SAMPLE EXAM PROBLEM – PROTECTION (6 OF 80 PROBLEMS)

SLIDE 1

In this video, we will cover a sample exam problem for the Power PE Exam. This exam problem
falls under the topic of Protection, which accounts for 6 of 80 problems on the PE exam. The
question reads,

Two generators are connected in parallel and each serves their own transformer. The outputs
of these transformers are connected to a common bus and then a common transmission line. If
a three phase fault occurs on the transmission line, then what will be the fault current? The
ratings of the equipment are shown on the next slide. You can assume the circuit is three
phase and the neutrals are solidly grounded.

SLIDE 2

The properties of the generators and transformers are shown on this slide. The voltages, MVAs
and sub-transient reactances are provided for the generator. The voltages, MVAs and percent
impdeances are provided for the transformers. Finally the rated voltage and impedance per
phase of the transmission line is provided. This problem only provides the necessary
information to complete the problem, but the PE exam may also include extra information like
transformer configurations, transient reactances as opposed to sub-transient reactances and
negative or zero components. Where as in this problem only positive components are shown.

Generator 1: 500 MVA, 13.8 kV, X’’ = 0.15

Transformer 1: 500 MVA, 13.8/230 kV, X = 0.13

Generator 2: 1,200 MVA, 13.8 kV, X’’ = 0.08

Transformer 2: 1,200 MVA, 13.8/230 kV, X = 0.08

Transmission Line: 230 kV, X = 10 Ω per phase

On the exam, you should be able to construct a simple one line diagram to show which
components are in parallel and which components are in series, if the PE exam does not
provide a diagram for you.

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SLIDE 3

There are multiple methods to complete this problem, like the MVA method and the Per Unit
Method. However, this video focuses on the MVA method and if you would like more
information on the Per Unit method, please see the website in the description link.

SLIDE 4

The first step in the MVA method is to convert all components’ properties to equivalent short
circuit MVA. This is the maximum amount of power that can flow through the component during
a short circuit. Each component has its own way of finding its equivalent short circuit MVA
which will be covered in the next slide.

SLIDE 5

For the generator the short circuit MVA value is found by dividing the full load MVA of the
generator by the generator’s sub transient reactance. Do not use the transient reactance or
steady state reactance, since the transient and steady state reactance values do not give you
the instantaneous short circuit current.

′′

SLIDE 6

Next, the transformer short circuit MVA value describes the total amount of apparent power
through a transformer during a 3-phase fault. This value is found by dividing the full load MVA
of the transformer by the percent impedance of the transformer.

100%
∗
%

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SLIDE 7

The short circuit current in a transmission line is simply a function of the voltage in the line and
the impedance in the line. The short circuit MVA value is found by taking the rated voltage in
kilo-volts squared and dividing the value by the per phase impedance. The units will result in
MVA for the short circuit MVA of the transmission line.

; Ω

SLIDE 8

The previous calculations will result in the following short circuit MVA values as shown in this
figure. The next step is to combine each of these MVA values with the equations for combining
components in parallel and series on the next slide.

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SLIDE 9

The following equations can be used to combine each component. You can notice from these
equations that when parallel components are used, then the MVA is increased and when series
components are used the resulting total MVA is reduced.

1 1 1 1
⋯

SLIDE 10

First you want to work from left to right to simplify the circuit. First, combine the generator and
transformer in series for both sets. Notice, that the series components will increase impedance
to short circuit current which decreases the MVA short circuit value.

1 1 1
1 1 →

1 1 1,786

1 1 1
2 2 →

2 2 7,500

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SLIDE 11

Then combine these two circuits in parallel. Notice that parallel lines provide additional paths
for short circuit current to flow, which increases the MVA short circuit value.

& 9,286

SLIDE 12

Finally combine the previous value in series with the transmission line, which results in the value
as shown.

1 1 1
&

3,370

SLIDE 13

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Finally the last step is to use the resulting MVA combined value for the entire circuit from the
power source to the fault location and the apparent power equation to find the short circuit
current or fault current for a three phase fault. The equation is simply P = I*V*Root 3. Make
sure you use the voltage at the fault location. The resulting answer is (C) 8,640 A.

3,370 ∗ 1000
, 8,460
√3 ∗ 230

Thank you!

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