FORWARD AND BACKWARD RESPONSE FUNCTIONS FOR TRANSMISSION LINE TRANSIENT ANALYSIS
R. G. Wasley
University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology
Manchester, England
ABSTRACT
This paper concerns the numerical evaluation of
transmission line transient response using travelling-
wave methods in which the effects of frequency depend-
ent parameters are taken into account. Transmission
line behaviour is considered in terms of forward and
backward response functions, special emphasis being
placed on the latter, which is introduced because of
the time dependent nature of the line characteristic
impedance. Relatively simple formulae are derived so
that both response functions may be included in a
general purpose computer program without difficulty.
The validity of the approach is confirmed by comparing
results with those obtained from the modified Fourier
transform method.
INTRODUCTION
In recent years the transient analysis of trans-
mission lines has received a great deal of attention.
Of special interest is the refinement of numerical
procedures to account for the effects of frequency
dependent parameters such as the earth path impedance.
When dealing with the problem of frequency depeid-
ence, use of the modified Fourier transform method 2
has distinct advantages regarding accuracy of line
representation. Nevertheless, by introducing certain
simplifying3 assumptions, the travelling-wave concepts
of Schnyder still find useful application.
From a programming point of view, the travelling-
wave concept may be implemented in different ways.
Thus, methods based on the Bewley lattice technique4-8
or the Bergeron method of characteristics9,10 are fam-
iliar variations.
Travelling-wave methods differ from the Fourier
method in that all calculations are performed in the
time domain. Deformation of waves because of earth and
conductor skin-effects are introduced into procedures
which normally assume ideal line conditions by eval-
uating the step or pulse response of all lines separ-
ately and convolving these response functions with the
actual input waves obtained during the process of cal-
culation.
The multiconductor nature of the practical line
can be taken into account using independent modes of
propagationll,12. Difficulty is encountered, however,
because in general the phase distributions of voltage
and current and the characteristic impedance assoc-
iated with each mode are time dependent. This is usu-
ally overcome by assuming that the mode distributions
do not change with time, and using in place of the
characteristic impedance the constant surge impedance.
The concept of fixed mode distributions is really
Paper T 73 435-5, recommended and approved by the IEEE Transmission &
Distribution Committee of the IEEE Power Engineering Society for presentation at
the IEEE PES Summer Meeting & EHV/UHV Conference, Vancouver, B.C., Canada,
July 15-20, 1973. Manuscript submitted February 12, 1973; made available for
printing May 23, 1973.
685
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S. Selvavinayagamoorthy
valid only when the line is perfectly transposed. But
for the untransposed line of horizontal construction,
in particular, acceptable accuracy is possible if the
distributions are used in Clarke component form, where
the centre conductor lies on an axis of symmetry. As
shown in this paper, however, use of the surge imped-
ance rather than the characteristic impedance may lead
to errors of 10% or more. Consequently, it is of int-
erest to develop procedures which can account for this
time variation in characteristic impedance and also be
included in a general purpose computer program.
For this reason a method is developed which pre-
serves the simplicity of the travelling-wave methods.
The effects of time dependent characteristic impedance
are considered in terms of the propagation character-
istics of the earth mode in such a way that forward
and backward response functions are derived. Time var-
iations in the characteristic impedances associated
with the line modes are not considered because errors
arising from the use of their surge impedances only
are much less significant.
THEORETICAL DEVELOPMENT
When formulating solution procedures in terms of
travelling-wave concepts, it proves convenient to con-
sider the transmission line in a primitive network
form. This has tile advantage of not involving external
circuits when defining basic line response functions.
The problem of line interconnection corresponding to a
particular network arrangement is overcome in a sep-
arate process using appropriate boundary equations.
Efk +
z(t) Ebm 4.
m
Ebk Efmm
Fig. 1. Single-phase line
In the first instance consider the line joining
the two nodes k and m as shown in Figure 1. For gen-
erality z(t) defines the time dependent characteristic
impedance of the line, and for the ideal line becomes
the constant surge impedance zo, i.e. the surge imped-
ance is defined as the characteristic impedance of the
lossless line, conductor and earth path skin-effects
being disregarded.
If the ideal line is in fact considered, the back-
ward waves shown in Figure 1 as Ebk and Ebm are simply
related to the forward wave Efm and Efk respectively
such that
E
k (t)=E m (t-T)
(1)
Eb kt=E(t-T)
Clearly the waves are not distorted during propagation
so that only a simple delay equal to the line travel
time is introduced.
The forward waves are generated because of extern-
al connection, so in the primitive network are quite
arbitrary. Furthermore, it is important to note that
the backward waves are independent of the correspond- If node k is now connected to an external imped-
ing forward waves at the same node. As already men- ance zes the boundary condition is satisfied by defin-
tioned, the problem of external connection is treated ing a total nodal current given by
separately.
i (t)=(z )e k (t)-z o 1F m (t-T) (11)
Once the basic line response functions are estab- k o ±Z
lished, it remains to interconnect the network and
therefore satisfy corresponding boundary conditions. In general, such equations can be established at
For this purpose the Bewley lattice technique or the all nodes to give a matrix equationlO having the form
Bergeron method of characteristics may be used.
The lattice technique4-8 introduces the concept of i(t)=Ye(t)-I(t-T) (12)
reflection and refraction coefficients. Hence taking a
as the reflection coefficient, the boundary condition The elements of the current vector I are obtained
at node k is satisfied when from equations such as (10), e.g.

Ek(t)=aE k(t) (2) I (t-T)=z 1Fm (t-T)

m o
(13)
where in terms of Ze, the external impedance seen from and since the nodal current vector i(t) can be spec-
the node k, and zo ified from the known surge conditio-ns, equation (12)
can be solved step-by-step to obtain the voltage vec-
U=(z-ezO)/(ze +z) (3) tor e(t).
So far the ideal line has been considered for the
This means that a relatively simple procedure can purpose of illustrating the overall concepts, but of
be set up in which any forward wave arising from a course our interest here is to extend the equations so
known surge condition at some node in the network will as to include the lossy line which introduces distor-
generate backward waves at all nodes directly connec- tion because of frequency dependence. In terms of the
ted according to equation (1). The backward waves in primitive network it is possible to evaluate the im-
turn will generate forward waves at these nodes, which pulse response of the lossy line using either the mod-
will then propagate towards the-starting node. Forward ified Fourier transform method or direct analytical
waves are generated from backward waves according to equations based on suitable approximations. Hence,
equation (2), and at each node the actual voltage can assuming the impulse response is available as P(t), it
be obtained from the sum of the forward and backward follows from convolution theory that basic propagation
waves, e.g. in terms of arbitrary forward waves on the lossy line
leads to the equations
k f(t)+E
ek (t)=E k b(t)
k (4)
Eb (t)=P(t)*Ef
k ~~m(t)
If node k is connected to another line then e k(t) (14)
becomes in itself a forward wave which enters and pro- E mf(t)=P(t)*E
*1 k (t)
pagates along that line, so in general a backward wave
gives rise to more than one forward wave, whereas a where in full
forward wave only generates one backward wave provided
the line is homogeneous. The basic difficulty in im- Ebk (t)=Oo I P(u)E mm(t-u)du
plementing the method is clearly associated with the (15)
problem of tracing the propagation and reflection of
all waves as time is advanced step-by-step. m b(t)o1tP(uE f

(t-u)du
As an alternative approach,the Bergeron method can In the Bewley lattice method, this-means that all
be employed9910 to set up nodal equations in terms of backward waves must now be generated on the basis of
known injected currents. Thus, considering node k, it equation (14) and not equation (1). Similarly, for use
can be shown that forward and backward characteristics in the Bergeron method, we can redefine the relation-
Fk and Bk may be defined such that ship between the forward and backward characteristics
so as to obtain
0ikm (t)=2E f(t)=F
ek (t)+z o k k (t)
(S5) B k(t)=P(t)*Fm(t) (16)
ek(t)-Zikm(t)=2Eb k(t)=B k(t)
However, in the strictest sense, the lossy line
where im is the current entering the line at node k. can no longer be represented entirely by its simple
In terms of the backward characteristic, nerrange- surge impedance. So, in the equations developed, all
ment gives surge impedances should be replaced by corresponding
time dependent characteristic impedances, although it
om 1{e k Wt-B k(6
ikm(t)=Zo (t)} (6) is usual to proceed on the assumption that for ex-
ternal connection the line represented by its surge
But taking the ideal line it follows from (1) that impedance does not lead to significant error.
In avoiding this assumption, it still proves con-
Bk(t)=Fm(t-T) (7) venient to retain the concept of surge impedance when
dealing with line interconnection, and so at the end
to give of each line an ideal short transmission line of surge
impedance zo is introduced, as shown in Figure 2(a).
om(t)=Z {e(t)-F (t-T)} (8) This means that the time dependent characteristic im-
pedance of the actual line is handled as an internal
Furthermore, from (5) written for node m, it is seen problem leading to suitably modified basic propagation
that characteristics only.
With reference to Figure 2,consider a forward wave
Fm (t-T)+B m (t-T)=2e m (t-T) (9) E k entering the line at node k. Assuming negligible
travel time, this wave arrives at the fictitious node
So again for the ideal line k' to give
Fm (t-T)=2e m (t-T)-F
k (t-2T) (10) Eb (t)=E f(t) (17)
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Now at this node there is a time dependent discontin-
uity which can be considered in terms of a time depen- e h,
(t)-E (t)+E f I (t) (26)
dent reflection coefficient defined by
But this appears as a backward wave at node m to give
6(W)={Z(W)-z }/{Z(t)+z} (18) from (25),(23) and (22)
b
Alternatively, defining (t)=P(t)*E (t) (27)
z (t) =-z0+Az(t) (q9) The forward wave at node k is seen to produce a
backward wave at node m, as before from equation (14).
and neglecting the terms of equal or higher order thLn But taking the time dependent characteristic impedance
Az(t)2, it follows that an approximate form for 8(t) into account, it is now seen to produce another back-
is more simply given by ward wave at its own node k. That is, ignoring Qther
secondary reflections, th9 backward wave at node k is
8(t)=Az(t)/2z (20) given by
-b f
E k(t)=E k' (t)+P(t)*E f mI (t)
(28)
k k' z(t) m' m =Q(t)*E f k(t)
zo zo where from (21) and (25)
(a) Line diagram Q(t)=8(t)-a(t)*P(t)*P(t) (29)
Efk Once again it is noted that external circuits need
Efk±8*Efk not be considered. These, are taken into account once
the basic line response functions are available. On
~~~*T:,fk**Ek '~
the other hand, it is necessary to consider a forward
wave entering the line at nqde m quite arbitrarily.
8*6ik ~ ~~~~ K_
k
Such a wave will produce backward waves, at both nodes
according to similar equations-. Therefore, by super-
position, complete propagation characteristics are now
- *K*KEfk based on

(b) Lattice diagram Eb k (t)=Q(t)*E f(t)+P(t)*Ef

kk m(t)
m(t)
(30)
Fig. 2. Proposed line model Eb (t=()Ef(t+t*f t

where for generality the lossy line is represented in

Thus, the backward wave gives rise to a forward
wave at the fictitious node which can be obtained by
convolution, viz.
E
f
k(t)=B(t)*Ef(t)
The voltage at node k' is now found as the sum of the
corresponding forward and backward waves to give
e
kl(t) =Ef k (t)+.(O*Efk (t)
and of course this becomes a forward wave travelling
towards the other fictitious node ml. Hence, at ml',
Eb, (t)=P(t) ek,t(t)
where P(t) is the impulse response of the lossy line
mentioned previously. Also at this node the reflection
coefficient -8(t) is appropriate, so again by cpnvol-
ution a corresponding forward wave is obtained from
f Equations for evaluating the forward and backward
E m'(t)=-M(t)*E m'(t) (24)
For the purpose of simplifying the expressions,
convolution involving more than one a(t) term can be
neglected. So from (24),(23) and (22) it follows that
Ef ink
t(t)=-8(t)*P(t)*E k(t)
This approximation based on the small differences be-
tween z0 and z(t) is further justified by the results
given later which are shown to compare favourably with
those obtained by the more exact Fourier"transform
method.
Once again the voltage at node m' is obtained from
corresponding forward and backward waves, i.e.
terms of its time dependent characteristic impedance.
The Bewley lattice and Bergeron methods can be im-
plemented in the usual way except that equation (30)
must now replace equation (14), or (1). Fundamfentally,
(21) implementation of either method is in no way altered.
The evaluation of both P(t) and Q(t), termed the for-
ward and backward response functions of the line res-
pectively, is described in the following section.
(22) CALCULATION OF RESPONSE FUNCTIONS
When implementing the necessary process of convol-
ution, numerical integration is performed on the basis
of a finite step length At. By superposition, however,
(23) a pulse response can be obtained very readily in terms
of step response functions. This approach is in fact
adopted in the present' work so that in the following
the functions P(t) and Q(t) become the response func-
tions to a unit step input wave and not the impulse
wave mentioned earlier.
response functions are most easily formulated in terms
of frequency. Thus, using the proposed line model, it
follows that suitable expressions corresponding to the
equations (20) and (29), when a step input wave is
considered, leads to
(25) P(p)= exp(-y(p)d)/p
(31)
Q(p)=Az(p){1-exp(-2y(p)d)1/2z p
where d is the line length, y(p) the earth mode prop-
agation constant such that
5
Y(P)=fz WPY (P? }E (32)

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and
Az(p)={zS(p)/ys(p) } -z
The terms zs(p) and ys(p) are the series impedance and
shunt admittance parameters per unit line length resp-
ectively. They can be evaluated from well-known form-
ulae13, including Carson's earth impedance formula14.
The forward and backward response functions in the
time domain are now Qbtained by numerical inversion.
For this purpose, the concepts of the modified Fourier
transform ,2 are used, although a possible alternative
is the derivation of approximate analytic expressions
for direct application in the time domain. This would
avoid the need for the numerical inversion of the ex-
pressions given in equation (31).
If P(p) and Q(p) are re-considered as response
functions to an impulse wave input, it is worth noting
that in this form they are similar to functions intro-
duced by Snelson15. This is further demonstrated in
the Appendix.
10cm
20m
Earth resistivity=lOOQ-m
Fig. 3. Line configuration
150km
0.
(a) Forward function
(b) Backward function
by Snelson formulae
by derived formulae
Fig. 4. Step response functions
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(33) APPLICATION OF RESPONSE FUNCTIONS
For the purpose of illustration, a single-phase
line having the configuration shown in Figure 3 is
considered. It is typical of the equivalent circuits
used to evaluate the earth mode response of horizontal
lines.
To provide sufficient accuracy, 500 complex frequ-
encies are used and the expressions given in equation
(31) inverted for line lengths of 30, 90 and 150 km. A
fast Fourier transform procedure, designed to account
for any number of frequency response values, is used
to reduce costs of computation.The line self-impedance
is ignored since this contribution is generally neg-
ligible in earth mode terms. So, for a unit step input
wave, the computed forward and backward response func-
tions in the time domain are presented in Figure 4.
Corresponding response functions for a 20ps,unit pulse
input to the 150 km line are also computed and shown
in Figure 5.
For comparison at 90 and 150 km,response functions
based on Snelson's formulae15, but modified to account
for step input waves, are also shown in Figure 4.Diff-
erences between corresponding forward response func-
tions are clearly negligible, and of course the small
differences between corresponding backward response
functions become negligible on application to the gen-
eral problem of finding line transient response. Hence
the validity of the simplified approach given in the
present paper is indicated.
It is noted that the forward response functions
are of similar form to the usual functions employed in
methods which consider line representation in terms of
the surge impedance only. Since the backward response
functions are of some significance, however, reaching
a level of 0.1 p.u., as the line length increases to
150 km,, it is clear that they might also require con-
sideration according to the degree of accuracy being
sought in the problem of interest.
.4,
.2
J50km-
.9ms
(a) Forward function
0 .4 .8
(b) Backward function
Fig. 5. Pulse response functions
688
 For each line length, the results given in Figure
4(b) show the backward response functions increasing
up to a time which corresponds to twice the line trav-
el time, 2T. Thereafter, an exponential decay occurs
because of the contribution from what is effectively
the returning wave due to reflection at the far end of
the line model given in Figure 2. In general, it is
noted that the backward response functions should be
evaluated for a time of 4T at least. This is further
indicated by the significant second peak in the corr-
esponding pulse response function of Figure 5(b).
To demonstrate the possible errors which could re-
sult from neglect of the backward response functions,
the receiving end response of the 150 km line is eval-
uated when'it is energised from sinusoidal sources of
25 and 200 mH in turn. The breaker is closed at a peak
of 1.0 p.u. voltage and results presented in Figures 6
and 7 respectively.
The validity of the results using both forward and
backward response functions is confirmed by also show-
ing in Figures 6 and 7 the corresponding results using
the modified Fourier transform method. As before in-
version is performed by applying a fast Fourier trans-
form technique. For the results given in Figures 6 and
7 respectively, 1000 and 500 complex frequencies are
employed.
2 least.
O,L 50km
1 rier transform method. The use of such formulae are
1 2
-11
*. * modified Fourier transform method
- - - - forward response function only
forward and backward functions
Fig. 6. Receiving end response,L=25mH
-
*
modified Fourier transform method
- - - - forward response function only
forward and backward functions
Fig. 7. Receiving end response,L=200mH
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For the weaker source, it is seen that the errors
are more pronounced. In both cases, however,it appears
that errors tend to accumulate, so that errors of 10%
or more are possible. As a further example, a case of
resistance switching is shown in Figure 8, where once
again the errors are not insignificant. The sending
end response clearly demonstrates' the effect of the
increasing value of the characteristic impedance above
the nominal surge impedance of 400Q.
CONCLUSIONS
A suitable procedure is presented for taking into
account the time dependent nature of the line charac-
teristic impedance. This procedure is based on eval-
uating forward and backward response functions which
are derived in relatively simple terms so that they
might be incorporated very- easily into existing comp-
uter programs using travelling-wave concepts.
It is shown that neglect of the backward response
function can lead to significant errors, and so its
inclusion in a general purpose program would appear
desirable, also considering how readily it can be in-
cluded. However, this may well depend on the nature of
the specific problem under study. If the backward res-
ponse function is included then it is important to
note that it should be evaluated for a time of 4T at
As already mentioned, approximate analytic form-
ulae can be derived to give direct time solutions for
the forward and backward response functions, and so
eliminate the need for numerical inversion by the Fou-
now being investigated by the authors and-initial re-
sults appear promising.
T -
~- - - - -
- - - - forward response function only
forward and backward functions
Fig. 8. Sending and receiving end responses,R=400Q
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are grateful to Prof.L.M. Wedepohl for
his interest in this work and for the facilities pro-
vided in the Power Systems Laboratory of the Univers-
ity of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.
Mr. Selvavinayagamoorthy is also grateful to the Uni-
versity of Ceylon, Peradenilya, for their support dur-
ing his leave of absence.
APPENDIX
For the single-phase line of Figure 1 the two-port
admittance matrix in the frequency domain can be ex-
pressed in the form
i= Ye (Al)
where (2) L. M. Wedepohl and S.E.T. Mohamed, "Multiconductor
transmission lines. Theory of natural modes and
[ coth(Yd) -cosech(yd) Fourier integrals applied to transient analysis".
Y= /Z Proc. IEE, vol. 116, pp 1553-1563, Septeber 1969.
-cosech(Yd) coth(yd)
(3) O.Schnyder,"Druckstosse in Pumpensteigleitun gen",
Furthermore, equation (5) applied to both terminals Schw,eiz. Bauzeitungenr, vol. 94, pp 22-23, 1929.
leads to the matrix equations
(4) L.0. Barthold and G.K. Carter,"Digital travelling-
Eb.; e-EE f -z 0 i+E f (A2) wave solutions, Pt I single phase equivalents'",
AIEE Trans.(Power Apparatus and Systems), vol. 80,
so that use of e4uation (Al) gives pp 812-820, DeceTrrber 1961.
e=2(U+z Y) lEf (A3) (5) A. J. McElroy and R. M. Porter, "Digital computer
.calculation of transients in electric networks",
which in turn gives AIEE Trans(Ppower Apparatus and Systems), vol. 82,
pp 88-95, April 1963.
E ={2(U+z Y) -U}E (A4)
0
(6) J.B. Bickford and P.S. Doepel,"Calculation of swi-
where U is the 2x2'-unit matrix. tching transients with particular reference to
Expanding equation (A4), it can now be shown that
r line energisation", Proc. IEE, vol. 114, pp 465-
f 477, April 1967.
(A5) (7) H. B. Thoren and K. Li Carlson,"A digital computer
1 2 program for the calculation of switching and ligh-
m A
jfo m
tning surges on power systems", IEEE Trans.(Power
where A and A2 for an impulse wave input correspond Apparatus and Systems), vol. PAS-89, pp 212-217,
to the iorward and backward response functions deriv- February 1970.
ed by Snelson15 and are given by
(8) K. Iwamoto,T. Todaka and A: Ametani,"Digital calc-
A1=l/{cosh(yd)+l/2(z/z±+z0/z)sinh(yd)} (A6)
ulation of switching surges and treatise on irreg-
ular closing of three-phase transmission lines'',
A2=1/2(z/z o-z0/z)sinh(yd)/A1 paper no. 955, presented at Japanese IEE National
Meeting, March 1968.
For simplicity, however, consider
(9) F. H. Branin,"Transient analysis of lossless trans-
z /z +z /z= 2 mission lines", Proc. IEEE, vol. 55, pp 2012-2013,
November 1967.
z/z -z /z=2Az/z
(10) H,W. Dommel,"Digital computer solution of electro-
where in using magnetic transien-s in single and multiphase net-
works", IEEE Trans.(Power Apparatus and Systems)
z~ .t-z
vol. PAS-88, pp 388-399, April 1969.
terms involving powers of Az equal to or greater than (il) L. M. Wedepohl,"Application of matrix methods to
two are netlected. In equation (A6), these lead to the the solution of travelling-wav' phenomena in poly-
approximations phase systemst' Proc. IEE, vol. 110, pp 2200-2212,
December 1963.
A1 exp(-Yd) (A7)
(12) D. E. Hedman",Propagation on 6vethead transmission
A2=Azfl-exp(-2yd)}/2z
2 ~~~~~0 lines Pt I theory of modal analysis" ,IEEE Trans.
(Power Aparatus and Systems'), vol. PAS-84, pp 200
When defined as step response functions and not as -205, March 1965.
impulse response functiona, it should be clear that
the A1 and A of equation (A7) are identical to the P (13) R. H. Galloway,W. B. Shorrocks and L. M. Wedepohl,
and Q given ln -equaton (31). Therefore, the forward "Calcul4tioh of electrical pdramTeters for short
and backward respohse functions used in this paper are and lQng polyphase transmission lines", Proc. IEE,
similar to those introduced by Snelson. vol. lli, pp 2051-2059, December 1964.

(14) J. R. CaiAon, "Wave propagation in overhead wires

REFERENCES
(1) S.J. Day, N. Mullineux and J.#..Reed,"Developments
in obtaining transient response using Fourier
transforms, Pt II : use of modified Fourier trans-
form", Int. J. Elec. Engna. Educ., vol. 4, pp 31-
40, 1966.
with ground return", Bell Syst. Tech. J., vol. 5,
pp 539-554, 1926.
(15) J. K. Snelson, "Propagation of tiavelling-waves on
transmission lines. Frequency dependent parameters'"
IEEE Trans.(Power Apparatus and Systems), vol. PAS
-91, pp 85-90, January 1972.

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 Discussion
A. Semlyen (University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada): I would
like to commend the authors for their sustained endeavours for refining
the numerical procedures to account for the effects of frequency depen-
dent parameters due to ground return. I strongly agree with them that
travelling-wave methods have to be used in efficient switching transients
programs, despite the fact that the line parameters are frequency depen-
dent. There is no conceptual difficulty in the transition from the fre-
quency domain to the time domain, and one situation, quite often
encountered, is where a product (in the frequency domain) is replaced
by a convolution (in the time domain)A. While I fully appreciate the
merits of the paper, I would like to make a few remarks concerning
rigor, practicality and accuracy.
Most frequency domain operations do not have identical form in
the time domain. For this reason, equation (18), and those derived from
it, are not valid. Also, since z(t) (i.e. the voltage response to a unit cur-
rent input) increases to large values, equation (20) will not result from
(18), even if the latter were acceptable. Consequently, the validity of
Q(p) of equation (31) is also questionable, since the latter contains a
similar approximation as equation (20).
The concept of backward response functions, first introduced by
Snelson [15], is potentially useful by producing a constant, apparent
characteristic impedance of the transmission line. In fact, however, the
convolution due to a frequency dependent characteristic impedance or
admittanceB is not completely avoided but only replaced by a new con-
volution with Q (eqns. (30)), which is a less known and less understood
functional relationship. The practicality of this approach is question-
able, also because a frequency-independent external impedance Ze
(eqn. (3)) is only a rough approximation for most terminal components.
Consequently, the effort for producing a constant zo for the line does
not seem to be fully justified.
The ground mode characteristics and related responses in figures
4, 6 and 8 have steeper fronts than those we usually obtain for three
phase lines. This, possibly, is due to the small equivalent conductor
radius, in Fig. 3. Results given by HedmanC also suggest stronger distor-
tion due to ground effects, in transmission lines with no ground wires.
When comparing figures 4 and 5, it appears that the impulse re-
sponses are not properly related to the respective step responses. Present
experienceB,C indicates that the forward response does not start with a
steep front immediately after a travel time at light velocity (Fig. 4a). A
zero initial slope (as in Fig. 5a, but slightly later) is a more realistic
representation.
REFERENCES
[A] A. Semlyen and E. Wagner, "Beitrag zum genaueren Berechnen der
Schaltspanungen in Hochspannungsleitungen nach dem Bergeron-
Verfahren", Elektrotechnische Zeitschrift (ETZ-A) Vol. 90, 1969,
No. 18, pp. 436-440.
[B] A. Semlyen and M. C. Kwok, "Calculation of Switching Transients
on Overhead Lines with Frequency Dependent Parameters, Part I-
Theory", IEEE Paper No. C 72 563-5.
[C] D. E. Hedman, "Distortion of Travelling Waves on Three-Phase
Transmission Lines", IEEE Paper No. C 73 409-0, presented at the
1973 PES Summer Meeting in Vancouver.
Manuscript received July 30, 1973.
Xuan-Dai Do (Ecole Polytechnique, Montreal, Quebec, Canada): The
authors are to be congratulated for their interesting paper. The work
presents very useful material concerning the calculation of switching
surges on a single-phase line of finite length, taking into account the
time dependent nature of the line characteristic impedance. However, it
would be more interesting to see how the technique is applied to calcu-
late transient responses of an untransposed three phase line since most
EHV lines are not transposed. In this case, the solutions for current and
voltage would be more complicated. If the authors have such results,
they would render the interested people a service by commenting them.
Manuscript received August 2, 1973.
J. K. Snelson (Ontario Hydro, Toronto, Canada): The authors of this
paper have presented some interesting additional information on
methods of handling frequency dependent transmission lines. They
correctly point out the presence of the second peak in the backward
response function (Fig. Sb), a feature which we became aware of after
the publication of reference [ 15] . The examples given clearly indicate
the importance of the backward response function in giving solutions
accurate over a long period of time.
To check the accuracy of their line representation, the authors
compare solutions of particular transient problems with solutions ob-
Manuscript received August 17, 1973..
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tained using another fourier transform technique. An alternative ap-
proach is to take the response functions and to calculate the effective
line parameters they represent, as a function of frequency. This can be
done without approximations and a comparison in the frequency do-
main can be made with the values of the line parameters assumed in the
original calculation of the response functions. Two very simple results
for a line with zero shunt conductance come out of this sort of analysis.
The first is that the sum of the areas under the two impulse response
functions must be unity. This condition was mentioned in Appendix I
of reference [ 15] . The second condition is that:
Total dc resistance 2.Z0. (Area under Backward Function)
of the line (Area under Forward Function)
Other results for the limiting values of capacitance and inductance
as frequency tends to zero can also be derived. These expressions are a
little more complicated as they involve both the area and also the first
moments of area of the response functions.
One type of calculation using this sort of line representation that
has proved difficult is the calculation of transients following the sudden
application of a short circuit. Here the final power frequency current is
very sensitive to any error in the effective low frequency series imped-
ance of the line. Have the authors tried any calculations of this type?
The authors mention that they are working on simple analytic
formulae for the response functions. Such formulae would save much
computation time. Can the authors give any indication at this stage of
the form of these formulae and the degree of accuracy they produce?
R. G. Wasley and S. Selvavinayagamoorthy: We thank the discussers for
their comments and take the opportunity of thanking Mr. D. E. Hedman
(Power Technologies, Inc., Schenectady, N.Y. 12301) for presenting the
paper on our behalf.
We agree with Prof. Semlyen that equation (18) is incorrect, but do
not agree that this error invalidates subsequent equations. If derived
from the frequency domain, under the same assumptions, it can be
shown that equations other than (18) are in fact perfectly acceptable.
Unfortunately, it was a matter of oversight that the latter was expressed
as shown during our attempt to explain the line model in the time do-
main. The validity of equation (31) is made clear in the Appendix, where
derivations are based on approximations to Mr. Snelson's equations.
The additional convolution involving Q in equation (30) gives rise
to no inherent difficulties other than the need for an increase in compu-
tational requirements. Moreover, as convolution is necessary in forward
response terms, it is highly desirable to include any convolution proce-
dure, accounting for the frequency dependent effects of characteristic
impedance, at this stage and not when dealing with boundary conditions.
For this reason, the method adopted in the paper proves extremely
convenient.
As pointed out by Prof. Semlyen the slopes of the ground mode
step response functions would be less steep for a larger equivalent con-
ductor. On the other hand, for the particular example considered in the
paper, the time scale is such that the sharpness of the wavefronts ap-
pears exaggerated. That is, for an expanded scale, the step response
functions would be seen not to start with a steep front immediately, and
would be delayed a little more than indicated because of propagation at
less than the velocity of light. It is also worth mentioning that the shape
of the pulse response function as derived from the step response func-
tion is dependent on the time step chosen. Thus, for a smaller time step,
the initial slope of the pulse response function shown in the paper would
be less severe.
In application to multiphase untransposed lines, the concept of the
single conductor representing an equivalent ground mode condition is
avoided altogether. Presentation on this basis was used simply as a means
of illustration. Thus, in reply to Prof. Do, it is worth mentioning that
extension to the multiphase case has been achieved successfully through
the use of frequency independent modal transformation matrices. The
results of this work are given in a paper( 16) submitted for consideration
as a contribution to the IEEE Winter Power Meeting 1974. Using the
backward response function it is shown that the accuracy of the travel-
ling wave method becomes comparable to the Fourier transform method
even in the three phase line.
We were interested to learn of Mr. Snelson's alternative means of
checking results, but as yet have not looked at the implication in detail.
Similarly, we have not been concerned with the investigation of tran-
sients following the sudden application of a short circuit. Nevertheless,
we would agree that the effective low frequency series impedance of the
line plays an important role in determining the final power frequency
current. There again, provided the response functions are suitably ex-
Manuscript received October 12, 1973.
tended to represent this long time problem, we do not foresee any
special difficulties.
With regard to simple analytic formulae for the response functions,
the results of some recent work by us have been presented in another
paper( 17) also submitted for consideration as an IEEE publication. A
procedure of approximation provides short and long time formulae,
when we find that the long time formula alone is sufficient for repre-
senting the backward response function, whereas to represent the for-
ward response function the two formulae are brought together by a
suitable curve fitting technique. In this way the accuracy achieved for
the forward response function is extremely good.
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REFERENCES
(16) R. G. Wasley, S. Selvavinayagamoorthy, and A. Ametani, "Influence
of backward response functions in multiconductor transient
analysis", submitted for presentation at the IEEE Winter Power
Meeting, 1974.
(17) R. G. Wasley, and S. Selvavinayagamoorthy, "Approximate analytic
formulae for transmission line forward and backward response
functions in the time domain", submitted for presentation at the
IEEE Winter Power Meeting, 1974.