Additional Information

Modes of operation of generators

First of all, we have to know what the meaning of swing and voltage control for generator. Let me say it in simple example. In one Power System, there are 4 Unit generators. Each generators capacity is 4 MW. so total is 16 MW. In the operation of Generator, let's say that each generator only can supply for 90% for its rating. so that Each generator supply 3.6 MW. Total Load is 13 MW. 3 Generators supply full of their capacity (3.6 MW) so that there are 10.8 MW to fulfill the load. So 13 - 10.8 = 2.2 MW. Last generator supply 2.2 MW. 3 Generators are voltage control and Last generator is swing mode. Voltage generator control is to supply the load continuous. Swing generator supplies the shortage of the load. If there is no shortage when supplying the load, swing mode is off or in stand by condition

Loads
Generally loads are divided in 3 categories depending on how their demand varies as a function of voltage i.e. constant power that have constant demand regardless of voltage variation, constant impedance that have their demand varying as the square of the voltage and constant current that have their demand varying proportional to the voltage. Normally the load at a particular industrial point is a mixture of the three. So it is important to model the load sensitiviy to voltage correctly. Motive load (motors) can be represented by constant power as their load is dynamic and when the voltage drops they end to increase the drawn current to keep the power constant and vice versa. By contrast static load are of constant impedance, like incandescent lamps, heaters, stoves etc are of constant impedance and load will drop in proportion to the square of voltage when the voltage decrease and vice versa. Very few loads are of constant current and I would ignore it in your case. So check the data sheets of your refrigeration units and apportion the motive load to constant power and the static load (heaters, lamps) to constant impedance at nominal voltage

How to represent double power cables?

When you are entering the cable properties in the cable editor, enter the number of conducors per phase as per your requirements. For example enter 2 no conductors per phase if you need 2 cables in parallel. Entering the number of conductors per phase is the same and even better. I believe this is designed for the purpose of making sure that the cables in parallel have the same properties i.e. same cross section area, insulation, length in order to make sure that the circuit protective device is adequate to protect the cables in parallel, volt drop is the same etc. and comply with the regulations

what is the standard of the suitable voltage drop during motor starting ?
Most client specifications state a maximum of a 15% drop at the motor terminals based on the full voltage nameplate rating of the motor on the initial impact of the start. The voltage drop on the motor starter sitchboard bus is somewhat less because the voltage at that point is upstream of the motor feeder cable impedance load. Low voltage starters, ie less than 750V at any of standard system voltages of 600V, 480V, 460V, 415V, 400V can tolerate voltage dips down to 65% of system voltage without the contactor coils dropping out and on the rare occassions this fact is utilized in a very difficult situation. Personally I've had to work with systems where the voltage dip was down by 30% particullarly when dealing with automatic reacceleration of plants where this occurrence is only seldom. It is important to note that for example when you have a 400V system voltage the motors used on that system are specified with a 380V full nameplate rating. Another example is that on a 600V system the motor full nameplate voltage is specified as 575V.

When doing a static motor study with ETAP what are the minimum specified requirements that need to be included for the induction motors?Is there any good literature / website people can reccomend?
As Luke stated, the short circuit level of the network is an indication of how strong the network is, and its ability to respond to transient events, such as motor starting. When you do a static motor starting study, ETAP performs a simple comparison between the strength of the electrical network (short circuit level) at the motor terminals and the power required by the motor when starting (motor starting power). The short circuit level at the motor terminals is determined by the upstream network fault level, and the rating and impedance of the transformer and any cables in the system. In effect what happens is the motor becomes a potential divider circuit with the power source in the network and the weaker the electrical network, the more voltage gets dropped across it, and the larger the voltage depression experienced by the network. Sometimes people assume that the network behind the nearest transformer is an infinite source (i.e. zero impedance) but this will give an unduly optimistic result, which may cause problems if you case is borderline. There is a simple equation which can be used to work out the percentage voltage drop by hand: %Vdrop = (Motor Starting kVA / (Motor Starting kVA + Short Circuit kVA))*100 Where Motor starting kVA = (Motor Rating (kW) * LRC) / (eff * p.f.) Short circuit kVA = Isc * 1.7321 * Voltage It is also important to note that the short circuit kVA is due to the network only (motor contribution should not be considered) I would recommend that you have a look into doing some hand calculations to work out short circuit levels and motor starting. They are laborious to do, but they will ensure that you develop a good understanding of the calculations that ETAP is performing.

Short circuit limiting devices krishnan V.Director at PavoPower engineering Private Limitedd We are integrating a new 11kV switchgear which is at 40kA short circuit rating to a old plant 11 kV switchgear which is at 26kA rating. Can any one suggest a suitable method to link these boards with out the use of current limiting series reactors?

The first step would be to perform a load flow study to determine your fault level at the switchgear. If the fault level is below the mentioned 26KA then you have no problem. But if it is above the 26kA, then a current limiting (Is) device should be used in the link of the existing and the proposed new switchgear if you do not want to overhaul the existing switchgear to the new fault level. Alternatively, use a 1:1 transformer at the output of the new generator that will reduce the fault level to the desired value of less than 26kA. Now in connection with the 3s or 1s specified energy withstand, this can help as it relates to the i*i*t; but you will never run in problem if you always select a switchgear with fault current withstand above the prospective fault current level even if the switchgear with a lower fault current rating than the prospective fault current can absorb the let-through energy at fault because of its rated 3s withstand against a requirement of 1s

We have one Generator 1.2 MW at 90% load in fixed P.F mode in parallel with two 0.2MW Genset (who are also in fixed P.F mode with 0% droop).Voltage is fluctuating on1.2MW genset? why? advise solution

To have all the three generators in the same mode (Power Factor Control) could be hard to operate, because of the dynamics of the load. As you said, when the load increases, the kW delivered by the gen increases, but as its operation mode is PF Control the gen will increase kVAR in the same proportion as kW in order to maintain fixed the ratio kVAR/kW. So the gen is delivering more kVAR that lead to a voltage increase. When someone changes the PF parameter he/she is just changing the ratio kVAR/kW, but again the generator responds delivering kW and kVAR according to the ratio (PF) but not according to the load. This operation will never be stable. In order to let the gens to deal adequately with the load you need to try a different operation mode lets say: 1.2MW gen in Speed Droop Mode with voltage control, and the other two in PF control. You can try other operation modes depending how your Gen controls react to the system (load).

I want to make a report from particular loads (E.g. Motors) directly into Excel or Access. Is there any suggestion?

You need to look at your ETAP License package and ensure that you have the proper modules to enable this. When you open your program go to the help pull down menu and down to about and then look at the capabilities screen. Your license needs to include DXF & EMF Export Module to do this. If you have it then it can be done. Follow the help guidelines to execute.

Trying to run a load flow study, I would like to define the P-Q and Q-V characteristics of a generator, limiting the Q into a specified voltage range. Which library model do you use to do it? I tried with power grid but I did not get success

Manuel H. Electrical Engineering, with experience in Power Plant Operation, Electrical testing and Maintenance Of Tractions Power. You have go to Generator Editor, and click the operation mode swing in the info page, after you click on the rating page and select the nameplate data of the genset that you want to run the load flow, (P, Q, PF, V). when you have did those steps, then you have to click on the capability page and select the setting that you want to apply, so you have two options; A) ETAP calculates the values for you or B) you can select an specified value.

How is under frequency load shedding study performed in ETAP

you can perform in transient stability study Alexander Alexander H. Electrical Group Lead Engineer at AMEC You need to identify this as an occurrence when setting up the sequence of events in your transient stability study. Riza Riza S. Senior Electrical Engineer little bit tricky when you must update and complete all requirement data for the study such data sheet governor etc must complete. Kaykhusru Kaykhusru L. Senior Electrical Engineer at ETAP Automation As Riza Subrata mentioned, first of all your input data of your system should be complete. That would include all data of generator, such as Impedance model, exciter, governor parameters, Inertia. Shyam K. Shyam K. M. Senior Electrical Engineer at Occidental of Oman Thank you all for your support. I could do it. Regards Shyam K.Menon Robert P Robert P A. Independent Engineering Sector Professional You have to set up your under frequency realys to the required settings and carry in the transient stability study

How to make big motor starting load flow studies in ETAP? Can anyone help...I want to check load flow of my network while motor starting time.
Hello Mr. M kumarMotor voltage drop analysis is part of load flow studies. You can use Motor acceleration module if it is available with you for starting and voltage drop anaylsis. Otherwise the same can be performed via transienet stability module using parameter estimation module, by which you can model Motors as Induction motor and rest load on the switchgear/buses can be modelled as lump load. For the worst scenerio, it is assumed that all working loads are running in the system and largest motor has been started.Basic inputs required are Motor rating , kV , Pf(starting , running ), Locked rotor current ,Torque ,slip , efficiency etc.The transient stability module shows voltage drop across motor terminals but starting of the same in the defined time can only be checked , if you are having complete data sheet of motor. Bistok Bistok S. Eelctrical Engineer PT Schneider Electric Indonesia different static and dynamic is static starting want to know the impact of starting motor to system like voltage drop and stability.. dynamic transient is to see the motor can handled the load or not. it described from slip Robert P Robert P A. Independent Engineering Sector Professional Always start with a load flow study first after inputting all your data. In direct answer to your query, large motor starting affects the stability of the system in terms of voltage drop. You should model the motor inrush in the transient stability analysis to check if your system remains stable at start of large motors within the time limit specified. Model your motor as an induction motors with the locked current inserted together with all the other motor data and run then the study which will demonstrate the stability or not of your system

Reliability Assessment using ETAP

the main goal is to asses the indice risks which are: the expected energy not supplied, the LOLE the LOLP

to use it, mny data are required such as the lines and trnasformers unavailabilty....

On what basis we have to select curves say Normal Inverse, Extremely inverse, Very Inverse so and so
Following major points are considered for curve selection: 1) list of curves supported by protection device being used (not all curves supported by all devices). 2) proper co-ordination margin between protection devices to be maintained along with margin with device to be protected. You will experience not all curves will fulfill both criterion simultaneously. First you need to establish what electrical items and zones you are trying to protect. e.g. motors, cables, switchgear, transformers, downstream circuit breakers, primary protection, secondary backup protection, etc. Then you need to establish what protective devices you have available in your scheme. Not all protective relays have the same capabilities and so sometimes you have to work with those items which are currently available in your electrical distribution system including such situations as sometimes having upstream relays coordinated with downstream fuses. Fuses have characteristics which are not adjustable so this is when the decision making process comes into play. In other words each solution needs to be tailored to accommodate all of the variables you are being confronted with bearing in mind some of the considerations that have been already identified by Amit above.

Xd'/R ratio in Short-circuit calculation

I'm implementing a Short-circuit calculation. Input of Xd''/R for Generator is 43.5 (from Datasheet) Should I use this parameter or use the ratio 6.667 (IEC 60909) in calculating short-circuit current? In the second approach, the peak current will be lower For generators, the "Per Unit" sub-transient reactance is usually 10 - 15% for a typically sized alternator end. 6.667 and 43.5 both sound wrong. There will be no difference, the values that you use are given within a certain accuracy and a tolerance level. The current will be limited by the inductance and not by the resistance, as the Q (X/R) ratio is very high. All selected components selected from the calculation of short-circuit have to be chosen to include a safety margin. I personally don't even take into account the impedance of cables in my design, as, by experience, I know that some equipments will be moved and length of cable will change, and i don't want to have to review an entire project, and order different equipment following a customer change request. So, I go for the worse case short-circuit in all cases. In conclusion, be real and understand how small will be the difference on the short-circuit calculation when using Q=6.6 or 43, you will see that this is no big deal, and the impact on the selection of the various components of the system will be next to nothing. Sorry to, maybe, sound a little harsh but an engineer should never be distracted by the fact that a calculator can displayed an unlimited number of significant digits. Denan R/X is usually 0,1 so you can use value R/X=0,1 I know why you need it. You can calculate the peak value of short circuit current like: I=2,55Isc because I=2kIsc, and k=1,8 for R/X=0,1 When dealing with Short Circuit Calculations I would use the most conservative approach which means using the highest value of X/R because the higher the current the more extensive the damage if the equipment is not rated for it. I've witnessed in a UL Testing Facility electrical equipment literally being blown apart after being subjected to higher fault currents than what the equipment was rated for. Therefore with respect to SC always stay with a more conservative value.

Xd'/R ratio in Short-circuit calculation

When value is available use it. When not, use the IEC standard. Given value must be actual from Vendor and no one can dispute it. Outside values need to be used only logically. Out side values must not be chosen over actual as results will be fictitious. Reality is actual and real time solutions are more meaningful. IEC values are standard and need not be followed. They are not GOSPEL. Also all settings have to be based on actual not artificial results. Sometimes given values are absurd, and in such cases the actual values need to be taken with caution. Ask the supplier to confirm on given values and then use them if the actual values are suspect. Mr Bernard's opinion above is also correct for the application. Though I will use the actual, I will use the safety margin. Remember we need the SC Calculations only for rating the switchgear. We get a safe switchgear / Transformer and that is what is required. When U design safety is paramount and margins need to be implemented. U dont do it then U jeopardize the life of some one. You should agree with Bernard and Alex when unsure, apply a conservative approach and take the worst case scenario as their experience would suggest. The higher X/R value will give you higher time constant, TC = (X/R)/(2*pi*freq). During fault condition which is transient, the time constant determine how long the DC decay the system will experience. If time goes on for long time enough during fault and still not isolated, you will be subjecting too much stress to your equipment (including cables) and create damages to their insulation. If you chose the higher value, you will be able to rate your equipment to withstand the damaging amount energy present during transient (fault) conditions and prepare the level and reliability of protection that should be applied to the system. However, theres a premium of doing better things and thats when you judge the compromise being undertaken. Cheers! It is the intent of IEC 909 to use lower X/R ratio to account for the AC current decrement effect. Using actual X/R value will result Ip conservatively very high. The reduced figures had been found from field measurement and calculation. However, in special cases such as very large generator (e.g. > 20MW), it is recommended to use actual X/R to see "zero missing" phenomenon.

ETAP calculate the V% between the taps automatically?

ETAP has two options for the %tap. You can let the ETAP automatically calculate the required taps to be increased or decreased as per the voltage conditions of the bus under control or you can manual enter the % tap required to be set and try which tap does bring the %voltage under the limits required. For automatic and manual control you have to specify the maximum and minimum taps of the transformer. For automatic tap changing calculation by the ETAP you have to also enter the voltage limits to be controlled for a specify bus under consideration. All this option can be seen in the transformer properties page.