineer's pay. But the time share program solution from input to printout costs approximately S24 ($12 for engineering time and $12 for computer and terminalFUSE TECHNOLOGY COURSE LEVEL 2 i. 26. Peres motor terminal vollage ilated 10 Wansformer sec- ‘ondary voltage. me). AS the: problem involves more components and more ults, the cost differential increases noticeably. Appendix Il is a time share computer solution of Fig. 7. he program itself is a conversational type. The user of the rogram can_input the data by a prepared tape or by typing 1¢ dati as the computer is ready To receive the data, The input data are separated into two sections. Section one to use lines 200 through 399 for MVA items as shown with ie use of the MVA method. For example, item 1 is 300 VA, item 2 is 200 MVA, ete. Section two is to use lines 00 through 999 for command sequence. For example, line D0 data 1, 4, 5 instructs the computer to combine items 4 id 5 in series; the first number, J, is for a series operation. \ line 400 data, there is a 2, 8, and 9, which instructs the smputer. to combine items 8 and 9 in parallel; the first umber, 2, is for a parallel operation. “A 3, 3, 4, 6 command structs the computer to convert a delta to wye operation of >,4,and 6. ss to Appendix I. The fault 1 result is $33.4 MVA, hich is close to the manual solution result of 533 MVA. ote the computer asked for a kilovolt input. The user tered the voltage. The computer then asked whether the er prefers an interrupting duty or a momentary duty compu- tion,_As shown, fault 1 requires an interrupting calculation id the computer gave a series of output selections to meet NSI Standard latest requirement of multipliers. The com iter solution sequence is exactly as shown on Fig. 10(a) for uit 1, manual solution. For fault 2, line 410 data are replaced with new commands shown= Notice that the sequence follows the MVA diagram, g-~10(b)-—The-Fesult-of-fault-2-is-261.9-MVA which was anually solved to be 262 MVA, Fig. 10(b). The computer ain asked for a kilovolt input and a 4.16 was given. Thenext™question~again was—foriitetrupting duty “or omentary duty. The answer was momentary so the com- ter gave two answers that are in accordance with [2] For fault 3, line 410 data are replaced with new commands at follow the sequence as shown on Fig. 10(¢). The computer ced for a kilovolt input, and 0.48 was given. Because 0.48 ris “a-low-voltage system, the “computer automatically ted out five answers to suit the user's choice. The multi- ars are all'in-WevGrdaice With thE TEEE Red Book #141, stion IV. - the MVA method is mastered én about an hour's 1¢, it will take no more than fifteen minutes to learn to use : computer program. Appendix HII is a pre-made graph for ick estimate of instantaneous voltage in starting large motors. PAGE 4. Conctusion The paper described a unique easy to learn and easy to remember method for solving industrial power distribution system short circuit problems. The examples given proved its effectiveness in terms of speed, accuracy, and economy over other conventional Ohmic and per unit methods. The writer has been using it for the past twenty years for many projects, small and large, and found it most effective because it seldom required one to memorize formulas as with other methods. The MVA method also has been taught in various evening schools and corporation sponsored seminars, including the University of California Extension, ITC College, Bechtel Corporation, Pacific Gas and Electric Co., etc. in the San Francisco Bay area for the past seven years. REFERENCES (1) Flectrical Power Disribution for Industrial Pans, IEEE Standard 141, 1969, ch. 1V. (2) IEEE Red Book, TEEE Standard 141, 1969, sect. 1V. APPENDIX [ ‘The following problem is taken from the California State PEE, Registration Examination of August, 1965. The problem will be solved with the per unit method. : A genase nar east siaees ”° sagp at otsFUSE TECHNOLOGY COURSE LEVEL 2 Acar en * extn Somes at ees oie “nate rte a ha PAGE 4.7.11 Aprexpix II : Time SHARE COMPUTER P..SGRAM 9FUSE TECHNOLOGY COURSE PAGE 4.7.12 LEVEL 2 APPENpIx II Continued APPENDIX IIT A READY-MADE GRAPH FOR QUICK ESTIMATE oF INSTANTANEOUS VOLTAGE IN STARTING LARGE MoTORS ! eg Ti wt ene ners t Ht } som ao x —— 1 lB. Ly | ileal PL Ll rien 0 1.35 1 L ‘SHORT CIRCUIT MYA samati? a ll ng Se a Sate" ea 4 San en meat a Moon H. Yuen (M'54-SM'66) received the B.S.E.E. degree in 1948 from Heald Engineering Col- lege, San Francisco, Calif., and the BMC from the University of California Extension, Berkeley, in 1970, Currently, he is the Head of the Electrical Group of Scientific Development Facilities Engi- neering, Bechtel Corporation, San Francisco, Calif. Since 1965, he has also been the Organizer and Teacher of electrical engineering and design courses at for the University of California Ex: terision and Bechtel Manpower Development Programs, and is the author of 12 technical papers and Various class texts on these subjects. In 1973, he was granted a U.S. Patent in "Solid State Control—Low Voltage Heating of Motors.” Mr. Yuen is a Registered Professional Engineer in the States of California, Louisiana, Michi gan, New York, South Carolina, Oregon, Hawaii, lliiois, Florida, Texas, Washington, and Wash~ ington, D.C. He is a member of the National Council of Engineering Examiners.” He is also registered in the Province of Alberta, Canada, and a member of the Instrument Society of America, qFeature Electrical Fault Level Calculations Using the MVA Method Introduction With modern day personal computers, hand calculations for electrical fault level are becoming a thing of the past. The lassical hand calculations, either the ohmic method or the Fer unit method, will need many formulas and conversions. The ohmic method is cumbersome when there are several different voltage levels. The per unit method is not much botter because of the many conversions of data to the choosen base values. The complexity is significantly increased when symmetrical component theory is used to solve single phase to earth faults, double phase to earth faults, and phase to Phase faults. Most electrical engineers will blindly memorize these abstract formula and cumbersome conversions. When these engineers are needed to provide on the spot estimates of feult level which are quick and reasonably accurate, they will often fail to deliver. When software programmes are used, itis not uncommon to have errors in modelling and data entry, which will produce fault level several order of magnitude in error from the correct value. This article describes the MVA method, a hand calculation method which is easy to use, easy to remember, quick and accurate. Uiilty source 22h, 254A fault love <—3C/800mm* cable of tkm sowa are Bisa wa, i oe q Bee 15% ®| © (O}MORT Motor 1MVA, 12% 4o0volts ot space ost, - - 15% Figure 1: Typical single tne By Lee Wai Meng J. M. PANG & SEAH (PTE) LTD The MVA Method ‘The MVA method is a modification of the ohmic method. ‘The first step is to convert the typical single line diagram to the equivalent MVA single line diagram, and then to reduce the MVA single line diagram into a single MVA value at the point of fault. The components of a typical single line are the utility source, transformers, motors, cables and internal generators. Figure 1 is a typical single line diagram, 22KV Utility Source ‘The MVA value will be V3x 22 x 25 = 952MVA. ‘The utility source has a 25kA fault level. 10MVA Transformer ‘The MVA value will be 2 0.09 = 111 MVA ‘The transformer has 9% impedance 2MVA Transformer ‘The MVA value will be —2 0.06 33 MVA ‘The transformer has 6% impedance 6.6kV Motor The MVA value will be [35- = 8.3 MVA ‘The motor has a sub-transient reactance of 12% and will contribute fault current to the fault, 400 Volts Motor ‘The MVA value will be —04 115 2.7 MVA, ‘The motor has sub-transient reactance of 15% and will contribute fault current to the fault, Internal Generator ‘The MVA value will be —3 20 MVA ‘The generator is synchronized to the utility source and has a sub-transiont reactance of 15%. 22k Cable ye ‘The MVA value willbe —Z— , Where V is the phase to phase voltage in kV Z is the per phase impedance in ohm. 22x22 ‘The MVA value will be 9.2 = 2420 MVA. ee (8) ‘The Singapore EngiFeature MVA Single Line Figure 2 is the equivalent MVA single line of the typical single line of Figure 1. The next step is to reduce the MVA single line to a single MVA value at the point of fault, The reduction uses basic mathematics, either add up the MVA values or “parallel up” the MVA values. Figure 3 illustrates he steps for the reduction of the MVA single line to a single MIVA value at the point of fault. The fault level for a3 phase fault at 400 volts is 28.7MVA or 41.4KA. Advantages of the MVA Method * There is no need to convert impedance from one voltage to another, a requirement in. the ohmic method . ‘* There is no need to select a common MVA base and then to convert the data to the common MVA base, a requirement in the per unit method. The formulas for conversion are complex and not easy to remember. * Both the ohmic method and per unit method usually end up with small decimals. It is more prone to make mistakes in the decimal with resulting errors several orders of ‘magnitude from the correct value. * The MVA method uses largo whole numbers. This makes for easier manipulation and hence less prone to errors. 952 | uilty source 2420 |Cable ee oo [own © ©} © saw ova 33. transformer Mee © © soovors phase fut = 2.7. | Motor Figure 2: Equivalent MVA single line @ 1% sone tesa 03 Single Phase to Earth Fault So far the calculations were for three phase fault. The MVA method can be used to calculate single phase to earth fault, and illustrated in Figure 4. The positive sequence MVA will be the value calculated in the previous example, and in most applications the positive sequence MVA will be the same as the negative sequence MVA. The zero sequence MVA will usually be different from the positive sequence MVA. For example in Figure 1, only the 2MVA transformer will contribute to the earth fault at 400 volts through the neutral connected solid to earth. ‘Tho zero sequence MVA of the 2MVA transformer is equal to the positive sequence MVA value of the transformer of ( 25] MVA or 93.3 MVA. Voltage Drop During Motor Starting ‘The MVA method can also be used to calculate the voltage drop during large motor starting. The voltage drop is equal to the motor starting MVA divided by the sum of the motor starting MVA and the short-circuit MVA. Figure 5 is an example. A constant 1 MVA load is assumed before the starting of the large motor. The MVA value of the transformer is SOMVA. The 1MVA load. at 400 volts will be seen as a 1x50. (PSS) MVA or 0.98 MVA load at 22kV. The voltage at 952 J 22kV due to the load will be = 92 or 99.9%, During motor starting, the combined load at 400 volts will be (1 + 4) MVA or 5 MVA. The 5MVA load at 400 volts will be oe soon as } MVA or 4.55MVA load at 22kV. The 2 ° 4.55 + 952 voltage at 22kV due to the motor starting will b MVA or 99.5%. Hence the voltage drop to the motor starting will be (99.9 ~ 99.5)% or 0.4% at 22kV. Conclusion ‘The MVA method is easy to learn, easy to remember, quick and accurate, ‘The author has been using the MVA method for the past 13 years for small and large projects, and has found it most powerful for on the spot estimates. Reference (1) IEEE 141 ~ 1986, IBE Recommended Practices for Power [2] IEEE399 — 1990, “IEEE Recommended Practices for Power System Analysis.”® ©} © san 33 = [3 = mm [287 © ©, 400voits © ©, 400verts ©, covets © Ol soovoits Z oa 27 27 end 4233=95 +20+83 28.7= 2642.7 962 2420 111 eat Figure 2: MVA reduction steps Positive ‘elore motor starting During motor starting | sequence 287 a |_MVA | Source of $52MVA Negative faultlevel sequence 287 iva | => = 0 wasn | aay [Zero sequence 333 ( SMA, VA Oe ‘oor tots 20s g sng ols S a 5 : ; iMVA Load of | Load of ) mtr. iNVA {MVA Staring Single pase to earth faut = 9x 10MVA MVAis = 30 MVA 4 times: = 434A at d0Dvos F gure 4:MVA diagram for sngl phase fo earth fal Figure Voltage cp calculations ne iogsore miner santas 2002