Medium voltage products

Technical Application Papers No. 22

Medium voltage generator
circuit-breakers
Index

2 1 Introduction
4 2 Generator circuit-breakers
4 2.1 History of generator circuit-breakers
5 2.2 Vacuum generator circuit-breakers
7 2.2.1 Diffuse or contracted vacuum arc
7 2.2.2 Spiral shape of the contacts of ABB vacuum
interrupters
8 2.2.3 The VD4G family
8 2.2.4 Solutions in the switchgear and accessories
10 3 The standards governing generator
circuit-breakers
11 3.1 Main differences between Dual Logo Standard
IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 and
Standard IEC 62271-100
13 3.2 Rated insulation levels
14 3.3 Degree of asymmetry for system-source short-
circuit currents
15 3.4 Degree of asymmetry for generator-source short-
circuit currents
16 3.5 Rate of rise of transient recovery voltage (TRV) after
system-source fault
18 3.6 Rate of rise of transient recovery voltage (TRV) after
generator-source fault
19 3.7 Presence of fault currents due to closing in out-of-
phase conditions
20 3.8 Load current making and breaking
20 3.9 Summary of the comparison between
IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 and IEC 62271-100
in relation to TRV parameters
22 3.10 Short-circuit rated making current
22 3.11 Short-time withstand current
22 3.12 Rated operating sequence
23 3.13 Number of mechanical operations
23 3.14 Type tests required by the Standards
24 4 Choice of generator circuit-breaker
24 4.1 System-source short-circuit current
25 4.2 Generator-source short-circuit current
27 4.3 Making capacity
28 4.4 Choice of generator circuit-breaker class
29 4.5 Information to be given with enquiries, tenders and
orders
30 5 Example
30 5.1 Installation data
30 5.2 Simplified calculation of the symmetrical
component

1
1. Introduction

Both the authorities and public opinion are paying
increasing attention to climate changes. Since it has
now been proved that greenhouse gas emissions are the
cause behind the abnormal rise in global temperature,
governments throughout the world are actively
endeavouring to find possible solutions to the problem.
One of these solutions is to increase the production of
electric power from renewable sources. According to the
most conservative estimates, the investments forecast in
Europe during the 2010-2050 period will amount to more
than 3,200 billion euros, of which a hefty 1,670 billion for
power generation from renewable sources.
Renewable
Nuclear
Fossil
One must also consider that over the past few years,
governments have encouraged the liberalization of the energy
market and that this has shifted the burden of investments
onto the enterprises which directly (electricity companies)
or indirectly (industry) generate electric power. Attention
is focusing on whether or not a return on investment will
be obtained but that's not all. Generation from renewable
sources which, as described above, is on the rapid increase,
is extremely variable and also poses the problem of continuity
of supply. This means that as well as installing renewable
generating plants, we must also create installations for
storing the power and maintain or even add to the more
flexible part of generation from conventional sources, such as
hydroelectric or thermal power stations.
In future, both large and small generators will be scattered
throughout the country, where the former will supply backup
power should the latter be unable to generate owing to the
inevitable variability of the renewable sources.

Conventional and
renewable concentrated
power generating plants Transformer Transmission
1.670

572
High Voltage
380 kV
1.005

TREND

High Voltage
60-150 kV
Industry
Rail
transport
Medium voltage
10-30 kV

Industry, services-
providers and
Low voltage storage
Housing
230/400 V

Small Farms Individual

industries homes

Decentralized and new-concept

renewable power generating
stations

2
To get the most out of their investments, the main goal of
enterprises that run (or would like to run) a generating plant
will be to obtain the highest possible amount of power at the
lowest cost. The reliability of an electric power generating
plant depends on its typology, but most especially on the
quality of the components installed in relation to the specific
characteristics of the generator itself. This means that
the circuit-breaker installed to protect the generator is of
fundamental importance for safeguarding the investment,
since it must:
– protect the generator
– protect the installation
– simplify the operating procedures
– generally improve the safety and reliability of the installation.
Since this component is so important, IEC recently issued a
standard, the result of joint work with IEEE, which specifically
deals with generator circuit-breakers.
This standard is IEC/IEEE High-voltage switchgear and
controlgear – Part 37-013: Alternating-current generator
circuit-breakers, Edition 1.0 2015-10.
Requirements for generator circuit-breakers are much
different from those of a generic circuit-breaker for distribution
purposes, as defined in Standard IEC 62271-100. Indeed,
the circuit-breaker installed between a generator and
a transformer must meet decidedly more demanding
requirements as to fault currents. In particular cases, fault
currents can also present delayed current zero crossing. It
can be very difficult and complicated to define the capability
of the circuit-breaker to interrupt these currents. The
certificates of the tests performed in laboratories may not
contain sufficient information. This means that simulation
research must be conducted by considering the effect of the
circuit-breaker's arc voltage on the presumed short-circuit
current.
3
2 Generator circuit-breakers

2.1 History of generator circuit-breakers Meanwhile, vacuum technology in the distribution field
became progressively established, being economical,
The first circuit-breakers to be specifically designed as generator compact and able to provide remarkable performance as
circuit-breakers date back to the early '70's. After this, these to mechanical and electrical life. Later on, this method of
circuit-breakers were subjected to constant development, passing interruption was also applied to generators, if only to the
from interrupting solutions using compressed air to the '80's, lower power ratings, where it provided extremely compact
when SF6 generator circuit-breakers were first introduced. In order solutions in standard medium voltage switchgear.
to cover the increasingly higher generator power ratings, research
was dedicated right from the start to solutions with segregated
phases. There are now three-phase systems where each
individual phase comes in a separate metal enclosure installed
on a common structure with shared operating and monitoring
systems. Remarkable limits have been reached with this solution,
with rated current up to 57000 A, forced air cooling and up to 210
kA breaking capacities. These circuit-breakers are able to protect
generators with up to 2000 MVA power ratings.

4
Nowadays, the ABB range of generator circuit-breakers is
able to cover the entire field of small, medium and high power
generators with scalable solutions as to cost and size.

2.2 Vacuum generator circuit-breakers

1
Similarly to the vacuum circuit-breakers for distribution
network, also generator vacuum circuit-breakers use
encapsulated vacuum interrupters for the poles. 2

5
6

9
10

1 Upper terminal 6 Flexible connection

2 Vacuum interrupter 7 Spring fork of tie-rod
3 Housing/pole 8 Tie-rod
4 Hub of moving contact 9 Pole fastening
5 Lower terminal 10 Connection to operating mechanism

5
2 Generator circuit-breakers

This construction technique makes the poles of the circuit-

breaker particularly sturdy and protects the interrupter from
impact, dust and moisture. The vacuum interrupter houses
the contacts and forms the breaking chamber.

Consequently, the vacuum circuit-breaker does not need a

1 breaking and insulating medium since it does not contain
ionizable material. The electric arc that generates when
2
the contacts separate is merely formed by the fusion and
3 vaporization of the contact material. Sustained by the external
energy, the electric arc persists until the current annuls near to
4 natural zero. In that instant, sharp reduction of the density of
the conveyed charge and rapid condensation of the metallic
5 vapour rapidly restore the dielectric properties and provide the
capability to sustain the transient recovery voltage, thereby
definitively extinguishing the arc. Since high dielectric strength
6
can be reached in the vacuum even with minimum distances,
7 circuit breaking is also guaranteed when separation is just a
1 Terminal
few millimeters (2–3 mm).
2 Protection
8 3 Metal bellows
4 Interrupter case The special shape of the contacts and the material used,
5 Shield
9 6 Ceramic insulator
combined with the brief arcing time and low arc voltage
7 Shield guarantee long-lasting contacts with a minimum amount of
8 Contacts wear. The vacuum also prevents the contacts from tarnishing
10 9 Terminal
10 Interrupter case and becoming contaminated.

6
2.2.1 Diffuse or contracted vacuum arc
In a vacuum interrupter, the electric arc begins the instant in
which the contacts separate. The contact area diminishes
at that moment and the current concentrates in points that
Diffuse arc.
become very hot, leading to localized fusion of the cathode
surface. This leads to the formation of metallic vapours that
support the arc itself. After this, the arc expands over the
surface of the contact with evenly distributed thermal stress.
These conditions are known as diffuse arc.
The electric arc is always the diffuse type at the interrupter's
rated current value. The contact is only eroded very slightly
and the number of interruptions is very high.
Contraction of the
As the value of the current increases (beyond rated value, anode
depending on the contact material), the electric arc tends
to change from diffuse to contracted. The arc initially
concentrates in a single zone at the anode, while there are
several very close and moving concentration points at the
cathode. Lastly, as the current increases to a further extent,
the arc concentrates in a single point on both the anode
and cathode. There is a temperature rise on a level with the
affected contact areas, and the material is consequently
Contraction on the
subjected to thermal stress. anode and on the
To prevent the contacts from overheating and becoming cathode.
eroded, the arc is made to rotate. By turning, the arc
resembles a moving conductor through which current passes.

2.2.2 Spiral shape of the contacts of ABB vacuum

interrupters
The special spiral shape of the contacts generates a radial
magnetic field that acts on the arc column, pushing it onto the
external circumferences of the contacts.
In short, the electromagnetic force that self-generates, acts
tangentially and causes the arc to spin rapidly around the axis
of the contacts.
This forces the arc to turn and affect a larger area than that of
a fixed contracted arc. This behaviour limits the thermal stress
to which the contacts are subjected, ensures that these latter
are only eroded to a negligible degree and, above all, allows
the breaking process to be controlled even with very high
short-circuit current values.
At the zero current instant, rapid reduction in current density
and rapid condensation of the metallic vapours allow
maximum dielectric strength to be re-established between the
interrupter's contacts within a few thousandths of a second.

7
2 Generator circuit-breakers

2.2.3 The VD4G family

The VD4G family of generator circuit-breakers includes three 2.2.4 Solutions in the switchgear and accessories
apparatuses: VD4G-50, VD4G-40 and VD4G-25 for up to ABB offers the VD4G circuit-breaker for switchgears, moduls
15 kV voltage ratings, up to 4000 A rated current ratings and retrofitting solutions.
and up to 50 kA for generator-source short-circuit breaking UniGear ZS1 switchgears specifically offer the following range:
current. The circuit-breakers all conform to Standard IEC/IEEE – VD4G-50 circuit-breaker with 1000 mm panel width;
62271-37-013 “High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – – VD4G-40 circuit-breaker with 800 mm and 1000 mm panel
Part 37-013: Alternating-current generator circuit-breakers”. width for 3150 A rated current;
The following table lists the breaking capacities of the family – VD4G-25 circuit-breaker with 650 mm panel width.
in the three conditions: system-source, generator-source
and out-of-phase conditions. In the case of generator-source
breaking capacity, the first value refers to maximum breaking
capacity with 110% asymmetry and the second to 74%
breaking capacity but 130% asymmetry (called class G1 in
the Standard). The same value means that the circuit-breaker
is able to interrupt at maximum breaking capacity with 130%
asymmetry (called class G2 in the Standard).

System-source Generator-source Out-of- phase

breaking capacity breaking capacity breaking
[kA] [kA] capacity
[kA]
VD4G-50 50 50/37 25
VD4G-40 40 25/25 20
VD4G-25 25 16/16 12.5

The extremely compact circuit-breakers can be installed

in standard medium voltage switchgear and create very
interesting solutions as to space occupied and homogeneity,
since they can be installed alongside the other medium
voltage switchgear panels.

8
Use of UniGear ZS1 switchgear also allows a protected
solution to be obtained against internal arc faults inside the
switchgear itself, thus ensuring that work can be performed in
the utmost safety. The switchgear is classified as IAC (Internal
Arc Classified) AFRL according to Standard IEC 62271-200
“High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 200: AC
metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages
above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV”, where A indicates
that the switchgear can only be accessed by authorized
personnel and FRL that the protection covers the front, rear
and sides. To meet specific requirements, the protection
covers 16 to 50 kA fault currents for 0.1 to 1 s.
UniGear ZS1 switchgear provides indisputable benefits as
to continuity of service by achieving maximum class LSC-2B
(Loss of Service Continuity), since the busbar, circuit-breaker
and cable compartments are electrically segregated. This
means that the circuit-breaker compartment can be accessed
when the busbar and cable compartments are live, while the
switchgear and, consequently, the installation continue to
operate.
REG630
The relays in the Relion series include the most advanced Preconfiguration A
protections for generators, which are obviously one of the ANSI IEC
most important components in an electrical installation. 27 3U<
Generators are liable to many different types of faults; 32R/320 P>
e.g., synchronous generators can also act as motors, thus 3I
32U P<
faults may occur in the stator windings and rotor windings 3U 40 X<
supplied by direct current. In short, generators are certainly 46G/46M I2>G/M
the components of an electrical installation most likely to 49T/G 3Ith>T/G
be affected by faults or malfunctions. In this case, the most 51BF/51NBF 3I>/Io>BF
Io
suitable relay is REG630, since it is highly flexible, scalable 51P-1/ 51P-2 3I>/3I>>
and able to adapt to all types of generator. An example of 51V I(U)>
application to a Diesel/Gas generator is given in the next 59 3U>
diagram. 59G Uo>

G 60 FUSEF
67N-1/ 67N-2 Io>/Io>>
In addition, REG630 complies with standard IEC61850 for 3I
81U/81O/81R f</t>/∆f/∆t
communication in substations and covers both horizontal 87G/87M 3dl>G/M
and vertical communication, including GOOSE messaging.
REG630 also supports communication protocols DNP3
Io
(TCP/IP) and IEC 60870-5-103 (serial). These systems allow
the apparatus to connect to various automation systems and
SCADA.

9
3 The standards governing generator
circuit-breakers

International Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 was prepared
by a joint working group comprising IEC and IEEE members
and was consequently published with the dual logo IEC/IEEE.
This standard follows IEEE Std C37.013-1997 (R2008) “IEEE
Standard for AC High-Voltage Generator Circuit Breakers
Rated on a Symmetrical Current Basis” and the successive
amendment IEEE Std C37.013a-2007 “IEEE Standard for
AC High Voltage Generator Circuit Breakers Rated on a
Symmetrical Current Basis -Amendment 1: Supplement for
Use with Generators Rated 10–100 MVA” which, for many
years, was the only world-wide Standard on the subject.
Since the dual logo Standard is the result of a compromise,
there are certain, albeit minor differences.
Consequently, generator circuit-breakers must now be
designed and tested in accordance with IEC/IEEE 62271-37-
013, since the Standard governing high voltage alternating
current circuit-breakers (IEC 62271-100 “High-Voltage
Switchgear and Controlgear – Part 100: High-Voltage
Alternating-Current Circuit-Breakers” specifically excludes
generator circuit-breakers from its scope (see IEC 62271-100,
chap. 1.1 Scope).

10
3.1 Main differences between Dual Logo
Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013
and Standard IEC 62271-100 A B
The first difference lies in the fact that generator circuit-
breakers have two breaking capacities: system-source breaking
capacity (A - in the event of faults between the generator and
circuit-breaker) and generator-source breaking capacity (B - in
the event of faults between the circuit-breaker and transformer).

Figure 1: Short-circuit current through the circuit-breaker owing to a fault in A, thus supplied by the system. Called System-source Fault by the standard

11
3 The standards governing generator
circuit-breakers

Figure 2: Short-circuit current through the circuit-breaker owing to a fault in B, thus supplied by the generator.
Called Generator-source Fault by the standard

The other differences, which depend on the type of Standard IEC 62271-100 does not adequately cover these
application, are: requirements, which become challenging in the case of
– the degree of asymmetry for system-source short- generators owing to the strong presence of a direct current
circuits (A); component, the degree of fault current asymmetry and the
– the degree of asymmetry for generator-source short- characteristics of the TRV.
circuits (B);
– the rate of rise of transient recovery voltage for system-
source faults;
– the rate of rise of transient recovery voltage for generator-
source faults;
– presence of fault currents due to closing in out-of-phase
conditions.

12
3.2 Rated insulation levels within the 15 < Ur ≤ 17.5 range, higher withstand voltage
values than those indicated by Standard IEC 62271-1 for 17.5
Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 (part 4.2.101, table 1) kV rated voltage.
defines the following rated insulation levels for generator The following graphs illustrate the differences between the
circuit-breakers, which are actually a compromise between two standards for short-time withstand voltage in kV (first
the IEEE and IEC standard values: graph) and impulse withstand voltage in kVp (second graph)
Rated voltage Rated short-time Rated lightning depending on the rated voltage in kV:
withstand voltage at impulse withstand
power frequency voltage
Ur Ud Up
kV (r.m.s. value) kV (r.m.s. value) kV (peak value)
50
Ur ≤ 7.2 20 60
7,2 < Ur ≤ 12 28 75
40
12 < Ur ≤ 15 38 95
15 < Ur ≤ 17.5 50 110 30

20
On the other hand, Standard IEC 62271-1 (part 4.2, table
1a and 1b), has two tables, one of which is additional for the 10
values used in North America:
0
Rated voltage Rated short-time Rated lightning
withstand voltage at impulse withstand 7,2 8,25 12 15 15,5 17,5
power frequency voltage
IEC 62271-100 IEC 62271-100 NAM IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013
Ur Ud Up
kV (r.m.s. value) kV (r.m.s. value) kV (peak value) Short-time withstand voltage [kV]
7,2 20 60
12 28 75
17.5 38 95 120
24 50 125
100

Rated voltage Rated short-time Rated lightning 80

(North America) withstand voltage at impulse withstand
power frequency voltage 60
Ur Ud Up
40
kV (r.m.s. value) kV (r.m.s. value) kV (peak value)
8.25 36 95 20
15 36 95
0
15.5 50 110 7,2 8,25 12 15 15,5 17,5
27 60 125
IEC 62271-100 IEC 62271-100 NAM IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013

As can be seen, the values correspond up to 15 kV rated Impulse withstand voltage [kVp]
voltage. After this, Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 adopts,

13
 3 The standards governing generator
circuit-breakers

3.3 Degree of asymmetry for system- Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 (part 4.101.2) defines a
133 ms time constant for the direct component of the rated
source short-circuit currents system-source short-circuit current. This corresponds to
Generally speaking, short-circuit current is characterized by approx. 68% asymmetry the instant the contacts separate,
two values: e.g. at 50 ms.
a) the root mean square value (r.m.s.) of the alternating
100
component, known as Isc;
90
b) time constant τ of the direct component of the short-circuit
80

Degree of asymmetry (%)

current shown by a certain degree of asymmetry the instant
70
in which the contacts separate.
60
In the example illustrated in the figure below: Time constant (r) = 133 ms
50
40
30
E 20
A
10
Current i

0
N 0 20 40 60 80 100
A' Time after fault starts ms
C IMC
Iaccs Figure 4: Degree of asymmetry depending on time after fault starts

Idccs C'
B
O Time
Vice versa, Standard IEC 62271-100 defines a normal
M unidirectional time constant value of 45 ms (part. 4.101.2).
B' All the short-circuit tests performed on the circuit-breaker are
E' conducted with this time constant unless specific requests
due to particular applications are involved. For test cycles
T10, T30, T60 and T100s (at 10%, 30%, 60% and 100% of
Figure 3: Alternating component and degree of asymmetry upon
separation the breaking capacity, respectively), the percentage of the
one-way component the instant the contacts separate must
Iaccs not exceed 10% of the alternating component (part 6.106).
– is the root mean square value of the alternating
2
component of current Isc the instant the contacts
– Asycs is the degree of asymmetry the instant the contacts
Idccs
separate, equal to Asycs = 100%
Iaccs

14
 3.4 Degree of asymmetry for generator-
source short-circuit currents
Here again, the short-circuit current is characterized by root-
mean-square value Isc of the alternating component and
by time constant τ of the direct component. The degree of
asymmetry the instant the contacts separate may be much
higher than in the previous case. If the degree of asymmetry
were to exceed 100%, “missing current zero” would occur, i.e.
delay of the current to pass through zero, thus absence of the
condition required for breaking (an indispensable condition).
Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 deals with this issue
(part 4.101.3 and in annex H). If the fault begins when the
voltage in one phase passes through zero, the resulting
fault current in that phase will have the maximum degree of
asymmetry. Statistically, it has been noted that this degree of
asymmetry can be very high and exceed 130%. The following
figure, taken from the standard, shows that the degree of
asymmetry increases quickly at the beginning owing to rapid
damping of the alternating component, and reaches a value
of about 148%. After this, the degree of asymmetry gradually
decreases as the alternating component achieves a stationary
condition. Since the cases encountered in real installations are
extremely variable and also depend on the load status of the
generator before the fault, adoption of the 130% asymmetry
degree at the instant the contacts separate is established by
the Standard as a requirement for the test.
The so-called class G1 circuit-breakers must be tested with
130% asymmetry degree at 74% breaking capacity of the
alternating component and with 110% asymmetry at full
breaking capacity.
Class G2 circuit-breakers must be tested with 130%
asymmetry at full breaking capacity of the alternating
component.
Standard IEC 62271-100 does not envisage this situation
since it is beyond its scope.

160
150
100
140
130
120
80
110
100
Current (kA)

60 90
80
70
40 60
50
Degree of asymmetry (%)

40
20 30
20
10
0 0

0 100 200 300 400 500
Time after fault initiation (ms)

Peak value of A.C. component

D.C. component
Degree of asymmetry
A.C. component
Generator-source short-circuit current
Degree of asymmetry = 130%

Prospective generator-source short-circuit current (fault initiation at voltage zero) (IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013, figure H.1)

15
3 The standards governing generator
circuit-breakers

3.5 Rate of rise of transient recovery Voltage

(kV)
voltage (TRV) after system-source uc

fault
Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV) is the voltage that appears
between the open contacts of the circuit-breaker immediately
after an interruption. The waveform of TRV is defined by the
characteristics of the generator and circuit, mainly by those
of the associated step-up transformer. Three-phase faults
u'
are generally more severe and generate a higher short-circuit
overcurrent and the maximum rate of rise of the TRV.
Another factor to bear in mind is that the first pole that
interrupts the current is subjected to higher voltage at power
0 td t' t3 Time (µs)
frequency than that after interruption in all three poles.
Consequently, the TRV will also be more severe in this case.
Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 (part 4.105 and 8.103.7.4) The upper line begins at the origin and is tangent to the
establishes that the first pole to clear factor Kpp in the case of TRV. This line terminates where it meets the horizontal line
generators, is 1.5 for cases where the neutral is not effectively tangent to the highest point, uc, of the TRV. The time of the
earthed. First pole to clear factor = 1.5 takes account of intersection point is called t3. The lower line is parallel to the
fault conditions limited by a transformer (e.g. for example, first. It begins on the time axis in the point corresponding to
transformers with non-effectively earthed neutral in systems delay time td and ends in the point of coordinates t’, u’.
with effectively earthed neutral, or transformers with one side The two parameters used for representing TRV are therefore
effectively earthed and the other connected to systems with uc and t3.
non-effectively earthed neutral), or the typical case of an MV uc is the peak value of TRV and is calculated in the following
generator connected to an MV/HV step-up transformer. way:
Lastly, again according to Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013
(part 8.103.7.5), 1.5 is a realistic amplitude factor value, kaf
so long as capacitances are not connected to the generator
terminals.
It is fairly safe to say that the waveform of transient recovery
voltage is a single frequency damped oscillation. Two straight
lines depict the lower and upper limits of the rising waveform
of the TRV.

16
As described above:
value uc/3 is preferably assumed for u’ and value td+t3/3 for t’.
Ratio uc/t3 is called Rate-of-Rise-of-Recovery-Voltage or
RRRV. For the power ratings of generators that affect VD4G
circuit-breakers, the parameters of TRV for system-source
faults are (IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013, table 3):
On the other hand, Standard IEC 62271-100 (part 4.102.2)
uses the same representation with two parameters, uc and t3,
for voltage values of less than 100 kV.
Circuit-breakers for interiors are normally designed for use in
a cable system thus, according to the Standard, they belong
to class S1.
The following formula is used to define the TRV for this class
of parameters:

Transformer rating Recovery voltage (TRV)

Time t3 Peak value of TRV RRRV
uo where the first pole to clear factor Kpp is 1.5 while kaf is 1.4 for
MVA µs kV kV/µs terminal faults in the case of cabled systems. The values of uc
10-50 0.58 Ur 1.84 Ur 3.2 are slightly different and lower than those defined by IEC/IEEE
51-100 0.53 Ur 1.84 Ur 3.5 62271-37-013. Thus 62271-100 defines:
101-200 0.46 Ur 1.84 Ur 4.0
201-400 0.41 Ur 1.84 Ur 4.5
401-600 0.37 Ur 1.84 Ur 5.0
601-1000 0.34 Ur 1.84 Ur 5.5
1001 or higher 0.31 Ur 1.84 Ur 6.0 While td = 0.15 x t3, again for terminal faults.
Delay time td equals 1 μs.

TRV parameters for circuit-breaker terminal faults (from IEC 62271-100, table 1)
Rated voltage First pole to Amplitude Peak value of Time Delay Voltage Time RRRV
clear factor factor TRV
Ur kpp kaf uc t3 td u' t' u c/t3
kV p.u. p.u. kV µs µs kV µs kV/µs
3.6 1.5 1.4 6.2 41 6 2,1 20 0,15
4.76(b) 1.5 1.4 8.2 44 7 2,7 21 0,19
7.2 1.5 1.4 12.3 51 8 4,1 25 0,24
8.25(b) 1.5 1.4 14.1 52 8 4,7 25 0,27
12 1.5 1.4 20.6 61 9 6,9 29 0,34
15(b) 1.5 1.4 25.7 66 10 8,6 32 0,39
17.5 1.5 1.4 30 71 11 10 34 0,42
24 1.5 1.4 41.2 87 13 13,7 42 0,47
25.8(b) 1.5 1.4 44.2 91 14 14,7 44 0,49
36 1.5 1.4 61.7 109 16 20,6 53 0,57

Where the voltage values marked (b) are used in North America.

17
3 The standards governing generator
circuit-breakers

3.6 Rate of rise of transient recovery Generator power Prospective recovery voltage (TRV)

voltage (TRV) after generator- Time t3 Peak value of TRV

uo
RRRV

source fault MVA µs kV kV/µs

10 - 50 1.23 U r 1.84 U r 1.5
In the case of short-circuits supplied by generators, Standard 51 - 100 1.15 U r 1.84 U r 1.6
IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 (part 4.105 and 8.103.7.3) defines Delay time td equals 0.5 μs.
the following parameters (table 4), using the same model as
the previous case: As can be seen, the rate of rise of recovery voltage is lower
but still higher than the indications given by Standard IEC
62271-100 for interruption in cable systems. This latter
standard does not envisage the case of generators since it is
beyond its scope.

18
3.7 Presence of fault currents due to The test for breaking in the presence of fault currents due
to closing in out-of-phase conditions is not mandatory
closing in out-of-phase conditions for Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013. If required by the
application, the parameters given in table 6 apply (model
When it comes to TRV, fault current interruption due to closing being equal):
in out-of-phase conditions is extremely challenging for the
Generator power Recovery voltage (TRV)
circuit-breaker. Moreover, if a generator is connected to
Time t3 Peak value of TRV RRRV
the system in full phase opposition conditions (180° phase
uo
difference), the current will generally exceed the short-circuit MVA µs kV kV/µs
current at the generator terminals. This condition can be very 10 - 50 0.87 U r 2.6 U r 3.0
dangerous for the generator and must be absolutely avoided 51 - 100 0.79 U r 2.6 U r 3.3
(by resorting to automatic synchronization for example).
Generator circuit-breakers are not required to interrupt full
phase opposition. In this case, the assigned breaking capacity
is 50% of the system-source symmetrical breaking capacity, Delay time td equals 1 μs.
which corresponds to a 90° out-of-phase angle.
When it comes to interruption in the presence of fault currents On the other hand, Standard IEC 62271-100 (part 4.102.2)
due to closing in out-of-phase conditions, Standard IEC/IEEE specifies that kaf equals 1.25, Kpp equals 2.5 and t3 equals
62271-37-013 (part 8.103.9.2) uses the same model as the twice the value of t3 for terminal faults.
one for calculating TRV, but considers that recovery voltage at In the case of cable systems, the delay time for the out-of-
normal frequency is √2 times the maximum operating voltage phase condition is:
of the generator. Thus: td = 0.15 x t3.

The reference table taken from table 1 of Standard IEC 62271-100 is given below:
Rated voltage First pole to Amplitude Peak value of Time Delay Voltage Time RRRV
clear factor factor TRV
Ur kpp kaf uc t3 td u' t' u c/t3
kV p.u. p.u. kV µs µs kV µs kV/µs
3.6 2.5 1.25 9.2 82 12 3.1 40 0.11
4.76(b) 2.5 1.25 12.1 88 13 4 43 0.14
7.2 2.5 1.25 18.4 102 15 6.1 49 0.18
8.25(b) 2.5 1.25 21.1 104 16 7 50 0.2
12 2.5 1.25 30.6 122 18 10.2 59 0.25
15(b) 2.5 1.25 38.3 132 20 12.8 64 0.29
17.5 2.5 1.25 44.7 142 21 14.9 69 0.31
24 2.5 1.25 61.2 174 26 20.4 84 0.35
25.8(b) 2.5 1.25 65.8 182 27 21.9 88 0.36
36 2.5 1.25 91.9 218 33 30.6 105 0.42

Where the voltage values marked (b) are used in North America.

19
3 The standards governing generator
circuit-breakers

3.8 Load current making and breaking
In accordance with Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 (part
6.104), a generator circuit-breaker must be able to make and
break load currents up to the continuous rated current of
the generator. This operation may be required in emergency
circumstances and is therefore occasional. In this situation, it
is clear that both circuit-breaker terminals remain energized.
The test can be performed in both three-phase and single-
phase conditions with <20% degree of asymmetry upon
contact separation. 3 breaking tests must be performed in
three-phase conditions.
The Standard establishes the following parameters with
respect to TRV (table 5):
3.9 Summary of the comparison
between IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013
and IEC 62271-100 in relation to
TRV parameters
Outlining the issues discussed in the previous chapters
concerning the parameters that define the trend of TRV for
tests on circuit-breakers, the following graph illustrates the
rate of rise of the transient recovery voltage tracked, by way
of example, for 12 kV voltage and generators with 10 to
50 MVA power ratings. Note how the rate of rise is always
sharper when it conforms to Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-
013, as compared to IEC 62271-100.

Generator power Recovery voltage (TRV)

Time t3 Peak value of TRV RRRV
uo
MVA µs kV kV/µs
10 - 50 1,03 Ur 0,92 Ur 0,9
51 - 100 0,92 Ur 0,92 Ur 1,0

Delay time td equals 1 μs.

On the other hand, Standard IEC 62271-100 establishes that

the electrical life expectancy of circuit-breakers intended for
use without the rapid auto-reclosing function, such as in cable
networks, is demonstrated by the performance of short-circuit
test cycles without intermediate maintenance. Thus additional
tests are not required.

20
 35

30

25

20
uc [kV]

15

10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140

t3 [µs]

IEC/IEEE system-source IEC system-source IEC/IEEE generator-source

IEC/IEEE out-of-phase IEC out-of-phase IEC/IEEE load current

Delay time td is the other important parameter to be

considered since it is critical for the very first breaking
instants.
According to Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013, time td is
1µs for system-source short-circuits, 0.5µs for supply by
generators and 1µs for out-of-phase conditions.
Standard IEC 62271-100 specifies that time td varies
depending on the voltage. For example, in the case of 12 kV
voltage it is 9µs for terminal faults and 18µs for out-of-phase
conditions. Here again, Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013
defines more stringent values for the circuit-breaker.

IEC/IEEE load current

IEC out-of-phase

IEC/IEEE out-of-phase

IEC/IEEE generator-source

IEC system-source

IEC/IEEE system-source

0 5 10 15 20

td [µs]

21
3 The standards governing generator
circuit-breakers
3.10 Short-circuit rated making current
Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 (part 4.102 and 6.103.12),
the rated short-circuit making current at rated frequency and
with 133 ms time constant must be 2.74 times the root-mean-
square value of the alternating component of its rated system-
source short-circuit breaking current. If the circuit-breaker
is assigned a breaking capacity for supply by generator and
the breaking current is higher than the previous value, the
breaking current must be assigned by the manufacturer.
On the other hand, Standard IEC 62271-100 (part 4.103)
requires application of the following values:
– For 50 Hz rated frequency and 45 ms time constant,
2.5 times the root-mean-square value of the alternating
component of its rated short-circuit breaking current.
– For 60 Hz rated frequency and 45 ms time constant,
2.6 times the root-mean-square value of the alternating
component of its rated short-circuit breaking current.
Thus Standard IEC 62271-100 is less stringent.
22
3.11 Short-time withstand current
Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 refers to IEC 62271-1 (part
4.6 and 4.7) according to which a current equal to the short-
circuit capacity must be brought to the closed position for 1s,
but which also allows other preferential values such as 0.5, 2
and 3s.
Standard IEC 62271-100 obviously refers to IEC 62271-1.
3.12 Rated operating sequence
Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 (part 4.106.1), the
envisaged sequence of operations comprises two operating
cycles CO with a 30-minute interval between them, thus:
CO-30 min-CO
Standard IEC 62271-100 (part 4.104) envisages two
alternative sequences:
a) O – t – CO – t' – CO with t= 3 min if rapid auto-reclosing is
not involved and t= 0.3 s with rapid auto-reclosing. t’ is 3
min in both
cases;
b) CO – t'' – CO with t'' = 15 s for circuit-breakers not
intended for rapid auto-reclosing
3.13 Number of mechanical operations 3.14 Type tests required by the
Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 (part 4.108) defines two Standards
mechanical operation endurance capability classes: class M1 Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 (chap.6, table 8) specifies
and class M2. The circuit-breaker must perform the number of the following type tests:
operating cycles specified for each class, taking into account
Type tests Parts of Std
the maintenance schedule established by the manufacturer: IEC/IEEE
62271-37-013
Standard generator circuit-breaker 1000 operating cycles
(normal mechanical endurance) Dielectric tests 6.2
Class M1 Measurements of main circuit resistance 6.4
Circuit-breaker for special service requirements 3000 operating cycles Temperature-rise tests 6.5
(extended mechanical endurance)
Short-time withstand current and peak withstand 6.6
Class M2
current tests
Additional tests on auxiliary and control circuits 6.10
Standard IEC 62271-100 (part 4.110) also includes the
Mechanical operation tests at ambient temperature from 6.101.2.1 to
two mechanical endurance classes (M1 and M2), but with a 6.101.2.3
more demanding number of operations. The circuit-breaker Sound pressure level tests 6.101.4
must perform the number of operating cycles specified for System-source short-circuit current making and 6.103
each class, taking into account the maintenance schedule breaking test

established by the manufacturer: Load current switching tests 6.104

Generator-source short-circuit current making and 6.105
Standard circuit-breaker 2000 operating cycles breaking tests
(normal mechanical endurance) Out-of-phase making and breaking tests 6.106
Class M1
Circuit-breaker for special service requirements 10000 operating cycles
(extended mechanical endurance) Standard IEC 62271-100 (chap.6, table 11) specifies the
Class M2
following type tests:

Type tests Parts of Standard

IEC 62271-100
Dielectric tests 6.2
Measurements of main circuit resistance 6.4
Temperature-rise tests 6.5
Short-time withstand current and peak withstand 6.6
current tests
Additional tests on auxiliary and control circuits 6.10
Mechanical operation tests at ambient air from 6.101.2.1 to
temperature 6.101.2.3
Short-circuit current making and breaking tests from 6.102 to 6.106
Electrical endurance tests (only for Ur ≤ 52kV 6.112
voltage values) (only for class E2)

The generator-source short-circuit making and breaking test

is not envisaged by IEC 62271-100 because it is beyond its
scope and the out-of-phase making and breaking test is not
mandatory but can be performed if required by the specific
application.

23
4 Choice of generator circuit-breaker
In chapter 8 and Annex E, standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-
013 provides guidelines as how to calculate the short-circuit
currents of an installation with a generator, for the purpose of
choosing the protection circuit-breaker.
The following parameters must be defined when choosing the
circuit-breaker:
a) System-source short-circuit current:
– Symmetrical breaking capacity
– Asymmetrical breaking capacity
– Short-time withstand current
b) Generator-source short-circuit current:
– Symmetrical breaking capacity
– Asymmetrical breaking capacity
– Asymmetrical breaking capacity at maximum degree of
asymmetry
c) For system or generator-source: making capacity
4.1 System-source short-circuit current
As established by the Standard, the breaking capacity is
related to the root-mean-square-value of the symmetrical
component of the three-phase short-circuit.
This is obtained beginning from equivalent reactance X given
by the sum of the reactance due to the short-circuit current
of the system and from the reactance of the transformer (if
installed) considered in relation to the voltage level of the fault
point in question.
Degree of asymmetry (%)
24
The first Xsys can be calculated as: Xsys ≅ c Umsys / ( 3 I”k sys)
Where factor c for voltage up to 35 kV is 1.1 (IEC 60038,
table III), Um sys is the system voltage and Ik” sys is the initial
short-circuit current of the system.
Reactance should thus be considered in relation to the
voltage level on the generator side of the transformer by
multiplying it by ratio (Ur /Um sys) 2
For the reactance of the transformer, XT ≅ (ukr / 100%) (Ur2/SrT)
Where ukr is the short-circuit voltage at the rated current in %,
Srt is the apparent power of the transformer.
In the absence of other components (e.g. motors, cables,
auxiliary system), the root-mean-square value of the system-
source short-circuit current is obtained by:
Ik” = c Ur / ( 3 (Xsys+XT))
The percentage of direct component Idc cs of the short-circuit
current must be calculated in order to define the asymmetrical
breaking capacity.
The degree of asymmetry upon separation of the circuit-
breaker contacts is defined in the following way:
Asycs = 100% • Idc cs/( 2 Isc)
Where Isc is the root-mean-square value of the alternating
component of the short-circuit current the instant the
contacts of the circuit-breaker tcs separate.
The standard time constant of the direct component defined
by the Standard is τ=133 ms. Lastly, let us assume that the
direct component is measured at the instant the circuit-
breaker contacts separate, typically 50 ms (½ cycle=detection
time of the protection system plus the minimum opening
time of the circuit-breaker). With τ=133 ms, the degree of
asymmetry can be easily obtained from the following curve
proposed by the Standard:
100
90
80
70
60
Time constant = 133 ms
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Time after fault initiation (ms)
In the case of different time constants, the degree
of asymmetry can be calculated in the following
way. First the direct component is calculated:
Where Ik” is the initial symmetrical short-circuit
current. Assuming that the root-mean-square value
of this current is constant over time, one can affirm
that the instant of contact separation Ik” = Isc
Lastly, τ can be calculated as:
where X is the equivalent reactance of the system
with reference to the MV side of the transformer
and R is the equivalent resistance with reference
to the same point; ϖ equals 2πf, with system
frequency f, and t is still the instant in which the
circuit-breaker contacts separate.
The asymmetrical breaking capacity is thus:
or also:
In short, to define the breaking capacity required
in a generator circuit-breaker in the event of a
system-source fault, any combination of alternating
and direct components can be considered so long
as:
– the alternating component does not exceed the
symmetrical breaking capacity;
– the asymmetrical short-circuit current does not
exceed the asymmetrical breaking capacity;
– the degree of asymmetry is 100% or less.
4.2 Generator-source short-circuit current
In accordance with the Standard, the short-circuit current for supply by
generator that a circuit-breaker is called upon to break is the highest
root-mean-square value reached by the symmetrical component in the
case of a three-phase fault. However, it can be much lower that the
system-source short-circuit current. The value is measured by means of
the oscillation envelope of the current the instant in which the contacts
separate, when the current source is completely via generator without
transformation. The envelope will take account of the generator time
constants since the alternating component dampens with the sub-
transient and transient time constants of the generator, as shown by the
diagram below.
Beginning of contact
separation
Separation of contacts
Current
1
I"sc
I'sc Isc
0
t
-1
0 time
The root-mean-square value of the alternating component of the
generator-source short-circuit current can be calculated using (in no-load
mode) the following equation:
where:
UmG is the maximum phase voltage of the generator;
SrG is the rated power of the generator;
UrG is the rated voltage of the generator;
x”d is the saturated value of the direct axis subtransient reactance in p.u.;
x’d is the saturated value of the direct axis transient reactance in p.u.;
xd is the saturated value of the direct axis synchronous reactance in p.u.;
τ” d is the direct axis subtransient short-circuit time constant in s;
τ’d is the direct transient short-circuit time constant in s.
25
4 Choice of generator circuit-breaker
If the fault begins when the voltage in one phase passes
through zero, the resulting fault current in that phase will
have the maximum degree of asymmetry. Once again, the
alternating component dampens with the sub-transient and
transient time constants while the direct component dampens
with armature short-circuit time constant τa.
since, with fair approximation, x”d equals x”q quadrature-axis
subtransient reactance, again in no-load mode, the formula
becomes:
τa can be calculated in the following way:
τa = X”d/ϖ Ra (again in the case of X”d ≅ X”q)
where X”d is the subtransient direct axis reactance and Ra the
armature resistance in d.c.
26
The asymmetrical short-circuit current for generator supply is
normally calculated using appropriate calculation programs
(e.g. EMTP, ElectroMagnetic Transient Program) especially in
the case of over-excited or under-excited generators for which
approximated formulas are not used.
In short, to define the breaking capacity required in a
generator circuit-breaker in the event of a fault supplied
by generator, any combination of alternating and direct
components can be considered so long as:
– the alternating component does not exceed the symmetrical
breaking capacity for generator supply;
– the asymmetrical short-circuit current does not exceed the
asymmetrical breaking capacity;
– if the degree of asymmetry exceeds 100%, calculations are
made to demonstrate that the generator circuit-breaker is
able to force the current to zero by means of its arc voltage
within the maximum supportable arcing time.
If the alternating component of the fault current were to
dampen faster than the direct component, the value of the
direct component could be higher than the value of the
alternating component for a certain period of time running
from the instant the fault begins. This would mean that the
degree of asymmetry of the current is more than 100%, which
could lead to delayed current zeros for certain period of time,
as shown in the diagram below:
The matter becomes even more complicated because
the value of the alternating component and the degree of
asymmetry may vary, depending on whether the generator
was functioning in unloaded conditions, was over-energized
(thus with a lagging or inductive power factor) or under-
energized (leading, thus capacitive power factor) before the
fault occurred.
Analysis of a large number of generators has shown typical
degree of asymmetry values for short-circuit current that
can exceed 130%. The worst case is when the generator
4.3 Making capacity
The short-circuit current that the generator circuit-breaker
must interrupt is whichever one is highest between the short-
circuit current values for system-source and generator-source.
The highest value is normally that for system-source.
A

Current i
functions with a lagging power factor before the fault, since
the short-circuit currents that occur have a lower alternating
component but with a higher degree of asymmetry. This case
must therefore be treated with care.
When the current trend clearly shows that delayed current
zeros could occur (with > 100% degrees of asymmetry), the
C IMC
capacity of the circuit-breaker to interrupt the current by
forcing it to zero within the maximum supportable arcing time
must be demonstrated by means of simulations that consider
the effect of the generator circuit-breaker's arcing voltage
on the presumed current. Depending on the current, the arc
voltage must be transferred into a mathematical model so that
circuit-breaker behaviour during current interruptions with lack
B
of current zeroes can be simulated. This is done by using a
non-linear resistor, thus variable over time with current Rarc (i,t)
beginning the instant the circuit-breaker contacts separate.
If the arcing time resulting from the presence of lack of current
zeroes were to exceed the maximum arcing time and the
maximum energy the circuit-breaker is able to withstand, one
possible solution would be to delay the release signal of the The ratio between the peak value of the short-circuit current
circuit-breaker so as to return below that maximum value. Imc and the root-mean-square value of the alternating
This would clearly lengthen the time the installation would be component of the system-source short-circuit-current Isc can
exposed to short-circuit current. For that reason, this solution be calculated with the following formula:
must be carefully assessed and agreed with the user.

Where t is approximately worth ½ a cycle in ms.

On the other hand, if the short-circuit current for generator

supply were higher than that of the system, the relative
peak value would depend on dampening of the alternating
component, i.e. on the time constants of the generator and,
consequently, could vary depending on the application.

27
4 Choice of generator circuit-breaker

4.4 Choice of generator circuit-breaker
class
Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 provides a method for
choosing the class (G1 or G2) of generator circuit-breaker.
In practice, three-phase short-circuit faults occur when the
generator starts after installation downtime for maintenance
or when put into service for the first time. Taking account of
the probability of faults occurring and for practical reasons,
only the case of faults for generators operating in unloaded
conditions will be considered here.
The following are defined:
– Iscg_unl the root-mean-square value of the symmetrical
component of the presumed short-circuit current for faults
supplied by unloaded generator conditions prior to the fault;
– Isc is the breaking capacity of the generator circuit-breaker
in root-mean-square value of the symmetrical component
– the following hypotheses also apply: the calculations do not
initially take account of the arcing voltage introduced by the
circuit-breaker, that the fault begins with nil voltage on one
phase (thus with the current corresponding to maximum
asymmetry) and, lastly, that the values are calculated the
instant the circuit-breaker contacts separate.
Three possibilities can be distinguished on the basis of the
definition given for classes G1 and G2 (sect. 3.4):
130%. Again, there are three further possibilities.
- c1) choice of a generator in class G1 with:
 a breaking capacity Isc of not less than Iscg_unl;
 make sure that the asymmetric short-circuit current
calculated the instant the contacts separate does
not exceed the breaking capacity for asymmetric
current;
- c2) choice of a generator in class G1 with:
 a 0.74 ∙ Isc value of not less than Iscg_unl;
 make sure that the asymmetric short-circuit current
calculated the instant the contacts separate does
not exceed the value of
0,74 ∙ Iscg 1+2 ∙ 1.32 ;
- c3) choice of a generator in class G2 with:
 a breaking capacity Isc of not less than Iscg_unl;
 make sure that the asymmetric short-circuit current
calculated the instant the contacts separate does
not exceed the breaking capacity for asymmetric
current.
In all cases, the capability of a generator circuit-breaker
to interrupt a given short-circuit current which shows
delayed current zeros can be considered as being
demonstrated if the generator circuit-breaker is capable
of forcing the current to zero within the maximum
permissible arcing time or supporting the maximum
energy permitted by the pole.

– Case a): the degree of asymmetry calculated does not

exceed 110%. In this case, a circuit-breaker in either class
G1 or G2 can be chosen so long as Isc is not less than Iscg_unl
– Case b): the degree of asymmetry calculated is between
110% and 130%. This situation gives rise to three further
possibilities.
- b1) choice of a generator in class G1 with:
 a breaking capacity Isc of not less than Iscg_unl;
 make sure that the asymmetric short-circuit current
calculated the instant the contacts separate does
not exceed the breaking capacity for asymmetric
current;
- b2) choice of a generator in class G1 with:
 a 0.74 • Isc value of not less than Iscg_unl;
- b3) choice of a generator in class G2 with:
 a breaking capacity Isc of not less than Iscg_unl;

– Case c): the degree of asymmetry calculated exceeds

28
4.5 Information to be given with
enquiries, tenders and orders
The list of information required for requests for offers of
generator circuit-breakers differs from that defined by
Standard IEC 62271-1.
For example, Standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 specifies that
the following information is necessary:
Defined as necessary by Standard
IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013
Single-line diagram of the installation
Rated, under and over voltage;
Rated frequency
Generator data: rated values, reactances, time constants,
armature resistance, moment of inertia, operating capability
curve, with indications of the limits in MW and MVAr;
Generator earthing system
Power transformer data, if installed (rated values,
reactances, resistance values and time constants)
Data of the voltage switch of the power transformer (if
installed) and variations in the impedance when the actual
switch operates
Maximum system-source short-circuit current on system
side of transformer;
Time constants of the system;
Values of the surge capacitors, if installed
This information is absolutely essential if a generator circuit-
breaker is to be chosen correctly, especially when plant
situations and special generators require simulations to be
performed in order to calculate the required breaking capacity.
Why it is important….
– Allows the contribution of motors or high loads to the short-circuit current to be
identified;
– Allows the feasible installation configurations to be assessed and the choice of circuit-
breaker to be optimized;
– Allows the most critical conditions to be assessed;
–
– Allow the calculation of the fault current to be assessed;
– Allow the symmetrical component at the instant the contacts separate to be
assessed;
– Allow the presence of delayed current zeros to be assessed;
– Allow the energy brought into play during the interruption to be assessed;
– Allow assessments to be made of the TRV for a fault supplied by generator and for
the lack of synchronism condition;
– Fundamental for identifying current evolution in the instants following current
interruption on the first phase;
– Impact on maximum arcing time;
– Fundamental for defining the short-circuit current on the switchgear busbars and for
defining asymmetry;
– If installed, important for defining its impact on the short-circuit current;
– Allows the contribution of the system to the short-circuit current to be assessed;
– Allow assessments to be made of the peak current and asymmetry by the system;
– Allow the worst case of the energy involved in the interrupter owing to a system fault
to be considered;
– Allow the impact on the TRV to be assessed.
29
5 Example

Two generators connected to the HV grid by means of 5.2 Simplified calculation of the
a transformer with three windings are considered in the
proposed installation. The starting condition will be that symmetrical component
of an initially unloaded generator. A 1.05 voltage factor is We will first analyze the symmetrical current at instant t=0 (i.e.
considered for this installation. the moment that short-circuit occurs) on the supply side and
then on the load side of the generator circuit-breaker (GCB).
After this, the capability of the circuit-breaker to eliminate a
three-phase-earth short-circuit in the two above-mentioned
points will be assessed.
We will first consider a three-phase earthed fault between
5.1 Installation data the GCB circuit-breaker and generator G1. Application
of the MVA method allows the value of the short-circuit
symmetrical current to be assessed in just a few steps. First,
Power system: we must make sure that the vcc_12; vcc_13; vcc_23 values are given
Scc=2000MVA X/R=10 Vn=150 kV according to the same basis. After this, the values of the
short-circuit impedances for each winding can be obtained
Transformer with 3 windings: from the following relations:
V1 = 150 kV S1 = 150 MVA υ cc_12 = 11.5% @ 55 MVA
V2 = 11.5 kV S2 = 75 MVA υ cc_13 = 11.1% @ 55 MVA
V3 = 11.5 kV S3 = 75 MVA υ cc_23 = 21% @ 55 MVA

Generators:
Sn = 75.294 MVA
Vn = 11.5kV
Xd = 2.26 Xq = 2.06 Td’ = 0.71 Tq’ = 0.71
Xd’ = 0.217 Xq’ = 0.26 Td’’ = 0.04 Tq’’ = 0.04
Xd’’ = 0.155 Xq’’ = 0.19 Ra = 0.001309 Now let us suppose that the transformer with three windings
is like the one in the following equivalent diagram:
The reactances and resistances are given in p.u. while the
values of the time constants are given in seconds. According
to standard IEC 60034-3, the permitted tolerances can be
Sn= 55 MVA
around ±15%, thus all reactances are decreased by that
v cc_1%= 0.8%
percentage as a precaution.
Scc1= 6875 MVA

Sn= 55 MVA Sn= 55 MVA

v cc_3%= 10.3% v cc_2%= 10.7%
Scc3= 533.98 MVA Scc2= 514.01 MVA

30
The MVA method can now be applied to the circuit in the diagram:

Snet= 2000 MVA

Scc1= 6875 MVA

Scc3= 533.98 MVA Scc2= 514.01 MVA

G G
Sg1= 571.49 MVA Sg2= 571.49 MVA

– The short-circuit current for a fault between the circuit-

breaker and generator G1 will be calculated first:

2 2

31
5 Example

The symmetrical short-circuit current at instant t=0 can be obtained from this value.

. . .
. . .

Ik" is the symmetrical short-circuit current value at time t=0. This value acts as a reference for successive simulation
performed via computer using EMTP (Electromagnetic Transient Program) software. It also allows an initial estimation
to be made of the size of the circuit-breaker required. The single-line diagram showing the flow of the short-circuit
currents for system-source faults for this particular example is given below. Current Isff is the symmetrical short-circuit
current to which value Ik" corresponds at time t=0.

IGRID
1

TR

3 2

Isff IG2

GCB

G1 GS G2 GS

Figure 5: Flow of short-circuit currents for a system-source fault

After this, the behaviour of the short-circuit current will be

assessed for two voltage phase angles, i.e. at 0 and 90
degrees.

32
Figure 6: Short-circuit currents for a system-source fault

By assessing the current values (with the exception of the
peak value) in the graph at instant t=45ms, one observes:
I p = 56,70 kA
I ssf_sym = 21,38 kA
The next data item to assess is the short-circuit current value
in the case of a three-phase earthed fault supplied by the
generator alone, considering the symmetrical component at
instant t=0 and -15% tolerance on the reactance as explained
previously:

idc% = 53,75%

Note that the value of the symmetrical component is slightly

different from the one observed at instant t=0. This is due to
the contribution from the generator of the right-hand busbar
which, in the absence of a constant symmetrical component,
also changes the total symmetrical current value, although to
a lesser extent.

33
5 Example

Here again, short-circuit current I"kg acts as the reference

value for the following computer simulation. The single-
line diagram showing the current flow for faults supplied by
generator (Igff) is given below.

IGRID
1

TR

3 2

GCB

Isff

G1 GS G2 GS

Figure 7: Flow of short-circuit currents for a fault supplied by generator

After this, the behaviour of the short-circuit current will be

assessed for two voltage phase angles, i.e. at 0 and 90
degrees.

34
Figure 8: Generator-source short-circuit current, 90° voltage angle
Considering a 45ms instant (with the exception of the
peak value), the current values are as follows:
I p = 80 kA
I gff_sym = 22,52 kA
idc% = 118%
As explained in chapter 4 and on the basis of the asymmetry
value, this result shows that case b1 applies. Functionality is
therefore guaranteed by choosing a class G1 circuit-breaker,
such as VD4G-50.
Both the graphs in figures 8 and 9 show the two types of
asymmetry that must be considered when choosing the
circuit-breaker, as clearly suggested by the new standard for
generator circuit-breakers (Annex E).
These graphs also show that the maximum peak value
of the short-circuit current is 80kA. This means that
according to the new standard IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013,
the minimum symmetrical component that can be selected
is 80kA/2.74=29.19kA. In this case, 31.5 kA is the next
largest size of circuit-breaker. This assessment narrows the
field and allows one of the lower limits to be obtained. In the
case of system-source faults, thus owing to simultaneous
contributions from the grid and generator, the ratio between
peak value and the real symmetrical component the
instant the contacts separate may exceed the value of
2.74 (standardized value in the product standard). Checks
based on the peak value mentioned above therefore allow
assessments to be made of the minimum size that can be
selected.
35
5 Example
Figure 9: Generator-source short-circuit current, 0° voltage angle
As mentioned before, the other limit to consider is the
symmetrical component of the short-circuit current which was
calculated at instant t=0 using the MVA method. Although
approximate, in the absence of detailed data it may be useful
to assess that component at instant t=0. The value of the
symmetrical component varies over time in both points in
which the short-circuit was calculated, i.e. on the supply and
load sides of the circuit-breaker. This is due to the fact that
a generator whose symmetrical component is not constant
during the short-circuit phase is involved in both cases.
Consequently, the value of the total symmetrical component
assessed the instant the contacts separate is lower than the
value assessed by the MVA method, i.e. at t=0. The exact
calculation of this value depends on the generator's exact
characteristic parameters being known.
36
If short-circuit current breaking is now considered, one notes
that separation of the contacts typically occurs at 45 ms
(time given by the protection detection time + time it takes
the circuit-breaker to operate). Arcing time will commence
at this instant and will continue until the current has been
extinguished.
Supposing that the fault occurred at instant t=0, the different
instants of the short-circuit current are described below with
reference to figure 10.
T1 = detection time of relay
T2 = circuit-breaker operating time
T3 = Arcing time
T1+T2 = Contact separation time
T1+T2+T3 = Short-circuit current extintion time
 T1 T2 T3

Figure 10: Time of current interruption

The instant the contacts separate, an electric arc with a non-

linear characteristic and strictly resistive nature forms between
them. The presence of this resistance in series substantially
changes the unidirectional time constant of the current itself.
Since the time constant of the unidirectional component is:

where
X2: Negative sequence reactance
ƒ : Frequency
R a : Stator resistance.

presence at instant T3 of an additional resistance due to the

arc changes the unidirectional time constant by forcing the
current towards zero, as illustrated in figure 11.

37
5 Example
current pu

start of contact opening

8

Idc

-2

-4

-6
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
t=time in ms

Figure 11: Effect of arc resistance on the unidirectional component of the short-circuit current

Thus:
This energy is proportional to the area under the more
asymmetrical current, between instant T3 and current zero:

.
Rarc : Arc resistance

This aspect is no small matter, since current passage through In the case of vacuum circuit-breakers, the arc voltage can
zero is a necessary condition if interruption is to take place, initially be considered more or less constant, thus
thus the presence of an additional resistance helps this
condition to occur.
From the instant the contacts separate to current zero, the .
arc dissipates a certain quantity of energy in the interrupter.

so energy measurement can be easily attributable to a

.
measurement of A s.

38
Figure 12: Energy involved in an interrupter after separation of the contacts due to generator-source fault, 90° voltage angle
The capability of the interrupter to deal with this energy is
of fundamental importance for assessing the applicability of
the circuit-breaker, thus it is important for that energy not to
exceed the limit of the interrupter itself.
In the case of short-circuits supplied by generator but
with 0° phase angle, the generator switches to two-phase
operation owing to current interruption in phase 1. This
change in configuration may result delayed current zeros and
lengthen the arc extinction time. In such cases, the energy will
consequently increase as shown in figure 13.
Thus both situations are important when assessing the
operation of a circuit-breaker. That the VD4G-50 considered
is able to interrupt the current without difficulty can be
demonstrated.
The interrupters of the past were able to withstand a lesser
amount of energy than the current VD4G interrupters. Arc
energy (blue area and green area), which lasts from the
natural opening time of the contacts (45 ms) until current
zero occurs (necessary condition for current interruption),
could therefore have exceeded the interrupter's capacity to
withstand it. In that case and since fault current comprises
a symmetrical component and a decreasing unidirectional
component, an opening delay was typically set by means of
a relay so as to wait for the current and, thus, the arcing time
and relative energy, to diminish.
39
5 Example

Figure 13: Energy involved in an interrupter after separation of the contacts due to generator-source fault, 0° voltage angle

These guidelines explain how other parameters are of
fundamental importance when choosing a circuit-breaker, e.g.
TRV assessment in the three specific cases:
– System-source fault
– Generator-source fault
– Fault in out-of-phase conditions
As mentioned previously, TRV (Transient Recovery Voltage)
occurs between the contacts of a circuit-breaker when it
opens. By and large, the most critical TRV value occurs on
the first pole that breaks. Under no circumstances may the
TRV values be exceeded, otherwise re-ignition could occur
with consequent failure to interrupt the current itself.
Owing to its nature, TRV depends on what happens on
the supply and load sides of the circuit-breaker, i.e.: the
characteristics of the connection cables between the
generator and circuit-breaker and between this and the step-
up transformer, the capacitance to earth of the generator,
the leakage capacitances of the transformer, etc. In actual
fact, the interruption technology may also influence the TRV
trend, specially during the first microseconds after current
interruption.

40
After the following considerations, the TRV was initially
assessed for a three-phase-earth fault supplied by the
system, i.e. between the generator and relevant circuit-
breaker. In this case, the trend was mainly determined by the
characteristics of the connection cables, the parameters of
the system and its capacitances to earth:

Figure 14. TRV for a system-source fault

41
5 Example

The leakage capacitances of the stator to earth are of

fundamental importance for faults supplied by generator:

Figure 15: TRV for generator-source fault

42
Faults in out-of-phase conditions are due to the circuit-
breaker having closed in the absence of synchronism
between the grid and the generator itself. This condition
may occur if the system for paralleling the generator with the
grid functions in a faulty way. The fault current that occurs in
this case follows the characteristic trend in the figure, which
mainly depends on the inertia of the rotor and relative turbine
connected:

Figure 16: Fault current due to circuit-breaker closing in out-of-phase conditions at 90° phase difference.

43
5 Example

Although it may not seem so frequent, this type of fault must

still be considered since its effects can be serious. Thus the
capability of a generator circuit-breaker to deal with it is of
fundamental importance.

Figure 17: TRV for fault interruption in out-of-phase conditions

The example analyzed describes a classic approach to

choosing a generator circuit-breaker. Introduction of a
universally acknowledged international standard for generator
circuit-breakers like IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013, according to
which VD4G have been type-approved, allows these circuit-
breakers to be chosen knowing that the product complies
with the best working standards.

44
Contacts

ABB S.p.A. The data and illustrations are not binding. We reserve the

1VCP000643 - Rev. A - en - 2017.03 - (Technical Guide - Medium voltage generator circuit-breakers) (gs)
right to make changes without notice in the course of
ABB SACE Division technical and product development.
Medium Voltage Products
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