2018 China International Conference on Electricity Distribution Tianjin, 17-19 Sep.

2018

Analysis of Arc Model and Its Application in

Single-phase Grounding Fault Simulation in
Distribution Networks
BOWEN LIU1, JINRUI TANG1*, Member, IEEE, XIXIU WU1, JIAQI WANG1, CHEN YANG2

 network[1-4].
Abstract—The single-phase arc grounding fault is the main
fault form in medium voltage distribution networks. In this paper,
the Mayr model is used to study the characteristic of single-phase
grounding fault current by adjusting the time constant τ and the
dissipated power P, which belongs to the parameters of the Mayr
model. The equivalent sequence network diagram of the phase
A-to-ground fault in the feeder of the resonant ground
distribution system is used to construct the simplified circuit. And
then the variation law of arc voltage and current waveform under
the change of time constant τ and dissipated power P is analyzed.
The results show that increasing τ within a certain range or
reducing P can change the arc from the arc extinguishing state to
the continuous arcing state. Comparing with the true measuring
voltage and current, simulation results show that the simplified
zero-mode circuit with Mayr arc model for distribution networks
can effectively obtain proper and valid voltage and current
waveforms
Index Terms—arc model, dissipated power, fault arc, single-
phase grounding fault
The single-phase arc grounding fault is the main fault
form in medium voltage distribution networks. In most cases,
arc model constructed by high-voltage circuit breakers are used
to study the fault characteristics in distribution networks [5-6].
In this paper, the waveforms of the fault arc current and
voltage with different parameters are mainly analyzed when the
single-phase grounding fault of the feeder of the resonant
grounding distribution system occurs. Firstly, the parameters in
the simple arc model are debugged, and the actual relationship
between the arc waveform and the parameters is analyzed and
obtained. Secondly, the simplified circuit for single-phase
grounding fault in distribution networks is constructed and the
Mayr arc model is used in this circuit. Thirdly, the voltage and
current waveforms are analyzed under different parameters of
arc model. The effectiveness of the arc model using in
single-phase grounding fault simulation in distribution
networks have been proved by simulation.

I. INTRODUCTION II. SINGLE-PHASE GROUND FAULT OF SIMPLE ARC CIRCUIT

T he establishment of a more practical grounding arc

model can effectively reflect the characteristics of the
actual grounding arc, and can be studied when the distribution
A. Influence of time constants
In order to obtain the basic relationship between arc
voltage and current changes with parameters, we changed the
network appears single-phase grounding faults. In the case of parameters in the simple arc model and the high voltage circuit
grounding faults, transient information such as voltage and breaker arc model.Understand the effect of parameter changes
current of the grounding arc of the fault point is used to find out on arc voltage and current waveform changes.
the characteristics of the zero-sequence current of each feeder
under different grounding arc models to maintain the power
system in the non-effectively grounded distribution

Manuscript received July 15, 2018. This work was supported by the
National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51707139).
Bowen Liu, Xixiu Wu and Jiaqi Wang are with Wuhan University of
Technology, and now with the school of automation. (e-mail: 754760622@
qq.com, wuxixiu@163.com. 532851165 @qq.com,).
Jinrui Tang is with Wuhan University of Technology, and now with the
school of automation (Corresponding author, e-mail: tangjinrui001@126.com).
Chen Yang is with Wuhan Electric Power Technical College (e-mail:
627433866@qq.com).

Figure 1 Mayr arc models for a circuit breaker

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 2018 China International Conference on Electricity Distribution
Figure 2 simplified simulation circuit diagram
Take the simple arc model as an example. In the 10kV
fault circuit, the voltage source parameters are 8165V and
50HZ. Since the Mayr arc model is suitable for the simulation
of small-current arcs, the arc parameter is τ=0.000344,
P=10000W, and g=1 .e4.
When other conditions are constant, change the value of τ
and set it to τ = 0.000172, 0.000344, 0.000458. Observe the arc
voltage and current waveform changes along with the
following three parameters:
Fig. 3 Voltage change waveform of Mayr arc model
（τ=0.000172）
Fig. 4 Voltage change waveform of Mayr arc model
（τ=0.000344）
CICED2018 Paper No. 201805280000363
Tianjin, 17-19 Sep. 2018
Fig. 5 Voltage change waveform of Mayr arc model
（τ=0.000458）
In the Mayr model, the waveform distortion of the arc
voltage is more serious and its shape resembles that of a saddle.
In addition, for each half-wave, the first half-wave arc voltage
is slightly higher than the second half wave, which is due to the
fact that the temperature of the first half wave arc is slightly
lower than the temperature of the second half wave[7].
It can be seen from the experimental waveform that at τ =
0.000172, the arc model does not play a role at this time. When
τ reaches a certain value, the AC arc voltage waveform exhibits
a distinct nonlinear characteristic. Specifically, the starting arc
voltage is high, and it quickly falls and then maintains at an
approximately constant voltage level.Then an arc extinguishing
voltage lower than the arcing voltage occurs, and it quickly falls
until the current passes zero[8]. As the parameter τ increases, the
peak voltage decreases and the degree of distortion slows.
Fig. 6 Current change waveform of Mayr arc model
（τ=0.000172）
It can be seen from the experimental waveform that the
current of the arc model is 0 at τ=0.000172.When τ reaches a
certain value, the current waveform resembles a sine wave.
However, the change is slow at the current zero crossing, with
obvious "zero rest" characteristics. As the parameter τ increases,
the arc current waveform peaks unchanged[9].
However, the characteristics of slow changes at zero
crossings gradually weakened and the phenomenon of “zero
rest” weakened.
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Fig. 7 Current change waveform of Mayr arc model

（τ=0.000344）
Fig. 10 Voltage change waveform of Mayr arc model
（P =10000）

Fig. 8 Current change waveform of Mayr arc model

（τ=0.000172）
B. Dissipation power effect
Let's look at other conditions to maintain the same arc Fig. 11 Voltage change waveform of Mayr arc model
parameter τ = 0.000344, change the value of P, set it to 5000, （P =15000）
10000, 15000.

Fig. 12 Current change waveform of Mayr arc model

（P =5000）
Fig. 9 Voltage change waveform of Mayr arc model For the arc current at P=15000, the current of the arc model is
（P =5000） 0. When P decreases to a certain value, the current waveform is
similar to a sine wave, but it changes slowly at the current
From the experimental waveform, it can be seen that when
zero-crossing, with a clear “zero-off” characteristic.
P=15000, the arc model does not play a role at this time and is
With the increase of parameter P, the peak value of the arc
in the arc extinguishing state. When P reaches a certain value,
current waveform is basically unchanged; there is a
the AC arc voltage waveform exhibits a distinct nonlinear
zero-shutdown phenomenon, and the phenomenon of zero rest
characteristic. As the parameter P increases, the basic
increases in a certain range.
waveform does not change, and the voltage peak becomes
larger.

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ES ZS1 ZT1 If1

X1C Ug1 If/3

ZS2 ZT2 If2

3R f
X2C Ug2

ZS0 If0

3L X0C Ug0
Fig. 13 Current change waveform of Mayr arc model
（P =10000）
Figure 15 Sequence network interconnection for
single-line-to-ground fault

On the basis of this figure, X1C、X2C 、ZS0、ZS1、ZS2、

ZT1、ZT2, etc. are simplified through circuit analysis, and the
smaller value is ignored. The resulting simulation circuit
diagram is as follows:
L

Fig. 14 Current change waveform of Mayr arc model AC Mayr arc model C
（P =15000）

III. SINGLE-PHASE GROUND FAULT OF RESONANT NETWORK

A. Circuit introduction
In the resonant grounding distribution system, a
single-phase (A-phase) ground fault occurs on the feeder. A
corresponding sequence network diagram is formed based on
the symmetrical component method, as shown in the figure.
X0C 、 X1C and X2C are the zero-sequence,
positive-sequence, and negative-sequence capacitive
reactances of the distribution line, ZT1 and ZT2 are the positive
and negative sequence equivalent impedances of the
transformer, ZS0 、 ZS1 and ZS2 are the system-side zero
sequences, respectively. Equivalent impedance of positive and
negative and negative sequences, ES is the system-side
generator equivalent potential (only the positive sequence
component), L is the inductance of the arc suppression coil, and
R f is the ground fault resistance at the fault point[10].
Figure 16 simplified simulation circuit diagram
B. Parametric analysis
The parameters in the literature "Analysis of the dynamic
adjustment characteristics of the zero-sequence current with the
compensation of the distribution line of the distribution
network" are calculated, and the corresponding values are
brought into the simulation circuit. The specific parameters are:
R=3, L=0.8934H, C =0.0357F.
The Mayr model is actually suitable for small current
circuits, and theoretical analysis should lead to better waveform
results. But actually adjusting the arc parameter τ= 0.0344, P =
10000W, = 1.e4. The simulation waveform is as follows.
Through the above arc voltage and current waveforms, it
can be found that at this time the state of the arc is extinction,
the current is always zero, and the arc does not produce any
effect.

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Fig. 17 Voltage change waveform of Mayr arc model
（τ=0.0344 P =10000）
Fig. 18 Current change waveform of Mayr arc model
（τ=0.0344 P =10000）
At this time, the parameters τ and P are subjected to
multiple values. According to the law obtained in the simple
arc model, the voltage peak decreases as the parameter
increases, and the degree of distortion becomes slower. With
the increase of the parameters, the peak value of the arc
current waveform is basically unchanged and there is a
zero-shutdown phenomenon. So the parameters should be
within a certain range, and to obtain the correct result by
increasing τ to reducing P.
Continue to debug the parameters to get the result. The arc
parameters are as shown in the figure below: τ= 0.01275, P =
5000W, = 1.e4.
From this arc voltage and current waveform, it can be seen
that under this parameter, the arc is arc-fired once in several
cycles, and then the arc is extinguished, and the arc is
repeated for a while, compared with other papers that study
the variation of the high-voltage arc waveform. As a result,
the arc waveform is suitable for the case of a small current
circuit, and the obtained waveform is complicated, and the
CICED2018 Paper No. 201805280000363
Tianjin, 17-19 Sep. 2018
voltage waveform of the high voltage arc is severely distorted,
and its shape is similar to a "saddle" shape. In addition, for
each half wave, the first half wave voltage is slightly higher
than the second half wave. The current waveform is similar to
a sine wave, but it changes slowly at current zero crossings,
with a distinct "zero break" characteristic.
Fig. 19 Voltage change waveform of Mayr arc model
（τ=0.01275 P =5000）
Fig. 20 Current change waveform of Mayr arc model
（τ=0.01275 P =5000）
In contrast, the low-voltage arc is significantly different,
the shape of the low-voltage arc voltage is similar to that of the
wave, and the amplitude of the vibration gradually becomes
larger, and then suddenly becomes smaller, repeating this
situation. The arc current is also similar to a wave shape,
fluctuating up and down in a small range, generating large
fluctuations when the arc is generated, and then recovering,
repeating this situation.
Continue to adjust the parameters as shown below: τ=
0.0255, P = 5000W, = 1.e4.
From the above results the arc voltage current waveform,
the arc is equivalent to a metallic ground. In real life, it is
common for trunks to stand on a single-phase line and the
trunk is directly burnt to produce a metallic ground. The
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current and voltage waveforms are close to a sine wave at this

time.

Fig. 24 Current change waveform of Mayr arc model

Fig. 21 Voltage change waveform of Mayr arc model （τ=0.0225 P =7000）
（τ=0.0255 P =5000）

IV. FORMULA DERIVATION

The derivation of the circuit is performed under the
assumption that the parameters are known, and it is hoped that
the calculation formula for arc voltage and current can be
derived successfully:
1 dg 1  u  i 
=  -1 (1)
g dt  m  Ploss 
di
U c =U L =3L L (2)
dt
dI
3R f  Ic +IL  +3L  L =E (3)
dt
Fig. 22 Current change waveform of Mayr arc model
di L
（τ=0.0225 P =5000） d（3L  ） 2
i=i c +i L =X oc  dt +i =3LX  d i L +i (4)
L oc L
dt dt 2
Then the magnitude of the dissipated power P is changed.
Study the effect of parameter P on continuous arcing. E=3R f i (5)
Solved by the above formula:

 d 2i  di
E=3R f  3LX oc 2L +i L  +3L L (6)
 dt  dt
d 2iL di
9R f LXoc 2
+3R f i L +3L L =8167sin 100 t  (7)
dt dt

Since the change of the arc resistance is a transient change,

Fig. 23 Voltage change waveform of Mayr arc model
（τ=0.0255 P =7000）
we study the transient formula in the whole circuit into the
analysis, and hope to get the relationship between the arc
voltage and the transient change of the current. As can be seen
from the above equation, the arc resistance is a non-linear
resistance element that varies with voltage and current. The
formula is first-order differential equations.

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Trying to solve this second-order non-homogeneous
differential equation, the general solution and special solution
are more complicated. And the arc resistance and the
differential equation are coupled.
It is difficult to find the corresponding solution if the first
differential equation of the resistance is brought in. So here we
only choose to use simulation to illustrate the arc model. But it
is not difficult to see that the parameters τ and P have a great
influence on the arc model, and their changes directly affect the
arc voltage and current waveform[11].
From these two formulas, the related tool can be used to
derive the relevant curve change law. Further research will be
conducted later. We put the above formula into the MATLAB.
Draw the waveform of the arc voltage and current as a function
of time in MATLAB. From this we can infer the correctness of
the model. Through the two methods of simulation and formula
analysis, the law of parameter change and waveform change is
obtained at the same time.
So next, our research direction is to combine the
simulation rules and formulas involved in this article to further
explore and study the arc voltage and current formula.
On the theoretical level, it is necessary to solve the
problem of why the waveform changes in this way, and
calculate the value of the arc voltage and current at each
moment. This will be the key issue for future research.
V. CONCLUSION
Different from the traditional high-voltage circuit breaker
arc model, this paper puts the Mayr arc model into the
single-phase ground fault model of the distribution network.
Some useful conclusions are drawn as follows:
(1) In the single-phase grounding arc fault of the
distribution network, the arcing and arc-extinguishing of the arc
has certain randomness. Each cycle will not produce the arc
phenomenon, arc parameters directly affects the frequency of
arcing. This is different from the circuit breaker obviously.
(2) In the single-phase ground fault of the distribution
network, the time constant τ and the dissipated power P have a
great influence on the arc model. Within a certain range, proper
adjustment of the arc parameters τ and P enables the arc to
switch between arc extinguishing, periodic arcing, and
continuous arcing. Specifically, to increase the parameter τ,
decreasing the parameter P enables the arc to develop in the
direction of continuous arcing. And as the parameter τ increases,
the voltage peak decreases, the degree of distortion becomes
slower, and the current peak decreases. As the parameter P
increases, the voltage peak increases and the peak value of the
arc current waveform remains substantially unchanged.
However, to obtain the values of the parameters τ and P at the
critical point of arcing and extinction, further research is
needed.
CICED2018 Paper No. 201805280000363
Tianjin, 17-19 Sep. 2018
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Jinrui Tang (M’2017) , received his Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, in 2014.
Currently, he is an associate professor of the department of electrical
engineering in the School of Automation, Wuhan University of Technology.
His research focuses on protection and control of electric distribution network.
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