Electrical Faults: Causes, Analysis, Detection, and Remedies

Introduction:

The Electrical Fault Analysis, Remedies, and Power System course covers fault current calculation methods in real-life electrical power installations. This course is critical for electrical safety as it addresses the large amount of disruptive energy associated with short-circuit currents.

Equipment used in these systems must have sufficient short-circuit ratings to withstand high currents in practice. Fault current calculations play a key role in accurately calibrating system protection devices. This course includes industry-accepted fault analysis techniques.

Throughout the seminar, participants will use an engineering software package designed to prevent superficial analysis. The course combines theoretical and practical learning methods applied to real systems, covering topics such as system readiness for analysis, manual and computer calculation methods, and results application.

Practical case studies related to the industry are presented progressively, helping engineers understand and apply the correct procedures. The course also introduces students to engineering software that facilitates faster and easier analysis of large electrical systems, though it emphasizes the importance of understanding and interpreting results correctly to avoid errors from incorrect data inputs.

Objectives:

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Learn the primary theories behind balanced and unbalanced systems of three-phase power.
• Understand and appreciate per-unit systems and analytical methods of fault analysis in industrial power systems.
• Reinstate breakthroughs achieved through advanced engineering math software for difficult calculations.
• Utilize symmetrical components to analyze balanced and unbalanced three-phase faults.
• Apply various methods of impedance reduction and understand positive, negative, and zero sequence networks for fault analysis.
• Use Power CAD PC software for coursework validation and complex systems analysis.
• Collect and systematically organize information and data required for power system fault analysis.

Training Methodology:

• Case Studies
• Hands-On Exercises
• Group Discussions
• Workshops
• Simulations
• Expert Lectures
• Problem-Solving Sessions
• Interactive Question and Answer Sessions

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Introduction to Fault Analysis

• Fault current generation
• Fault statistics
• Omitted generalized assumptions
• Circuit breaker short-circuit marking
• Switchgear requirements for fault duties
• Per-unit system overview
• Single-line diagrams
• Impedance data of sources for plant components
• Small presentation on preparing a system for analysis
• Introduction to engineering software for proper calculations

Unit 2: Three-Phase Short-Circuit Currents

• Simplified method for calculating three-phase short-circuit currents
• Reduction techniques
• Системы в сфере промышленности
• Энергосистемы
• Training based on real data for enhanced safety
• Short-circuit currents in electrical cable systems
• Compliance with regulation requirements

Unit 3: Unsymmetrical Fault Conditions

• Overview of symmetrical components
• Suspension of work on all types of faults
• Sequence networks
• Angle settings in transformers
• Earth Stray Current Protection
• Quick fixed transformations involving three-winding transformers

Unit 4: Representation of Unsymmetrical Faults in Power Systems

• F1 fault diagram
• Schematic of interconnected sequence networks
• Restriction of earth fault current
• Industrial power system practices for handling faults

Unit 5: Computer-Aided Fault Calculations

• Using operational program facilities to predict responses to faults in complex power systems
• Application of software for practical studies
• Industry-standard practices in fault analysis