Fault Analysis and Fault location in Externally and Fuseless split-wye shunt capacitor banks

M. Ali , Safdar Raza

Department of Electrical Engineering
NFC, IET , MULTAN, PAKISTAN
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ABSTRACT
Shunt capacitor banks (SCBs) play a vital role in the electrical industry as a reactive power
compensator and improvement of voltage-efficiency profile. The failure of the shunt capacitor banks
cause unbalances to the power and voltage profile of the system. The time taken to physically locate
the fault place in bank is large and troublesome and hence reduces the efficiency of the system. The
following paper focuses the method of fault location in high voltage shunt capacitor banks using the
technique of neutral current compensation method and also provides detailed fault analysis of the
capacitor bank. This paper covers two types of shunt capacitor banks i) externally fused SCBs ii)
Fuseless SCBs. The investigation will focus on identification of single capacitive faulty element in the
capacitor bank. The paper employs the un-grounded double wye configuration, which is the most
common in our grid system now a days. The technique efficiently applicable for grounded , un-
grounded , even and un-even capacitor bank configurations. The investigation relies on a
comprehensive mathematical modeling of capacitor bank. The results are tabulated using IEEE Std
C37.99-2000.The tabulated results are in per-unit values , hence the following technique not only
removes the problem of complex series –parallel capacitance calculations, but also easier to
understand and apply. The ratio between neutral compensation current and corresponding phase
current will lead us towards faulty element location.

Key Words: Shunt capacitor Bank, Externally-fused capacitor bank, Fuseless capacitor bank, Element
failure, Unit failure , Neutral compensation current

1. INTRODUCTION
Capacitor banks are of two types 1) series capacitor banks 2) shunt capacitor banks. Both these
configurations depend on the method of connecting with in the system. SCBs reduce line current and line
losses and also improve voltage profile and power factor .Series CBs improves the voltage profile of the
system, however they have no control over the current flow as these CBs are connected in series. Moreover,
voltage across the capacitor bank rises up to 15 times of its rated voltage. Hence the use of series CBs is
confined to specific high voltage systems only. Moreover SCBs are economical and can be installed at any
location in transmission grid substation[1].

A SCB is a power-system tool that improves voltage profile[1], power factor correction[2] , power loss
reduction[3] and/or for harmonic filtering [4]. To employ SCBs, the protection and control configuration
should provide the information and the resources to control the SCBs. From an engineer viewpoint,
installing the SCB encounter with challenges to find the optimum placement of SCBs in a system
requirements, providing the required reactive power and also cost-effective and ensure easy- maintenance.
From a protection engineering design, the protection must ensure that all faults internally and externally to
the SCB will not affect the operation , and it must be immune to transients, fast, sensitive, and reliable.

SCB and power system protection schemes are the vital part of the protection of SCBs. SCB protection
schemes are installed for instability provoked inside the SCB itself. In case of fault , the first step taken by
the protection scheme is to isolate the unit or element inside the SCB, so that it may not result in damaging
of the entire SCB unit. In case the fault reach to the greater extent, protection scheme trips that SCB from
the service that may bring us to a clamatious failure, and also alarms to announce unbalance within the SCB.
But all this can be only possible if we can properly locate the fault and its place of occurring.

The recent research has ignored the fault location in more than one type of SCBs and to locate the exact
phase at which the fault occurs. In [5] fault location is found by finding the % overvoltage on SCB.
However the faulty phase location is still unknown. In [6] the operation of SCB during fault condition is
ignored .In [7] a differential current measurement approach is used for fault location. However, this
protection scheme uses more current transformers and less sensitive and is limited to only fuseless SCBs. In
[8] the number of faulty elements are found by using neutral compensation technique. The technique
discussed is not able to detect fault when fault appears in both halves of SCB. The parameters of SCB at
fault are not discussed in detail in above discussed papers. The fault analysis provide all the necessary
information about SCB during fault operation. The above discussed factors are covered in this research
paper in detail. This paper presents the mathematical method to calculate various parameters of the
capacitor bank at fault. The paper also presents the fault analysis of the SCB during fault operation. The
final passage of the paper shows a mathematical model method that effectively locates the faulty-phase and
faulty-section with the wasted unit in case of externally fused SCB and single element in case of fuseless
SCB.

II. Shunt Capacitor Banks

Fig. 1 depicts the four usually employed wye-connected SCBs configurations [9]. Fig.1(a) shows the
ungrounded single wye SCB. Fig.1(b) shows the ungrounded split-wye SCB. Fig.1(c) shows the grounded
single-wye SCB. Fig.1(d) shows the grounded split-wye SCB[8].

(a) (b
)

(c) (d)
Fig. 1. (Four largely employed SCB configurations)

Most SCBs used in transmission and distribution side are wye-connected, either grounded or un-grounded.

Grounded SCBs eradicate the lightning surge currents by offering a low- impedance path to ground .It also
offers strong protection against surge voltages. It substantially lessens the recovery voltages for switching
equipment (approximately twice normal peak voltage)However, they provide a low impedance path for 3 rd
harmonic currents that may cause a communication interference in case of parallel power line. Moreover, an
open phase in vicinity of SCB will cause zero sequence currents that will disturb ground relay operations[9].

Un-Grounded SCBs do not offer a way for zero-sequence currents and high-frequency harmonics .During
system failure they do not offer any way for capacitor discharge. It is mandatory that the neutral should be
insulated to full-line voltage . That’s why they are preferred over grounded SCBs .The double wye design of

Page 2
SCB is a secure and faster way of protection of SCB because any any system unbalance affects both wyes in
equal but a failed capacitor unit and element will be detected by neutral unbalance[9].

III. General Shunt Capacitor Bank Unit Capabilities

Fig 2 shows a single capacitor unit in an externally fused bank. The units are arranged in form of parallel
group. The parallel-designed groups are then arranged in series as per requirements of the voltage rating of
the each capacitor unit provided by the manufacturer. Capacitor units are manufactured in huge voltage
range (216 V - 24,940 V), and VAR ratings (2.5 kVAR - nearly 800 kVAR [8]). Capacitor banks are set up
by the series /parallel formation of capacitor units. Units are banded together in parallel groups according to
the VAR -specification of the SCB. IEEE Std C37.99-2000 [9] provides all specifications for single SCB
unit. To install a fuse before a SCB unit, there are two mandatory requirements. 1) During instable system
conditions, the terminal voltage stress must not surpass the 110 % of rated V RMS voltage. 2) The capacitor
should suffer 135 % of IRMS current[9]. It is strongly recommended to add at least 10 number of units in
parallel, because if one unit goes un-functional, the voltage stress on the fully- functional units does not
exceed by 10% [10] [11].

Fig 2(Description of single SCB unit and element)

With this huge range of VAR and voltage ratings, the protection engineer can design an economical (No.
of units inserted in the SCB, the complexity of the SCB design, schedule maintenance) and the aftermaths of
an element or unit failure. For example, due to the blown fuse in externally -fused bank, one entire unit goes
disengaged. If engineer has designed the SCB with a few units of large kVAR rating, a substantial amount of
kVAR may go out of use. A large kVAR (capacitance) loss will deprive us of available voltage support, the
capacity of reactive power management, or the usefulness of the harmonic filtering .

Many factors dominate the design of a SCB, advancements in the dielectric has majorly lessened the
element failures inside a SCB unit. In the early history, the SCB units employed Kraft paper with a PCB
impregnate as a fundamental dielectric material. The Kraft paper was of supreme refined quality, but the
paper had still many non-uniformities in it [12].To avoid weaker spots in the dielectric material, SCB units
had numerous layers of paper interpolated between the foil layers. When dielectric material of this type went
out of order, the foil layers did not band together to form a firm connection. Instead, the cellulose extended
to arc, resulting in carbonizing of the paper that provoked gas inside the airtight SCB unit. In many cases,
this gas buildup provoked the entire unit to breach, resulting in continuing series of element failures.

Now a days dielectrics are fabricated with a few-layer technology of impregnated polypropylene film.
Film layers are fabricated to be very slim and failures in the capacitive element provoke the foils to band
together, as a result a firm connection is established eliminating the danger of arc and carbonizing. These
stages of a fuse blowing must be understood.

IV. SCB Fault Analysis

Visualize the arrangement in Fig. 3. In Fig. 3(a), the system is in fully-operational condition. This above
circuit has following configurations .Series groups=4 , No of capacitors in each group=10, Source
voltage=12Volts and XC = The reactance of single element (10 Ω). A capacitor symbol makes visible either
one row of an internally fused unit or a complete unit in case of an externally fused SCB
Page 3
Fig 3(a) Normal operation, Fig 3(b) Capacitor short circuited , Fig 3(c) Fuse Blown

Case 1(Short circuit of capacitive element)

Fig. 3(b) depicts that what happens when short circuit appears and no fuse is damaged. These are the results
from above Fig. 3(b).The elements or units in parallel combination with the faulty element or unit are
wasted(short-circuited). Net circuit reactance reduces(Xp=-j3).Net circuit current is increased(IT=4A). The
voltage-stress across the fully-operational series elements or units is elevated(V H=-4<-90V). The elevated
voltage-stress is uniformly distributed among the fully-operational series elements or units.
Case 2(fuse failure in SCB)
Fig. 3(c) depicts the circuit after the fuse blew. These are the results from above Fig. 3(c):The reactance of
the faulted parallel group increases. The voltage across all the elements/units in the faulted parallel group
increases(VF=-3.24<-90V). Net circuit reactance elevates(Xp=-j3). Net circuit current is
decreased(IT=2.92A). The voltage-stress across the fully-operational series elements or units is
reduced(VH=-2.92<-90V).. The elevated voltage-stress is uniformly distributed among the fully-operational
series elements or units.
V. Proposed Fault Identification Mathematical model for Externally fused SCB

The particular protection depends on fusing methods (externally fused banks use fuse as their first line of
protection) size of bank, method of grounding and required installation of current transformer or voltage
transformer[13].

Unbalance protection of SCB has following puposes:

1)To detect a single element or single unit failure depending upon the configuration of SCB(sigle unit
failure in case of externally fused SCB and single element failure in case of fuseless SCB)

2)To perfectly detect more than one elements or units depending upon the configuration of SCB for correct
alarm condition[14].

3)To trip the SCB in case of failure of elements or units beyond the IEEE Standard C37.99-2000[9].

The scope of this paper is limited to fault location and analysis

The proposed scheme is primarily based on the derivation of neutral current. As shown in the Fig 4, first of
all neutral current is found using Kirchhoff’s law

IN=IL1+IL2+IL3 ----------------------(1)

Then applying the current division method in fig 4

IN= (XR1/XL1+XR1 ) × I1 + (XR2/XL2+XR2 )×I2 + (XR3/XL3+XR3 ) ×I3 --------------------------------(2)

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The impedance values are converted into capacitive reactance

IN= (XR1/XL1+XR1 ) × I1 + (XR2/XL2+XR2 )×I2 + (XR3/XL3+XR3 ) ×I3 --------------------------------(2)

Then the measured neutral current equal to:

IN=K1I1+K2I2+K3I3 ----------------(3)

Where

KN=XRN/XRN+XLN ------------------(4)

Fig 4 (Un-grounded wye double bank with neutral compensation protection)

Now It is assumed that fault appears at the left section of the SCB. This fault will change the value of
reactance of XLN to XLFN.As a result new K factor is produced which is termed as K FN having the following
value:

KF1=XR1/XR1+XFL1---------------(5)

The new equation for the neutral current will be as following

INF=KF1I1+K2I2+K3I3 ----------(6)

Where INF=Neutral current at fault condition At this stage it is essential to define neutral compensation
current which is the difference in magnitude of neutral current and the neutral current at the fault stage.

INCOMP=INF-IN-------------------(7)

This neutral compensation will be the key factor in finding the number of faulty units in SCB. By putting
the values of INF and IN, following equation is formed.

INCOMP= (KF1-K1) I1------------(8)

Upon further solving the equation by submitting the values of KF1 and K1 desired final result are ;

INCOMP=I1 ×XR1× (XLF1-XL1)/(XR1+XLF1) × (XR1+XL1)--------(9)

For double-wye SCBs in symmetrical configuration, reactance of both sides are equal in absence of fault:

XR=XL

By putting XR1=XL1, equation 10 is formed;

INCOMP=I1×(XR1-XLF1)/2×(XR1+XLFI)-------(10)

In case of SCB ,X=C because the major portion of reactance is capacitance So the final equation will have
the following shape
Page 5
INCOMP=I1×(CR1-CLF1)/2×(CR1+CLFI)-------(11)

For un-even Double-wye configurations following equation for left half of SCB is

INCOMP= INCOMP=I1 ×CR1× (CLF1-CL1)/(CR1+CLF1) × (CR1+CL1)--------(12)

In case fault appears at right half of the bank the following equation will be written as follows:

INCOMP=I1 ×CL1 (CR1 - CRF1)/ (CL1+CRF1) × (CR1+CL1)-------- (13)

From above equation following parameters are required to locate the fault.

CR1=Capacitance of the right half of the capacitor bank in healthy condition

CLF1= Capacitance of the left half of the capacitor bank in faulty condition

CL1=Capacitance of the right half of the capacitor bank in healthy condition

I1=Phase current of the capacitor bank at fault

All these parameters will provide INCOMP .The smallest value of the INCOMP will be the value when only one
capacitor unit is at fault. The main advantage of the proposed scheme is that all the values will be in per
unit system and complex calculation of series and parallel combinations of SCB are avoided.

VI. Fault Location and Fault Analysis in Externally fused SCB

The IEEE Standard C37.99-2000, IEEE is a comprehensive Guide For The Protection of Shunt Capacitor
Banks and the most reliable way of possible calculations for determining imbalance parameters created by
failures within the capacitor bank. Fig. 5 shows the SCB under consideration. The SCB of fig.5 is working
in a 138kV nominal phase voltage. The complete specifications of fig. 5 SCB are shown in table1.

Table 1 ( SCB configuration under consideration)

blow SCB Prallel Prallel System Rated Ungrounded Capacitor Rated Capacitor kVAR No Neutral Maximum
n MVA -units -units nominal bank bank bank current unit of CT system
fuses R per per phase- system rated kVAR rating unit operating
(n) phase phase phase voltag voltage s voltage
(Pt) in left voltage e
wye
(Pa)
0,1,2 50.0 14 8 138 kV 151 kV Grounded=0 132kv 191.4 17.4 kV 238.1k 210 300:1 105% (145 kV)
MVA ,un- A VAR
R grounded=1

Page 6
 Fig 5 (138 kV, 50 MVAR Split wye ungrounded externally fused SCB)

a) For zero fuse failures (n = 0)—normal condition

The best way to start fault location and fault analyzing of SCB in fig.5 is to start with finding all the
parameters of SCB of fig.5 behaving in normal condition. Once all the parameters of SCB of fig.5 in
normal conditions are found, the deviation of the parameters behaving at fault can be easily monitored. The
equation used for fault location and fault analysis employ per unit values. The value 1 shows normal
condition. Any value greater or less than 1 show increasing or decreasing value of the parameter
respectively.

All the parameters shown in table 2 at n=0(no fault condition) except (Vng=0V ) have value 1 which show
that during no fault condition SCB is behaving normally .Values in table 3 are found by using equation 12.
Ratio of INCOMP/Iphase =0 shows no fault is currently induced in SCB. The purpose of dividing I NCOMP with
IPHASE is to locate the exact phase of fault because IPHASE will only change in case of fault. IPHASE for non
faulty phases will always be 1(per unit system).

Values computed in table 2 are fed to microcontroller based unbalance relays. The unbalance relay of
protection system must have a strong coordination with the each SCB unit fuses so in case of any fault fuses
must isolate the wasted capacitive unit to avoid failure of the entire SCB. [A reliable fuse operation
provides a convenient, visual means for locating the defective capacitor unit(s)][10]. The unbalance relay
must have the enough sensitivity to alarm for single wasted capacitive unit in a group. It must also trip the
bank if the wasted unit creates a voltage stress greater than 110% across the fully –operational units. If it is
not performed the entire group or SCB can go out of service.
110% of the capacitor unit rated voltage is 17.4 kV × 1.1 = 19.14 kV.

From table 4 it is evident that capacitor rated voltage is 17.4 kV. Voltage on group with no fuse failures is
16.74 kV. At 105% system voltage, the capacitor units are operating at 96.2% of rated voltage. The primary
neutral-to ground voltage is 0V. From these calculations we see that we no fault occurs voltage stress across
each unit is well within the limits.
b) Calculations of Fuse failures within a single group (n = 1,2)

Page 7
Initially it is assumed fault is provoked in the left wye of the phase A of SCB of fig.5. Parameters of SCB
are calculated during fault condition and values are tabulated in table 2 for n=1(single fuse failure) and for
n=2(double fuse failure).
Case 1(b) (Fault location and fault analysis with one SCB unit failure (n=1)

It is clear from table 3 that as fault is provoked in phase A of SCB of fig.5 and one fuse fails (n=1) , the
ratio INCOMP/IA attains some value indicating no of faulty units as well as faulty phase. No of faulty units
depend upon the ratio INCOMP/IA . The value of ratio INCOMP/IA obtained in table 4 is the smallest value
because only one unit has wasted. For more than 1 fuse blow INCOMP/IA will attain higher values. INCOMP/IB
and INCOMP/IC are equal to 0. This shows no fault is induced in phase B and phase C.

The next step is to analyze the SCB during fault operation. The basic purpose for analyzing SCB in per unit
quantities is to analyze each and every parameter in an easy way. Referring to table 2 for n=1 as one fuse
has blown, one unit of SCB goes out of service group, wye and phase capacitance are dropped by 1.5%
respectively. This means the loss of kVAR capability of SCB. On the other hand , voltage stress across
affected series group and phase increase by 6.6 % and 0.5% respectively. Current through affected wye and
affected phase is also dropped by 1.1% respectively. All these parameters lead SCB to instability and after
the threshold limit based on the computed values the SCB will be tripped from service.

After per-unit values are now converted into primary values for one fuse failure(n=1), it can be seen from
table 4 with one fuse blown within a parallel group, the voltage on the affected group (the group
experiencing the fuse failure) rises to 17.85 kV. This is 102% of the capacitor unit voltage rating. This
shows that affected group is experiencing 6.6% increase in voltage stress. The primary neutral-to ground
voltage is 425 V. The voltage across affected phase also rises up to 84.14kV(0.5% increase). The current
through the affected capacitors rise up to 15.159 A(1.1% increase). This condition must be known to
maintenance personnel by alarm.

Case 2(b) (Fault location and fault analysis with one SCB unit failure (n=2)

Table 3 shows that upon two unit failures(n=2) the ratio has increased to 8.13×10-3. As the no. of units will
continue to fail the ratio will continue to increase indicating maintenance personnel about continuous
failure. Table 3 also showed that the calculations are indicating fault only in the affected phase, thus
indicating towards exact faulty phase.

Upon fault analyzing the SCB using Table 2 for n=2, it is clear that with two fuse failures SCB parameters
are more disturbed. SCB is loosing capacitance . Wye and phase capacitance are dropped by 3.2%. It is a
considerable drop in capacitance and it will considerably affect the kVAR rating .One major issue is the
great increase of voltage across the affected series group i.e 14% which is totally an unwanted condition
because it may damage the entire series group. Current in affected wye and phase also drops by 2.2%.

Referring table 4 with two fuses blown within a single group, the voltage on the affected group rises to
19.11 kV, which is 109.7%(14% increase) of rated voltage. This is nearly equal the tripping threshold value.
The current through affected SCB group rises up to 16.23A(2.2% increase). The neutral to ground voltage
has gone up to 909V. The voltage across affected phase also rises up to 84.63kV(1.1% increase). It means ,
the SCB must be tripped before further units failures in the SCB. The above results show that without fault
location and fault analysis of SCB, it is not easy for maintenance personnel to locate the faulty phase.

Table 2 (Externally-fused SCB per unit-values of different parameters for n=0,1,2 )

SCB parameters equations SCB parameters SCB parameters SCB parameters SCB parameters
at n=0(zero fuse at n=1(single at n=2 (double
failure) fuse failure) fuse failure)

Page 8
 Pa−n Parallel group Cg 1 Cg 0.929 Cg 0.857
Cg= capacitance
Pa
S ×Cg Affected wye Cs 1 Cs 0.985 Cs 0.968
Cs= capacitance
Cg × ( S−1 )+1
(Cs × Pa) Pt −Pa Affected phase Cp 1 Cp 0.985 Cp 0.968
Cp= capacitance
Pt
3 Neutral-to-ground Vng 0 Vng5.076 ×103 Vng 1.011
Vng=G × −1 voltage
(2+ Cp)
Vln 1 Vng Voltage on affected Vln 1 Vln 1.005 Vln 1.011
phase
Vln ×Cs Voltage on affected Vcu 1 Vcu 1.066 Vcu 1.141
Vcu= if Cg>0 series group
Cg
Vln × S otherwise
Iu Vcu × 1 Current through Iu 1 Iu 1.066 Iu 1.141
affected capacitor(s)
Iy Cs × Vln Current in affected Iy 1 Iy 0.9899 Iy 0.978
wye
Iph=Cp×Vln Current in affected Iph=1 Iph=0.9899 Iph=0.978
phase

Table 3 (SCB Fault Location calculations)

No of fuses blown( N) INCOMP/IA INCOMP/IB INCOMP/IC
0 0 0 0
1 3.7×10-3 0 0
2 8.13×10-3 0 0
Conversion of per-unit quantities for n=0 ,1,2 into primary system quantities yield following:

Table 4 (Externally-fused SCB primary values of different parameters for n=0,1,2)

SCB parameters SCB parameters SCB parameters at SCB parameters at SCB parameters at
equations n=0(zero fuse n=1(single fuse n=2(double fuse failure)
failure) failure)
Vng-PRI = Vng × Voltage neutral to Vng-PRI = 0 Vng-PRI = 424.954 V Vng-PRI= 909.954 V
SYS-VLN ground
Vln-PRI = Vln × Voltage on affected Vln-PRI = 83.72 kV Vln-PRI = 84.14 kV Vln-PRI = 84.63 kV
SYS-VLN phase
Vcu-PRI = Vcu × Voltage on affected Vcu-PRI = 16.74 kV Vcu-PRI = 17.85 kV Vcu-PRI = 19.11 kV
U-VOLTS group
Iu-PRI = Iu × U- Current through Iu-PRI = 14.22 A Iu-PRI = 15.159 A Iu-PRI = 16.23 A
IRATE affected capacitor(s)

VII. Proposed Fault Identification Mathematical model for Fuseless SCB

The principle to find fault location in fuseless SCB is same , but it is a bit more complex procedure as the
equations get more and more complex. The reason is because of the fact that all elements are of fuseless in
nature and unlikely the externally fused banks, it is essential to locate single faulty element inside the SCB
unit. As a result, the protection scheme employed for fuseless banks becomes more sensitive in nature.
Secondly, IEEE Std C37.99-2000 [9] suggests that the fuseless bank must be split into strips as shown in
fig 6. The proposed methodology is as follows;

As shown in the Fig 6, first of all neutral current is found using Kirchhoff’s law

In=IL1+IL2+IL3 ----------------------(1)

Putting the values of currents following equation is formed;

Page 9
IN=I1×(X3//X4) /(X3//X4)+(X1//X2)

+ I2×(X7//X8) /(X7//X8)+(X5//X6 )

+I3×(X10//X12) /(X11//X12)+(X9//X10)-------------(14)

Due to the bank half wye is further split into two strings , the equation is becoming more complex. The
measured neutral current becomes

IN=K1I1+K2I2+K3I3 ----------------------(15)

Where

KN=XRN/(XRN+XLN)-------------------(16)

Fig 6 (Ungrounded split wye fuseless SCB)

Now it is assumed that fault appears at the left section of the SCB. This fault will change the value of
reactance of Z1 TO Z1F.As a result new K factor is produced which is termed as K FN having the following
value:

KF1=(X3//X4)/(X3//X4+X2//X1F)------(17)

The important thing to be noted that in fuseless SCB the proposed scheme should be able to locate fault in
string of the SCB as shown in fig 6. In fig 6 fault is assumed in left most string of the SCB. That’s why the
above k-factor equation has become more complex.

The equation for the neutral current will be as following:

INF=KF1I1+K2I2+K3I3 ---------------(18)

The equation for neutral compensation current is;

INCOMP=INF-IN---------------------(19)

This neutral compensation will be the key factor in finding the number of faulty elements in SCB. By
putting the values of INF and IN, following equation is formed;

INCOMP= (KF1-K1) I1----------(20)

Upon further solving the equation by submitting the values of KF1 and K1 ,the desired final result in
equational form .

IINCOMP =I1× (X3//X4) × (X1//X2) – (X3//X4) × (X2//XIF) /[(X3//X4+X2//X1F)] × [(X3//X4+X2//X1)]-----------------

(21)

In a SCB Z=Capacitance, hence for the sake of easiness final equation is modified as follows.

Page 10
 IINCOMP =I1× (C3//C4) × (C1//C2) – (C3//C4) × (C2//CIF)/[(C3//C4)+(C2//C1F)]× [(C3//C4)+
(C2//C1)]-----------------(22)

From above equation following parameters are required to get the results.

C3,C4,C1,C2=capacitance of the indicated strings of the SCB

I1=Phase current of the capacitor bank at fault

As like previous case all these parameters will provide INCOMP. The smallest value of the INCOMP will be the
value when only one capacitor element is at fault.

VIII. Fault Location and Fault Analysis in Fuseless SCB

Using the equations provided in IEEE Std C37.99-2000 [9], the required parameters are computed . The
SCB chosen for analysis and fault location is usually installed at 220kV grid stations shown in fig 7. The
specifications of fuseless SCB and its protection system are given table 5 .

Fig 7 ( 230 Kv, 60.0 MVAR Split wye ungrounded Fuseless SCB)

The specifications of above shown SCB are as follows.

Table 5 (Fuseless SCB configuration and Protection system rating under consideration)
System Rated Rated Series Parallel Parallel Series Parallel Bank Rated Capacito Capa Capacitor Neutral Maximum
nomina bank 3 groups strings strings elements elements Rating current r unit citor element CT ratio system
l system phase (S) per in left per-units per group kVAR rating unit rating operating
voltage voltage kVAR phase wye (Sl) (Su) (N) KVA voltage
(Sp) R
230kV 250 kV 60000 10 2 1 4 8 50.0 115.5 14.4KV 833.3 3.6 kV 25:5 105%
MVAR A 3 (241.5 kV)
kVAR

Table 5 also provides the rating of the protection system employed. For fuseless systems CT of low value is
used for increased sensitivity. Low value of CT permits the detection of small magnitude of current flow in
the neutral.

a) For zero failed element(e=0)

Zero element failure is the condition when the SCB is behaving properly and no fault is induced. Each
parameter of SCB shown in Fig 7 is measured in per-unit value.
Values in table 7 are found by using equation 22. Ratio of I NCOMP/Iphase =0 shows no fault is currently
induced in SCB. The purpose of dividing INCOMP with IPHASE is to locate the exact phase of fault because
IPHASE will only change in case of fault. I PHASE for non faulty phases will always be 1(per unit system). The
smallest value of INCOMP/Iphase will indicate single element failure.

Upon analyzing Table 6 values for zero element failure(e=0) it is visible that all the parameters of SCB are
operating normally. The table 4 shows that SCB is providing full capacitance and due to zero failed
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elements there is no voltage stress across capacitor elements. The neutral current flowing between equal
wyes is also 0A, which shows the fully operational condition of SCB .

per unit quantities for e=0,1,7,8 are converted into primary quantities and shown in table 8.Table 8 shows
the voltage on each element with zero failed elements(e=0) is 3486 V at 105% nominal system voltage.
This is 96.8% of the rated element voltage. Vng-PRI 0 represents the condition of zero stress voltage. In-
PRI 0 and Id-PRI 0 also show that there is no current flow. Vln-PRI 139.4 kV is also at normal value.
The above analysis shows that at zero fault element condition the rated element voltage is well within the
safe limits and system is working quite properly.

b) Calculations For failed elements(e=1,7,8)

As a point it is assumed that fault is appeared on a single element in left wye of phase A of fuseless SCB
shown in fig 6.

Case 1(b) (Fault location and fault analysis with one SCB element failure (e=1)

It is clear from table 7 that as fault is provoked in phase A of SCB by one element failure , the ratio
INCOMP/IA attains some value indicating no of faulty elements as well as faulty phase. No of faulty elements
depend upon the ratio INCOMP/IA . The value of ratio INCOMP/IA obtained in table 7 is the smallest value
because only one element has wasted. For more than 1 element failure INCOMP/IA will attain higher values.
INCOMP/IB and INCOMP/IC are equal to 0. This shows no fault is induced in phase B and phase C.

Upon analyzing the per unit values of table 6 it is clear as one element wastes away , affected phase
capacitance increases by 2.6% . Voltage on affected phase is decreased by 0.4% due to which elevated
amount of current(2.1%) start to flow through the faulty phase and hence wye current and phase current
also get elevated. Due to fault occurrence difference current also start to flow which was 0A in fully-
operational condition. Voltage across affected elements is also increased by 2.1%.

Referring to table 8 shows that the single element failure has increased Vng-PRI 593.32V For a single
failed element, the voltage on the affected elements rises to 3545 V, which is 98.5%(2.1% increase) of the
rated element voltage. The new value of In-PRI 0.718A which was previously 0A. The new value of Id-
PRI 1.436A which was also previously 0A. The fault analysis show that all SCB parameters have shown
deviation from normal values and fault location scheme is sensitive enough to locate even a single element
failure. This condition must be known to maintenance personnel.

Case 2(b) (Fault location and fault analysis with seven SCB elements failure (e=7)

Situation becomes more complex with increase in element failures. For seven failed elements calculations
are shown in table 6.

Table 7 shows that upon seven elements failures the ratio has increased to 2.396×10-3.As the no. of
elements will continue to fail the ratio will continue to increase indicating maintenance personnel about
continuous failure.

Upon analyzing the table 6 we see that as elements failure is increased, the capacitance of the faulted phase
increases by 10.6% and current flow through faulty phase increases by 6.8% which is a very considerable
amount. Difference current is also more elevated. Voltage across the affected phase drops by
3.7%.Similarly all the parameters can be seen to show considerable deviation.

Referring table 8 with seven failed elements, the voltage on each element rises to 3942 V. This is
109.5%(10.6% increase) of the rated element voltage. The computed value of voltage across the element is
nearly equal the tripping threshold(110%).The new value of Id-PRI 12.207 A (10.2% increase) which

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shows the difference current has increased to the greater magnitude. The new value of Vng-PRI 4.761
×103.All the values are showing considerable deviation.

Case 3(c) (Fault location and fault analysis with eight SCB elements failure (e=8)

Table 7 shows that upon eight elements failures the ratio has increased to 2.94×10-2. As the no. of elements
will continue to fail the ratio will continue to increase indicating maintenance personnel about continuous
failure.

Upon analyzing the table 6 we see that as elements failure is further increased, the capacitance of the
faulted phase increases by 12.5% and current flow through faulty phase increases by 8% which is a very
considerable amount. Difference current is also more elevated. Voltage across the affected phase drops by
4%. Similarly all the parameters can be seen to show considerable deviation.

Referring table 8 with eight failed elements, the voltage across the remaining elements in the string rises to
4016 V. This is 111.5% of the rated element voltage. Upon eight elements failure , tripping threshold
(110%) has surpassed . So it is recommended to trip the SCB. The new value of Id-PRI 14.456 A(11.87%)
which shows the difference current has increased to the greater magnitude. The new value of Vng-PRI
5.577 ×103. All the values are showing considerable deviation. To determine the trip threshold, find a
current unbalance point halfway between seven and eight unit failures.

Table 6 (Fuseless SCB per unit-values of different parameters at fault)

SCB parameters SCB parameters SCB parameters at SCB parameters at SCB parameters at SCB parameters at
equations zero element failure one element failure seven element eight element
e=0(per-unit value) e=1(per-unit value) failure e=7(per- failure e=8(per-
unit value) unit value)
E = S.Su Total elements in a E = 40 E = 40 E = 40 E = 40
string
E Affected string Cst = 1 Cst = 1.026 Cst = 1.212 Cst = 1.25
Cst = capacitance
E−e
Sl−1−Cst Affected wye Cy = 1 Cy = 1.026 Cy = 1.212 Cy = 1.25
Cy = capacitance
Sl
Cp = Affected phase Cp = 1 Cp = 1.013 Cp = 1.106 Cp = 1.125
capacitance
( Cy . Sl ) +Sp−Sl
Sp
3 Neutral-to-ground Vng = 0 Vng = 0.00425 Vng = 0.034 Vng = 0.04
Vng=G × −1
voltage
(2+ Cp)
Vln = 1−Vng Voltage on the Vln = 1 Vln = 0.996 Vln = 0.966 Vln = 0.96
affected phase
E Voltage on affected Ve = 1 Ve = 1.021 Ve = 1.171 Ve = 1.2
Ve= Vln× elements
E−e
Iy = Cy×Vln Current in affected Iy =1 Iy =1.021 Iy =1.171 Iy =1.2
wye
Iph = Cp× Vln Current in affected Iph = 1 Iph = 1.009 Iph = 1.068 Iph = 1.08
phase
Ig = (1−G)×(1− Iph)) Ground current Ig = 0 Ig = 0 Ig = 0 Ig = 0
Id =Vln×(1−Cp) Difference current |Id| = 0 |Id| = 0.0013 |Id| = 0.102 |Id| = 0.12
In=. Neutral Current In = 0 In = 0 In = 0.051 In = 0.06
3Vng ×G ×( Sp−Sl)
Sp

Table 7 (SCB Fault Location calculations)

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 No of elements failure(e) INCOMP/IA
0 0
1 3.22×10-3
7 2.396×10-3
8 2.94×10-2
INCOMP/IB INCOMP/IC
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0

Table 8 (Capacitor bank different parameters primary values under consideration)

SCB parameters SCB parameters SCB parameters SCB parameters at SCB parameters at SCB parameters
equations at zero element one element failure seven element failure at eight element
failure e=0 e=1(primary values) e=7 (primary failure e=8
(primary values) values) (primary values)
ING=Ig × Neutral-to-ground ING 0 ING 0 ING 0 ING 0
Iph−PRI current
× Sl
2
Vng-PRI Vng × Voltage neutral to Vng-PRI 0 Vng-PRI 4.761 Vng-PRI 4.761 Vng-PRI 5.577
SYS-VLN ground ×10e3 ×10e3 ×103
In-PRI Iph× Iph-PRI Neutral current In-PRI 0 In-PRI 6.103 In-PRI 6.103 In-PRI 7.228
× In between wyes
Id-PRI Iph×Iph-PRI Difference current Id-PRI 0 Id-PRI 12.207 Id-PRI 12.207 Id-PRI 14.456
× Id between equal wyes
Vln-PRI Vln×SYS- Voltage on affected Vln-PRI 139.4 Vln-PRI 1.388 Vln-PRI 1.388 Vln-PRI 1.339
VLN phase kV 1.347×105kV 1.347×105kV ×104kV
VePRI2= Ve × Voltage on affected VePRI2 3.486 kV VePRI2 3.942 VePRI2 3.942 VePRI2 4.016
Vln PRI elements ×103kV ×103kV ×103kV

VI. Conclusion
Unbalance capacitance value due to element or unit failure cause unbalance impedance and cause unbalance
current in neutral of SCB system. The neutral unbalance current is used to exactly locate faulty
units/elements. Fuseless SCB require more sensitive protection as compared to externally fused SCB.
Fundamental principle of protection is same for all SCB configurations i.e. voltage stress should not exceed
by 110% across healthy elements or units. To decrease the outage time of SCB , replacement of faulty
element or unit is necessary. This can be only accomplished by proper fault location technique. The
proposed model efficiently locates the faulty element or unit thereby, reducing the time taken to physically
locate the fault and improving power system efficiency.
Fault analysis of externally fused SCB show that affected phase capacitance and affected phase current is
decreased . The voltage-stress across the fully-operational series group of units is elevated. For fuseless
SCB show that affected phase capacitance and affected phase current is increased. The voltage-stress across
the fully-operational series elements is elevated.

VII. References
[1] S. Sithole ,N. Mbuli , JHC. Pretorius ,Voltage Regulation in the Douglas Area Using Shunt Capacitor Banks and Controllable
Shunt Reactors ,978-1-4799-2803-3/13 ©2013 IEEE.

[2] Ararso Taye, DESIGN AND SIMULATION OF AUTOMATIC POWER FACTOR CORRECTION FOR INDUSTRY
APPLICATION, International Journal of Engineering Technologies and Management Research Vol.5 (Iss.2): February, 2018.

[3] ] Xu, Y., Dong, Z. Y., Wong, K. P., Liu, E., & Yue, B. (2013). Optimal Capacitor Placement to Distribution Transformers for
Power Loss Reduction in Radial Distribution Systems. IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 28(4), 4072–4079.

[4]Daut, I., Bahaudin, R. C., Hadzer, C. M., Hardi, S., Hashim, N., & Nisja, I. (2008). Investigation on the effect of shunt
capacitor and shunt filter on harmonic in distribution system. 2008 IEEE 2nd International Power and Energy Conference.
doi:10.1109/pecon.2008.4762562 

[5] Randy Horton, Ted Warren, Karl Fender, Steven Harry,Charles A. Gross, Unbalance Protection of Fuseless, Split-Wye,
Grounded, Shunt Capacitor Banks IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER DELIVERY, VOL. 17, NO. 3, JULY 2002.

[6] Martin Bishop, Tim Day, and Arvind Chaudhary, A Primer on Capacitor Bank Protection IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON
INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. 37, NO. 4, JULY/AUGUST 2001.

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[7] M. Ellis, D. Meisner, and M. Thakur, “Innovative protection schemes for h configuration fuseless grounded
shunt capacitor banks,” in Protective Relay Engineers,2012 65th Annual Conference for, April 2012, pp. 449–
458.

[8] J. Wang, M. Ibrahim, Z. Gaji, Internal Failure Detection and Protection on Capacitor Banks M.M. Saha13th international
conference on devolpment in power system protection 2016 (DPSP)

[9] IEEE Guide for the Protection of Shunt Capacitor Banks, IEEE Standard C37.99-2000.

[10] IEEE std 18-1992, IEEE std 18-2002

[11] E. O. Schweitzer III, J. Schafman, “Unified Shunt Capacitor Bank Control and Protection,” 45th Annual Georgia Tech
Protective Relaying Conference Atlanta Georgia, May 1–3, 1991

[12] M. Dhillon, D. Tziouvaras, “Protection of Fuseless Capacitor Banks Using Digital Relays,” presented at 26th Annual
Western Protective Relay Conference, Spokane, WA, October 1999

[13] B. Kasztenny, J. Schaefer, E. Clark, “Fundamentals of Adaptive Protection of Large Capacitor Banks,” presented at the 60th
Annual Georgia Tech Protective Relaying Conference Atlanta, May 3–5, 2006.

[14] Wei-Jen Lee, Narayanan, K., Maffetone, T., & Didsayabutra, P. (2003). The design of a capacitor bank early warning system.
IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, 39(2), 306–312. doi:10.1109/tia.2003.809441 

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