CALCULATION OF THE FAULT LEVEL CONTRIBUTION OF DISTRIBUTED

GENERATION ACCORDING TO IEC STANDARD 60909

TH. BOUTSIKA S. PAPATHANASSIOU∗ N. DROSSOS

National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) Public Power Corporation (PPC)
Greece

Keywords: Short-Circuit Current (SC Current) - Fault Level - Distribution Network (DN) -
Distributed Generation (DG)

1. INTRODUCTION

Distribution networks are characterized by a design short-circuit (sc) capacity, i.e. a maximum
fault current to be never exceeded, related with the rating of switchgear and the thermal and
mechanical endurance of all equipment and standardized constructions.

Distributed generation (DG) resources are typically connected to distribution networks, at the
low or medium voltage level, and therefore contribute to the total fault level of the network,
roughly determined by the combined short-circuit contributions of the upstream grid and the
various DG sources within the distribution network. Hence, a basic requirement for permitting
the interconnection of DG is to ensure that the resulting fault level remains below the network
design value, under the most unfavourable conditions.

In traditional distribution networks, the upstream system sc contribution is already close to the
design maximum value. Hence the fault level constraint is often one of the most significant
reasons inhibiting the connection of large amounts of generation to existing distribution
networks and imposing in practice the need for a reliable and efficient calculation of the
expected fault level.

In this paper, the methodology of latest edition of IEC Standard 60909 ([1-4]) is applied to
distribution networks with DG resources, to determine the maximum fault level. IEC 60909
provides the basis for calculating the short circuit contribution of the upstream grid, while
reasonable assumptions are made regarding the DG contribution. To illustrate its application,
the methodology is applied to a study case MV network with a variety of DG sources.

∗
NTUA-Electric Power Division, 9 Iroon Polytechniou st., 15780 Athens, Greece. e-mail: st@power.ece.ntua.gr
2. APPLICATION OF THE IEC 60909 STANDARD

2.1. About the IEC 60909 Standard

The IEC 60909 International Standard is applicable for the calculation of sc currents in three-
phase a.c. systems operating at a nominal frequency of 50 or 60 Hz. Balanced (three-phase)
and unbalanced faults are considered and, in both cases, maximum and minimum values of
the sc currents are calculated. The sc current is considered as the sum of an a.c. symmetrical
component and of an aperiodic (d.c.) decaying component. The Standard distinguishes
between far-from-generator and near-to-generator (and motor) short-circuits. Moreover
different approaches are provided according to network configuration – radial or meshed –
and to fault location.

For the calculation of the fault level, only the maximum sc currents need to be considered. In
distribution networks with a radial operating configuration and a low-impedance grounded
neutral, this typically requires the calculation of sc currents for three-phase, far from generator
short-circuits.

2.2. The equivalent voltage source method

The initial symmetrical short-circuit current I k′′ is the r.m.s. value of the a.c. symmetrical
component of a prospective sc current. The term initial symmetrical short-circuit power, S k′′ ,
i.e. the fault level, stands for a fictitious value determined as the product of the initial
symmetrical sc current I k′′ and the nominal system voltage Un at the short-circuit location F:
S k′′ = 3I k′′U n (1)
The calculation method of IEC 60909 [1] determines the sc currents at location F using the
equivalent voltage source, cU n 3 , defined as the voltage of an ideal source applied at the
short-circuit location in the positive sequence system, whereas all other sources in the system
are ignored (short-circuited). All network feeders, synchronous and asynchronous machines
are replaced by their internal impedances. When calculating maximum short-circuit currents,
the voltage factor c may be assumed equal to cmax=1.1, for any voltage level of the network.
The equivalent voltage source method is illustrated in Fig. 1.

Q A F
Q A Non-rotating load
T ZQ ZT ZL
L ~
cU n
HV
tr :1
LV
~ F
k3 ~ 3
cU n ″
Non-rotating load = Ik
Un
3 (Z Q + Z T + Z L )

Fig. 1. Illustration of the equivalent voltage source method.

In the case of balanced short-circuits the initial symmetrical sc current is calculated by

I k′′ = cU n 3 Zk (2)
where Zk is the magnitude of an equivalent short-circuit impedance Zk of the upstream grid
(essentially its Thevenin impedance) at the short-circuit location F (see Fig.1).

According to the equivalent voltage source method, it is possible to determine the short-
circuit current at location F using only of the nominal voltage and the rated characteristics of
the equipment, although the application of certain correction factors is also deemed necessary
[2]. In networks with different voltage levels, voltages, currents and impedances are converted
to the voltage level of the short-circuit location using the rated transformation ratio tr of the
transformers involved.

3. FAULT LEVEL CALCULATION IN DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

3.1. General

In distribution networks (with or without DG), the maximum fault level typically occurs at the
busbars of the infeeding substation, due to the large contribution of the upstream grid, which
is rapidly diminishing downstream the network. In the presence of DG, the resulting total
fault level is the sum of the maximum fault currents due to:
the upstream grid, through the network transformer and
the various generators (and possibly large motors) connected to the distribution network.

Network A Un Unit transformer

Network Q DG station
transformer Reactor
feeder G
3~
F F L HV MV
HV MV
tr :1 3-phase fault tr :1
U nQ 3-phase fault
at the MV busbar
at the MV busbar
Un
of the substation

(a) (b)
Fig.2. Contributions to the fault level in MV distribution networks (a) of the upstream grid
and (b) of a DG Stations

3.2. Contribution of the upstream grid

The contribution of the upstream grid, depicted in Fig. 2a, is calculated by:
″ c maxU n c maxU n
Ik = = (3)
3 ( Z Qt + Z KT ) 3 ( Z Q t r2 + K T Z TLV )
where ZQ is the impedance of the network feeder (upstream grid) at the connection point Q
and ZT is the impedance of the transformer. KT is a correction factor used for the impedance of
the transformer. The above quantities are calculated using the following relations1:
cU nQ
ZQ = (4)
′′
3I kQ
u kr U rT2 u Rr U rT2 P
ZT = ⋅ , RT = ⋅ = krT2 , X T = ZT2 − RT2 (5)
100% S rT 100% S rT 3I rT
cmax
KT = 0,95 ⋅ (6)
1 + 0,6 xT
′′ is the initial symmetrical sc current at the HV connection point Q, ukr is the short-
where I kQ
circuit voltage of the transformer (in %), uRr is the rated resistive component of the short-
1
Subscripts r and n state rated and nominal values. Superscript b states the maximum known values in normal
operation (before the short-circuit). Lower case letters for reactances stand for per unit values, expressed on the
rated reactance of the equipment.
circuit voltage (in %)and PkrT are the load losses at rated current. A typical assumption is
RQ/XQ=0.1, although higher values are often encountered. uRr decreases with the size of the
transformer [3] and if not given, it may be ignored (uRr=0).

3.3. Contribution of the DG Stations

DG stations connected to MV distribution networks are mostly wind turbines (WT) and small
hydroelectric plants (SHEP). Other types of DG stations like photovoltaics, fuel-cells, micro-
turbines and small scale cogeneration units are mostly connected to the LV level and their
size is usually small enough not to create concern. Notably, IEC 60909 has been developed
with no DG in view and for this purpose the contribution of the various DG types is not
included in the Standard, nor in relevant literature (e.g. [5,6,7]). For instance, only induction
motors are dealt with, whereas the parameter values of synchronous generators provided in
[4] are applicable to conventional units of very large size.

The fault contribution of DG stations depends on the generator type and technology
(synchronous or induction, directly connected or interfaced to the grid via power electronic
converters). For conventional generators, it is given by (see Fig. 2):
″ c maxU n
Ik = (7)
3 (Z G + Z T + Z L + Z R )
where the impedances of the generator (G), the transformer (T) (if any), the interconnection
line (L) to the substation and the reactor (R) (if any) are included, all referred to the voltage at
the short-circuit location F. For the generator impedance ZG the following apply:
• For synchronous generators connected directly to the grid, the impedance and its correction
factor are given by:
Z G = RG + jX d'' (8)
U cmax
KG = n ⋅ (9)
U rG 1 + xd'' sin ϕ rG
where Xd” is the subtransient reactance of the synchronous machine, RG=0.15Xd”can be used
and KG is the applicable correction factor from IEC 60909.
• For synchronous generators connected to the grid through a unit transformer, referred to as
power station units in the IEC Standard, the combined generator-transformer impedance
and the relevant correction factor are given by:
Z S = t r2 Z G + Z THV (10)
U nQ U rTLV cmax
K SO = ⋅ ⋅ (1 ± pT ) ⋅ (11)
U rG (1 + pG ) U rTHV 1 + xd'' sin ϕ rG
with RG=0.15Xd”, whereas pG and pT may be ignored here (pG=pT=0). The impedance of the
transformer ZTHV is expressed at its HV side.
• The impedance of asynchronous generators connected directly to the grid is calculated by:
2
1 U rG 1 U rG
ZG = ⋅ = ⋅ (12)
I LR I rG 3 I rG I LR I rG S rG
with RG=0.1XG and a typical ratio of locked-rotor current to rated current of the machine
ILR/IrG=8. If the asynchronous generator is interconnected through a transformer, the
impedance of the latter is calculated from eq. (5), using also the correction factor KT from eq.
(6). Both impedances are referred to the HV side of the transformer2.

For generators connected to the grid via power electronic converters the following relation
applies, in place of eq. (7):
″ (13)
I k = kI rG = ct (for time ∆t)
i.e. the generator acts as a source of constant fault current, equal to k times the rated current of
the generator, where ∆t is the maximum duration of the contribution, before the DG is
disconnected by its own protection. If the DG includes a transformer, the current is converted
to the voltage level of the fault location F. A typical value for the fault current may be k=1.5
(representing the short-time over-current capability of the grid-side converter), whereas ∆t
will depend on the protection and fault ride-through capability of the DG unit. Nevertheless,
∆t is needed only for breaking and thermal current calculations.

Doubly-fed induction generators (DFIG), extensively used in variable speed WTs, are a
special case. Despite the presence of the converter in their rotor circuit, their fault current
contribution resembles that of the directly connected induction generators. Hence, eq. (7) may
be applied, using ILR/IrG=8 and RG=0.1XG for the generator impedance. The duration ∆t of
their contribution, however, should be limited to 3-5 cycles.

4. CASE STUDY

In Fig. 3 a MV study case distribution network is shown, fed from a 50 MVA HV/MV
transformer. Four DG stations with a total power of about 17 MW are connected to the
substation MV busbars by dedicated lines (three wind farms, each having six identical wind
turbines, and one small hydroelectric plant consisting of three identical turbines). The data of
the network and the equipment are given in Table 1.

In Table 2, fault level calculation results are presented for a three-phase fault at the MV
busbars of the substation. The following observations hold:
The total fault level is 301 MVA (239 MVA due to the upstream grid and 62 MVA due to
the DG stations).
Wind farm 2 contributes about four times more current than wind farm 1, due to the
different technology of the WTs.
The reactor R at the output of wind farm 3 effectively reduces its contribution (without the
reactor, the sc current of the wind farm would increase by more than 50%). With the reactor
in place, wind farm 3 contributes less than wind farm 2, although its output power is higher.

Most important is the fact that the design fault level of such a distribution network would be
around 250 MVA (HV/MV transformer with uk~20% @50 MVA). Hence, the connection of
even a moderate amount of DG (17 MW in this case, which is realistic) drives the fault level
to unacceptably high values.

2
The voltage factor cmax utilized in the calculation of correction factors is related to the rated voltage of the
equipment and not to the voltage at the short-circuit location. For the calculation of KG and KSO, sinφrG is positive
for a leading power factor of the generator. The factor 1 ± pT represents the tap positions corresponding to the
maximum and minimum transformation ratio, while pG is the permitted over-voltage at the generator terminals.
 Network
Feeder
3-phase fault at UnQ=150 kV
the MV busbar
of the substation Network HV
tr:1
Transformer MV
1 2 3 4 Un=20 kV
F
L1 L2 L3 L4

Un=20 kV
T1 T6 R non -rotating loads
S=35 MVA
Un=20 kV p.f.=0.85 lagging
Un =400 V T13 T18
G G
3~ 3~
Un=690 V
G1 G6
G G
3~ 3~

Wind farm 1 G13 G18

Un=20 kV Un=20 kV
T7 T12 Wind farm 3 T19 T20

Un=690 V Un=690 V
G G G G G
3~ 3~ 3~ 3~ 3~

G7 G12 G19 G20 G21

Wind farm 2 Small Hydroelectric Plant

Fig. 3. Case study MV distribution network.

TABLE 1 - DATA OF THE CASE STUDY NETWORK

Network feeder ′′ = 3000 MVA , RQ X Q = 0.1
U nQ = 150 kV , S kQ
Network T/F S rT = 50 MVA , u kr = 20.5% (u k − = 19.5%, u k + = 22%) , PkrT = 160 kW , t r = 150 +−17
12.5%
.5%
21 kV ( )
Wind farm 1 6 x 600 kW (G1-G6)
generator synchronous with converter (G1-G6): PrG = 600 kW , U rG = 400 V , I rG = 866 A
transformer unit (T1-T6): S rT = 630 kVA , t rT = 20 (±5%) 0.4 kV , u krT = 4% , u kRrT = 1.2%
line L1 overhead line (20kV): R L = 0.215 Ω / km , X L = 0.334 Ω / km , l1 = 10 km
underground cable: R L = 0.162 Ω / km , X L = 0.115 Ω / km , l1 = 0.5 km
Wind farm 2 6 x 660 kW (G7-G12)
generator DFIG (G7-G12): PrG = 660 kW , U rG = 690 V , I rG = 560 A

transformer unit (T7-T12): S rT = 700 kVA , t rT = 20 (±5%) 0.69 kV , u krT = 5% , u kRrT = 1.2%
line L2 overhead line (20kV): R L = 0.215 Ω / km , X L = 0.334 Ω / km , l 2 = 10 km
underground cable: R L = 0.162 Ω / km , X L = 0.115 Ω / km , l 2 = 0.5 km
Wind farm 3 6 x 850 kW (G13-G18)
generator asynchronous (G13-G18): PrG = 850 kW , U rG = 690 V , I rG = 710 A , I LR = 5.5 kA
transformer unit (T13-T18): S rT = 1000 kVA , t rT = 20 (±5%) 0.69 kV , u krT = 6% , u kRrT = 1.1%
reactor S rR = 5 MVA , U rR = 20 kV , u kr = 14% , u kRr = 0%
line L3 overhead line (20kV): R L = 0.215 Ω / km , X L = 0.334 Ω / km , l 3 = 10 km
underground cable: R L = 0.162 Ω / km , X L = 0.115 Ω / km , l 3 = 1 km
SHEP 3 x 1500 kW (G19-G21)
generator synchronous (G19-G21): S rG = 1650 kVA , U rG = 690 V , x d′′ = 0.18 p.u. , cos ϕ rG = 0.9(lag )
(operating p.f.=0.95 lag. to 0.95 lead., p.f. for KG and KSO =0.95 lead)
transformer T19: S rT = 3.5 MVA , t rT = 20 (±5%) 0.69 kV , u krT = 8% , u kRrT = 1%
T20: S rT = 2 MVA , t rT = 20 (±5%) 0.69 kV , u krT = 6% , u kRrT = 1%
line L4 overhead line (20kV): R L = 0.215 Ω / km , X L = 0.334 Ω / km , l 4 = 7.5 km
 TABLE 2 - FAULT LEVEL CALCULATIONS
Network feeder Z Q = 8.25 Ω ⇒ Z Qt = Z Q t r2 = 0.016 + j 0.161 (Ω)
Network Z T = 1.81 Ω, RT = 0.028 Ω, X T = 1.808 Ω, K T = 0.930556
transformer ⇒ Z T = 0.026 + j1.682 (Ω)
Contribution of the upstream grid: eq.(3) ⇒ I k′′ = 6.889 kA (S′k′ = 238.65 MVA)
Wind farm 1 (synchronous with converter)
generator eq.(13) ⇒ I ki′′ = 1.5I rG = 1.299 kA
Contribution of WF 1: eq.(13) ⇒ I k′′ = 6 ⋅ ( I ki′′ / t r ) = 0.156 kA (S′k′ = 5.4 MVA)
Wind farm 2 (DFIG)
generator Z G = 0.089 Ω ⇒ Z Gt = Z G ⋅ t r2 = 7.434 + j 74.338 (Ω)
transformer Z T = 28.57 Ω, RT = 6.86 Ω, X T = 27.736 Ω, K T = 1.015428 ⇒ Z T = 6.963 + j 28.164 (Ω)
line L2 Z L = ∑ Ri ⋅ li + ∑ X i ⋅ li ⇒ Z L 2 = 2.231 + j 3.398 (Ω)
i i

c maxU n
Contribution of WF 2: eq.(7) ⇒ I k ″ = ⇒ I k′′ = 0.605 kA (S′k′ = 20.95 MVA)
3 ( Z Gt / 6 + Z T / 6 + Z L 2 )
Wind farm 3 (asynchronous)
generator Z G = 0.072 Ω ⇒ Z Gt = Z G ⋅ t r2 = 6.055 + j 60.552 (Ω )
transformer Z T = 24 Ω, RT = 4.4 Ω, X T = 23.593 Ω, K T = 1.009282 ⇒ Z T = 4.441 + j 23.812 (Ω)
reactor Z R = X R = 11.2 Ω
line L3 Z L 3 = 2.312 + j 3.455 (Ω)
c maxU n
Contribution of WF 3: eq.(7) ⇒ I k ″ = ″
⇒ I k = 0.438 kA (S′k′ = 15.17 MVA)
3 ( Z Gt / 6 + Z T / 6 + Z R + Z L3 )
SHEP (synchronous)
generator RG = RG X d′′ ⋅ xd′′ ⋅ (U rG
2
S rG ) = 0.008 Ω ⇒ Z G = 0.008 + 0.052 (Ω )
transformer Z T 19 ( HV ) = 1.143 + j 9.071 (Ω ), Z T 20 ( HV ) = 2 + j11.832 (Ω )
corr. factors K T 19 = 0.997496 , K G = 1.041465, K SO = 1.041465
(G19//G20+T19=Z1) KG Z G 2
⋅ t r + K T 19 Z T 19 = 4.5 + j 31.77 (Ω) , Z 2 = K SO ( Z G ⋅ t r + Z T 20 ) = 8.9 + j57.77 (Ω)
2
Z1 =
(G21+T20=Z2) 2
line L4 Z L 4 = 1.613 + j 2.505 (Ω)
c maxU n
Contribution of SHEP: eq.(10) ⇒ I k ″ = ⇒ I k′′ = 0.541 kA (S′k′ = 18.75 MVA)
3 ( Z 1 // Z 2 + Z L 4 )

5. CONCLUSIONS

In this paper, IEC Standard 60909 is applied for the calculation of the fault level in
distribution networks with distributed generation resources. A practical approach is adopted
for the short-circuit current contribution of the DG stations, which are not dealt with in IEC
60909, nor in any other relevant standard.

The following main conclusions can be drawn from the paper:

o From a fault level perspective, distribution networks are not designed to accept large
amounts of DG, because their short circuit capacity is already close to the design maximum
value.
o Increasing the short-circuit impedance of the HV/MV transformer of the network is a
realistic remedy to this problem. At the level of the DG station, reactors and other short-
 circuit limiting devices can also reduce the DG contribution. More effective results,
however, are obtained using advanced interfacing technologies.
o The need for a more active fault level management to permit increased DG penetration
levels brings forward the importance of reliable, transparent and accurate fault level
calculations.

6. REFERENCES

[1] IEC 60909-0 (2001): Calculation of short-circuit currents.

[2] IEC 60909-1 (2002): Factors for the calculation of short-circuit currents according to IEC
60909-0.
[3] IEC 60909-2 (2002): Electrical equipment – Data for short-circuit currents calculation in
accordance with IEC 909 (1988).
[4] IEC 60909-4 (2002): Examples for the calculation of short-circuit currents.
[5] Gunter G. Seip “Electrical installations handbook” Verlag Publicis MCD 2000, John
Wiley & Sons.
[6] Ismail Kasikci, Short Circuits in Power Systems: “A Practical Guide to IEC 60909”, John
Wiley & Sons, 2002.
[7] B. De Metz-Noblat, F. Dumas, G. Thomasset “Calculation of short-circuit currents”
Schneider Electric, Cahier Technique no. 158, 2002.

Summary:

Fault level contribution is an important consideration for the interconnection of distributed

generation (DG) to the distribution networks. In this paper, the latest edition of IEC 60909
International Standard is applied for the calculation of the resulting fault level in medium and
low voltage distribution networks where distributed generation is connected. Calculation
formulae are provided, including the various correction factors recommended by the
Standard for the system voltage and the transformer and generator impedances. For the
short-circuit current contribution of the DG units, reasonable assumptions are made based on
the characteristics and the experience form the operation of such units. The methodology is
applied to a study case MV network, which includes conventional –synchronous and
induction– generators, as well as DG sources interfaced to the grid via power electronic
converters.