Search

Premium Membership ♕

Limited Time Offer: Save 15% on PRO Plan with discount code: LRN15 and study specialized LV/MV/HV technical articles and studies.

Home / Download Center / Electrical Engineering Books and Technical Guides / Electricity generation, t&d guides / Case study of fault mitigation measures in 132kV electrical network of South Africa

Fault current limiting devices (FCLDs)

Utilities are governed by standard in terms of their system availability and quality of power. These standards are becoming key factors in determining pricing and network investment. It is thus important to fully understand the introduction of new equipment in the network. It is important that volt drop, harmonics and ferroresonance are studied in the network when fault current limiting devices (FCLD) is be considered.

Case study of fault mitigation measures in 132kV electrical network of South Africa
Case study of fault mitigation measures in 132kV electrical network of South Africa

Volt drop and Regulation

One of the first criteria that is checked in any network is the voltage at various junctions and customers. Fault current limiting devices (FCLDs) must have low impedance in order to reduce the voltage drop across it during normal operation. This would reduce the energy losses and be a strong motivation factor in the selection process of FCL mitigation measure. This is the key factor in the choice of passive devices while active ones will generally not have this problem.

The low or no energy consumption and better voltage quality of active devices will be weighed against the high costs of the device and installation. FCLD location will have an effect on the voltage regulation in the network.

During a fault, fault current limiting devices (FCLD) can cause voltage sags in other part of the system. Feeders downstream to the FCLD will be effected more than those adjacent to it.


Ferroresonance

This is a phenomenon that occur in networks with non-linear inductance properties. This could lead to overvoltage and overcurrent in the network.

The response characteristics of the FCLD has to be examined at the voltage using actual test results. No ferroresonance will occur if the FCLD displays linear inductance characteristics. If not, a capacitor will have to be used in series with the reactor.


Impacts of Fault Current Limitation on Existing Protection Schemes

Protection systems play one of the most important roles in power networks by ensuring that equipment only experience stresses within their designed limits. In order to ensure that the criteria is met, protection co-ordination settings will ensure that equipment deliver the necessary power under normal conditions.

Should abnormal conditions in the network arise due to disturbances or circuit parameters shifting out of the specified ranges, then the areas or zones that have been affected, will need to be isolated. High FCL make protection devices sense abnormal conditions quicker and can thus take action faster.

When fault current limiting devices (FCLs) change in a network the protection grading would thus have to change accordingly. The effects of fault current limiters have to be fully investigated and their effects on the network quantified.

In a protection scheme, the pickup processing and the co-ordination can be influenced for different types of protection schemes and investigates the effect of the FCLD being located within the zone of protection or outside. Protection schemes may have to change once fault currents limiters have been installed.

A study has to be carried out to determine the effect on the existing protection schemes and what changes, if any would have to take place.


Fault Current Limiter Location

Fault current limiting devices (FCLDs) can be used at various locations within a network as shown in the Figure 1. Position A is at the busbar that supplies the transformers at the primary voltage.

Fault current limiting devices (FCLDs) shown at locations A, B, C and D
Figure 1 – Fault current limiting devices (FCLDs) shown at locations A, B, C and D

In the HV context, at the 275 kV voltage level, it is a rare occurrence to experience high fault current limiting devices (FCLs). It is likely to occur in a highly inter-connected 275 kV network with large generation capacity being supplied by short lines. Installing FCLDs at position B is avoided due to the losses volt drop that would be experienced. The most optimal position is between the bus bars at position C.

The bus-section is operated open and the FCLD is used when the bus-section has to be closed. D shows the FCLD on used to supply out of the SS, which might be a portion of the network where high FLCs are a problem.


Analysis of Fault Levels in HV networks

The accuracy of fault levels is dependent on the model parameters used. When using simulation packages, the results obtained give an approximation of the network behaviour in the event of a fault level. The introduction of new plant, generation and the growing trends of embedded generation have shown to increase fault current levels.

The pre-fault voltage level has great impact on the calculated fault level. The following factor affects the fault voltage level:

  • Operating conditions of generators (power factor)
  • Tap changer positions of transformers
  • Network impedances of lines and cables
  • The estimated load demand on the network at the time of the study
Title:Case study of fault mitigation in 132kV electrical network – Vasudevan Chetty; Mini-Dissertation Submitted in fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science; Electrical Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Format:PDF
Size:2.1 MB
Pages:61
Download:Here 🔗 (Get Premium Membership) | Video Courses | Download Updates
Case study of fault mitigation in 132kV electrical network
Case study of fault mitigation in 132kV electrical network

Premium Membership

Get access to premium HV/MV/LV technical articles, advanced electrical engineering guides, papers, and much more! It will help you to shape up your technical skills in your everyday life as an electrical engineer.
50% Discount 💥 - Save 50% on all 90+ video courses with Enterprise Membership plan.

More Information

One Comment


  1. Mhd. Bassam Heimour
    Jun 21, 2021

    what risks are exist if 33kV Voltage Transformers replaced temporarily by 66kV one?

Leave a Comment

Tell us what you're thinking. We care about your opinion! Please keep in mind that comments are moderated and rel="nofollow" is in use. So, please do not use a spammy keyword or a domain as your name, or it will be deleted. Let's have a professional and meaningful conversation instead. Thanks for dropping by!

ninety four  −    =  eighty six

Learn How to Design Power Systems

Learn to design LV/MV/HV power systems through professional video courses. Lifetime access. Enjoy learning!

Subscribe to Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe to our Weekly Digest newsletter and receive free updates on new technical articles, video courses and guides (PDF).
EEP Academy Courses - A hand crafted cutting-edge electrical engineering knowledge