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Transformer Nameplate

Discussion in 'System Modeling and Calculations' started by JPK, Jun 19, 2009.

  1. JPK New Member

    Hi.

    I'm looking at an installation with (3)500kVA single phase utility transformers. They are wired Delta-Wye 12470-120/208.

    Our utilty quoted 80,000A symmetrical RMS available fault current. This is presumed to be based on infinite bus, 5.2%Z.

    Yes, I know, pretty useless for arc flash.

    I'm going to assume a 100MVA base for fault current and use actual nameplate impedance, +10%.

    Where I am confused is how to apply the single phase %Z to a three phase value.

    Thanks
    JPK, Jun 19, 2009
    #1

  2. brainfiller Administrator

    Source Impedance and Transformer Impedance

    Since three phase calculations are typically on a per phase basis, you use the 5.2% To arrive at 80,000 Amps, use the following:

    SCA = (FLA x 100) / %Z

    SCA = Short Circuit Amps

    FLA = 1500 kVA / (sqrt 3 x 0.208) = 4163.6 Amps (quite large)
    Three Phase kVA = 3 x 500 kVA

    SCA = (4163.6 x 100) / 5.2 = 80,069 Amps

    This method is a variation of the per unit method that does not require converting or using 100 MVA base.

    If you are using software for the analysis, perhaps use an infinite source like you already have and then as an option use 750, 500, 250, 150 and 100 MVA as a source contribution from the utility to see how it effects the results.

    Here is a paper I wrote a while ago about the simplified method for this:

    Download Source Impedance Paper

    To determine the source impedance for 750 MVA you would take:
    (1.5 MVA / 750 MVA) x 100 = 0.2%.
    The 1.5 MVA is from 1500 kVA of the transformer

    Add 0.2% to the 5.2 % and recalculate the short circuit current using 5.4%

    Do the same for 500 MVA through 100 MVA adding the new source impedance to the transformer 5.2%. As the source MVA becomes lower (weaker source) the secondary short circuit current will also become lower and at some point the incident energy might jump due to low short circuit and high clearing time.

    At that point, see what source contribution caused it and then decide if that is very realistic. At least you will have a range of utility contribution where your know your i.e. numbers are good and you will know how low the utility contribution has to be before it creates a problem.
    brainfiller, Jun 20, 2009
    #2

  3. JPK New Member

    Jim-

    Thanks for the thoughtful response and your illustrations.

    Although I didn't state it very well, I was concerned about using a %Z based on the individual, single phase transformer nameplate, because it seems to be a different number than what would be produced from running the short circuit test with the transformers cabled together in a Delta-Wye bank. I was considering this number (6.1%) only because it was much larger than the utility furnished figure. (5.2%)

    Also, I dismissed the utility's infinite bus, available fault current as unrealisatically high, as the 12kV switch feeding the transformer primary is rated 4k, which implies a less than 100MVA base.

    The utility won't readily divulge additional information. Giving a very high fault current is convenient and also a "defensive engineering" posture for them. Unlike the utilty, I need to use engineering judgement on whether "overdutied" equipment needs to be replaced, and what typical and low end fault current is for incident energy calcs.
    JPK, Jun 22, 2009
    #3

  4. brainfiller Administrator

    For a three phase calculation using three single phase transformers you use the impedance of one transfomer assuming the other 2 are the same (or very close to the same).

    Yes, it is sometimes difficult to obtain information from the electric utility company. Sometimes they don't have an extensive data base or system model. Some utilities are still trying to determine how to handle arc flash with customers. Good Luck!
    brainfiller, Jun 22, 2009
    #4

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