4.
UNIT IV UNSYMMETRICAL FAULT ANALYSIS
11. Explain the features of zero-sequence current.
Answer:
Zero-sequence current flows in the neutral conductor or through the ground in a system. It is
typically present in unbalanced fault conditions, such as line-to-ground faults. In a balanced
system or fault, the zero-sequence current is zero, and in systems with ungrounded or floating
neutrals, it can lead to potential problems like overvoltages.
12. Discuss the symmetrical components of three-phase system.
Answer:
In a three-phase system, the symmetrical components are:
Positive sequence: Represents balanced three-phase currents in normal direction.
Negative sequence: Represents balanced three-phase currents in the reverse direction,
typically caused by faults.
Zero-sequence: Represents unbalanced currents in the neutral, typically in the case of
line-to-ground faults.
13. Define negative sequence and zero-sequence components.
Answer:
Negative sequence: Represents a set of three-phase currents or voltages that rotate in the
opposite direction to the positive sequence components.
Zero sequence: Represents a set of three-phase currents or voltages that are equal in
magnitude and phase, and typically occur in the case of unbalanced conditions like line-
to-ground faults.
14. Define short-circuit capacity.
Answer:
Short-circuit capacity refers to the maximum current that a system or equipment can safely carry
during a short circuit. It is usually expressed in terms of fault current in amperes or MVA.
17. What are symmetrical components?
Answer:
Symmetrical components are a mathematical method to represent unbalanced three-phase
currents or voltages as the sum of three balanced components:
Positive sequence component (balanced and rotating in normal direction),
Negative sequence component (balanced but rotating in the reverse direction),
Zero sequence component (equal magnitudes in all three phases, typically in case of
ground faults).
18. Demonstrate the zero-sequence network diagram of a delta-delta connected
transformer.
Answer:
In a delta-delta connected transformer, the zero-sequence network is not present because a delta
connection does not have a neutral point, and zero-sequence currents cannot flow. Therefore, the
zero-sequence network is open or non-existent.
19. In which fault, the negative and zero-sequence currents are absent? Discuss.
Answer:
In a three-phase fault (balanced fault), both the negative and zero-sequence currents are absent.
In this type of fault, all three phases are involved in a balanced manner, so no imbalance occurs
to produce negative or zero-sequence components.
20. Develop the connection of sequence networks for line-to-line fault without
fault impedance.
Answer:
For a line-to-line fault without fault impedance, the sequence networks would consist of:
Positive sequence network: Connected in series with the phase impedance.
Negative sequence network: Similar to the positive sequence network, it would be
connected in series with the negative sequence impedance.
Zero-sequence network: Open or non-existent since no zero-sequence current flows in a
line-to-line fault.
21. Why do we prefer to analyse unsymmetrical faults by symmetrical
components method?
Answer:
We prefer to analyze unsymmetrical faults using the symmetrical components method because it
simplifies the analysis of unbalanced systems by transforming them into balanced sets of
components (positive, negative, and zero sequence), making it easier to solve complex
unbalanced fault conditions.
23. Why is a 3-phase symmetrical fault more severe than a 3-phase
unsymmetrical fault?
Answer:
A 3-phase symmetrical fault is more severe because it involves all three phases and results in a
high magnitude of fault current. In contrast, unsymmetrical faults involve fewer phases, leading
to lower fault currents and less damage.
24. In a 3-phase system, it has been found that negative sequence components
and zero sequence components are absent. What do you conclude from it?
Answer:
If both the negative and zero-sequence components are absent, the system is balanced, and there
is no fault. It indicates that the system is operating under normal conditions with no unbalance or
ground faults.
