Voltage Unbalance

Definition Voltage unbalance is regarded as any differences in the three phase voltage magnitudes (see Figure 1) and/or shift in the phase separation of the phases from 120 degrees. It is normally expressed as the negative phase sequence divided by the positive phase sequence, as a percentage, measured using line to line voltages Increased harmonics in AC Variable Speed Drives; Nuisance tripping of current or voltage unbalance protection resulting in loss of production or output; and The current unbalance varies and may be at least 6 to 10 times the voltage unbalance. At locked rotor the current unbalance is typically the same percentage as the voltage unbalance. The effect worsens when the motor is lightly loaded resulting in current unbalance that can be in excess of 30%. Siemens show in Figure 2 the resulting percentage of current unbalance caused by varying percentages of voltage unbalance but does not show levels to 30%.

Figure 1 - Voltage unbalance such as this result in negative sequence voltages and increased losses in motors

Causes The causes of voltage unbalance include: Large and/or unequal single phase loads; The uneven connection of single customers to the distribution system; phase

Figure 2 Motor current unbalance as a result of voltage unbalance

The uneven connection of single phase transformers or spur lines to distribution lines; Unequal impedances of the three phase transmission and distribution lines; Blown fuses on capacitor banks; and Connection of Rail traction supplies.

Standards In Australia the National Electricity Rules (NER) dictates the required standard for voltage unbalance and also for current unbalance. Current unbalance requirements are also stipulated by the network operators service rules and/or in customer contracts. The NER require voltage unbalance (negative phase sequence divided by the percentage of nominal) to be maintained within the limits as specified in Table S5.1a.1:

Effects The effects of voltage unbalance are mainly associated with three phase motors. These effects are namely: Increased motor losses, reduced efficiency and therefore increased running costs; Increased losses results in additional heating and loss of motor insulation life; Effective torque and speed will be reduced; Increased motor noise;

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Responsibilities Reducing voltage unbalance to zero is impossible due to: Random manner that single and three phase premises use single phase loads; The uneven connection of single phase loads on the three phase network; and The inherent asymmetry of the network.

reduce motor size to match the load. Care should be taken to ensure that adequate derating is allowed for in the selection of the motor size.

The NER recognises this fact and has determined a maximum allowable level of unbalance as detailed in the previous section. All customers and the distribution company have responsibilities to ensure voltage unbalance is minimised. Clearly, where levels of voltage unbalance are outside the required levels and the electricity users load is adequately balanced then the network operator must take action to rectify the situation including requiring other electricity users to balance their loads. Mitigation/Preventative Measures Mitigation options are divided into those for the network operator and the electricity user as follows: Network Operator Evenly connect single phase electricity users across all phases; Evenly connect single phase transformers or spur lines, including Single Wire Earth Return systems, across all phases; Application of single phase regulators across the distribution system; Regular transposition points in the distribution to minimise differences in system impedances; Application of compensation devices such as static var compensators across the distribution system; Prompt replacement of blown capacitors or capacitor fuses; and
Figure 3 De-rating curve for induction motors

Motors should be protected with voltage and/or current unbalance protection particularly as supply conditions cannot be guaranteed. Such periods include when connections burn off in the high or medium voltage networks or if a distribution substation primary fuse blows. Conclusions Voltage Unbalance causes problems with 3 phase motors. It is typically caused by load unbalance by the uneven connection of single phase loads. The National Electricity Rules (NER) provides a practical allowance for voltage unbalance. Network operators and electricity users have an obligation to maintain voltage unbalance below the NER requirements. Various options are available for the network operator and electricity user to mitigate or prevent problems. If voltage unbalance cannot be maintained below 1% then 3 phase motors will need to be derated. Disclaimer This information sheet provides general advice and is not a definitive guide for this topic. ECT provides this information in good faith and accepts no responsibility for any defects in or misuse of the information. References Copper Development Association Power Quality Application Guide: Voltage Disturbances Introduction to Unbalance; National Electricity Rules; Siemens NEMA Frames Application Manual: General Power Supply Variation; University of Wollongong Technical Note No. 6: Voltage Unbalance. For Advice Contact Electrical Consulting and Training Pty Ltd for further advice on this topic: Ph: 02 65675181 Email: chris@elect.com.au Web: www.elect.com.au

Enforcement of current balance requirements for electricity users. Electricity User Balance loads in accordance with NER, service rules and/or connection contracts; Variable speed drives fitted with properly sized ac or dc side reactors; Derate three phase motors to minimise temperature degradation of the motor insulation. No de-rating is necessary for unbalance up to 1%. (see Figure 3); Replacement of blown customer capacitors or capacitor fuses; Connect robust and insensitive equipment; Where current unbalance protection is operating for lightly loaded motors it may be necessary to

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