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Chapter 13 - Short-Circuit Analysis PDF
Chapter 13 - Short-Circuit Analysis PDF
PowerStation 4.0
User Guide
Copyright 2001
Operation Technology, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
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Short-Circuit Analysis
The PowerStation Short-Circuit Analysis program analyzes the effect of three-phase, line-to-ground, line-
to-line, and line-to-line-to-ground faults on the electrical distribution systems. The program calculates the
total short-circuit currents as well as the contributions of individual motors, generators, and utility ties in
the system. Fault duties are in compliance with the latest editions of the ANSI/IEEE standards (C37
series) and IEC standards (IEC 909 and others).
This chapter describes definitions and usage of different tools you will need to run short-circuit studies.
In order to give you a better understanding of the standards applied to short-circuit studies and to interpret
output results more easily, some theoretical background and standard information are also included.
The ANSI/IEEE Short-Circuit Toolbar and IEC Short-Circuit Toolbar sections explain how you can
launch a short-circuit calculation, open and view an output report, or select display options. The Short-
Circuit Study Case Editor section explains how you can create a new study case, what parameters are
required to specify a study case, and how to set them. The Display Options section explains what options
are available for displaying some key system parameters and the output results on the one-line diagram,
and how to set them.
The ANSI/IEEE Calculation Methods section lists standard compliance information and both general and
detailed descriptions of calculation methods used by the program. In particular, definitions and
discussion of ½, 1.5-4, and 30 cycle networks, calculation of ANSI multiplying factors, and high voltage
and low voltage circuit breaker momentary and interrupting duties are provided. The Required Data
section describes what data are necessary to perform short-circuit calculations and where to enter them. If
you perform short-circuit studies using IEC Standards, the IEC Calculation Methods section provides
useful information on standard compliance, definitions on most commonly used IEC technical terms, and
general and detailed descriptions of calculation methods for all important results, including initial
symmetrical short-circuit current, peak short-circuit current, symmetrical short-circuit breaking current,
and steady-state short-circuit current. Finally, the Short-Circuit Study Output Report section illustrates
and explains output reports and their format.
Alert View
Generators and motors are modeled by their positive sequence subtransient reactances.
Generators are modeled by their positive sequence transient reactances, and short-circuit current
contributions from motors are ignored.
Generators and motors are modeled by their positive, negative, and zero sequence subtransient reactances.
In all the unbalanced fault calculations (½ cycle, 1.5-4 cycle and 30 cycle), it is assumed that the negative
sequence impedance of a machine is equal to its positive sequence impedance. Generator, motor, and
transformer grounding types and winding connections are taken into consideration when constructing
system positive, negative, and zero sequence networks.
Generators are modeled by their positive, negative, and zero sequence subtransient reactances, and motors
are modeled by their positive, negative and zero sequence transient reactances. Generator, motor and
transformer grounding types and winding connections are taken into considerations when constructing
system positive, negative, and zero sequential networks.
Generators are modeled by their positive, negative, and zero sequence reactances, and short-circuit
current contributions from motors are ignored. Generator, motor, and transformer grounding types and
winding connections are taken into consideration when constructing system positive, negative, and zero
sequence networks.
Alert
After performing a short-circuit study, you can click on this button to open the Alert View, which lists all
devices with critical and marginal violations based on the settings in the study case.
If any other formats other than TextRept are chosen in the Report Manager, the Crystal Reports will be
activated. You can open the whole short-circuit output report or only a part of it, depending on the format
selection.
You can also view output reports by clicking on the View Output Report button on the Study Case
Toolbar. A list of all output files in the selected project directory is provided for short-circuit
calculations. To view any of the listed output reports, click on the output report name, and then click on
the View Output Report button.
Short circuit text output reports (with an .shr extension) can be viewed by any word processor such as
Notepad, WordPad, and Microsoft Word. Currently, by default, the output reports are viewed by
Notepad. You can change the default viewer in the ETAPS.INI file to the viewer of your preference
(refer to Chapter 1).
The text output reports are 132 characters wide with 66 lines per page. For the correct formatting and
pagination of output reports, you MUST modify the default settings of your word processor application.
For Notepad, WordPad, and Microsoft Word applications we have recommend settings that are explained
in the Printing & Plotting section.
View Alert
Generators are modeled by their positive sequence subtransient reactances, and motors are modeled by
their locked-rotor impedance.
Generators are modeled by their positive, negative, and zero sequence reactances, and motors are
modeled by their locked-rotor impedance. It is assumed that the negative sequence impedance of a
machine is equal to its positive sequence impedance. Generator, motor, and transformer grounding types,
and winding connections are taken into consideration when constructing system positive, negative, and
zero sequence networks.
Generators are modeled by their positive sequence subtransient reactances, and motors are modeled by
their locked-rotor impedance. Their subtransient and transient time constants and dc time constants are
also considered in the calculation.
Alert View
After performing a short-circuit study, you can click on this button to open the Alert View, which lists all
devices with critical and marginal violations based on the settings in the study case.
You can also view output reports by clicking on the View Output Report button on the Study Case
Toolbar. A list of all output files in the selected project directory is provided for short-circuit
calculations. To view any of the listed output reports, click on the output report name, and then click on
the View Output Report button.
PowerStation text output reports (with an .shr extension) can be viewed by any word processor such as
Notepad, WordPad, and Microsoft Word. Currently, by default, the output reports are viewed by
Notepad. You can change the default viewer in the ETAPS.INI file to the viewer of your preference
(refer to Chapter 1).
The text output reports are 132 characters wide with 66 lines per page. For the correct formatting and
pagination of output reports, you MUST modify the default settings of your word processor application.
For Notepad, WordPad, and Microsoft Word applications we have recommend settings that are explained
in the Printing & Plotting section.
With respect to the multi-dimensional database concept of PowerStation, study cases can be used for any
combination of the three major system components, i.e. for any configuration status, one-line diagram
presentation, and Base/Revision data.
The Short-Circuit Study Case Editor can be accessed by clicking on the Study Case button from the Study
Case Toolbar. You can also access this editor from the Project View by clicking on the Short-Circuit
Study Case folder.
To create a new study case, go to Project View, right-click on the Short-Circuit Study Case folder, and
select Create New. The program will then create a new study case, which is a copy of the default study
case, and add it to the Short-Circuit Study Case folder.
Project View
Study Case ID
Study case ID is shown in this entry field. You can rename a study case by simply deleting the old ID
and entering a new ID. The study case ID can be up to 12 alphanumeric characters. Use the Navigator
button at the bottom of the editor to go from one study case to the next existing study case.
XFMR Tap
Two methods are provided for modeling transformer off-nominal tap settings:
Adjust Base kV
Base voltages of the buses are calculated using transformer turn ratios, which include the transformer
rated kVs as well as the off-nominal, tap settings.
In case a system contains transformers with incompatible voltage ratios (including taps) in a loop, it can
lead to two different base voltage values at a bus, which prevents the short-circuit calculation from
continuing. If this situation occurs, ETAP will post a message to inform you of this condition and give
you the option to continue the calculation with the Use Nominal Tap alternative. If you answer Yes, it
will carry out the calculation with the Use Nominal Tap option.
Cable/OL Heater
Select the appropriate check boxes in this option group to include the impedance of equipment cable and
overload heaters of medium and/or low voltage motors in short-circuit studies.
Report
You can select the following options for short-circuit output reports.
Contribution Level
Choose how far away you want to see the short-circuit current contributions from individual buses to each
faulted bus by specifying the number of bus levels away in this section. Note that for large systems,
choosing a high bus level results in very large output reports (the report grows exponentially with the
number of levels being chosen).
When selecting contribution levels of n buses away, depending on the number of faulted buses, the
calculated results are displayed on the one-line diagram and printed in the output report as follows:
• Fault more than one bus Displayed results: 1 bus level away (from the adjacent buses)
Reported output: n bus levels away
Motor Status
When this option is selected, motors whose status is either Continuous or Intermittent will make
contributions in short-circuit. Motors with Spare status will not be considered in the short-circuit
analysis.
Loading Category
When this option is selected, you can select a loading category from the selection box to the right. In the
short-circuit calculation, motors that have non-zero loading in the selected loading category will have a
contribution in short-circuit. Motors with zero loading in the selected loading category will not be
included in the short-circuit analysis.
Both
When this option is selected, a motor will make contribution in short-circuit if it meets either the Motor
Status condition or the Loading Category condition. That is, for a motor to be excluded in the short-
circuit analysis, it has to be in the Spare status and have zero loading in the selected loading category.
Bus Selection
PowerStation is capable of faulting one or more buses in the same run; however, in the latter case buses
are faulted individually, not simultaneously. Depending on the specified fault type, the program will
place a three-phase, line-to-ground, line-to-line, and line-to-line-to-ground fault at each bus which is
faulted for short-circuit studies.
When you open the Short-Circuit Study Case Editor for the first time, all buses are listed in the “Don’t
Fault” list box. This means that none of the buses are faulted. Using the following procedures, you can
decide which bus(es) you want to fault for this study case.
• To fault a bus, highlight the bus ID in the “Don’t Fault” list box and click on the Fault button. The
highlighted bus will be transferred to the Fault list box.
• To remove a bus from the Fault list box, highlight the bus ID and click on the Fault button. The
highlighted bus will be transferred to the “Don’t Fault” list box.
• If you wish to fault all buses, or medium voltage buses, or low voltage buses, select that option and
click on the Fault button. The specified buses will be transferred from the “Don’t Fault” list box to
the Fault list box.
• To remove all buses, or medium voltage buses, or low voltage buses from the Fault list box, select
that option and click on the Fault button. The specified buses will be transferred from the Fault list
box to the “Don’t Fault” list box.
When you create a new study case the short-circuit standard is set equal to the project standard you have
specified in the Project Standards Editor, which is accessible from the Project Menu. Note that the study
case standard can be changed independently of the project standard.
When the ANSI standard is selected, this page will appear as shown below.
When the IEC standard is selected, the study options will change and you will see the page shown below.
The process of computing base kV starts from one of the swing machines, such as a utility or a generator,
by taking its design voltage as the base kV for its terminal bus. It then propagates throughout the entire
system. When it encounters a transformer from one side, the transformer rated voltage ratio will be used
to calculate the base KV for the buses on other sides. If the “Adjust Base kV” option is selected on the
Info Page of the Short-Circuit Study Case editor, the transformer tap values will also be used in the base
kV calculation along with transformer rated voltage ratio. It can be seen from this calculation procedure
that the base kV is close to the operating voltage, provided that the swing machine is operating at its
design setting.
As the short-circuit current is proportional to the prefault voltage, different options will most likely give
different results. However, with any one of the above options, the calculated fault current is the same as
long as the prefault voltage in kV is the same. Then, which option should be used for a study? The
answer is dependent on the user’s engineering judgment and objective of the study. If you want to
calculate the fault current to size protective switching devices, you may want to apply the maximum
possible prefault voltages in the calculation. This can be done by using the option of “Fixed Base kV”. If
the bus normal operating voltage is entered in the Bus Editor as the bus nominal voltage, you may also
use the “Fixed Nominal kV” option.
Fixed X/R
PowerStation uses the specified machine X/R ratio (=Xd”/Ra) for both ½ cycle and 1.5-4 cycle networks.
The intention of this option is to account for the fact that ANSI standard does not consider variable
machine X/R ratio.
Variable X/R
PowerStation uses the specified machine X/R ratio and subtransient reactance (Xd”) to calculate the
armature resistance (Ra). This resistance is then used for both ½ cycle and 1.5-4 cycle networks. Note
that the motor reactance for 1.5-4 cycle network is larger than the motor reactance for ½ cycle networks.
Therefore, this option results in a higher machine X/R ratio and a higher short-circuit contribution for the
interrupting fault calculation of a high voltage circuit breaker than the fixed X/R option.
The following example shows Ra and X/R calculations when variable X/R is considered:
HV CB Interrupting Capability
According to ANSI standards, the rated interrupting capability entered in the High Voltage Circuit
Breaker Editor corresponds to the maximum kV of the circuit breaker. When the circuit breaker is
utilized under a voltage below this maximum kV, its capability is actually higher than the rated
interrupting kA. In this section, you specify the operating voltage to be used to adjust breaker rating.
Nominal kV
When this option is selected, the nominal kV of the bus, connected to the circuit breaker, is assumed to be
the operating voltage, and breaker, interrupting rating is adjusted to this voltage value.
Nominal kV & Vf
When this option is selected, the operating voltage of the breaker is calculated as the multiplication of the
prefault voltage and the nominal kV of the bus the circuit breaker is connected to. The circuit breaker
interrupting rating is adjusted to this voltage value.
The defaults of the voltage C factors are from Table I of IEC 909 Standard.
230 V & 400 V C Factor = 1.0
Other < 1001 V C Factor = 1.05
1001 to 35000 V C Factor = 1.1
> 35000 V C Factor = 1.1
In calculations of the minimum steady-state short-circuit current, the factor Cmin is used as specified in
IEC 909 Standard.
Breaking kA
The breaking duty of circuit breakers and fuses are calculated based on the following two methods:
• No Mtr Decay - AC asynchronous (induction) motor decay is not included in the calculation.
• With Mtr Decay - AC asynchronous (induction) motor decay is included in the calculation.
Steady-State kA
Steady-state short-circuit current is an rms value which remains after the decay of transient phenomena
• Max Value - Factors are used for steady-state short-circuit current that reflect maximum modeling
inaccuracies. This value is used to determine minimum device ratings.
• Min Value - Factors are used for steady-state short-circuit that reflect minimum modeling
inaccuracies. This value is used for relay coordination purposes in preventing the occurrence of
nuisance trips and loading deviations.
R and X
In these two editor boxes, you enter the fault impedance in either ohms or percent, depending on the fault
impedance unit selected. Note that these values apply to all the faulted buses.
NFPA 70E
Check this box to include an arc flash analysis of NFPA 70E-2000 when you perform 3-phase device duty
calculation.
13.3.3 Alert
The Alert page allows the user to setup alerts on short-circuit calculation results. The objective is to alert
the user of certain conditions of interest in short-circuit studies. The alerts are determined based on
predetermined device ratings and system topology after performing a Short-circuit calculation
Alert
There are two categories of alerts generated by the short-circuit calculations: Critical and Marginal. The
difference between the two is their use of different condition percent values for the same monitored
parameter. If a condition for a Critical Alert is met, then an alert will be generated in the alert view
window and the overloaded element will turn red in the one-line diagram. The same is true for Marginal
Alerts, with the exception that the overloaded component will be displayed in the color magenta. Also,
the Marginal Alerts check box must be selected if the user desires to display the Marginal Alerts. If a
device alert qualifies it for both Critical and Marginal alerts, then only Critical Alerts are displayed.
Bus Alert
Short-circuit simulation Alerts for buses are designed to monitor crest, symmetrical and asymmetrical
bracing conditions. These conditions are determined from bus rating values and Short-circuit analysis
results. The percent of monitored parameter value in the Short-circuit study case alert setup page is fixed
at 100% for Critical Short-circuit Alerts. The Marginal alert percent value is user defined.
For example, consider a circuit breaker with an interrupting rating of 42 kA and a calculated short-circuit
duty of 41 kA. The capability of this circuit breaker is not exceeded; however, if the marginal device
limit is set to 95%, the circuit breaker will be flagged in the output report and will be displayed in purple
in the one-line diagram as a device with marginal capability.
Auto Display
The auto display feature of the Short-circuit Study Case Editor Alert Setup page allows the user to decide
if the Alert View Window should be automatically displayed as soon as the Short-circuit calculation is
completed.
If the study type is IEC short-circuit analysis, the options in the 3-Phase Faults section are Peak or Initial
Symmetrical rms current. The rest of the sections are the same as that for the ANSI short-circuit analysis.
Color
Select the color for information annotations to be displayed on the one-line diagram.
Units
Select the Units check box to show kA next to all displayed fault currents on the one-line diagram.
LG Fault Currents
Select 3Io to display three times of zero sequence current in kA, or select Ia to display phase A of the
fault current in kA, for line-to-ground fault.
Bus Voltage
Select bus voltage display units in kV or in percent. Bus voltages are only displayed when you fault one
bus in the system. For a line-to-ground fault, PowerStation displays the voltage of phase B of every bus
in the system.
Motor Contributions
13.4.2 AC Page
This page includes options for displaying info annotations for AC elements.
Color
Select the color for information annotations to be displayed on the one-line diagram.
ID
Select the check boxes under this heading to display the ID of the selected AC elements on the one-line
diagram.
Rating
Select the check boxes under this heading to display the ratings of the selected AC elements on the one-
line diagram.
kV
Select the check boxes under this heading to display the rated or nominal voltages of the selected
elements on the one-line diagram.
For cables/lines, the kV check box is replaced by the button. Click on this button to display the
cable/line conductor type on the one-line diagram.
A
Select the check boxes under this heading to display the ampere ratings (continuous or full-load ampere)
of the selected elements on the one-line diagram.
For cables/lines, the Amp check box is replaced by the button. Click on this button to display the
cable/line length on the one-line diagram.
Z
Select the check boxes under this heading to display the rated impedance of the selected AC elements on
the one-line diagram.
D-Y
Select the check boxes under this heading to display the connection types of the selected elements on the
one-line diagram.
For transformers, the operating tap settings for primary, secondary, and tertiary windings are also
displayed. The operating tap setting consists of the fixed taps plus the tap position of the LTC.
Composite Motor
Click on this check box to display the AC composite motor IDs on the one-line diagram, then select the
color in which the IDs will be displayed.
Color
Select the color for information annotations to be displayed on the one-line diagram.
ID
Select the check boxes under this heading to display the IDs of the selected AC-DC elements on the one-
line diagram.
Rating
Select the check boxes under this heading to display the ratings of the selected AC-DC elements on the
one-line diagram.
kV
Click on the check boxes under this heading to display the rated or nominal voltages of the selected
elements on the one-line diagram.
A
Click on the check boxes under this heading to display the ampere ratings of the selected elements on the
one-line diagram.
Composite Network
Click on this check box to display the composite network IDs on the one-line diagram, then select the
color in which the IDs will be displayed.
13.4.4 DC Page
Color
Select the color for information annotations to be displayed on the one-line diagram.
ID
Select the check boxes under this heading to display the IDs of the selected DC elements on the one-line
diagram.
Rating
Select the check boxes under this heading to display the ratings of the selected DC elements on the one-
line diagram.
kV
Select the check boxes under this heading to display the rated or nominal voltages of the selected
elements on the one-line diagram.
For cables, the kV check box is replaced by the button. Click on this button to display the conductor
type on the one-line diagram.
A
Select the check boxes under this heading to display the ampere ratings of the selected elements on the
one-line diagram.
For cables, the Amp check box is replaced by the button. Click on this button to display the cable
length (one way) on the one-line diagram.
Z
Select the check boxes under this heading to display the impedance values of the cables and impedance
branches on the one-line diagram.
Composite Motor
Click on this check box to display the DC composite motor IDs on the one-line diagram, then select the
color in which the IDs will be displayed.
Standard Compliance
PowerStation short-circuit calculation per ANSI/IEEE standards fully complies with the latest
ANSI/IEEE and UL standards, as listed below:
All machines are represented by their internal impedances. Line capacitances and static loads are
neglected. Transformer taps can be set at either the nominal position or at the tapped position, and
different schemes are available to correct transformer impedance and system voltages if off-nominal tap
setting exists. It is assumed the fault is bolted, therefore, arc resistances are not considered. System
impedances are assumed to be balanced three-phase, and the method of symmetrical components is used
for unbalanced fault calculations.
Three different impedance networks are formed to calculate momentary, interrupting, and steady-state
short-circuit currents, and corresponding duties for various protective devices. These networks are: ½
cycle network (subtransient network), 1.5-4 cycle network (transient network), and 30-cycle network
(steady-state network).
ANSI/IEEE Standards recommend the use of separate R and X networks to calculate X/R values. An X/R
ratio is obtained for each individual faulted bus and short-circuit current. This X/R ratio is then used to
determine the multiplying factor to account for the system DC offset.
Using the ½ cycle and 1.5-4 cycle networks, the symmetrical rms value of the momentary and
interrupting short-circuit currents are solved first. These values are then multiplied by appropriate
multiplying factors to finally obtain the asymmetrical value of the momentary and interrupting short-
circuit currents.
Definition of Terms
The following terms are helpful in understanding short-circuit calculations using ANSI/IEEE standards.
½ Cycle Network
This is the network used to calculate momentary short-circuit current and protective device duties at the ½
cycle after the fault. The following table shows the type of device and its associated duties using the ½
cycle network.
Type of Device Duty
High voltage circuit breaker Closing and latching capability
Low voltage circuit breaker Interrupting capability
Fuse Interrupting capability
Switchgear and MCC Bus bracing
Relay Instantaneous settings
½ Cycle Network Duty
The ½ cycle network is also referred to as the subtransient network, primarily because all rotating
machines are represented by their subtransient reactances, as shown in the following table:
Type of Machine Xsc
Utility X”
Turbo generator Xd”
Hydro-generator with amortisseur winding Xd”
Hydro-generator without amortisseur winding 0.75 Xd’
Condenser Xd”
Synchronous motor Xd ”
Induction Machine
> 1000 hp @ 1800 rpm or less Xd ”
> 250 hp @ 3600 rpm Xd ”
All other > 50 hp 1.2 Xd”
< 50 hp 1.67 Xd”
½ Cycle Network Impedance
The 1.5-4 cycle network is also referred to as the transient network. The type of rotating machine and its
representation is shown in the following table:
Type of Machine Xsc
Utility X”
Turbo generator Xd”
Hydro-generator with amortisseur winding Xd”
Hydro-generator without amortisseur winding 0.75 Xd’
Condenser Xd”
Synchronous motor 1.5 Xd”
Induction machine
> 1000 hp @ 1800 rpm or less 1.5 Xd”
> 250 hp @ 3600 rpm 1.5 Xd”
All other > 50 hp 3.0 Xd”
< 50 hp Infinity
1.5-4 Cycle Network Impedances
(Xd” = 1/LRC for induction motors)
30-Cycle Network
This is the network used to calculate the steady-state short-circuit current and duties for some of the
protective devices 30 cycles after the fault. The following table shows the type of device and its
associated duties using the 1.5-4 cycle network:
Type of Device Duty
High voltage circuit breaker N/A
Low voltage circuit breaker N/A
Fuse N/A
Switchgear and MCC N/A
Relay Overcurrent settings
30-Cycle Network Duty
The type of rotating machine and its representation in the 30-cycle network is shown in the following
table. Note that induction machines, synchronous motors, and condensers are not considered in the 30-
cycle fault calculation.
Type of Machine Xsc
Utility X”
Turbo generator Xd’
Hydro-generator with amortisseur winding Xd’
Hydro-generator without amortisseur winding Xd’
Condenser Infinity
Synchronous motor Infinity
Induction machine Infinity
30-Cycle Network Impedance
1) Calculate the symmetrical rms value of momentary short-circuit current using the following formula:
V
I mom,rms,symm = pre− fault
3Zeq
where Zeq is the equivalent impedance at the faulted bus from the ½ cycle network.
2) Calculate the asymmetrical rms value of momentary short-circuit current using the following formula:
I mom,rms ,asymm = MFm I mom,rms ,symm
2π
−
MFm = 1 + 2e X /R
3) Calculate the peak value of momentary short-circuit current using the following formula:
π
−
MFp = 2 1 + e X / R
This value is the calculated Asymmetrical kA Crest printed in the Momentary Duty column of the
Momentary Duty page in the output report.
In both equations for MFm and MFp calculation, X/R is the ratio of X to R at the fault location obtained
from separate X and R networks at ½ cycle. The value of the fault current calculated by this method can
be used for the following purposes:
The following procedure is used to calculate the interrupting short-circuit current for high voltage circuit
breakers:
1) Calculate the symmetrical rms value of the interrupting short-circuit current using the following
formula:
V −
I int,rms,symm = pre fault
3Zeq
where Zeq is the equivalent impedance at the faulted bus from the 1.5-4 cycle network.
2) Calculate the short-circuit current contributions to the fault location from the surrounding buses.
3) If the contribution is from a Remote bus, the symmetrical value is corrected by the factor of MFr,
calculated from
4π
− t
MFr = 1 + 2e X /R
where t is the circuit breaker contact parting time in cycles, as given in the following table:
The following table shows the Multiplying Factors for Remote Contributions (MFr).
If the contribution is from a Local generator, the symmetrical value is corrected by the factor of MFl,
which is obtained from: ANSI/IEEE C37.010, Application Guide for AC High-Voltage.
4) Calculate the total remote contributions and total local contribution, and thus the NACD ratio.
5) Determine the actual multiplying factor (AMFi) from the NACD ratio and calculate the adjusted rms
value of interrupting short-circuit current using the following formula.
6) For symmetrically rated breakers, the adjusted rms value of interrupting short-circuit current is
calculated using the following formula.
AMF i Iint,rms,symm
Iint,rms,adj =
S
where the correction factor S reflects an inherent capability of ac high voltage circuit breakers,
which are rated on a symmetrical current basis, and its values are found in the following table.
Circuit Breaker
Contact Parting Time S Factor
4 1.0
3 1.1
2 1.2
1.5 1.3
S Factor for AC High Voltage Circuit Breaker
Rated on a Symmetrical Current Basis
The value of this current is applied to check high voltage circuit breaker interrupting capabilities.
The correction factor S is equal to 1.0 for ac high voltage circuit breakers rated on a total current
basis.
The following procedure is used to calculate the interrupting short-circuit current for low voltage circuit
breakers:
1) Calculate the symmetrical rms value of the interrupting short-circuit current from the following
formula.
V −
I int,rms,symm = pre fault
3Zeq
where Zeq is the equivalent impedance at the faulted bus from the ½ cycle network.
2) Calculate the adjusted asymmetrical rms value of the interrupting short-circuit current duty using the
following formula:
I int,rms,adj = MF I int,rms,symm
where MF is the multiplying factor, considering the system X/R ratio and the low voltage circuit
breaker testing power factors, calculated from
π
−
2 (1 + e X /R )
MF = π
−
( X / R ) test
2 (1 + e ) for unfused power breakers
or
2π
−
1 + 2e X /R
MF =
2π
−
( X / R )test
1 + 2e for fused power breakers and molded cases
where (X/R)test is calculated based on the test power factor entered from the Low Voltage Circuit
Breaker Editor. The manufacturer maximum testing power factors given in the following table are
used as the default values:
The calculated duty value Iint,rms,adj can be applied to low voltage breaker interrupting capabilities.
Note that if the calculated multiplication factor is less than 1, it is set to 1 so that the symmetrical fault
current is compared against the symmetrical rating of the device. If the symmetrical fault current is less
than the symmetrical rating of the device, the checking on asymmetrical current will certainly pass.
Calculated
Device Type Device Capability Short-Circuit Duty
Momentary Duty
HV Bus Bracing Asymm. KA rms Asymm. KA rms
Asymm. KA Crest Asymm. KA Crest
LV Bus Bracing Symm. KA rms Symm. KA rms
Asymm. KA rms Asymm. KA rms
Momentary Duty
HV CB Interrupting kA*** Adjusted kA
***The interrupting capability of a high voltage circuit breaker is calculated based on the nominal kV of
the connected bus and the prefault voltage (Vf ) if the flag is set in the Short-Circuit Study Case, as shown
below.
Interrupting kA = (Rated Int. kA) * (Rated Max. kV) / (Bus Nominal kV)
or
The calculated interrupting kA (as shown above) is then limited to the maximum interrupting kA of the
circuit breaker.
Standard Compliance
PowerStation short-circuit calculation per IEC standards fully complies with the latest IEC documentation
as listed below:
These standards are for short-circuit calculation and equipment rating in ac systems with nominal voltages
up to 240 kV and operating at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. They cover three-phase, line-to-ground, line-to-line, and
line-to-line-to-ground faults.
IEC 909 and the associated standards classify short-circuit currents according to their magnitudes
(maximum and minimum) and fault distances from the generator (far and near). Maximum short-circuit
currents determine equipment ratings, while minimum currents dictate protective device settings. Near-
to-generator and far-from-generator classifications determine whether or not to model the ac component
decay in the calculation, respectively.
IEC 61363 Standard calculates the short-circuit current as a function of time and displays its
instantaneous values using the machine’s subtransient reactance and time constants. This provides an
accurate evaluation of the short-circuit current for sizing protective devices and coordinating relays for
isolated systems such as ships and off-shore platforms.
All machines are represented by their internal impedances. Line capacitances and static loads are
neglected, except for those of the zero-sequence system. Regulator and transformer taps are assumed to
be in the main position, and arc resistances are not considered. System impedances are assumed to be
balanced three-phase, and the method of symmetrical components is used for unbalanced fault
calculations. Calculations consider electrical distance from the fault location to synchronous generators.
For a far-from-generator fault, calculations assume that the steady-state value of the short-circuit current
is equal to the initial symmetrical short-circuit current.
Only the dc component decays to zero, whereas for a near-to-generator fault, calculations count for both
decaying ac and dc components. The equivalent R/X ratios determine the rates of decay of both
components, and different values are recommended for generators and motors near the fault.
Calculations also differ for meshed and unmeshed networks. The factor k, which is used to multiply the
initial short-circuit current to get the peak short-circuit current ip, is defined differently for different
system configurations and the methods selected to calculate the R/X ratios.
Definition of Terms
IEC standards use the following definitions, which are relevant in the calculations and outputs of
PowerStation.
Far-From-Generator Short-Circuit
This is a short-circuit condition during which the magnitude of the symmetrical ac component of
available short-circuit current remains essentially constant.
Near-To-Generator Short-Circuit
This is a short-circuit condition to which at least one synchronous machine contributes a prospective
initial short-circuit current which is more than twice the generator’s rated current, or a short-circuit
condition to which synchronous and asynchronous motors contribute more than 5% of the initial
symmetrical short-circuit current (I”k) without motors.
According to IEC Standard 909, the synchronous motor impedance used in IEC short-circuit calculations
is calculated in the same way as the synchronous generator.
ZK = KG(R+ Xd”)
kVn cmax
KG =
kVr 1+x”d sinφr
Where kVn and kVr are the nominal voltage of the terminal bus and the motor rated voltage respectively,
cmax is determined based on machine rated voltage, xd” is machine subtransient reactance (per unit in
motor base), and qr is the machine rated power factor angle.
Note that the time delay (Tmin) is the sum of the shortest possible operating time of an instantaneous relay
and the shortest opening time of a circuit breaker. Minimum time delay does not include the adjustable
time delays of tripping devices.
Voltage Factor c
This is the factor used to adjust the value of the equivalent voltage source for minimum and maximum
current calculations according to the following table:
Voltage Factor c
For Maximum Short-Circuit For Minimum Short-Circuit
Current Calculation Current Calculation
Nominal Voltage Un cmax cmin
Low voltage: 100 V to 1000 V
230 V / 400 V 1.00 0.95
Other voltages 1.05 1.00
Medium voltage: > 1 kV to 35 kV 1.10 1.00
High voltage: > 35 kV to 230 kV 1.10 1.00
The cmax values given in the above table are used as default values in calculations and the user can set
these values from the Short-Circuit Study Case.
Calculation Methods
cU n
I"k =
3Z k
• Method A - Uniform ratio R/X. The value of the k factor is determined from taking the smallest ratio
of R/X of all the branches of the network. Only branches that contain a total of 80 percent of the
current at the nominal voltage corresponding to the short-circuit location are included. Branches may
be a series combination of several elements.
• Method B - R/X ratio at the short-circuit location. The value of the k factor is determined by
multiplying the k factor by a safety factor of 1.15, which covers inaccuracies caused after obtaining
the R/X ratio from a network reduction with complex impedances.
• Method C - Equivalent frequency. The value of the k factor is calculated using a frequency-altered
R/X. R/X is calculated at a lower frequency and then multiplied by a frequency-dependent
multiplying factor.
Ib = I "k
For a near-to-generator fault, Ib is obtained by combining contributions from each individual machine. Ib
for different types of machines is calculated using the following formula:
where µ and q are factors that account for ac decay. They are functions of the ratio of the minimum time
delay and the ratio of the machine’s initial short-circuit current to its rated current, as well as real power
per pair of poles of asynchronous machines.
IEC standards allow you to include or exclude ac decay effect from asynchronous machines in the
calculation.
I k max = λmax I rG
I k min = λ min I rG
where λ is a function of a generator’s excitation voltage, ratio between its initial symmetrical short-circuit
current and rated current, and other generator parameters, and IrG is the generator’s rated current.
The maximum steady-state current reflects maximum modeling inaccuracies. This value is used to
determine minimum device ratings. The minimum steady-state current reflects minimum modeling
inaccuracies. This value is used for relay coordination purposes in preventing the occurrence of nuisance
trips and loading deviations.
LV CB Making Ip
Breaking Ib,symm
Ib,asymm * Ib,asymm
As calculation results, PowerStation provides short-circuit current as function of time up to 0.1 second at
0.001 second time increment. It also presents short-circuit current as function of cycles up to 1 cycle at
0.1 cycle increment. Along with the instantaneous current values, PowerStation also furnish calculated
AC component, DC component, as well as top envelope of the current waveform. In the summary page,
it also provides the subtransient, transient, and steady state fault current for each bus.
• MV CB – The asymmetrical breaking and dc current ratings for MV CB are calculated as follows,
4πft min
I b,asymm = I b,symm 1 + 2 ∗ exp −
X /R
2πft min
I dc = I b,symm 2exp −
X /R
Where f is the system frequency, tmin is the minimum delay time, and Ib,symm is the AC breaking current
provided by the user. Following IEC Standard 56, Figure 9, X/R is calculated based on a testing PF
of 7% at 50Hz.
4πft min
I b,asymm = I b,symm 1 + 2 ∗ exp −
X /R
Where f is the system frequency, tmin is the minimum delay time, and Ib,symm is the breaking current
provided by the user. X/R is calculated based on a testing PF given in IEC Standard 947-2, Table XI.
• Fuse – The asymmetrical breaking current rating for fuse is calculated as follows:
4πft min
I b,asymm = I b,symm 1 + 2 ∗ exp −
X /R
Where f is the system frequency, tmin is assumed to be a half cycle, and Ib,symm is the breaking current
provided by the user. X/R is calculated based on the default testing PFof 15 %.
The ETAP Arc Flash analysis has the following program features:
Inverter
An inverter is a voltage source to the AC system. Under fault conditions, it will provide fault
contribution to the AC system. When its terminal bus is faulted, the contribution from an inverter is equal
to the multiplication of its AC full load amp by a constant K, which is entered form the Rating page of the
Inverter Editor. This is the maximum possible contribution from the inverter. As the fault location
moves away from its terminal bus, the contribution from the inverter decreases.
• Nominal kV (when the prefault voltage option is set to use nominal kV)
• %V (when the prefault voltage option is set to use bus voltage)
• Type, such as MCC, switchgear, etc., and continuous and bracing ratings
Branch Data
Branch data is entered into the Branch editors, i.e., 3-Winding Transformer Editor, 2-Winding
Transformer Editor, Transmission Line Editor, Cable Editor, Reactor Editor, and Impedance Editor.
Required data for short-circuit calculations for branches includes:
• Zerosequence impedances
• Transformer winding connections, grounding types, and grounding parameters
• Nominal kV
• %V and Angle
• 3-Phase MVAsc and X/R
Inverter Data
Required data for short-circuit calculations for inverters includes:
• Max kV
• Rated Int. (rated interrupting capability)
• Max Int. (maximum interrupting capability)
• C & L rms (rms value of closing and latching capability)
• C & L Crest (crest value of closing and latching capability)
• Standard
• Cycle
• Rated kV
• Min. Delay (minimum delay time in second)
• Making (peak current)
• AC Breaking (rms ac breaking capability)
PowerStation calculates the interrupting capabilities of the circuit breaker from the rated and maximum
interrupting capabilities. This value is calculated at the nominal kV of the bus that the circuit breaker is
connected to.
Fuse Data
Required data for short-circuit calculations for fuses includes:
• Fuse ID
Other Data
There are some study case related data, which must also be provided, and you can enter this data into the
Short-Circuit Study Case Editor. The data includes:
• Standard (ANSI/IEC)
• XFMR tap option (transformer tap modeling method)
• Prefault voltage
• Report (report format)
• Machine X/R (machine X/R modeling method)
• Faulted buses
• Cable/OL heater (select this option to include cable and overload heater elements)
Help
Click on this button to access Help.
OK / Cancel
Click on the OK button to dismiss the editor and bring up the Crystal Reports view to show the selected
portion of the output report. If no selection is made, it will simply dismiss the editor. Click on the Cancel
button to dismiss the editor without viewing the report.
Bus Information (Nominal & Base kV) Voltage Generation Motor Load
======================================================== ============= ============== ==============
ID Type Nom.kV BasekV Description % Mag. Ang. MW Mvar MW Mvar
------------ ---- ------ ------ -------------------- ------ ----- ------ ------ ------ ------
Bus3 Load 13.800 14.154 100.0 0.0 3.368 1.355
LVBus Load 0.480 0.480 100.0 0.0 0.121 -0.059
Main Bus SWNG 34.500 34.500 100.0 0.0 0.000 0.000
MCC1 Load 0.480 0.480 LV Motor Control Cen 100.0 0.0 0.421 0.190
Sub 2A Load 13.800 14.154 100.0 0.0 0.000 0.000
Sub 2B Gen. 13.800 13.800 100.0 0.0 6.300 0.000 0.996 -0.616
Sub 3 Load 4.160 4.160 100.0 0.0 0.000 0.000
Sub3 Swgr Load 4.160 4.160 100.0 0.0 0.400 0.170
T1 Load 34.500 34.500 3W-XFMR center bus 100.0 0.0 0.000 0.000
-------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------
9 Buses Total 6.300 5.306 1.040
Note: For motors, X" and X' are reactances used in 1/2 and 1.5--4 cycle system networks respectively.
Three-phase fault at bus: Main Bus , Nominal kV = 34.50 Prefault Voltage = 105.00 % of nominal bus kV
Base kV = 34.50 = 105.00 % of base kV
Sub 2A Main Bus 15.15 0.025 -0.376 14.8 0.377 10.18 0.013 -0.253 19.1 0.253
#T1 Main Bus 0.29 0.036 -0.732 20.5 0.733 0.26 0.029 -0.656 22.7 0.656
Utility Main Bus 105.00 0.586 -26.351 45.0 26.357 105.00 0.586 -26.351 45.0 26.357
Bus3 Sub 2A 16.64 0.062 -0.916 14.8 0.918 11.19 0.032 -0.617 19.1 0.618
#Sub 2B T1 18.48 0.025 -0.652 26.3 0.652 17.52 0.024 -0.618 26.1 0.619
#Sub 3 T1 2.58 0.011 -0.080 7.3 0.081 1.33 0.005 -0.037 7.3 0.038
Mtr2 Bus3 105.00 0.020 -0.108 5.3 0.110 105.00 0.008 -0.046 5.6 0.047
Syn4 Bus3 105.00 0.041 -0.808 19.5 0.809 105.00 0.024 -0.571 23.7 0.571
Gen1 Sub 2B 105.00 0.052 -1.329 25.7 1.330 105.00 0.053 -1.343 25.6 1.344
Syn1 Sub 2B 105.00 0.010 -0.301 29.7 0.301 105.00 0.007 -0.203 29.6 0.203
Sub3 Swgr Sub 3 2.90 0.091 -0.665 7.3 0.671 1.47 0.042 -0.309 7.3 0.312
Three-Phase Fault Currents: ( Prefault Voltage = 105 % of the Bus Nominal Voltages )
Notes: * Indicates buses with short-circuit values exceeding the device ratings.
# Indicates buses with short-circuit values exceeding the device marginal ratings (Device Margin: 90%).
Method: IEEE - X/R is calculated from separate R & X networks.
Type
The type section of the alert view window displays information about the type of the device having the
displayed alert.
Rating
The rating section of the Alert View Window provides the rating information being used to determine
whether an alert should be reported and of what kind of alert was found.
Calculated
The calculated section of the alert view window displays the results (duty) from the Short-circuit
calculation. The results listed here are used in combination with those displayed in the ratings section to
determine the operating percent values. These values are then compared to those entered in the Short-
circuit study case editor alarm page.
%Value
This section displays the percent operating values calculated based on the Short-circuit results and the
different device ratings. The values displayed here are directly compared to the percent of monitored
parameters entered directly into the study case editor alarm page. Based on the element type, system
topology and given conditions, the program uses these percent values to determine if and what kind of
alert should be displayed.
Condition
The conditions section of the Alert View Window provides a brief comment about the type of alert being
reported. In the case of Short-circuit alarms, the different conditions reported are the same as those listed
in the bus and protective device monitored parameters tables.
Short-Circuit Alerts for protective devices report different conditions depending on the monitored
parameters. The following table contains a list of the corresponding conditions reported in the Alert View
Window.