Distributed Resource

Interconnection Protection

April 5, 2005
D.M. Costyk
1
What’s down the road today??

2
 Course Goals

• Review Basic Relaying Principles

• Develop an understanding of the effects of

substation and DR Size

• Review examples of key issues

• Underscore that training and tools are absolute

necessities to properly review DR connections.

3
 Main Topics
• Equipment Operation Overview

• Basic Principles

• Interaction of equipment operation with DR

• Issues

• Sample Case Relay Studies

• Key Regulatory Points

• SCADA
4
Equipment &
Operation

5
Breakers & Reclosers

6
Breakers

7
Breakers

8
 Breakers

Key Points for DG

• Interrupt and Disconnect Fault

• Disconnect Generator
• Provide Isolated low level Current
to Relays from CTs
• Utility Substation breakers
typically automatically reclose

• Note
o Load Capability
o Interrupting Rating
o Fault Closing Rating
o Momentary rating

9
 Reclosers
Key Points for DG

• Automatically Reclose after fault

Photo/ • Fast tripping curve saves fuses
outline • Slow tripping curve permits fuse to
isolate fault
• Single phase and three phase types

• Note
o Load Capability
o Interrupting Rating
o Fault Closing Rating
o Momentary Rating

10
 Issue #3 Single Phase Recloser Timing Diagram Loadability
Sensitivity

Out of Synchronism
Approx Approx Approx Selectivity
100 100 100
cycles cycles cycles

Condition
Time of fault Locked Out
Open

Closed

4 cycles 10-200 cycles 10-200 cycles 10-200 cycles

(“A” Fast (“D” Slow curve) (“D” Slow curve) (“D” Slow curve)
Curve)

Single Phase Recloser Sequence:

1. Single phase to ground fault occurs.

2. Recloser opens on “Fast” time delay curve
3. Recloser recloses with no intentional time delay (approximately 100 cycles)
4. Recloser opens on “Slow” time delay curve
5. Recloser recloses with no intentional time delay (approximately 100 cycles)
6. Recloser opens again on “Slow” time delay curve.
7. Recloser recloses the final time with no intentional time delay (approximately 100 cycles)
8. Recloser opens the final time on the “Slow” time delay curve.
9. Recloser locks out and stays open until manually closed.
11
 Issue #3 Three Phase Recloser Timing Diagram
Loadability
Sensitivity
Approx Selectivity
15 cycles 20 seconds 20 seconds

Time of fault Locked Out

Open

Recloser
Status

Closed

4-40 cycles 4-900 cycles 4-900 cycles 4-900 cycles

(Fast (Slow curve) (Slow curve) (Slow curve)
Curve)

3 Phase Recloser Sequence:

1. Fault occurs
2. Recloser opens on “Fast” time delay curve
3. Recloser recloses with no intentional time delay (approximately 15 cycles)
4. Recloser opens on “Slow” time delay curve
5. Recloser recloses after set time delay. (20 seconds in this case)
6. Recloser opens again on “Slow” time delay curve.
7. Recloser recloses the final time after set time delay. (20 seconds in this case)
8. Recloser opens the final time on the “Slow” time delay curve.
9. Recloser locks out and stays open until manually closed.
12
 Fuses
Key Points for DG

• Typical Protection at Customer’s

Photo/ cable pole
outline • Single phase operation
• Fast recloser tripping curve saves
fuses
• Slow tripping curve permits fuse to
isolate fault
• Single phase and three phase
reclsoers can both save fuses

• Note
o Load Capability
o Interrupting Rating
o Fault Closing Rating
o Momentary Rating 13
 DR Relays
3 U/O Voltage
1-U/O Frequency
13.2-4.8 Switch
Cutoff Switches

14
 Relays
Key Points for DG

• Accept voltage and/or current input

• Under/Over Voltage
• Under/Over Frequency
• Reverse Power
• Overcurrent
• Directional Overcurrent
• Timers

• Note
o Load Capability
o Adjustment Range
o Power Supply Voltage

15
 Basic Relaying Principles

Loadability
Equipment must carry load

Sensitivity
The protecitve equipment must sense fault
conditions

Selectivity
Isolate the fault with the minimum amount of load
loss - - the device closest to the fault operates

Reliability
16
Basics

17
Synchronous Generator Fault Characteristics

• Subtransient reactance X” T”
• Transient reactance X’ T’
• Synchronous reactance

• Fault Current is typically 5 times

load current ( X’ approx 0.2 p.u.)
• If = approx 1/X’
• Synchronous generators are
usually the biggest concern of
protection studies

18
 Synchronous Generator Faults Loadability
Sensitivity
Generator Short Circuit Current
Selectivity
It=(I''-I')*e-t/T"+(I'-I)*e-t/T'+I

select object then use format/object/superscript to Colorado Cicuit Study

edit for IOG
Enter Subtransient, transient and synchronous reactance and time constants in box

T" 0.00239 GEN CURRENT

T' 0.405
5
X" 0.158
P.U. CURRENT
4 4.13 3.99 3.85
X' 0.234 3.72
3 3.04
X 1.59 2.59 GEN CURRENT
2 1.69
E 1 1 0.94
I"=E/X" 6.32911392 0
I'=E/X' 4.27350427 1 2 3 4 10 15 30 60
I=E/X 0.62893082
Enter the time in cycles you want the current plotted at
cycles 1 2 3 4 10 15 30 60
I(t) 4.128507 3.985582 3.850264 3.720403 3.044076 2.594967 1.689493 0.937552
EQUIVALENT X (1/I(t) 0.242218 0.250904 0.259722 0.268788 0.328507 0.385361 0.591893 1.066607
time/cycl 1/60 0.016667 0.033333 0.05 0.066667 0.166667 0.25 0.5 1

Key points:
• Transient reactance is used for most relay studies
• The transient time constant falls in the range of most protective
equipment
• However for exended fault periods, the study is complicated by the
changing value of current - - relay and fuse characteristics assume a
19
steady value of current
 Synchronous Generator Faults Loadability
Sensitivity
Selectivity

The fault current for a given DR as a function of time is

given by
I(t) = ( I''- I')e-t/T" + ( I' – I )e-t/T' + I

Subtransient reactance and fault currents, transient

TR reactance and fault current, and either synchronous or
n saturated synchronous reactance and fault currents will
be calculated and plotted for a length of time equal to
five times one transient time constant.
In
Figure 1 Protective Device Time vs The following plots will be made available to the user:
Current characteristic 1-A plot of the fault current through the fuse versus time
2-Plots of the minimum melt and clearing curves for the
fuse
tOP = time when
In device operates
When ∆t1/TR1 + ∆t2/TR2 +… + ∆tn/TRn >= 1

the protective device operates, where

t1 t2 tn tOP ∆tn/TRn = the amount the protective device has “traveled”

to tripping expressed as a fraction 20
∆tn
 Inverter Fault Characterististics Loadability
Sensitivity
Selectivity

• Current vs Votage characteristic

may be progammable
(Pulback characteristic)
• Iine Commutated vs Self
Commutated

1 pu voltage
Characteristic is programmable on
modern inverters

Pullback characteristic 1 pu current 21

Induction Generator Fault Characterististics

Induction
• Similar to motor

22
Synchronous Generators in Parallel
V

Load

23
 7,620v
15,240v
0v
V

7,620v Load

24
 V

Load

•Increase field current to increase output voltage

•Increase torque to increase power output
25
 Synchronous Generator Loading Adjustments
Loadability
To increase load (generator power output) increase torque Sensitivity
applied by prime mover Selectivity

To increase reactive output (Generator var output) increase

field current

26
The 29 Issues

27
 29 Issues
Issue
1 Improper Coordination
2 Nuisance Fuse Blowing
3 Reclosing out of Synchronism
4 Transfer Trip
5 Islanding
6 Equipment Overvoltage
7 Resonant Overvoltage
8 Harmonics
9 Sectionalizer Miscount
10 Reverse Power Relay Malfunctions
11 Voltage Regulation Malfunctions
12 Line Drop Compensator Fooled by DR’s
13 LTC Regulation Affected by DR’s
14a Substation Load Monitoring Errors
14b Cold Load Pickup with & without DR’s
15 Faults withing a DR zone
Issue
16 Isolate DR for Upstream Fault
17 Close-in fault Causes Voltage Dip -
Trips DR
18 Switchgear Ratings
19 Self Excited Induction Generator
20 Long Feeder Steady State Stability
21 Stability During Faults
22 Loss of Exciters Causes Low Voltage
23 Inrush of Induction Machines Can Cause
Voltage Dips
24 Voltage Cancelled by Forced Commutated
Inverters
25 Capacitor Switching Causes Inverter Trips
26 Flicker from Windmill Blades
27 Upstream Single Phase Fault Causes Fuse Blowing
28 Underfrequency Relaying
29 Distribution Automation Studies
28
 29 Issues Key to Relay Studies

Issue Issue

1 Improper Coordination 16 Isolate DR for Upstream Fault

2 Nuisance Fuse Blowing 17 Close-in fault Causes Voltage Dip -
3 Reclosing out of Synchronism Trips DR
4 Transfer Trip 18 Switchgear Ratings
5 Islanding 19
6 Equipment Overvoltage 20
7 21 Stability During Faults
8 22
9 23
10
11 24
12
13 25
14a 26
14b 27 Upstream Single Phase Fault Causes Fuse Blowing
15 28 Underfrequency Relaying
29 Distribution Automation Studies

29
 Prioritization of Key Relay Issues

1 Improper Coordination
(Sensitivity & Selectivity)
5 Islanding
4 Transfer Trip
28 Underfrequency Relaying
3 Reclosing out of Synchronism
21 Stability During Faults
6 Equipment Overvoltage
18 Switchgear Ratings
2 Nuisance Fuse Blowing
16 Isolate DR for Upstream Fault
17 Close-in fault Causes Voltage Dip -
Trips DR
27 Upstream Single Phase Fault Causes Fuse
Blowing
29 Distribution Automation Studies

30
 Basics

The following parameters affect the performance of protective devices:

· The fault current available at the substation bus

· The fault current available from each DR
· Circuit configuration (wye or delta, grounded or ungrounded)
· Circuit topology (radial or ring)
· Impedance of wire or cable between protective devices
· Location of protective devices and DR’s on the circuit
· Location of any type of fault
· The time current characteristic of each protective device

31
 Basics
(Relay Engineer’s DG Study Checklist)

1. Obtain information noted in Appendix A1, “ Information Required to

Evaluate a Request From a Generating Customer to install Facilities
on the Distribution System”.

2. Determine the DR Category from the list below. The interconnection

guidelines may permit a simplified interconnection for the specific
case

· Parallel or not Parallel

· Momentary parallel only

· Sellback or not sellback

· Unit sizes, aggregate size, and generator type. i.e. synchronous,

induction, inverter,

· Standby or base load operation.

3. As appropriate from the DR category from above, model the DR in a

load flow and fault analysis study tool (program) to determine the
effect of the DR on fault current, load current and voltage profile for
all applicable conditions.
32
 Basics
(Partial copy of Appendix A DR questionaire)

General
1. A detailed drawing showing the proposed location of DR facilities
2. A one-line diagram showing the arrangement of the major equipment such as overhead
lines, underground cables, transformers , breakers, disconnects, arresters, C.T.’s, V.T.’s and
metering.
3. A list showing the voltage and normal day to day current ratings of each major electric line
and equipment component

System Protection
1. System protection one-line diagrams
2. A description of each proposed protection scheme
3. Periodic testing and maintenance plans for the system protective devices and interrupting
devices.
4. Protective device settings

Prime Mover
1. Type – gas turbine, spark ignition gas, diesel, photovoltaic, fuel cell, stirling, wind turbine,
and other – describe
2. Manufacturer and model
3. Nominal rating, and overload rating
4. Inertia constant
5. % governor droop, nominal 5%

33
 Basics
Protection Engineer

• Determine if existing protective devices will be desensitized beyond

permissible limits as discussed in EEI Issue 1 “Improper Coordination - -
Reduced Fault Detection Sensitivity”. Recommend protective device
modifications as required.

• Determine if protective device operation is likely to create an Islanded system

fed from the DR. Make appropriated recommendations such as installing
transfer tripping equipment.

• Determine if the additional fault current contribution from the DR subjects any
devices to fault current duty beyond its capability. I.e. interrupting, momentary,
and fault closing ratings

• Determine if reclosing or momentary faults are likely to cause loss of

synchronism by the DR.

• Determine if any protective devices will become overloaded due to the DR

operation. Recommend protective device modifications as required.

• Determine if any protective devices become inselective as discussed in EEI

Issue 2, EEI Issue 16 and EEI Issue 27.
34
 Loadability

Fault Sensitivity Sensitivity

Selectivity

3200A
C A D
A

B 2900A 1300A
CB-1 3800A

Protection Zone

35
 Issue 1 Fault Detection Sensitivity
One-Line
Scenario
Fault at point A as shown below.
• Fault is near the line protection device that has the least available fault current at
its location.
• The substation breaker will typically not be required to sense faults beyond this
device.
• Fault current contribution from DR reduces fault contribution from substation
• Protective device at substation takes longer to trip or does not trip until DR trips

Substation
First Sectionalizing
Breaker Device
Fault A
System Fault Current - Is

II
DR Fault Current - Idr

DR 36
 Loadability
Sensitivity
Selectivity
Selectivity

Fault A = 2987 A

Substation Distribution Circuit 1

Ifs

Distribution Circuit 2

13.2kV Radial Distribution System Improper Device Coordination Fault

Current Paths

37
 Selectivity
10 2 3 4 5 7 100 2 3 4 5 7 1000 2 3 4 5 7 10000 2 3 4 5 7 10 2 3 4 5 7 100 2 3 4 5 7 1000 2 3 4 5 7 10000 2 3 4 5 7
1000 1000 1000 1000

700 700 700 700

500 500 500 500
400 400 400 400
300 300 300 300

200 200 200 200

100 100 100 100

70 70 70 70
50 1 50 50 1 50
40 40 40 40
30 Fault Description: 30 30 30
3LG Bus fault on:
20 Test 13.2 kV 20 20 20
Fault Z= 2.4 Ohm

2 2
S 10 1. Test CO-8 TD=2.000 10 S 10 1. Test CO-8 TD=2.000 10
E CTR=200.0 Tap=5.A No inst. TP=0.7611s E CTR=200.0 Tap=5.A No inst. TP=0.7611s
C 7 7 C 7 IfS+ IfDR = 2987.9A T= 1.68s 7
O IfDR +IfS= 2987.9A T = 1.68s O
N 5 5 N 5 5
D 4 4 D 4 2. Close 140 recl d ME-220-D TD=1.000 4
S 2. Close 140 recl d ME-220-D TD=1.000 S CTR= 1.0 Tap=1.A No inst.
3 CTR= 1.0 Tap=1.A No inst. 3 3 IfDR= 717.3A T= 1.69s 3
IfDR= 717.3A T= 1.69s
2 2 2 2

Fault Description:
3LG Bus fault on:
1 1 1 Test 13.2 kV 1
Fault Z= 2.4 Ohm
.7 .7 .7 .7

.5 .5 .5 .5
.4 .4 .4 .4
.3 .3 .3 .3

.2 .2 .2 .2

.1 .1 .1 .1

.07 .07 .07 .07

.05 .05 .05 .05
.04 .04 .04 .04
.03 .03 .03 .03

.02 .02 .02 .02

Fault I=2987.9 A
.01 .01 .01 .01
10 2 3 4 5 7 100 2 3 4 5 7 1000 2 3 4 5 7 10000 2 3 4 5 7 10 2 3 4 5 7 100 2 3 4 5 7 1000 2 3 4 5 7 10000 2 3 4 5 7
CURRENT (A) CURRENT (A)

TIME-CURRENT CURVES @ Voltage By TIME-CURRENT CURVES @ Voltage By

For 2.4 ohm fault impedance, 15 MVA Substation Transformer and 11 MVA DR No. For 2.4 ohm fault impedance, 15 MVA Substation transformer and 11 MVA DR No.
Comment Fault impedance and DR size adjusted to illustrate selectivity margin Date Comment Fault impedance and DR size adjusted to illustrate selectivity margin Date

38
 Selectivity (notes Cont’d)
10 2 3 4 5 7 100 2 3 4 5 7 1000 2 3 4 5 7 10000 2 3 4 5 7 10 2 3 4 5 7 100 2 3 4 5 7 1000 2 3 4 5 7 10000 2 3 4 5 7
1000 1000 1000 1000

700 700 700 700

500 500 500 500
400 400 400 400
300 300 300 300

200 200 200 200

100 100 100 100

70 70 70 70
50 1 50 50 1 50
40 40 40 40
30 Fault Description: 30 30 30
3LG Bus fault on:
20 Test 13.2 kV 20 20 20
Fault Z= 2.4 Ohm

2 2
S 10 1. Test CO-8 TD=2.000 10 S 10 1. Test CO-8 TD=2.000 10
E CTR=200.0 Tap=5.A No inst. TP=0.7611s E CTR=200.0 Tap=5.A No inst. TP=0.7611s
C 7 7 C 7 IfS+ IfDR = 2987.9A T= 1.68s 7
O IfDR +IfS= 2987.9A T = 1.68s O
N 5 5 N 5 5
D 4 4 D 4 2. Close 140 recl d ME-220-D TD=1.000 4
S 2. Close 140 recl d ME-220-D TD=1.000 S CTR= 1.0 Tap=1.A No inst.
3 CTR= 1.0 Tap=1.A No inst. 3 3 IfDR= 717.3A T= 1.69s 3
IfDR= 717.3A T= 1.69s
2 2 2 2

Fault Description:
3LG Bus fault on:
1 1 1 Test 13.2 kV 1
Fault Z= 2.4 Ohm
.7 .7 .7 .7

.5 .5 .5 .5
.4 .4 .4 .4
.3 .3 .3 .3

.2 .2 .2 .2

.1 .1 .1 .1

.07 .07 .07 .07

.05 .05 .05 .05

.04 .04 .04 .04
.03 .03 .03 .03

.02 .02 .02 .02

Fault I=2987.9 A
.01 .01 .01 .01
10 2 3 4 5 7 100 2 3 4 5 7 1000 2 3 4 5 7 10000 2 3 4 5 7 10 2 3 4 5 7 100 2 3 4 5 7 1000 2 3 4 5 7 10000 2 3 4 5 7
CURRENT (A) CURRENT (A)

TIME-CURRENT CURVES @ Voltage By TIME-CURRENT CURVES @ Voltage By

For 2.4 ohm fault impedance, 15 MVA Substation Transformer and 11 MVA DR No. For 2.4 ohm fault impedance, 15 MVA Substation transformer and 11 MVA DR No.
Comment Fault impedance and DR size adjusted to illustrate selectivity margin Date Comment Fault impedance and DR size adjusted to illustrate selectivity margin Date

39
 Loadability
Sensitivity
Nuisance Fuse Blowing Selectivity

Substation
Breaker

Recloser

CB-1
IfS IfDR

DR

40
 Nuisance Fuse Blowing
10 2 3 4 5 7 100 2 3 4 5 7 1000 2 3 4 5 7 10000 2 3 4 5 7
1000 60000
50000
40000
500 30000

20000
3
250

10000
8000
100 6000
1. 140AD recl mid ME-220-D TD=1.000 5000
CTR= 1.0 Tap=1.A No inst.
4000
50 2. 140AA recl mid ME-220-A TD=1.000 3000
CTR= 1.0 Tap=1.A No inst.
2000
3. I2 80k 62 mid 165-62-80
25 Minimum melt.

1000
800
1
S 10 600 C
E 500 Y
C 400 C
O L
N 5 300 E
D S
S 200
6
2.5 0
H
100 Z
80
1 60
50
2 40
.5 30

20
.25

10
8
.1 6
5
4
.05 3

2
.025

1
.8
.01 .6
10 2 3 4 5 7 100 2 3 4 5 7 1000 2 3 4 5 7 10000 2 3 4 5 7
CURRENT (A)

TIME-CURRENT CURVES @ Voltage By

For No.
Comment Date 41
 Nuisance Fuse Blowing DG current
For 80k fuse and 140a V4L recloser

800

700 694
673 679

616 623
600
DR Fault current

Recloser does not Inselectively Line

500 trip
497 If this point represents the DR and
in rectangle area system
(below 280 amperes) impedance to a branch point, you can
move toward the origin on a straight line
400 that will represent an increasing branch DR Fault
382 length or fault impedance. As you cross Current
the "inselectivity line" from this point, you
enter a region where the fuse should be
300 saved by the recloser fast curve.
283

200

Fuse does not blow in triangle area

100
Hypotenuse represents a line where
the fuse current (DR +system fault current )= 160 amperes
26
0
0 160 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
System Fault Current

42
 Interrupting Ratings

Approximate Values

Universal Link Fuse 8000

Boric Acid Fuse 17,000
Current Limiting Fuse 50,000
Hydraulic Recloser 4000
Vacuum Hydraulic 6000
3 ph Vacuum Recloser 12,000

Must Check the equipment being used

43
 13.2 kV Radial Distribution System - Grounded Wye
Issue #18 Additional DR's Cause Interrupting Ratings to be Exceeded

Cable
Pole
24/32/40 Underground
MVA Cable
approx.1/2 mile

witho 7000 amps

ut D.R
Substation

x
Circuit Breaker

Appro
Figure 1 New Distributed LOAD
Resource Generator
Problem:
1. Maximum system fault current at an existing DR is approximately 7000amps without fault current contribution from the new DR
2. Fuses are capable of interrupting 8000 amps symmetrical, however, it is often desireable to include a margin to accommodate
increased fault level in the future and also to conservatively cover inaccuracies in the fault calculations.
3. A 5 MVA DR is connected electrically near the existing load and contributes approximately 1000 additional amps to the fault
current available at the existing cable pole at the load.
4. Fault current at the existing load is now approximately 8000 amps. If fuses are standard cutout type that are rated at 8000 amps
symmetrical interrupting capability, then they may be subjected to more fault current than they are capable of interrupting.

Solution:
1. Replace the fuses with equipment that has a higher interrupting rating. Note that this problem can arise at any location. All
equipment should be surveyed to insure that it is not subjected to fault duty beyond its capability.
44
 Island Detection
• P1547 section
4.4.1 Unintentional Islanding
For an unintentional island in which the DR energizes a
portion of the Area EPS through the PCC, the DR
interconnection system shall detect the island and cease
to energize the Area EPS within two seconds of the
formation of an island.7

7 Some examples by which this requirement may be met are:

1. The DR aggregate capacity is less than one-third of the
minimum load of the Local EPS.
2. The DR is certified to pass an applicable non-islanding
test.

• Transfer tripping
• Transfer Tripping pilot
45
 Island Detection

• Islanding Problems
– Resynchronizing
– Voltage
– Safety
• P1547 section
• Transfer tripping
• Transfer Tripping pilot

46
 P1547 Island Definitions

3.1.13 island: a condition in which a portion of an Area EPS is

energized solely by one or more Local EPSs through the
associated PCCs while that portion of the Area EPS is
electrically separated from the rest of the Area EPS.

3.1.14 island, intentional: a planned island.

3.1.15 island, unintentional: an unplanned island.

3.1.16 non-islanding: intended to prevent the continued existence of

an island.

47
 P1547 Island Requirements

4.4 Islanding

4.4.1 Unintentional Islanding

For an unintentional island in which the DR energizes a portion of the

Area EPS through the PCC, the DR
interconnection system shall detect the island and cease to energize
the Area EPS within two seconds of the formation
of an island.7

7Some examples by which this requirement may be met are:

1. The DR aggregate capacity is less than one-third of the minimum
load of the Local EPS.
2. The DR is certified to pass an applicable non-islanding test.

48
ISSUE # 4 - Installation of Transfer Trip Relaying

For systems where DR's are not permitted to operate as an island, transfer tripping from
the utility's breaker or recloser to the DR may be needed. The D.R generation is
automatically removed from the utility’s system when the utility’s breaker or recloser
opens.
Circuit Configuration: 13.2kV “Y” Multiground

Dize of DR: Typically:

Medium Range: 100kVA - 1 MVA
Large Range: 1 MVA - 5 MVA

Number of DR’s One or many

Type of DR’s Three phase synchronous machines

Self excited induction machines
Self comutated inverters

Location: See Figures 1, 2, & 3

Circuit Protection: I Substation Breaker

II Three Single Phase Reclosers
III Three Phase Primary Lateral - Fuses (3-
100k)
IV Transformer Primary Fuse (3) at DR Cable
Pole
V DR Transformer Secondary Breaker
VI DR Generator Breaker

Generator Protection: Synchronism Check (not shown)

Over/Under Voltage “
Over/Under Frequency “
Overcurrent “
Neutral Overcurrent “ 49
 13.2 kV Radial Distribution System - Grounded Wye
Installation of Transfer Trip Relaying from Substation
Trip output to Main
Breaker V or Generator
Transfer Trip Relay
Breaker VI
Transfer Trip Relay Transmitter/Receiver
52b contacts Transmitter/Receiver
Audio Tone output to phone line (at DR)
closed when (at Substation)
breaker opens

Fault A

Substation
Circuit Breaker
V

VI

Figure 1 Local Load

Dispersed Generator
Problem: 1. Substation breaker opens for fault at “A” (or manually). The DR is capable of supporting the load of the
distribution circuit. The DR may not be capable of maintaining proper voltage and frequency. Islanded
generation may not be permitted by the utility/DR agreements or policy.
Solutions: 1. Install a transfer trip scheme to isolate the DR from the distribution circuit load. The scheme shown above
has the option of tripping the main breaker V or the generator breaker VI. Tripping the main breaker V, will
permit the DR to continue to serve the local load.
50
2. If there are multiple DR's, it may be sufficient to trip only enough DR sites such that the remaining DRs will
trip off line due to insufficient capacity.
 13.2 kV Radial Distribution System - Grounded Wye
Other Communication Systems
Other Communication Media: Trip output to Main
Breaker V or Generator
- Existing or modified SCADA Companion Receiving
Breaker VI
Open breaker
- Radio Equipment
52b contacts
Sensing Equipment
- Direct voice communication (at DR)
closed when
(at Substation)
breaker opens - Internet
- Celemetry
- Dial-up modems
- Powerline carrier

Substation
Circuit Breaker
V

VI

Local Load
Figure 3 Dispersed Generator

51
Synchronizing and Stability Problems

4.2.5 Loss of Synchronism

Loss of synchronism protection is not
required except as necessary to meet
clause 4.3.2.
4.3.2 Limitation of Flicker Induced
by the DR
The DR shall not create objectionable
flicker for other customers on the Area
EPS. 6

52
ISSUE # 3 - RECLOSING
Fault Type: Single phase to ground
Example #1: Single phase to ground fault causes three phase recloser to operate. Fault is
successfully cleared by recloser operation. DR is connected to system through delta transformer
and does not sense fault. DR stays on line. Recloser recloses and DR is out of sychronism.

Circuit Configuration: 13.2kV “Y” Multiground

Dize of DR: Typically:

Medium Range: 100kVA - 1 MVA
Large Range: 1 MVA - 5 MVA

Number of DR’s One or many

Type of DR’s Three phase synchronous machines

Self excited induction machines
Self comutated inverters

Location: See Figures

Circuit Protection: I Substation Breaker

II Three Phase Recloser or Three Single phase reclosers
IV Transformer Primary Fuse (3) at DR Cable Pole
V DR Transformer Secondary Breaker

Generator Protection: Synchronism Check (not shown)

Over/Under Voltage “
Over/Under Frequency “
Overcurrent “
Neutral Overcurrent “

53
 Stability During Faults
Substation
Breaker
IfS IfDR

CB-1

DR

For a three phase fault shown:

• Assume voltage at the fault is zero
• Load on DR will be reduced
• Torque applied to generator will remain the same for some short period
• Relative phase angle of the rotor of the generator will increase with respect to the
system phase angle
• When the fault is cleared the angle of the generator and the system may be such
that the generator will lose synchronism
• If that happens, generator damage can result and unacceptable voltage flicker
may occur at nearby customers

54
4.2.5 Loss of Synchronism
Loss of synchronism protection is not
required except as necessary to meet
clause 4.3.2.
4.3.2 Limitation of Flicker Induced
by the DR
The DR shall not create objectionable
flicker for other customers on the Area
EPS. 6

55
 13.2 kV Radial Distribution System - Grounded Wye
Fault Causing loss of Synchronism

Underground
Cable
Cable Load
Pole Fault A

I IV
Three Phase to
Substation
ground
Circuit Breaker
Temporary Fault
V

Distributed Generator
•Three phase to ground fault causes voltages to fall to near zero at the generator.
•Because voltage is zero, the power output of the generator goes to near zero.
•For synchronous rotating machines the full torque from the prime mover continues to be applied to
the generator.
•See recloser timing diagram. DR is connected to the system through a delta-wye transformer and does not sense
the fault (Delta does not provide ground current). DR stays on line temporarily. When the recloser recloses, DR
could be out of synchronism with the system.
•Because of this applied torque and the lack of a counter torque cause by load, the rotor speed will increase.

2. DR must be removed prior to reclosing to prevent out of synchronism operation of the generator

56
 Issue #3 Three Phase Recloser Timing Diagram
Approx
15 cycles 20 seconds 20 seconds

Time of fault Locked Out

Open

Recloser
Status

Closed

4-40 cycles 4-900 cycles 4-900 cycles 4-900 cycles

(Fast Curve) (Slow curve) (Slow curve) (Slow curve)

3 Phase Recloser Sequence:

1. Fault occurs
2. Recloser opens on “Fast” time delay curve
3. Recloser recloses with no intentional time delay (approximately 15 cycles)
4. Recloser opens on “Slow” time delay curve
5. Recloser recloses after set time delay. (20 seconds in this case)
6. Recloser opens again on “Slow” time delay curve.
7. Recloser recloses the final time after set time delay. (20 seconds in this case)
8. Recloser opens the final time on the “Slow” time delay curve.
9. Recloser locks out and stays open until manually closed.

57
 Issue #3 Single Phase Recloser Timing Diagram

Out of Synchronism
Approx Approx Approx
100 cycles 100 cycles 100 cycles

Condition
Time of fault Locked Out
Open

Closed

4 cycles 10-200 cycles 10-200 cycles 10-200 cycles

(“A” Fast (“D” Slow curve) (“D” Slow curve) (“D” Slow curve)
Curve)

Single Phase Recloser Sequence:

1. Single phase to ground fault occurs at A.

2. Recloser opens on “Fast” time delay curve
3. Recloser recloses with no intentional time delay (approximately 100 cycles)
4. Recloser opens on “Slow” time delay curve
5. Recloser recloses with no intentional time delay (approximately 100 cycles)
6. Recloser opens again on “Slow” time delay curve.
7. Recloser recloses the final time with no intentional time delay (approximately 100 cycles)
8. Recloser opens the final time on the “Slow” time delay curve.
9. Recloser locks out and stays open until manually closed.

58
 13.2 kV Radial Distribution System - Grounded Wye
Reclosing Out of Synchronism

Underground
Cable
3 Phase Recloser
Cable Load
Pole Fault A

II
I IV
Single Phase to ground
Substation
Temporary Fault
Circuit Breaker
V

Distributed Generator

Example 1: Three-Phase Recloser

Problems: 1. Single phase to ground fault causes three-phase recloser to open. Fault is successfully cleared by recloser.
See recloser timing diagram. DR is connected to the system through a delta-wyetransformer and does not
sense the fault (Delta does not provide ground current). DR stays on line temporarily. When the recloser
recloses, DR could be out of synchronism with the system.

2. DR must be removed prior to reclosing to prevent out of synchronism operation of the generator

59
 13.2 kV Radial Distribution System - Grounded Wye
Reclosing Out of Synchronism
Solutions
Cable
Underground Pole Recloser Dead Line
Cable Sensing
Load
Fault A

I II Single Phase to Ground IV

Substation Temporary Fault
Circuit Breaker
Transfer Trip V

Distributed Generator
Example 1: Three-Phase Recloser (continued)

Solutions: 1. Install dead line sensing at the recloser, which consists of three voltage transformers (VTs) connected wye. If
potential is present on any VT, automatic reclosing of the recloser is disabled. This will prevent reclosing of
the recloser if the DR is operating.
2. Another solution is to install transfer-tripping from the recloser to the DR(s). See Issue #4.

60
 13.2 kV Radial Distribution System - Grounded Wye
Reclosing Out of Synchronism
3 Single Phase Reclosers
Underground
Cable
Cable X
Pole
Y

Z Fault A
I One-Line
Substation Representation
Circuit Breaker of Three Phases II IV
Single Phase to Ground
Temporary Fault
V Other Remote
Customer Load

Local Load
Single Phase 20kVA
Example 2: Three Single-Phase Reclosers
Synchronous Distributed Generator
Problems: 1. Recloser on Phase Z opens on fast curve “A” and may reclose before generator breaker opens. The generator
is less likely to trip as the distance or impedance between the fault and generator increases.

2. Recloser recloses prior to generator breaker opening which could result in non-synchronous operation. See
single phase recloser timing diagram.

Solution: 1. Install dead-line sensing at the recloser. This consists of 1 VT at the recloser. This prevents the recloser from
closing if the generator is in operation.

61
Case Studies

62
 Issues : Fault Current from DR has
maximum desensitizing effect on
substation relay
Increased fault current level may be
above interrupting rating of
RECLOSER equipment
800a load 280a
Solution: Replace underated
1000a Trip
equipment, install current limiting
fuses, install reactors.

BREAKER SECTIONALIZER

80a load
160a Blow

Close to Substation
63
 Issues : Fast reclosing may cause
out of synchronism condition
Island due to small circuit load
RECLOSER beyond recloser
800a load 280a Solution: Remove fast reclosing
1000a Trip Move recloser downstream.

BREAKER SECTIONALIZER

80a load
160a Blow

Downstream of Recloser
64
 Issues : Single phase generator with
blown fuse
Island due to small circuit load
beyond fuses
RECLOSER
800a load 280a Solution: Move fuses downstream.
1000a Trip

BREAKER SECTIONALIZER

80a load
160a Blow

Downstream of Sectionalizing Fuses

65
Some Typical Numbers

66
 Loadability
Fault Currents vs Transformer Size Sensitivity
Selectivity
Line Length
Generator Size
Miles From Source
0.5 1 2 3 5 10
Tranformer size P.U. Imp 10 MVA P.U. Z 13.2kV amps
15 0.08 0.053 8201 5931 4645 3240 2488 1699 947
10 0.08 0.080 5468 4356 3620 2706 2160 1539 896
7.5 0.08 0.107 4101 3442 2965 2322 1909 1407 849
5 0.08 0.160 2734 2424 2178 1810 1548 1201 770
2.5 0.08 0.320 1367 1285 1212 1089 988 834 601

Generator size P.U. Imp 10 MVA P.U. Z 13.2kV amps

10 0.2 0.200 2187 1984 1816 1553 1356 1082 719
5 0.2 0.400 1094 1040 992 908 837 724 541
1 0.2 2.000 219 216 214 210 206 198 182
0.5 0.2 4.000 109 109 108 107 106 104 99
0.1 0.2 20.000 22 22 22 22 22 22 21

Fault A
System Fault Current - IfS

DR Fault Current -

67
 Fault currents on Circuit Loadability
Sensitivity
6000 300 Selectivity
Fault Levels
Fault Current (Am ps)
5000 250
4000 200 Ift
3000 150 Ifs
2000 100 Ifg
1000 50
0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Line length (Miles)

Substation
First Sectionalizing
Breaker Device
Fault A
System Fault Current - Is

II
DR Fault Current - Idr

DR 68
 Loadability
Sensitivity
Fault Currents on Circuit Selectivity

0 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 4 5 10
Zline 0.000 0.041 0.061 0.082 0.102 0.122 0.163 0.204 0.408
Gen On If 5418 3598 3081 2694 2393 2152 1792 1535 894
Ifs 5249 3486 2984 2609 2318 2085 1736 1487 866
Ifg 170 113 97 84 75 67 56 48 28

Gen Off If 5249 3523 3025 2651 2359 2125 1773 1521 890

69
 Loadability
Sensitivity
Selectivity
Fault Levels

Substation Branch
Breaker Node

L1 L2

CB-1
IfS L3 IfDR

DR

70
 Fault Levels Loadability
Sensitivity
Substation Branch
Selectivity
Breaker Node

L1 L2

CB-1
IfS L3 IfDR

DR

Zs’=Zs + Zst + ZL1

Zs Zst ZL1 Zs’
ZL3 ZL3

Zg Zgt ZL2 Zg’

Zg’=Zg + Zgt + ZL3

71
 Fault Level Case Calculation Loadability
Sensitivity
Selectivity

437.39 (base I) p.u. current:

10MVA Base If=1/((Zs’xZg’)/(Zs’+Zg’) + ZL3)
40kv Zs=.03 Zs 0.03 = 5.44pu
10MVA Trf Z=.08 Ztrf 0.08 5.44 x 437.39 (base I) = 2385 amps
350kcm .041/mile ZL10.041 Is = If x Zg/(Zg’ + Zs’)=2254 amps
1 MVA gen Zg=0.2 Zg 2.0 (with a 7 MVA DR, Is is reduced to 2111 amps)
1MVA trf Ztg =0.0575 Ztg 0.575
350 kcm .041/mile ZL2 0.041
Zs’=Zs + Zst + ZL1
350 kcm .041/mile ZL3 0.041
= 0.151
Zs Zst ZL1 Zs’
ZL3 ZL3
=.041

Zg Zgt ZL2 Zg’ Zg’=Zg + Zgt + ZL3

=2.596
72
 Fault Levels Loadability
10 MVA Substation Transformer Sensitivity
1MVA Synchronous DG Selectivity
3 phase faults
Lengths in Miles
Current in amperes
Impedance in per unit 10 MVA Base 13.2kv
L3 1
Z3 0.040831

L1 0.5 1 2 3 5 8 10 ZL2 L2
ZL1 0.020 0.041 0.082 0.122 0.204 0.327 0.408
If 2651 2385 1994 1721 1362 1055 925 0.0204 0.50
Ifs 2524 2254 1857 1579 1215 903 771
Ifg 127 131 137 141 147 152 154
If 2650 2384 1993 1720 1361 1054 924 0.0408 1.00
Ifs 2524 2254 1857 1579 1215 903 771
Ifg 126 130 136 140 146 151 153
If 2649 2383 1992 1718 1359 1052 922 0.0817 2.00
Ifs 2525 2255 1858 1580 1216 903 771
Ifg 124 128 134 138 144 148 150
If 2647 2381 1990 1716 1357 1050 920 0.1225 3.00
Ifs 2525 2255 1858 1580 1216 904 771
Ifg 122 126 132 136 142 146 148
If 2644 2378 1987 1713 1354 1046 916 0.2042 5.00
Ifs 2526 2256 1859 1580 1216 904 772
Ifg 119 122 128 132 137 142 144
If 2638 2372 1980 1705 1346 1037 907 0.4083 10.00
Ifs 2528 2258 1860 1582 1217 905 772
Ifg 111 114 120 123 128 132 134
Fault current levels for various length of L1 and L2 and a single value of L3
To show multiple values of L3 requires multiple sheets
73