A Study on the Effect of Distributed Generation on

Short-Circuit Current
Insu Kim Ronald G. Harley
Electrical Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering
Alabama A&M University Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
Normal, AL, 35711, USA Professor Emeritus at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in
insu.kim@aamu.edu South Africa, rharley@ece.gatech.edu

Abstract-In short-circuit studies, phase shifts in transformers and insisted that transformers connected in different ways
(e.g., connected in wye-delta or vice versa) make difficult to have a significant impact on fault current [11]. Another recent
calculate fault current flowing in sequence-component networks.
study discussed the accuracy of transformer models presented
Therefore, they are often ignored because the magnitude of fault
from the Alternative Transients Program that shift phases in
current is much more of interest than phase angles from the
protection point of view (e.g., overcurrent relays). As high positive- and negative-sequence networks [12]. However,
capacity distributed generation (DG) resources are being these studies have not analyzed distribution networks not only
deployed into distribution networks, they may change the heavily or weakly meshed but also enhanced by DG resources
direction and the phase angle of fault current and cause with relatively high capacity (e.g., 30 and 50 percent). Thus,
abnormal operations of directional or distance relays. Thus, the
the objective of this study is (a) to present an accurate short
objective of this paper is to develop a short-circuit analysis
circuit analysis algorithm able to calculate the magnitude and
algorithm able to (a) calculate changes in phase shifts caused by
transformers in sequence networks with high-capacity DG the phase angle of fault current in meshed or radial networks,
sources and (b) analyze the effect of not only various capacities including phase shifts through transformers, and (b) to analyze
(e.g., 10, 30, and 50 percent) of DG resources but also various the effect of not only various capacities (e.g., 10, 30, and 50
locations of faults on current that flows during a short circuit. percent) of DG resources but also various locations of faults
To verify the developed algorithm, using MATLAB, case studies
on current that flows during the short circuit.
that generate a single line-to-ground fault on (a) the high- and
low-voltage sides and (b) a weakly meshed network are This paper is organized as follows: Section 2 describes a
presented.
problem statement, and Section 3 presents the short-circuit
theory for analyzing phase shifts of transformers and meshed
Index Terms-Distributed generation (DG), phase shift,
sequence network, short circuit, and single line-to-ground fault.
networks. Section 4 provides a flowchart of the implemented
short-circuit analysis algorithm. Section 5 introduces case
I. INTRODUCTION
studies for calculating short-circuit current using the proposed
algorithm. Section 6 summarizes major conclusions of this
As high-capacity distributed generation (DG) resources
study.
such as small-scale synchronous generators, solar, and wind
farms are being deployed into distribution networks, they may II. PROBLEM STATEMENT
change current that flows during a short circuit or an electrical
If a fault occurs on an external line of a distribution system
fault. Thus, many studies have presented various methods for
with high-capacity DG resources, fault current flowing from
short circuit studies, which can be classified by the following
DG resources will flow to the faulted line, which is a reverse
three methods:
direction when compared to the case without DG resources.
(1) solving sequence networks using symmetrical components
Furthermore, since phase angle changes in fault current caused
[1-3],
by DG resources may affect the protection coordination of
(2) iterative compensation methods using bus admittance
directional or distance relays, they should not be ignored.
matrices [4, 5],
Thus, this study is to develop a short-circuit analysis algorithm
(3) iterative compensation methods using bus impedance
able to calculate a phase angle of fault current, including phase
matrices [6-9].
shifts through transformers. For this purpose, it applies a
However, these study ignored phase shifts through
phase-shifting method to positive- and negative-sequence
transformers since the magnitude of fault current is much
networks. In addition, this study changes the capacity of DG
more of interest than phase angles from the protection point of
resources and fault locations in a case study in order to
view (e.g., overcurrent relays). To examine phase shifts of
examine their effect on the magnitude of fault current.
transformers, a study presented a mathematical model and
graph theory (which is referred to as a V-equivalent) of the III. SHORT-CIRCUIT STUDY
delta-wye transformer that shift phases [10]. Another study
modeled the transformer and the load in short circuit analysis A. Current of a Single Line-to-Ground Fault

978-1-5090-0687-8/16/$31.00 2016 IEEE

 In the circuit theory, a power system network with n nodes
can be expressed by currents injected at nodes and voltages
induced at nodes with regard to the reference:
V=Zb,J, (l)
where Zbus is referred to as the bus impedance matrix.
The bus impedance matrix is useful to find the fault current.
(c) Zero sequence
For example, if the phase a of line i is faulted to the ground, Fig. I. Equivalent sequence networks of a transformer connected in delta
single line-to-ground (SLG) fault currents of zero, positive, grounded wye.
and negative sequences are given by
VJ C. Meshed Topology
I o =I I =I 2 = ' (2)
Zo(i, i)+ZI(i, i)+Z2(i, i)+3Zr Fig. 2 presents a meshed topology consisting of four buses
and branches, which can be used to increase the reliability of
where
distribution systems by adding switches between the branches
10, hand h = zero-, positive-, and negative-sequence currents or lines. In the short-circuit study, if (a) each branch or line
of faulted bus or line i, respectively,
has an impedance of ideally 0 and (b) a fault occurs on one of
V;= prefault voltage of Thevenin's equivalent voltage source the branches or buses, currents flowing through each branch
in the positive-sequence network (typically lLO PU), cannot be calculated from the Ohm's equation (e.g.,
Zo(i, i) , ZI (i, i) , and Z2(i, i) = zero-, positive-, and negative I2.I=VdZ2/, but the impedance of Z2/ is 0). Therefore, this

[ 1j
sequence open-circuit driving-point impedances of faulted bus study applies the Kirchhoffs Current Law (KCL) to the
or line i in bus impedance matrices, respectively, meshed topology. For example, if a fault occurs on bus 3 in
Zr= fault impedance. Fig. 2, currents flowing through the branches is determined by
The fault current If of line i is
the following KCL:
IJ =310 =311 =312, 1 -1 0 0 I I. 3
o 1 0 /21 12
- (4)
0 1 124 IF - 13
(3)
1 0
B. Representation of Transformers in Sequence Networks o 0 -1 1 3
In short-circuit studies, since the main concern of which is where Ii,j = the current that flows from buses ito j,
usually the magnitude of fault current, phase shifts through
Ii = the current incoming to or outgoing from bus i.
transformers are often ignored. In other words, transformers
are replaced by simply zero-, positive-, and negative-sequence Since It, h h h and IF can be determined by solving the
impedances. To examine such phase shifts of transformers, sequence networks, the currents flowing through branches,
Fig. 1 illustrates a method that shifts phases between two (e.g., 12, 1 ) can be found by an inverse transformation of (4).
buses in positive- and negative-sequence networks in the case
of a transformer connected in delta-grounded wye. In the
positive-sequence network of the transformer balanced in
three phases, a phase of +30 will be shifted from buses ito j,
shown in (a). The negative sequence shifts by -30.

Fig, 2, 4-bus meshed topology [13].

(a) Positive sequence IV. IMPLEMENTATlON OF THE SHORT-CIRCUIT ANALYSIS

ALGORITHM

Using MATLAB, this study implements an algorithm that

(a) builds bus impedance matrices for positive-, negative-, and
zero-sequence networks, (b) calculates SLG fault current, and
(c) applies the proposed phase-shifting method to sequence
networks. This study used the four rules presented in [1] in
order to build the bus impedance matrix. Fig. 3 presents a
(b) Negative sequence
flowchart of the developed short-circuit algorithm, which will
be verified in the following case studies.

V. CASE STUDY

A. A Distribution Network with DG

In Fig. 4, this study presents a case study of the

distribution system with a DG source in order to (a) verify the
proposed algorithm that calculates phase shifts through
transformers, (b) evaluate changes in fault current when a fault
occurs on either high- or low-voltage sides, and (c) examine
the effect of the capacity of DG and the location of faults on
fault current. For this purpose, this study initially generates a
SLG (single line-to-ground) fault on the high-voltage side of
the distribution system, phase a of feeder 1, and on the low Fig. 5. Equivalent sequence network of the distribution system after a SLG
voltage side, feeder 2. A fault impedance, Zf, of 0 is assumed fault occurs on feeder 1.
and a synchronous generator with a capacity of 10 MVA, TABLE I to TABLE IV show fault currents after a SLG
which is 10 percent of a total generation capacity of 100 MVA, fault. If a SLG fault occurs on the high-voltage side (feeder 1)
is used as an example of a DG source. In this case study, load of the distribution system with a lO-MW synchronous
current is ignored because it is often negligible when generator, a current of 1.4489L-47.04 PU in phase a flows to
compared to large fault current. Then, this study builds bus the ground. But if the same type fault occurs on the low
impedance matrices according to the steps presented in Fig. 3, voltage side of the distribution system, feeder 2, a current of
decomposes the distribution system into zero-, positive-, and 1.2128L-85.34 PU flows, which is lower than 1.4489L-
negative-sequence networks, shown in Fig. 5, and applies 47.04 pu. That is, in the distribution system with DG
phase shifts of transformers to positive- and negative sources, a SLG fault close to the substation seems to increase
sequence networks. Finally, it calculates fault current flowing the magnitude of fault current. Next, the proposed algorithm
from a faulted line to the ground. calculates phase shifts, particularly 30, in voltage and current
of transformers balanced in delta-grounded wye or vice versa,
in positive- and negative-sequence networks, which can be
seen in the columns of hh VI, and V2 of each table. Note that
* sign in the Bus column of TABLE II and TABLE IV
indicates a current direction. For example, "Generator*-7 Bus
S" indicates a line current outgoing from the generator, which
does not contain phase shifts through the delta-wye
transformer.
TABLE T PHASE VOLTAGES AFTER A FAULT ON FEEDER I
Volta e in PU
Bus
Phase A Phase B Phase C V,(Zero) v 1 (Positive) V,(Negative)
Generator ILO IL-120 IL120 OLO lLO OLO
0.6343 1.0008 0.9907 0.1219 0.8735 0.1317
BusS
L-21.26 L-149.41 L89.74 L-136.59 L27.76 L-135.0Io
Feeder I 1.0895 1.0535 0.4208 0.7103 0.2898
OLO
(Fault) L-155.38 L96.78 L-152.02 L29.40 L-148.53
0.3683 0.9399 0.9567 0.1405 0.7494 0.2518
BusR
L-18.62 L-144.27 L83.81 L-137.52 L28.38 L-145.18
0.7495 1.0000 0.7109 0.8072 0.1937
Feeder 2 OLO
LI4.81 L-120.00 LI08.42 L-1.l5 L-1l5.18
DG ILO IL-120.00 ILI20.00 OLO ILO OLO

TABLE IT LINE CURRENTS AFTER A FAULT ON FEEDER I

Fig. 3. A flowchart of the developed short-circuit analysis algorithm. Current in PU
Bus
Phase A Phase B Phase C 1,(Zero) I, (positive) h(Negative)
Generator* 0.6709 0.6709 0.3873 0.3873
OLO OLO
BusS L-45.0Io LI34.99 L-75.0Io L-15.0Io
BusS* 1.0235 0.1388 0.1388 0.2488 0.3873 0.3873
Feeder I L-45.39 LI37.82 LI37.82 L-46.59 L-45.0Io L-45.0Io
Feeder 1* 1.4489 0.4830 0.4830 0.4830
OLO OLO
Fault L-47.04 L-47.04 L-47.04 L-47.04
BusR* 0.4269 0.1388 0.1388 0.2341 0.0968 0.0968
Feeder 2 L-50.99 L-42.18 L-42.18 L-47.52 L-55.18 L-55.18
Feeder 2* 0.1677 0.1677 0.0968 0.0968
Fig. 4. A distribution system with a synchronous generator at the end. OLO OLO
BusR L-55.18 LI24.82 L-85.18 L-25.18
DG' 0.1677 0.1677 0.0968 0.0968
OLO OLO
Feeder 2 L-55.18 LI24.82 L-85.18 L-25.18
Fig, 6. Flows of fault currents after a single line-to-ground fault on feeder 1, impedance compared to the substation in the case of SO
percent DG, the magnitude of current caused by a fault
TABLE TIT PHASE VOLTAGES AFTER A FAULT ON FEEDER2 occurred close to the DG source is greater than that caused by
Volta e in PU a fault close to the substation. For example, the substation has
Bus
Phase A Phase B Phase C Vo(Zero) V,(Positive) V,(Negative)
Generator
jO.34 PU of positive-sequence impedance and j0.49 PU (zero
ILO IL-120,00 ILI20,00 OLO ILO OLO
0,8811 0,9060 1,0000 0,9275 0,0737 sequence) but SO percent DG has jO.4 PU (positive-sequence)
BusS OLO
L-32,83 L-144,80 L90,00 L29,21 LI60,04
and jO.12 PU (zero-sequence). If a fault occurs on feeder 2 in
Feeder I 0,7813 0,7592 1,0000 0,8382 0,1621
OLO the case of SO percent DG, an equivalent impedance of the
(Fault) L-41.44 L-140.49 L90,00 L30,67 LI46,52

BusR
0,7038 0,6186 1.0000
OLO
0,7496 0,2532 zero-sequence network is only jO. l2 Pu. Therefore, it shows
L-52,23 L-134,18 L90,00 L32.49 LI42,62
0,9117 0,9662 0,2426 0,6210 0,3793
the highest magnitude of fault current in all the cases. In
Feeder 2 OLO
L-I13.44 LI12,04 L-175,34 LO,91 L178,5JD addition, in the all cases, the higher capacity a DG source has,
DG ILO IL-120,00 ILI20,00 OLO ILO OLO
fault current with the higher magnitude flows. Note that in the
case of without DG, the fault location of feeder 2 was moved
TABLE TV LINE CURRENTS AFTER A FAULT ON FEEDER 2 to the secondary side of the grounded wye-delta transformer in
Current in PU
Bus Fig. 4, (to avoid that fault current does not flow in the case of
Phase A Phase B Phase C lo(Zero) l,(posilive) h(Negative)
Generator* 0.4333 0,2167 0,2167
OLO
0,2167 0,2167 a fault on feeder 2 of the test feeder without DG because the
BusS L-79,96 LI00,04 LI00,04 L-79,96 L-79,96
side of the DG source is open in the zero-sequence network).
BusS* 0,3753 0,3753 0,2167 0,2167
OLO OLO
Feeder I L-79,95 LI00,05 L-49,95 L-109,95
Feeder 1* 0,3753 0,3753 0,2167 0,2167
OLO OLO
BusR L-79,95 LI00,05 L-49,95 L-109,95
BusR* 0,3753 0,3753 0,2167 0,2167
OLO OLO
Feeder 2 L-79,95 LI00,05 L-49,95 L-109,95
Feeder 2* 1.2128 0.4043 0.4043 0.4043
OLO OLO
Fault L-85,34 L-85,34 L-85,34 L-85,34
DG* 0,7824 0,2167 0,2167 0.4043 0,1896 0,1896
Feeder 2 L-88,32 L-79,96 L-79,96 L-85,34 L-91.49 L-91.49

Fig. 6 shows fault currents that flow in each phase of the

distribution system after a single SLG fault occurs on feeder 1.
A fault current of 6,708.28L-47.04 A, which is the
summation of currents flowing from the substation,
4,738.S1L-4S.39 A, and the DG source, 1,976.42L-SO.99,
flows to the ground. Since this study assumes a DG source
with a capacity of 10 MVA at 0.38 kV, a large fault current of
2S,486.11L-SS.18 A flows from the distributed generator.
In the previous case study, this study fixed the capacity of Fig, 7. Fault currents when capacities of a DG source and locations of a fault
a DG source to 10 percent of a total generation capacity of 100 are varying.

MVA. To examine the effect of not only varying capacities of

DG resources but also the location of faults on the magnitude B. Meshed Network

of fault current, this study changes not only the capacity of
DG resources in a range of 10 MW (10 percent) to SO MW (SO
percent) but also fault locations. Fig. 7 shows the trends in the
magnitude of fault currents. In the cases of without DG and 10
percent DG, if a SLG fault occurs close to the substation (e.g.,
Bus S), the magnitude of fault current is greater than that
caused by a fault occurred far from the substation (e.g., Feeder
2). However, since the DG source has relatively low
To verify the proposed algorithm that analyzes faults
occurring on the meshed network, this study presents a case
study of the IS-bus meshed distribution system in Fig. 8 and
generates a SLG fault on bus 13 of the network. TABLE V
shows the results of fault currents of each branch with an
impedance of 0, calculated from equation (4). Note that h=
h.13 + 115,13 + 113 . In this case study, load current is also
ignored.

Fig. 8. A meshed IS-bus distribution network.
TABLE V LINE CURRENTS AFTER A SLG FAULT OCCURS ON Bus 13
Current in PU
Bus Phase Phase
Phase A lo(Zero) [,(Positive) h(Negative)
B C
19 ,7 0.0078L-58.96 OLO OLO 0.0078L-58.96 0.0026L-58.96 0.0026L-58.96
19.15 0.0078L-58.96 OLO OLO 0.0078L-58.96 0.0026L-58.96 0.0026L-58.96
1,.13 0.0233L-58.96 OLO OLO 0.0233L-58.96 0.0078L-58.96 0.0078L-58.96
115.13 0.0233L-58.96 OLO OLO 0.0233L-58.96 0.0078L-58.96 0.0078L-58.96
1/3 0.0155L-58.96 OLO OLO 0.0155L-58.96 0.0052L-58.96 0.0052L-58.96
IF 0.062IL-58.96 OLO OLO 0.0621L-58.96 0.0207L-58.96 0.0207L-58.96
VI. CONCLUSION
The main objective of this study is to develop a short
circuit analysis algorithm able to (a) calculate phase shifts of
transformers in sequence networks and (b) analyze the
behavior of fault current of distribution systems enhanced by
DG resources. For this purpose, this study has applied a phase
shifting method to positive- and negative-sequence networks
and has presented case studies in which the capacity of DG
resources and fault locations are changed. The results from the
case studies show that in a distribution system with low
capacity DG sources (e.g., less than or equal to 10 percent of
total generation capacity), if a SLG fault occurs close to the
substation, the magnitude of fault current can be greater than
that caused by a fault occurred far from the substation.
However, if the DG source has relatively low impedance when
compared to the substation, in a distribution system with high
capacity DG sources (e.g., 30 and 50 percent), the magnitude
of current caused by a fault occurred close to the DG source
can be greater than that caused by a fault occurred close to the
substation. Finally, the proposed algorithm has calculated
phase shifts, particularly 30, in voltage and current of
transformers balanced in delta-grounded wye or vice versa in
positive- and negative-sequence networks, including a meshed
network.
Although this study presented a short-circuit analysis
algorithm able to analyze a SLG fault on the distribution
system with DG sources, it ignored load current (because it is
negligibly lower than fault current) and did not implement the
other fault types such as double line-to-line, double line-to-
ground, and three-phase faults. In addition, this study did not
analyze sufficiently large distribution networks. However, the
developed algorithm can be extended for such cases by taking
into account of load current, implementing the other fault
types, and modeling large distribution networks, all of which
are still our future work.
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