FAULT CURRENT CALCULATION BY Z-BUS IMPEDANCE MATRIX METHOD

USING THE MICROSOFT EXCEL FUNCTIONS

By Joel Ortiz Vergara, R.E.E

Electrical Design Engineer at CEG International-Doha, Qatar

I just want to share the steps on how to calculate Fault currents by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix
method with the help of the Microsoft Excel. Hand calculation of fault current by Z-Bus
Impedance Method using pencil, paper, and calculator is very complicated, but the operation
can be carried out by using Excel Worksheet functions. I will explain the method by solving a
sample problem. The method will also apply the per-unit quantity and the Symmetrical
Components’ sequence networks but will not be discussed here in details. The main purpose of
this article is to apply Z-bus Impedance Matrix method in a simple way by using the excel
worksheet functions.

The Z-bus Matrix method is one of the best tools in determining fault currents at every point/bus
if the power system contains large number of busses. Considering a fault at bus n of a power
system, the standard nodal equations in matrix notations, when applying nodal analysis, are
expressed as

𝐄
𝐈= or I = Ybus E
𝐙

and Y⁻bus = 𝐙bus

Where;

E is a vector bus voltage,

I is a vector current source,

Ybus is bus admittance matrix

Zbus is the inverse of Ybus, called the Z-Bus Impedance Matrix

Let’s discuss directly the steps on how to form the admittance and impedance matrix of the
power system. We will not discuss in details the derivation of equations and the mathematical
calculation of inverting the matrix of Y-Bus Admittance to get the Z-Bus Impedance matrix.
Some engineers and designers are using the Matlab software to calculate the inverse of the
Ybus matrix. But here we will let the Microsoft Excel do the calculation.

Step 1: Prepare the impedance diagram (indicate the busses). Convert all the
impedances in per-unit value with a common MVA base. The same procedure
will apply for negative and zero sequence impedance diagrams if you wish to
calculate the Unsymmetrical faults.

Fault Current Calculation by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix Method

Using the Microsoft Excel Functions – by Engr. Joel O. Vergara
Page 1
Step 2: Convert the impedance into admittance.
1
Admittance is the reciprocal of impedance (= )
Z

𝟏
Note: = -jX
𝐣𝐣

Step 3: Prepare the Y-Bus Admittance Matrix. The matrix should be symmetric or
square matrix. The number of busses determines the size of the square matrix.
Let’s say for example if the system has 2 no. of busses, the matrix will be a 2x2
Matrix, if 3 busses will be a 3x3 matrix, and so on...

Fig. 1

The sample 2x2 Matrix is shown in Fig. 1; the circle with number indicates the
bus no. 1 and bus no. 2. The diagonal elements Y11 and Y22 are called the self-
admittances, and the off-diagonal Y12 and Y21 are called mutual admittances
between bus 1 & 2.

Note:

1. Self-Admittance Y11 is the sum of all admittances connected to bus 1. Self-

Admittance Y22 is the sum of all admittances connected to bus 2.
2. Mutual-Admittances Y12 and Y21 are always equal.
3. Mutual-Admittances should always be multiplied by negative 1 (-1).

Step 4: Invert the Y-bus Matrix to get the Z-bus Matrix. The size of the square matrix is
also the same with the Y-bus Matrix. The procedure of inverting the matrix in
excel worksheet will be discussed later in a sample problem. After inverting the
Y-bus Matrix, the Z-bus matrix is shown in the figure 2,

Fig.2

Fault Current Calculation by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix Method

Using the Microsoft Excel Functions – by Engr. Joel O. Vergara
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 Note:

1. Z11 and Z22 are called the self-impedances of bus 1 and bus 2 respectively.
These self-impedances are the thevenin’s equivalent looking from the point of
fault.
2. The advantage of using the Z-bus Matrix method is that you don’t need to
perform the thevenin’s calculation in each bus or node of the power system to
get the equivalent impedances. All the equivalent impedances in each node
or bus will be determined at the same time in a Z-bus matrix method.
3. Z12 and Z21 are called the mutual-impedances.

Sample Problem 1:

Fault Current Calculation by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix Method

Using the Microsoft Excel Functions – by Engr. Joel O. Vergara
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Let’s try a sample problem taken from a book “Power System Analysis & Design- by Glover”.

The above figure (Fig. 3) shows the single line diagram of a power system consisting of a
synchronous generator feeding a synchronous motor through two transformers and a
transmission line. Calculate the bolted symmetrical fault (3-phase fault) at bus 1 and 2.

Step 1: Prepare the positive sequence impedance. Convert all impedances in per unit
value.

Assume 100MVA base.

The per unit reactance of the generator, transformers, and the motor remain as it is as
shown in the given reactance values since the ratings of every equipment are also
the same with the assumed MVA base.

Per Unit value of transmission line (TL):

Actual impedance (XL) = 20Ω

Base Impedance Value (Xbase) = (138kV)²/100 MVA = 190.44Ω

XL p.u = 20Ω / 190.44Ω = j0.105

The Positive Sequence Impedance Diagram is shown in fig. 4,

Adding all the impedances between bus 1 and 2, the impedance diagram is
simplified as shown in Fig. 5

Fault Current Calculation by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix Method

Using the Microsoft Excel Functions – by Engr. Joel O. Vergara
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Step 2: Convert all the impedances to Admittances.

The admittance is the reciprocal of the impedance. The admittance diagram is now
shown in Fig. 6.

Step 3: Prepare the Y-bus Matrix.

The diagram has 2 no. of busses; therefore Y-bus will be a 2x2 matrix.

Determine the Self-admittances Y11 and Y22:

Y11 is the sum of all admittances connected to bus 1.

Y11 = -j6.67 + (-j3.28) = -j9.95

Y22 is the sum of all admittances connected to bus 2.

Y22 = -j3.28 + (-j5) = -j8.28

Determine the mutual-admittances Y12 and Y21:

Y12 = Y21, the admittance between bus 1 and 2 should be multiplied by -1.

Y12 = -1 x -j3.28 = +j3.28

Fault Current Calculation by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix Method

Using the Microsoft Excel Functions – by Engr. Joel O. Vergara
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 The Y-bus Matrix is shown in the following figure.

Step 4: Invert the Y-bus Matrix to determine the Z-bus Matrix.

Now we will apply the Microsoft Excel worksheet to calculate the inverse of Y-bus matrix.

a. First prepare a 2x2 matrix table in the excel worksheet and enter the values of the Y-
bus matrix as shown

Fault Current Calculation by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix Method

Using the Microsoft Excel Functions – by Engr. Joel O. Vergara
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 b. Prepare another 2x2 matrix table and marked it as Z-bus matrix. At cell A6 type the
function =MINVERSE(A2:B3) then press Enter key. A2:B3 is called an array range
from cell A2 to B3. The cell A6 will display the value of 0.115598 which is called the
self-impedance Z11.

c. To complete the Z-bus Matrix, select the range A6:B7 starting with the formula cell
as shown,

Then press F2, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter. The complete Z-bus matrix is now
displayed as shown,

Fault Current Calculation by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix Method

Using the Microsoft Excel Functions – by Engr. Joel O. Vergara
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Step 5: Calculate the bolted Symmetrical Fault at Bus 1 and 2.

The bolted symmetrical fault at bus 1 and 2 can be calculated using the positive
sequence network as shown

Vth
I1 =
𝑍1
Where;

Vth is the thevenin’s equivalent voltage source at no load in per unit,

Z1 is the positive sequence impedance or thevenin’s equivalent impedance looking at

the point of fault. Z1 is the self-impedance at bus 1 (Z11) or at bus 2 (Z22).

I1 is the positive sequence current (or bolted symmetrical fault current)

V1 is the positive sequence voltage at the point of fault (V1=0 at bolted fault, Zf=0)

Symmetrical bolted fault at Bus 1

From the positive sequence network the fault current at bus 1, where Z1=Z11=0.115598,
is…

𝟏.𝟎𝟎
I1 =
+𝐣.𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏
= -j9.0832 p.u

= 9.0832 ∠-90° p.u

Calculate the base current (Ib)

𝐌𝐌𝐌𝐌
Ib =
√𝟑 𝐱 𝐕𝐕

Where MVAb = 100MVA, Vb= 13.8kV

100x10³
Ib = = 4183.70 A
√3 x 13.8

Fault Current Calculation by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix Method

Using the Microsoft Excel Functions – by Engr. Joel O. Vergara
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 The actual fault current at bus 1 is
4183.70 x 9.0832 = 38 ∠-90° kA

Symmetrical bolted fault at Bus 2

At bus 2 the Z1 of the positive sequence network is the Z22 of the Z-bus Matrix, so

𝟏.𝟎𝟎
I1 =
+𝐣𝐣.𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏
= -j7.5587 p.u

= 7.5587 ∠-90° p.u

Calculate the base current (Ib)

𝐌𝐌𝐌𝐌
Ib =
√𝟑 𝐱 𝐕𝐕

Where MVAb = 100MVA, Vb= 138kV

100x10³
Ib = = 418.37 A
√3 x 138

The actual fault current (If) at bus 2 is

418.37A x 7.5587p.u = 3.16 ∠-90° kA

CHECK FOR COMPARISON:

Let’s compare the calculation by using the Thevenin’s method to determine the
equivalent impedances at the faults at bus 1 and 2 using the same positive sequence
impedance diagram from fig. 4.

Fault Current Calculation by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix Method

Using the Microsoft Excel Functions – by Engr. Joel O. Vergara
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 @ Bus 1:

The positive sequence impedance Z1 is the thevenin’s equivalent looking at bus 1.

(𝒋𝟎.𝟏𝟏)(𝒋𝒋.𝟏𝟏+𝒋𝒋.𝟏𝟏𝟏+𝒋𝒋.𝟏𝟏+𝒋𝒋.𝟐𝟐)
Z1 = (𝒋𝒋.𝟏𝟏)+(𝒋𝒋.𝟏𝟏+𝒋𝒋.𝟏𝟏𝟏+𝒋𝒋.𝟐𝟐)

Z1 = j0.1156 , which is also the same as the Z11 of Z-bus impedance matrix.

@ Bus 2:

(𝒋𝒋.𝟏𝟏+𝒋𝒋.𝟏𝟏+𝒋𝒋.𝟏𝟏𝟏+𝒋𝒋.𝟏𝟏)(𝒋𝒋.𝟐𝟐)
Z1 =
(𝒋𝒋.𝟏𝟏+𝒋𝟎.𝟏𝟏+𝒋𝒋.𝟏𝟏𝟏+𝒋𝒋.𝟏𝟏)+(𝒋𝒋.𝟐𝟐)

Z1 = j0.13893 , which is also the same as the Z22 of Z-bus impedance matrix.

So the fault currents at bus 1 & 2 can be determined the same procedure with the above
calculations.

Sample Problem 2:
Two synchronous machines are connected through three phase transformers to the
transmission lines as shown. Calculate the three phase fault at busses 1, 2, 3, & 4.

Fault Current Calculation by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix Method

Using the Microsoft Excel Functions – by Engr. Joel O. Vergara
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Step 1: Prepare the positive sequence impedance diagram. Convert all impedances in per
unit value.

Assume 100MVA base, the reactance in per unit for synchronous machines is j0.20, for
T1& T2 is j0.08, and for transmission line is j0.15.

Step 2: Convert all the impedances to Admittances.

The admittance diagram is now shown in the following figure;

Step 3: Prepare the Y-bus Matrix.

The system has 4 no. of busses; therefore we will use a 4 x 4 Matrix.

Fault Current Calculation by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix Method

Using the Microsoft Excel Functions – by Engr. Joel O. Vergara
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 Referring to the admittance diagram, let’s determine the self-admittances. (Note: Self
admittance of the bus n is the sum of all admittances connected to it).

Y11 = -j5 + (-j12.5) = -j17.5

Y22 = -j12.5 + (-j6.67) = -j19.17

Y33 = -j6.67 + (-j12.5) = -j19.17

Y44 = -j12.5 + (-j5) = -j17.5

Determine the mutual-admittances (mutual admittance should be multiplied by -1)

Y12=Y21= -1x (–j12.5) = +j12.5

Y13=Y31= j0

Y14=Y41= j0

Y23=Y32= -1 x (-j6.67) = +j6.67

Y24=Y42= j0

Y34=Y43= -1 x (-j12.5) = +j12.5

Substituting the admittances to the Y-bus matrix table,

Fault Current Calculation by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix Method

Using the Microsoft Excel Functions – by Engr. Joel O. Vergara
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 Therefore the Y-Bus matrix will be as shown (note: always bring out the –j)

Step 4: Invert the Y-bus Matrix to determine the Z-bus Matrix.

Let’s apply the Microsoft excel function to invert the Y-bus matrix.

a. From the excel worksheet prepare a 4x4 matrix table, marked it as Y-bus matrix, and
enter the admittances as shown,

b. Prepare another 4x4 matrix and marked it as Z-bus matrix. At cell A8 type the
function =MINVERSE(A2:D5) then press Enter key. The cell A8 will display the
value of 0.143656 which is called the self-impedance Z11 of the Z-bus Matrix.

Fault Current Calculation by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix Method

Using the Microsoft Excel Functions – by Engr. Joel O. Vergara
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 c. To complete the Z-bus Matrix, select the range A8:D11 starting with the formula cell
as shown,

Then press F2, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter. The complete table is now
displayed as shown,

Fault Current Calculation by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix Method

Using the Microsoft Excel Functions – by Engr. Joel O. Vergara
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 And the Z-bus Matrix is now shown as

So, the diagonal values in the above Z-bus Matrix are called the equivalent impedances
at the busses 1, 2, 3, & 4.

Bus 1: Z11 = +j0.1437

Bus 2: Z22 = +j0.1696

Bus 3: Z33 = +j0.1696

Bus 4: Z44 = +j0.1437

These impedances can now be used in calculating the Fault current in each bus, which
will be shown in step 5.

Step 5: Calculate the bolted Symmetrical Fault at Busses 1, 2, 3, & 4.

The bolted symmetrical faults can be calculated using the positive sequence network
as shown in the Sample no. 1

@ Bus 1:

Z1 = Z11 = +j0.1437

𝐕𝐕𝐕
I1 = If =
𝒁𝒁

𝟏.𝟎𝟎
I1 =
+𝐣𝐣.𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏
= -j7.30 p.u

= 7.30 ∠-90° p.u

Fault Current Calculation by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix Method
Using the Microsoft Excel Functions – by Engr. Joel O. Vergara
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 The base current (Ib) at bus 1 (@ 100MVA, 20kV base) is

100x10³
Ib = = 2886.75 A
√3 x 20

Therefore the actual fault current at bus 1 is

= 2886.75A x 7.30p.u = 21.09 kA

@ Bus 2:

Z1 = Z22= +j0.1696

𝐕𝐕𝐕
I1 = If =
𝒁𝒁

𝟏.𝟎𝟎
=
+𝐣𝐣.𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏
= -j6.19 p.u

= 6.19 ∠-90° p.u

The base current (Ib) at bus 2 (@ 100MVA, 345kV base) is

100x10³
Ib = = 167.35 A
√3 x 345

Therefore the actual fault current at bus 1 is

= 167.35A x 6.19p.u = 1.04 kA

The fault current at bus 3 is the same at bus 2 since their base voltage and equivalent
impedances are the same. The fault current at bus 4 is the same with bus 1 where the
base voltage and equivalent impedances are equal.

I hope these simple steps will help you a lot especially for those students and
engineers who are using hand calculations of fault currents. If you have some
clarifications you may contact me in my email address joelver2004@yahoo.com .

Fault Current Calculation by Z-Bus Impedance Matrix Method

Using the Microsoft Excel Functions – by Engr. Joel O. Vergara
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