Symmetrical Components Made Easy

Part 1
April 8, 2014 By Manta Applications Team Leave a Comment
Before computer software applications, the task of calculating fault currents for a
three-phase electrical system was a challenging task. A mathematical theorem
using Symmetrical Components and Sequence Networks was the most practical
method to conduct fault studies. Although we now have computers systems to
calculate and perform in-depth fault and coordination studies, there continues a
need to have a good understanding of these theoretical components. Modern
protective relays calculate Symmetrical Components and use these values for
protection settings and logic.
There are three Symmetrical Components: positive, negative and zero sequence.
The general equations to determine these sequence quantities from a three-phase
system, is as follows:

Contents [hide]

1 Positive Sequence Components in a Non-Faulted, three-phase power system

2 Negative Sequence Components in a Non-Faulted, three-phase power system

3 Zero Sequence Components in a Non-Faulted, three-phase power system

4 Conclusion:
o

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Positive Sequence Components in a Non-Faulted,

three-phase power system
Below is a phasor diagram of a balanced, non-faulted three-phase power system.
The phases are equal in amplitude and phase angle. The following set of drawings
pictorially calculates the amount of positive sequence component in a balance
system. The vector addition of 120o and 240o corresponds to the a and a2
constants in the Positive Sequence formula above.

Thus, the positive sequence component in a non-faulted, balanced system is equal

to one of the phases.

Negative Sequence Components in a Non-Faulted,

three-phase power system
Performing the same phasor calculation, we can determine the amount of negative
sequence component in a non-faulted, balanced three-phase power system. The
negative sequence formula is proven.
Adding a and a2 to the appropriate phasors, as per the negative sequence
formula, then adding the phasor by placing the arrow tip to arrow tail results in a
return to zero position. Thus, there is no negative sequence component in a nonfaulted, three-phase system.

Zero Sequence Components in a Non-Faulted,

three-phase
power
system
Lastly, we calculate the amount of Zero Sequence Component in the same threephase system. The formula for zero sequence is straight forward, in that there is no
angle addition (i.e. no a or a2) and is simply phasor addition by placing the
phasors tip to tail.

Thus, there is no zero-sequence component in a non-faulted, balanced threephase system.

Conclusion:

Strong knowledge and understand of Symmetrical Components is key to

testing and troubleshooting power system protection.

Symmetrical Components are calculated and formulas proven by phasor

diagrams.

There is only positive sequence in a balanced three-phase system no

negative sequence or zero sequence.

In the next post we will examine the sequence components of a phase to ground
fault.

Symmetrical Components Made Easy

Part 2
April 15, 2014 By Manta Applications Team 1 Comment
In the last post we examined and calculated the symmetrical components in a nonfaulted, three-phase electrical power system. This post expands on the same
process of using phasor diagrams to describe, illustrate, visualize and calculate the
three symmetrical components: Positive Sequence, Negative Sequence and Zero
Sequence. An examination of a phase to neutral (also referred to as phase to
ground) fault will be conducted.
Contents [hide]

1 Positive Sequence Components B-N Fault

2 Negative Sequence Components B-N Fault

3 Zero Sequence Components B-N Fault

4 Conclusion:
o

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Positive Sequence Components B-N Fault

Thus, there is significant positive sequence in the phase to neutral fault and the
positive sequence phasor is lagging the reference phase (phase A).

Negative Sequence Components B-N Fault

Thus, there is some negative sequence in the phase to neutral fault and the
negative sequence phasor is leading the reference phase (phase A).

Zero Sequence Components B-N Fault

Thus, there is some zero sequence in the phase to neutral fault.

Conclusion:

Sequence components can be calculated and illustrated using phasor

diagrams for a phase to neutral fault.

There are positive, negative and zero sequence components in a B-N fault;
whereas a non-faulted system has only positive sequence see
Symmetrical Components Made Easy Part 1