Analysis of the mode of electrical network operation at single-phase accessories of voltage 6-35 kV
Authors:   State Institution of Higher Education «Donetsk National Technical University», S. SKRYPNYK , O. KOLLAROV ,   State Institution of Higher Education «Donetsk National Technical University»
Published: August 2022

In three-phase electrical networks during the operation of power supply systems, damage to electrical equipment and difficult modes of operation are possible. Damage associated with insulation failure, rupture of wires and cables of power lines, personnel errors when switching, lead to a short circuit between the phases or on the ground. At a short circuit in a closed circuit there is a big current, voltage drop on elements of the equipment increases that leads to the general decrease in voltage in all points of a network and disturbance of work of consumers. Complex modes of operation of electrical networks occur, as a rule, as a result of accidents or after emergency shutdowns of equipment, with subsequent overloads and voltage deviations from the nominal values. And although these modes have been considered acceptable for some time, they create the preconditions for various types of damage and disorders in the operation of power grids. To ensure normal operation of electrical networks and prevent the development of accidents, it is necessary to respond quickly to changes in the mode of operation of the electrical network, immediately separate damaged equipment from serviceable and, if necessary, turn on a backup power supply. These functions are performed by relay protection and automation devices. Principles of operation of relay protection devices. 1. Current protection. Short circuits are accompanied by a sharp increase in current that exceeds the value predetermined by the calculation, which will perform simple relay protection devices that can control the value of currents. Separate the maximum current protection, which acts to disconnect the damaged network element with a time delay and current cut-offs, which operate without a time delay. The difference between them is in the choice of how to ensure selectivity. The currents controlled by the relay protection device can be measured in phases (through current transformers), or individual components of phase currents can be measured (currents of direct, reverse and zero sequences. This method is based on the method of symmetrical components). Current types of protection are divided with control of power direction (directional) and without control (non-directional). Current protection works on the principle of operation not only in case of damage to one of the network elements, but also to adjacent ones. Therefore, current protection is referred to as protection with relative selectivity. 2. Differential protection. The basis of the principle of differential protection is the comparison of homogeneous, instantaneous values at the ends of the protected element of the network (transformer, busbar section, generator, overhead line). Usually compare currents in magnitude and phase. Differential protection by its principle works only in case of damage to the protected element of the network, so it is performed without time delay and differential protection is called protection with absolute selectivity. 3. Remote protection. In the event of short circuits in the electrical network is not only a sudden increase in current, but also a sharp decrease in voltage, ie a decrease in resistance. The advantage of relay protection devices based on this principle is that the resistance to the fault does not depend on the current and voltage, but only on their ratio. This allows protection at short-circuit currents less than the nominal for electrical equipment. Single-phase earth faults account for about 70% of all damage to electrical equipment. According to the Rules of technical operation in the event of a single-phase short circuit to "ground" in 6-35 kV electrical networks, relay protection devices must act either to turn off the equipment or to "signal". At the enterprises with special working conditions and the increased risk of damage of the equipment and defeat of people by action of an electric current protection against single-phase short circuits on the earth operates on shutdown with the minimum endurance of time. Thus, after the analysis of the modes of operation of power supply systems, the importance of using switching devices of relay protection to ensure normal operating conditions of electrical networks and prevent accidents is confirmed. Also, the use of relay protection devices must be justified for each individual electrical equipment according to the principles of operation and characteristics of the proper functioning of the switching apparatus. In case of emergencies, namely single-phase earth faults, 6-35 kV electrical network operation modes and operation of single-phase earth fault protection are performed according to various technical parameters, depending on the type and connection scheme of the neutral of this power system.