Symmetrical Components

The method of symmetrical components first discussed by C. L. Fortescue in 1918 at a meeting of the
American Institute of Electrical Engineers.
The method of symmetrical components is a powerful tools or techniques for analyzing or dealing with
unbalanced poly-phase (such as three-phase) systems.

Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Phasors from Their Symmetrical

Components [Ref. 1, p. 275]
Fortescue’s work proves that “An unbalanced system of n related phasors can be resolved into n
systems of balanced phasors called the symmetrical components”.
The n phasors of each set of components are equal in length (or magnitude), and the angle between
adjacent phasors of the set are equal.
Simply Fortescue defined a linear transformation from phase components to a new set of components
called symmetrical components.

According to Fortescue’s theorem, three unbalanced phasors of a three-phase system can be resolved
into three balanced system of phasors.
The balance sets of components are:
1. Positive-sequence components (as shown in Fig. 4.1 a) consisting of three phasors equal in
magnitude, displaced from each other by 120o in phase, and having the same phase sequence as
the original phasors. In positive sequence phase b lagging phase a by 120°, and phase c lagging
phase b by 120°.
2. Negative-sequence components (as shown in Fig. 4.1 b)consisting of three phasors equal in
magnitude, displaced from each other by 120o in phase, and having the same phase sequence
opposite to that of the original phasors. In negative sequence phase b leading phase a by 120°,
and phase c leading phase b by 120°.
3. Zero-sequence components (as shown in Fig. 4.1 c) consisting of three phasors equal in
magnitude and with zero phase displacement from each other. Zero sequence sets have neutral
current.

(a) Positive sequence (b) Negative sequence (c) Zero sequence

components components components

(d) Phase a (e) Phase b (f) Phase c

Fig. 4.1 [Ref. 3. p. 399] Resolving phase voltages into three sets of sequence components.
Similar diagram can be obtained for three-phase unbalanced current.

DMAM Page 1 of 19 Symmetrical Components

When solving a problem by symmetrical components, to designate the three-phases of the system as a,
b, and c in such a manner that the phase sequence of the voltages and currents in the system is abc.
Thus the phase-sequence of the positive-sequence components of the unbalanced phasors is abc, the
phase-sequence of the negative-sequence components of the unbalanced phasors is acb.

If the original phasors are voltages, they

may be designated by Va, Vb, and Vc. The
three sets of symmetrical-components are
designated by the additional subscript 1
for the positive-sequence components, 2
for the negative-sequence components,
and 0 for the zero-sequence components.
The positive-sequence components of Va,
Vb, and Vc are Va1, Vb1, and Vc1.
Similarly, the negative-sequence
components are Va2, Vb2, and Vc2, and the
zero-sequence components are Va0, Vb0,
and Vc0.Fig. 4.1 shows three such sets of
symmetrical components. Phasors
representing current will be designated
by I with subscripts as for voltages. The Fig. 4.2 [Ref. 1, p. 277] Graphical addition of the
synthesis of a set of three unbalanced components shown in Fig. 4.1 to obtain three
phasors from the three sets of unbalanced phasors.
symmetrical components of Fig. 4.1 is Similar diagram can be obtained for three-phase
shown in Fig. 11.2. unbalanced current.

Since each of the original unbalanced phasors is the sum of its components, the original phasors
expressed in terms of their components are:
Va = Va1 + Va 2 + Va 0 (4.1)
Vb = Vb1 + Vb 2 + Vb 0 (4.2)
Vc = Vc1 + Vc 2 + Vc 0 (4.3)

The symmetrical component method is basically a modeling technique that permits systematic
analysis and design of three-phase systems.
Decoupling a detailed three-phase three-phase network into three simpler sequence network
results can be superposed to obtain three-phase network results.

Advantage of this transformation

For balance three-phase networks the equivalent circuits obtained for the symmetrical components,
called sequence networks, are separated into three uncoupled networks.
For unbalanced three-phase systems, the three sequence networks are connected only at points of
unbalance.
Sequence networks for many cases of unbalances three-phase systems are relatively easy to analyze
and leads to accurate prediction of system behavior.
The values of current and voltage at various points in the system under unsymmetrical fault can be
easily found since this method consists in finding the symmetrical components of the current at the
unsymmetrical fault.

Important Observations

DMAM Page 2 of 19 Symmetrical Components

The sequence components do not exist as physical quantities in the network.
A balance system has no negative and zero sequence components therefore actual balance system
equals to positive sequence system.
The generated emf is balanced, and therefore positive phase sequence only.
In a three-phase three-wire system, there are no zero sequence components because there is no neutral
connection.

Operators [Ref. 1, p. 277]

In order to express the sequence components algebraically, the letter a is commonly used to designate
the operator that causes a rotation of 120o in the clockwise direction. Such an operator is a complex
number of unit magnitude with an angle of 120o and is defined by:
j (2π / 3) 1 3
a = 1∠120° = 1e = cos(2π / 3) + j sin(2π / 3) = − + j = −0.5 + j 0.866
2 2
j (4π / 3) 1 3
a 2 = 1∠240° = 1e = cos(4π / 3) + j sin(4π / 3) = − − j = −0.5 − j 0.866
2 2
j (6π / 3)
a 3 = 1∠360° = 1∠0° = 1e = cos(0) + j sin(0) = 1 + j 0 = 1

Table 4.1 [Ref. 3, p. 400]

a 4 = a = 1∠120°
1+ a + a2 = 0
1 − a = 3∠30°
1 − a 2 = 3∠ − 30°
a 2 − a = 3∠270°
ja = 1∠210°
1 + a = −a 2 = 1∠60°
1 + a 2 = − a = 1∠ − 60° Fig. 4.3 [Ref. 1, p. 278] Phasor diagram of the
various powers of the operator a.
a 2 + a = −1 = 1∠180°

The Symmetrical Components of Unsymmetrical Phasors [Ref. 1, p. 278]

According to Fig. 4.1, we obtain:
V = a 2V V = aV
b1 a1 c1 a1
V = aV V = a 2V (4.4)
b2 a2 c2 a2
V =V V =V
b0 a0 c0 a0
Repeating Eq, (4.1) and substituting Eqs. (4.4) in (4.2) and (4.3) yeld
Va = Va1 + Va 2 + Va 0 (4.5)
V = a 2V + aVa2+ V
b a1 b a0 (4.6)
Vc = aV a1 + a 2Va 2 + Va 0 ( 4 .7 )
In matrix form
⎡Va ⎤ ⎡1 1 1 ⎤ ⎡Va 0 ⎤
⎢V ⎥ = ⎢1 a 2 a2 ⎥ ⎢V ⎥ (4.8)
⎢ b⎥ ⎢ ⎥ ⎢ a1 ⎥
⎢⎣Vc ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣1 a2 a 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣Va 2 ⎥⎦

DMAM Page 3 of 19 Symmetrical Components

 ⎡Va ⎤ ⎡1 1 1 ⎤ ⎡Va 0 ⎤
Let, Vabc = V p = ⎢⎢Vb ⎥⎥ ; A = ⎢⎢1 a 2 a ⎥⎥ ; Va 012 = V s = ⎢⎢Va1 ⎥⎥
⎢⎣Vc ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣1 a a 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣Va 2 ⎥⎦
V abc = V p = AV a 012 = AV s ( 4.8.1)

Vabc = V p is the column vector of phase voltages, Va 012 = V s is the column vector of sequence voltages,
and A is 3×3 transformation matrix.
⎡Va 0 ⎤ ⎡1 1 1 ⎤ ⎡Va ⎤
⎢V ⎥ = 1 ⎢1 a a 2 ⎥ ⎢V ⎥ (4.11)
⎢ a1 ⎥ 3 ⎢ ⎥⎢ b ⎥
⎢⎣Va 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣1 a 2 a ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣Vc ⎥⎦
V a 012 = V s = A −1V abc = A −1V p ( 4.11 .1)
⎡1 1 1 ⎤
1⎢
A = ⎢1 a a 2 ⎥⎥
−1

3
⎢⎣1 a 2 a ⎥⎦
Where,
1
Va 0 = (Va + Vb + Vc ) (4.12)
3
1
(
Va1 = Va + aVb + a 2Vc
3
) (4.13)

1
(
Va 2 = Va + a 2Vb + aVc
3
) (4.14)
If required, the components Vb0, Vb1, Vb2, Vc0, Vc1, and Vc2, can be found by Eqs. (4.4)
Equation (4.12) shows that no zero-sequence components exist if the sum of the unbalanced phasors
is zero.
Since the sum of the line-to-line voltage phasors in a three phase system is always zero, zero-sequence
components are never present in the line voltages, regardless of the amount of unbalance.
The sum of the three line-to-neutral voltage phasors is not necessarily zero, and voltages to neutral
may contain zero-sequence components.

Sequence Components of Current

Because some of the preceding equations are so fundamental, they are summarized for currents:
⎡ I a ⎤ ⎡1 1 1 ⎤ ⎡ I a 0 ⎤ ⎡I a ⎤ ⎡I a0 ⎤
⎢ I ⎥ = ⎢1 a 2 a ⎥ ⎢ I ⎥ ; ⎢ ⎥
where, I abc = I p = ⎢ I b ⎥ ; I a 012 = I s = ⎢⎢ I a1 ⎥⎥
⎢ b⎥ ⎢ ⎥ ⎢ a1 ⎥
⎢⎣ I c ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣1 a a 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I a 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I c ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I a 2 ⎥⎦
I abc = I p = AI a 012 = AI s
⎡ I a0 ⎤ ⎡1 1 1 ⎤ ⎡ I a ⎤
⎢ I ⎥ = 1 ⎢1 a a 2 ⎥ ⎢ I ⎥ where, I a 012 = I s = A −1 I abc = A −1 I p
⎢ a1 ⎥ 3 ⎢ ⎥⎢ b ⎥
⎢⎣ I a 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣1 a 2 a ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I c ⎥⎦

I a = I a1 + I a 2 + I a 0 (4.15)
I = a 2 I + aI + I
b a1 b a0 (4.16)
I c = aI a1 + a 2 I a 2 + I a 0 ( 4.17 )

DMAM Page 4 of 19 Symmetrical Components

 1
I a0 = (I a + I b + I c ) (4.18)
3
1
( )
I a1 = I a + aI b + a 2 I c
3
(4.19)

1
( )
I a 2 = I a + a 2 I b + aI c
3
(4.20)
I a + Ib + Ic = In (4.21)
I n = 3I a 0 (4.22)
I = a2I I = aI
b1 a1 c1 a1
I = aI I = a2I
b2 a2 c2 a2
I =I I =I
b0 a0 c0 a0

In the absence of a path through the neutral of a three-phase system, In is zero, thus the line currents
contain no zero-sequence components where neutral connection is absent.
A ∆-connected load provides no path to neutral, and the line currents flowing to a ∆-connected load
can contain no zero-sequence components.

Example 1: Calculate the sequence components of the following balanced line-to-neutral voltages
with abc sequence. Va = 277∠0o, Vb = 277∠−120o, and Vc = 277∠120o.
1 1
Va 0 = (Va + Vb + Vc ) = (277∠0° + 277 ∠ − 120° + 277 ∠120°) = 0
3 3
Va1 = (Va + aVb + a 2Vc )= (277∠0° + 1∠ + 120° × 277∠ − 120° + 1∠ + 240° × 277∠120°)
1 1
3 3
1
= (277∠0° + 277∠0° + 277∠0°) = 277∠0° = Va
3
Va 2 = (Va + a 2Vb + aVc )= (277 ∠0° + 1∠240° × 277 ∠ − 120° + 1∠ + 120° × 277 ∠120° )
1 1
3 3
1
= (277 ∠0° + 277 ∠120° + 277 ∠240°) = 0
3
Similarly, Vb 0 = 0 ; Vb1 = Vb ; Vb 2 = 0 ; Vc 0 = 0 ; Vc1 = Vb ; Vc 2 = 0
Thus a balance three-phase system with abc sequence (or positive sequence) have no zero-sequence or
negative-sequence components.

Example 2: Calculate the sequence components of the following balanced line-to-neutral voltages
with acb sequence. Va = 277∠0o, Vb = 277∠120o, and Vc = 277∠−120o.
1 1
Va 0 = (Va + Vb + Vc ) = (277 ∠0° + 277 ∠120° + 277 ∠ − 120° ) = 0
3 3
Va1 = (Va + aVb + a 2Vc )= (277 ∠0° + 1∠ + 120° × 277 ∠120° + 1∠ + 240° × 277 ∠ − 120° )
1 1
3 3
1
= (277 ∠0° + 277 ∠240° + 277 ∠120°) = 0
3

DMAM Page 5 of 19 Symmetrical Components

Va 2 =
1
3
( ) 1
Va + a 2Vb + aVc = (277 ∠0° + 1∠240° × 277 ∠120° + 1∠ + 120° × 277 ∠ − 120° )
3
1
= (277 ∠0° + 277 ∠0° + 277 ∠0°) = 277 ∠0° = Va
3
Similarly, Vb 0 = 0 ; Vb1 = 0 ; Vb 2 = Vb ; Vc 0 = 0 ; Vc1 = 0 ; Vc 2 = Vb
Thus a balance three-phase system with acc sequence (or negative sequence) have no zero-sequence or
positive-sequence components.

Example 4.1 [Example 11.1, Ref. 1, p. 280] One conductor of a three-phase line is open. The current
flowing to the ∆-connected load through line a is 10 A. With the current in line a as reference and
assumeing that line c is open, find the symmetrical components of the line currents.
Solution: Fig. 4.4 is a diagram of te circuit. The line currents are
I a = 10∠0° A I b = 10∠180° A Ic = 0 A
1 1
I a 0 = (I a + I b + I c ) = (10∠0° + 10∠180° + 0 ) = 0
3 3
I a1 = (I a + aI b + a 2 I c ) = [10∠0° + 10∠(180° + 120°) + 0] = 5 − j 2.89 = 5.78∠ − 30°
1 1
3 3
I a 2 = (I a + a 2 I b + aI c ) = [10∠0° + 10∠(180° + 240°) + 0] = 5 + j 2.89 = 5.78∠30°
1 1
3 3
I = 5.78∠ − 150 ° I = 5.78∠90 °
b1 c1
I = 5.78∠150 ° I = 5.78∠ − 90 °
b2 c2
I =0 I =0
b0 c0

Fig. 4.4 Circuit for Example 11.1.

Components Ic1 and Ic2 have definite values although line c is open and can carry no net current. As is
expected, therefore, the sum of the components in line c is zero. Of course, the sum the components in
line a is 10∠0o A, and the sum of the components in line b is 10∠180o A.

Example 3: In an unbalanced three-phase system: Va = 4.0∠0o, Vb = 3.0∠−90o, and Vc = 8.0∠143.1o.

Find all the voltage components of the corresponding positive, negative and zero-sequence
components, and draw the phasors.
1 1 1
Va 0 = (Va + Vb + Vc ) = (4.0∠0° + 3.0∠ − 90° + 8.0∠143.1°) = [4.0 − j 3.0 + 8.0(−0.8 + j 0.6)]
3 3 3
= −0.8 + j 0.6) = 1.0∠143.1°

DMAM Page 6 of 19 Symmetrical Components

Va1 =
1
3
( ) 1
Va + aVb + a 2Vc = (4.0∠0° + 1∠ + 120° × 3.0∠ − 90° + 1∠ + 240° × 8.0∠143.1°)
3
1
= (4 + 3∠30° + 8∠23.1°) = 4.65 + j1.55 = 4.9∠18.4°
3
Va 2
1
( ) 1
= Va + a 2Vb + aVc = (4∠0° + 1∠240° × 3∠ − 90° + 1∠ + 120° × 8∠143.1°)
3 3
1
= (4 + 3∠ − 210° + 8∠263.1° ) = 0.153 − j 2.15 = 2.15∠ − 86.2°
3

V = V = 1.0∠143 .1°
b0 a0
V = a 2V = 4.9∠( 240° + 18.4°) = 4.9∠ − 101.6°
b1 a1
V = aV = 2.15∠( −86.2° + 120°) = 2.15∠33.80°
b2 a2

V =V
= 1.0∠143.1°
c0
a0
V = aV = 4.9∠(120° + 18.4°) = 4.9∠138.4°
c1 a1
V = a 2V = 2.15∠( −86.2° + 240°) = 2.15∠ − 206.2°
c2 a2

Va = Va 0 + Va1 + Va 2 = (4.65 + j1.55) + (0.143 − j 2.15) + (−0.8 + j 0.6) = 3.99 + j 0 = 4.0∠0°

Power in Terms of Symmetrical Components [Ref. 1, p. 288]

The total complex power into a three-phase circuit through three lines a, b, and c is
S = P + jQ = V a I a* + Vb I b* + Vc I c*
* *
⎡I a ⎤ ⎡Va 0 ⎤ ⎡I a0 ⎤
S = P + jQ = [Va Vb Vc ]⎢ I b ⎥ ; let, V = ⎢Va1 ⎥; I = ⎢⎢ I a1 ⎥⎥
⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
⎢⎣ I c ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣Va 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I a 2 ⎥⎦
S = P + jQ = [AV ] [ AI ]* = A T V T A * I * = V T A T A * I *
T

⎡1 1 1 ⎤ ⎡1 1 1 ⎤ ⎡1 0 0 ⎤
T ⎢* 2 ⎥ ⎢ 2⎥
A A = ⎢1 a a ⎥ ⎢1 a a ⎥ = 3⎢⎢0 1 0⎥⎥
⎢⎣1 a a 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣1 a 2 a ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣0 0 1⎥⎦
T 2
Noting that A = A and that a and a are conjugate, we obtain

DMAM Page 7 of 19 Symmetrical Components

 *
⎡1 0 0 ⎤ ⎡ I a 0 ⎤
[
S = [Va 0 Va1 Va 2 ]3⎢⎢0 1 0⎥⎥ ⎢⎢ I a1 ⎥⎥ = 3 Va 0 I a*0 + Va1 I a*1 + Va 2 I a*2 ]
⎣⎢0 0 1⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I a 2 ⎦⎥
So complex power is
[
S = P + jQ = Va I a* + Vb I b* + Vc I c* = 3 V0 I 0* + V1 I 1* + V2 I 2* ]
Unsymmetrical Series Impedances [Ref. 1, p. 289]
Fig. 11.12 shows the unsymmetrical part of a
system with three unequal series impedances Za,
Zb, and Zc. The voltage drops across the part of
the system shown are given by the matrix
equation
⎡Vaa ' ⎤ ⎡ Z a Z ab Z ca ⎤ ⎡ I a ⎤
⎢V ⎥ = ⎢ Z ⎥⎢ ⎥
⎢ bb ' ⎥ ⎢ ab Z b Z bc ⎥ ⎢ I b ⎥
⎢⎣Vcc ' ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ Z ca Z bc Z c ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I c ⎥⎦
And in terms of symmetrical components of Fig. 11.12 Portion of a three-phase system
voltage and current showing three unequal series impedance
⎡Vaa '0 ⎤ ⎡ Z a Z ab Z ca ⎤ ⎡ I a 0 ⎤
A⎢⎢Vaa '1 ⎥⎥ = ⎢⎢ Z ab Z b Z bc ⎥⎥ A⎢⎢ I a1 ⎥⎥
⎢⎣Vaa '2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ Z ca Z bc Z c ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I a 2 ⎥⎦
⎡Vaa '0 ⎤ ⎡ Z a Z ab Z ca ⎤ ⎡ I a 0 ⎤
⎢V ⎥ = A −1 ⎢ Z ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
⎢ aa '1 ⎥ ⎢ ab Z b Z bc ⎥ A⎢ I a1 ⎥
⎢⎣Vaa '2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ Z ca Z bc Z c ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I a 2 ⎥⎦
⎡Vaa '0 ⎤ ⎡ Z 0 Z 01 Z 02 ⎤ ⎡ I a 0 ⎤
⎢V ⎥ = ⎢ Z ⎥⎢ ⎥
⎢ aa '1 ⎥ ⎢ 10 Z 1 Z 12 ⎥ ⎢ I a1 ⎥
⎢⎣Vaa '2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ Z 20 Z 21 Z 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I a 2 ⎥⎦
Vaa '0 = Z 0 I a 0 + Z 01 I a1 + Z 02 I a 2
Vaa '1 = Z 10 I a 0 + Z 1 I a1 + Z 12 I a 2
Vaa ' 2 = Z 20 I a 0 + Z 21 I a1 + Z 2 I a 2
⎡ Z0 Z 01 Z 02 ⎤ ⎡ Za Z ab Z ca ⎤ ⎡1 1 1 ⎤ ⎡ Z a Z ab Z ca ⎤ ⎡1 1 1 ⎤
⎢Z ⎥ −1 ⎢ 1⎢
⎢ 10 Z1 Z 12 ⎥ = A ⎢ Z ab Zb ⎥
Z bc ⎥ A = ⎢1 a a 2 ⎥⎥ ⎢⎢ Z ab Zb Z bc ⎥⎥ ⎢⎢1 a 2 a ⎥⎥
3
⎢⎣ Z 20 Z 21 Z 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ Z ca Z bc Z c ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣1 a 2 a ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ Z ca Z bc Z c ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣1 a a 2 ⎥⎦

Diagonal Sequence impedances

1
Z 0 = [Z a + Z b + Z c + 2 Z ab + 2 Z bc + 2 Z ca ] (8.2.22)
3
1
Z 1 = Z 2 = [Z a + Z b + Z c − Z ab − Z bc − Z ac ] (8.2.23)
3
Off-diagonal sequence impedances
1
[
Z 01 = Z 20 = Z a + a 2 Z b + aZ c − aZ ab − Z bc − a 2 Z ca
3
(8.2.24) ]
1
[
Z 02 = Z 10 = Z a + aZ b + a 2 Z c − a 2 Z ab − Z bc − aZ ca
3
(8.2.25) ]
DMAM Page 8 of 19 Symmetrical Components
 Z 12 =
1
3
[
Z a + a 2 Z b + aZ c + 2aZ ab + 2 Z bc + 2a 2 Z ca ] (8.2.26)

Z 21
1
[
= Z a + aZ b + a 2 Z c + 2a 2 Z ab + 2 Z bc + 2aZ ca
3
] (8.2.27)

Unsymmetrical Series Impedances without Mutual Inductances

If we assume no mutual inductances (no coupling) (i.e. Zab = Zbc = Zca = 0) between the three
impedances, then the above equation becomes
1
Z 0 = Z 1 = Z 2 = [Z a + Z b + Z c ] (8.2.22.1)
3
1
[
Z 01 = Z 20 = Z a + a 2 Z b + aZ c
3
] (8.2.24.1)
1
[
Z 02 = Z 10 = Z a + aZ b + a 2 Z c
3
] (8.2.25.1)
1
[
Z 12 = Z a + a 2 Z b + aZ c
3
] (8.2.26.1)
1
[
Z 21 = Z a + aZ b + a 2 Z c
3
] (8.2.27.1)

Symmetrical Series Impedances [Ref. 1, p. 289]

A symmetrical load is defined as a load whose sequence impedance matrix is diagonal; that is, all
mutual impedances are zero. Equation these mutual impedances to zero and solving, the following
conditions for a symmetrical load are determined. When both
Za = Zb = Zc ⎫
⎬ Conditions for a symmetrical load
Z ab = Z bc = Z ca ⎭
Diagonal Sequence impedances
Z 0 = Z a + 2 Z ab
Z 1 = Z 2 = Z a − Z ab
Off-diagonal sequence impedances
Z 01 = Z 20 = Z 02 = Z10 = Z 12 = Z 21 = 0

Symmetrical Series Impedances without Mutual Inductances

A symmetrical load is defined as a load whose sequence impedance matrix is diagonal; that is, all
mutual impedances are zero. Equation these mutual impedances to zero and solving, the following
conditions for a symmetrical load are determined. When both
Za = Zb = Zc ⎫
⎬ Conditions for a symmetrical load
Z ab = Z bc = Z ca ⎭
Diagonal Sequence impedances
Z0 = Za = Z2 = Za
Off-diagonal sequence impedances
Z 01 = Z 20 = Z 02 = Z10 = Z 12 = Z 21 = 0

Sequence Network of Impedance Loads [Ref. 3, ch. 8, p. 404]

DMAM Page 9 of 19 Symmetrical Components

Fig. 4.5 shows a balanced Y impedance load. The impedance of each phase is designated ZY, and a
neutral impedance Zn is connected between the load neutral and ground.
The line-to-ground voltage for phase a can be written as
V =Z I +Z I
ag Y a n n
V = Z I + Z (I + I + I )
ag Y a n a b c
V = (Z + Z ) I + Z I + Z I (8.2.1)
ag Y n a n b n c
Similarly,
V = Z I + (Z + Z )I + Z I (8.2.2)
bg n a Y n b n c
V = Z I + Z I + (Z + Z ) I (8.2.3)
cg n a n b Y n c
⎡Vag ⎤ ⎡ Z Y + Z n Zn Z n ⎤ ⎡I a ⎤
⎢ ⎥ ⎢
⎢Vbg ⎥ = ⎢ Z n ZY + Z n Z n ⎥⎥ ⎢⎢ I b ⎥⎥
⎢Vcg ⎥ ⎢⎣ Z n Zn Z Y + Z n ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I c ⎥⎦
⎣ ⎦
V p = V abcg = Z p I p = Z p I abc (8.25)
⎡Vag ⎤
⎢ ⎥
V p = Vabcg = ⎢Vbg ⎥ ;
⎢Vcg ⎥
⎣ ⎦
⎡Z Y + Z n Zn Zn ⎤
⎢
Z p = ⎢ Zn ZY + Z n Z n ⎥⎥ ;
⎢⎣ Z n Zn Z Y + Z n ⎥⎦
⎡I a ⎤
I p = I abc = ⎢⎢ I b ⎥⎥
Fig. 4.5 Balanced Y-impedance load
⎢⎣ I c ⎥⎦

A Vs = Z p AI s
Where, Zp is called phase impedance matrix.
( )
Vs = A -1 Z p A I s
Vs = Z s I s
Weher, Z s = A -1 Z p A is called sequence impedance matrix.
⎡1 1 1 ⎤ ⎡ Z Y + Z n Zn Z n ⎤ ⎡1 1 1 ⎤ ⎡ Z Y + 3Z n 0 0 ⎤
1⎢ 2 ⎥⎢
Z s = ⎢1 a a ⎥ ⎢ Z n ZY + Z n Z n ⎥⎥ ⎢⎢1 a 2 a ⎥⎥ = ⎢⎢ 0 Z Y 0 ⎥⎥ ;
3
⎢⎣1 a 2 a ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ Z n Zn Z Y + Z n ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣1 a a 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ 0 0 Z Y ⎥⎦
⎡V0 ⎤ ⎡ Z Y + 3Z n 0 0 ⎤ ⎡ I 0 ⎤
⎢V ⎥ = ⎢ 0 Z Y 0 ⎥⎥ ⎢⎢ I 1 ⎥⎥
⎢ 1⎥ ⎢
⎢⎣V2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ 0 0 Z Y ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I 2 ⎥⎦
V0 = ( Z Y + 3Z n ) I 0 = Z 0 I 0 (8.2.13)
V1 = Z Y I 1 = Z1 I 1 (8.2.14)
V2 = Z Y I 2 = Z 2 I 2 (8.2.15)

DMAM Page 10 of 19 Symmetrical Components

Where, Z 0 = Z Y + 3Z n is called zero-sequence impedance; Z 1 = Z Y is called positive-sequence
impedance; Z 2 = Z Y is called negative-sequence impedance;

Fig. 4.6 [Ref. 3, F. 8.4, p. 407] Sequence network of a balanced Y-connected load.

Eqs. (8.2.13) – (8.2.15) can be represented by the three networks shown in Fig. 4.6. These networks
are called the zero-sequence, positive-sequence, and negative-sequence networks. As shown, each
network is separate, uncoupled from the other two. This separation underlies the advantages of
symmetrical components.
When the neutral of the Y-connected load is solidly grounded with a zero-ohm conductor, the neutral
impedance Zn is zero but I0 is not zero and the term 3Zn in the zero-sequence network becomes short-
circuit.
If there has no neutral path, then the neutral impedance Zn is infinite and the term 3Zn is the zero-
sequence network becomes an open circuit.
Under this condition of an open
neutral, no zero-sequence current
exists (I0 = 0). The zero-sequence
network is open at the ∆-connected
circuit. Zero-sequence current may
circulate inside the ∆-circuit since the
∆ is a closed series circuit fir
circulating single-phase currents. Such
current would have to be produced in
the ∆, however, by induction from an
outside source or by zero-sequence
generated voltages. A ∆ circuit and its Fig. 4.7 [Ref.1, F. 1.17, p. 298] ∆-connected load and its
zero-sequence network are shown in zero-sequence network.
Fig. 4.7.

Fig. 4.8 [Ref. 3, F. 8.5, p. 408] Sequence network for an equivalent Y representation of a balanced ∆-
connected load.

DMAM Page 11 of 19 Symmetrical Components

Even when zero-sequence voltages are generated in the phases of the ∆, no zero-sequence voltages
exists between the ∆ terminals, for the rise in voltage in each phase of the generator is matched by the
voltage drop in the zero-sequence impedance of each phase.
The sequence network of the equivalent Y load corresponding to a balanced-∆ load are shown in Fig.
4.8.

Example 8.4 [Ref. 3, p. 408] A balanced Y load is in parallel with a balanced ∆-connected capacitor
bank. The Y load has an impedance ZY = (3+j4) Ω per phase, and its neutral is grounded through an
inductiove reactnce Xn = 2 Ω. The capacitor bank has a reactance Xc = 30 Ω per phase. Draw sequence
network for this load and calculate the load sequence impedances.

Solution:

Z0= ZY + 3Zn = 3 + j4 + 3(j2) = 3+j10 Ω

Z1=ZY//(Z∆/3)=(3+j4)(-j30/3)/[3+j4–
(j30/3)]= 7.454∠26.57o Ω
Z2= Z1= 7.454∠26.57o Ω

Sequence Network of Unloaded Generators [Ref. 1, 291]

A synchronous generator, grounded through a reactor, is shown in Fig. 11.13. When a fault (not
indicated in the figure) occurs at the terminals of the generator, current Ia, Ib, and Ic flow in the lines. If
the fault involves ground, the current flowing into the neutral of the generator is designated In and the
line currents can be resolved into their symmetrical components regardless of how unbalanced they
may be.
− Z I + E − Z I −V =0
n n a g a ag
V = −Z I − Z I + E
ag g a n n a;
I =I +I +I
Let n a b c

V = −Z I − Z (I + I + I ) + E
ag g a n a b c a
= −( Z + Z ) I − Z I − Z I + E
g n a n b n c a
V = −Z I − Z (I + I + I ) + E
bg g b n a b c b
= − Z I − (Z + Z ) I − Z I + E
n a g n b n c b
V = −Z I − Z (I + I + I ) + E Fig. 11.13 [Ref. 1, p. 292] Circuit diagram of an
cg g c n a b c c
= −Z I − Z I − (Z + Z ) I + E unloaded generator.
n a n b g n c c

DMAM Page 12 of 19 Symmetrical Components

⎡Vag ⎤ ⎡Z g + Z n Zn Z n ⎤ ⎡I a ⎤ ⎡Ea ⎤
⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
⎢Vbg ⎥ = − ⎢ Z n Zg + Zn Z n ⎥ ⎢⎢ I b ⎥⎥ + ⎢⎢ E b ⎥⎥
⎢Vcg ⎥ ⎢ Zn Zn Z g + Z n ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I c ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ E c ⎥⎦
⎣ ⎦ ⎣
V p = V abcg = − Z p I p + E p = − Z p I abc + E p
⎡Vag ⎤ ⎡ Ea ⎤ ⎡Z g + Z n Zn Zn ⎤ ⎡I a ⎤
⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
V p = Vabcg = ⎢Vbg ⎥ ; E p = ⎢ Eb ⎥ ; Z p = ⎢ Z n Z g + Zn Zn ⎥ ; I p = I abc = ⎢⎢ I b ⎥⎥
⎢Vcg ⎥ ⎢⎣ Ec ⎥⎦ ⎢ Zn Zn Z g + Z n ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I c ⎥⎦
⎣ ⎦ ⎣
A Vs = − Z p AI s + AE p
Vs = −(A -1 Z p A)I s + A -1 E p

⎡Va 0 ⎤ ⎡1 1 1 ⎤ ⎡ Z g + Z n Zn Z n ⎤ ⎡1 1 1 ⎤ ⎡ I a 0 ⎤ ⎡1 1 1 ⎤ ⎡ E a ⎤
⎢V ⎥ = − 1 ⎢1 a a 2 ⎥ ⎢ Z Zg + Zn
⎥⎢ 2 ⎥ ⎢ ⎥ 1⎢
Z n ⎥ ⎢1 a a ⎥ ⎢ I a1 ⎥ + ⎢1 a a 2 ⎥⎥ ⎢⎢a 2 E a ⎥⎥
⎢ a1 ⎥ 3 ⎢ ⎥ ⎢ n
3
⎢⎣Va 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣1 a 2 a ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ Z n Zn Z g + Z n ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣1 a a 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I a 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣1 a 2 a ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ aE a ⎥⎦
⎡Va 0 ⎤ ⎡ Z g + 3Z n 0 0 ⎤ ⎡ I a 0 ⎤ ⎡ 0 ⎤
⎢V ⎥ = − ⎢ 0
⎥
Z g 0 ⎥ ⎢⎢ I a1 ⎥⎥ + ⎢⎢ E a ⎥⎥
⎢ a1 ⎥ ⎢
⎢⎣Va 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢ 0 0 Z g ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I a 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ 0 ⎥⎦
⎣
Let, Z g 0 = Z g + 3Z n ; Z g1 = Z g 2 = Z g
⎡Va 0 ⎤ ⎡ 0 ⎤ ⎡ Z 0 0 0 ⎤ ⎡ I a 0 ⎤
⎢V ⎥ = ⎢ E ⎥ − ⎢ 0 Z 0 ⎥ ⎢ I ⎥
⎢ a1 ⎥ ⎢ a ⎥ ⎢ 1 ⎥ ⎢ a1 ⎥
⎢⎣Va 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ 0 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ 0 0 Z 2 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ I a 2 ⎥⎦
Va 0 = − Z 0 I a 0 ; Va1 = E a − Z 1 I a1 ; Va 2 = − Z 2 I a 2
The equations developed to this point are based on a simple machine model which assumes the
existence of only fundamental components of currents; on this basis the positive- and negative
sequence impedance are found to equal to one another but quite difference from the zero-sequence
impedance.
In fact, however, the impedances of rotating machines to currents of the three sequences will generally
be different fro each sequence. The mmf produced by negative-sequence armature current rotates in
the direction opposite to that of the rotor which has the dc field winding. Unlike the flux produced by
positive-sequence current, which is stationary with respect to the rotor, the flux produced by the
negative-sequence current is sweeping rapidly over the face of the rotor. The current induced in the
field and damper windings counteract the rotating mmf of the armature and thereby reduce the flux
penetrating of the rotor.
This condition is similar to the rapidly changing flux immediately upon the occurrence of a
short circuit at the terminals of a machine. The flux paths are the same as those encountered in
evaluating subtransient reactance. So, in a cylindrical-rotor machine subtransient and negative-
sequence reactances are equal.
The reactances in both the positive- and negative-sequence circuits are often taken to be equal to
the subtransient or transient reactance, depending on whether subtransient or transient conditions
are being studied.
When only zero-sequence current flows in the armature winding of a three-phase machine, the
current and mmf of one phase are a maximum at the same time as the current and mmf of each of
the other phases. The windings are so distributed around the circumference of the armature that

DMAM Page 13 of 19 Symmetrical Components

the point of maximum mmf produced by on e phase is displaced 120 electrical degrees in space
from the point of maximum mmf of each of the other phases.

(a) Zero-sequence current paths (b) Zero-sequence network

(c) Positive-sequence current paths (d) Positive-sequence network

(e) Negative-sequence current paths (f) Negative-sequence network

Fig. 11.14 Paths for current of each sequence in a generator and the corresponding sequence networks.
If the mmf produced by the current of each phase had a perfectly sinusoidal distribution in space, a
plot of mmf around the armature would result in three sinusoidal curves whose sum would be
zero at every point. No flux would be produced across the air gap, and the only reactance of any
phase winding would be that due to leakage and end turns. In an actual machine the winding is not
distributed to produce perfectly sinusoidal mmf. The flux resulting from the, sum of the mmfs is very
small, which makes the zero-sequence reactance the smallest of the machine's reactances -just
somewhat higher than zero of the ideal case where there is no air-gap flux due to zero-sequence
current.

Sequence Model of Three-phase Transformer [Ref. 3, p. 422]

No current flows in the primary of a transformer unless current flows in the secondary, if we neglect
the relatively small magnetizing current. The primary current is determined by the secondary
current and the turns ratio of the windings, again with magnetizing current neglected. These
principles guide us in the analysis of individual cases.
The positive- and negative-sequence of three-phase transformer impedances of each type of
connection are identical.

DMAM Page 14 of 19 Symmetrical Components

 A phase shift is included in positive- and negative-sequence networks. For the American
Standard, the positive-sequence voltage and currents on the high-voltage side of Y-∆
transformers lead the corresponding quantities on the low voltage side by 30o. For negative
sequence, the high-voltage quantities lag by 30o.
Zero-sequence current in the Y winding if there is a neutral connection, and corresponding zero-
sequence currents flow within the ∆ winding. However, no zero-sequence current enter or leaves
the ∆ winding.

Symbols Connection Diagrams Zero-sequence Circuits

Fig. 11.18 Zero-sequence equivalent circuits of three-phase transformer banks, together with
diagrams of connections and the symbols for one-line diagram.

DMAM Page 15 of 19 Symmetrical Components

Five possible connections of two-winding transformers will be discussed. These connections are
summarized, along with their zero-sequence circuits, in Fig. 11.18. The arrows on the connection
diagrams of the figures to follow show the possible paths for the flow of zero-sequence current.
Absence of an arrow indicates that the transformer connection is such that zero-sequence
current cannot flow.
The zero-sequence equivalent circuits are approximate as shown since resistance and the magnetizing-
current path are omitted from each circuit. The letters P and Q identify corresponding points on the
connection diagram and equivalent circuit. The reasoning to justify the equivalent circuit for each
connection follows.

Case 1: Y-Y bank, One Neutral Grounded If either one of the neutral of Y-Y bank is ungrounded,
zero-sequence current cannot flow in either winding. The absence of path through one winding
prevents current in the other. An open circuit exists for zero-sequence current between the two parts of
the system connected by the transformer.

Case 2: Y-Y bank, Both Neutral Grounded In this connection a path through the transformer exists
for zero-sequence current in both-windings. The zero sequence current can flow in both windings of
transformer.

Case 3: Y-∆ bank, Grounded Y If the neutral of a Y-∆ is grounded, zero-sequence currents have a path
to ground through the Y because corresponding induced current can circulate in the ∆. The equivalent
circuit must be provided for a path from the line on the Y side through the equivalent impedance to the
reference bus. An open circuit must exist between the line and the reference bus on the ∆ side.

Case 4: Y-∆ bank, Ungrounded Y An ungrounded Y zero-sequence current cannot flow in the
transformer winding.

Case 5: ∆-∆ bank Since a ∆ circuit provides no return path for zero-sequence current, no zero-
sequence current can flow into a ∆-∆ bank, although it can circulate within the ∆ windings.

Zero-sequence equivalent circuits determined for various parts of the system separately are readily
combined to form the complete zero-sequence network as shown in Figs. 11.19 and 11.20.

Fig. 11.19 One-line diagram of a

small power system and the
corresponding zero-sequence
network.

DMAM Page 16 of 19 Symmetrical Components

 Fig. 11.20 One-
line diagram of a
small power
system and the
corresponding
zero-sequence
network.

Example 11.4 [1, p.301]

Draw (i) the positive-sequence network, (ii) negative-sequence network , and (iii) zero-sequence
network for the system shown in the figure:
G1: 300 MVA, 20 kV, X′′ = 20%, zero-sequence reactance, X0= 5%, current limiting reactors Zn= 0.4
Ω
Transmission line: 64 km (4- mi), series reactance of the transmission line is 0.5 Ω/km, zero-sequence
reactance = 1.5 Ω/km.
T1: 350 MVA, 230/20 kV, X′′ = 10%
T2: 300 MVA, 220/13.2 kV, X′′ = 10%
M1: 200 MVA, 13.2 kV, X′′ = 20%, zero-sequence reactance, X0=5%, current limiting reactors Zn= 0.4
Ω
M2: 100 MVA, 13.2 kV, X′′ = 20%, zero-sequence reactance, X0= 5%
Select the generator rating as base in the generator circuit.

DMAM Page 17 of 19 Symmetrical Components

Solution: Base MVA, Sbase, 3φ = 300 MVA
Base kV, VbaseLL = 20 kV

(base kV )2 2
G1: Z = LL = (20) = 1.333 Ω
base base MVA 300
0.4
3Z = 3 = 0.9 pu
n 1.333
X′′ = 0.1 pu; X0 = 0.05 pu
2
⎛ 230 ⎞ ⎛ 300 ⎞
T1: X ' ' = 0.1⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ = 0.0857 pu
⎝ 230 ⎠ ⎝ 350 ⎠

Transmission Line:
Given, series reactance of the transmission line is 0.5 Ω/km.
Reactance of transmission line, X = 0.5 × 64 Ω
(base kV ) 2 (230) 2
Base impedance of transmission line, Z = LL = = 176.3 Ω
base base MVA 300
X 0.5 × 64
Per-unit reactance of transmission line, X = = = 0.1815 pu
Z 176.3
base
1.5 × 64
X = = 0.5445 pu
0 176.3
2
⎛ 13.2 ⎞ ⎛ 300 ⎞
T2: X ' ' = 0.1⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ = 0.0915 pu
⎝ 13.8 ⎠ ⎝ 300 ⎠

(base kV )2 2
Motor M1: Z = LL = (13.8) = 0.635 Ω
base base MVA 300
2
⎛ 13.2 ⎞ ⎛ 300 ⎞
X ' ' = 0.2⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ = 0.2745 pu
⎝ 13.8 ⎠ ⎝ 200 ⎠
2
⎛ 13.2 ⎞ ⎛ 300 ⎞
X = 0.05⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ = 0.0686 pu
0 ⎝ 13.8 ⎠ ⎝ 200 ⎠
0.4
3Z = 3 = 1.89 pu
n 0.635

DMAM Page 18 of 19 Symmetrical Components

 2
⎛ 13.2 ⎞ ⎛ 300 ⎞
Motor M2: X ' ' = 0.2⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ = 0.5490
⎝ 13.8 ⎠ ⎝ 100 ⎠
2
⎛ 13.2 ⎞ ⎛ 300 ⎞
X = 0.05⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ = 0.1372 pu
0 ⎝ 13.8 ⎠ ⎝ 100 ⎠

Fig. 11.21 Sequence networks of Example 11.4

References
[1] Willaim D. Stevenson, Elements of Power System Analysis, Fouth Edition, McGraw-Hill
International Editions, Civil Engineering Series, McGraw-Hill Inc.
[2] John J. Grainger, William D. Steevnson, Jr., Power System Analysis, McGraw-Hill Series in
Electrical and Conputer Engineering, McGraw-Hill Inc.
[3] J. Duncan Glover, Mulukutla S. Sharma, Thomas J. Overbye, Power System Analysis and Design,
Fouth Edition (India Edition), Course Technology Cengage Learning
[4] Hadi Saadat, Power System Analysis, Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Limited
[5] I J Nagrath, D P Lothari, Modern Power System Analysis, Second Edition, Tata McGraw-Hill
Publishing Company Liited
[6] V. K. Mehta, Rohit Mehta, Principles of Power System, Multicolor Illustrative Edition, S. Chand
and Company Limited

DMAM Page 19 of 19 Symmetrical Components