Registration no 23

NFC IEFR FAISALABAD

POWER SYSTEM PROTECTION
ASSIGNMENT NO 3

Submitted to:
Sir Junaid Alvi

Submitted By:
16-ELE-24

Registration No:

2016-UET-IEFR/FD-ELECT-23
Registration no 23

Assignment No 3
Q.1: Phenomenon of sub-synchronous resonance and its impacts.

Phenomenon of sub-synchronous resonance

Sub-synchronous resonance is a phenomenon in which one or more of the resonant frequencies
of the turbine generator shaft in thermal power units coincide with a natural resonant frequency
of the electrical system with a long radial transmission network with a series of condensers in
such a way that there is a continuous cyclic energy exchange between the mechanical shaft and
the electrical system The definition includes any system condition which provides an opportunity
for an energy exchange at a given system sub-synchronous frequency. This exchange of energy
results in torsion-al stress that can result in serious damage to the turbine generator shaft. The
shaft can actually fracture in extreme cases.

Sub-synchronous resonance is a particularly serious problem. Fortunately, this is not a very

frequently encountered problem. The only commonly known instance of a turbine generator
failure due to this phenomenon was in fact two failures in the early 1970s at the Navajo
Generating Station in the southwestern part of the US. The phenomenon has been described as
interaction between the network and torsion-al system sequence condensers.

Influence of sub-synchronous resonance on electric power systems:

Torsion-al Vibration
The potential for shaft damage can occur from a variety of electrical system events. In addition
to short circuits or bad synchronizing, studies have indicated that sub-synchronous resonance or
automatic reclosing, particularly high-speed reclosing, can produce torque oscillations leading to
fatigue and eventual damage. Sub-synchronous resonance is a phenomenon associated with
series capacitors and results from a resonant condition that is caused by the series capacitor and
the line inductance. This circuit oscillates at less than 60Hz, resulting in extremely high voltages
that are reflected back into the machine. There have been at least two well-documented incidents
in the western United States and several in Europe that initiated investigations into this problem.
Specific protection packages have been designed to detect the onset of the oscillations and to
remove the series capacitor and reconfigure the primary system so it will not have a series-
resonant condition at sub-synchronous frequencies [18]. The effect of high-speed reclosing is
less certain and no events involving damage have been specifically reported at this time,
although there are several monitoring studies in progress throughout the world [19, 20].
Nevertheless, criteria have been proposed, such as a 50% change in power flow following a
Registration no 23

switching event, that could serve as a warning to investigate further. The usual solution is to
delay or remove high-speed reclosing or to prevent high-speed reclosing after a multiphase fault.
This, of course, removes many of the advantages of high-speed reclosing and the total effect on
the integrity of the system must be considered.

Q.2: Difference between cold start and hot start of a steam turbine power
plant.

A turbine's startup procedure depends on the temperature of its casing and rotor. As the turbine is
subjected to long-term high temperature and pressure, uniform heating and turbine expansion is a
mandatory requirement. Otherwise, uneven expansion may occur due to uneven heating which
can ultimately result in either permanent turbine rotor deformation or some other catastrophic
failure. The terms that were requested vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but the
fundamental difference remains the same.

Cold Start:

This method is practiced for more than 20 hours, while the turbine is in stop / stand by mode. In
this barring gear will operate for 4 hours, during which turbine warming (increasing turbine
temperature) will be achieved by elevating the vacuum by sealing the gland. This procedure will
take five hours to get turbine from zero to rpm level.

Hot Start:

This method is followed when the turbine has been purchased to its barring condition, and the
turbine is in that state for less than 6 hours and the temperature of the casing is preserved.
Running in this barring equipment & sealing for the gland will be lined up to warm up. It will
take~25 minutes for this procedure to bring turbine from barring rpm to rpm.

Turbine stop valve opened slowly until the rotor speed between 300 – 400 rpm.

 Crack open the steam supply isolating valve and warm up the steam pipe to the turbine

stop valve.
 Crack open the main stop valve sufficient only to admit steam to the turbine casing, via
the nozzles for warming through purpose.