NetSim

Introductory Examples

NetSim

Article Number VESD4006 - Manual Version: NETSIM.ENU.8 - Year: 2014

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents
1 NetSim Introductory Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2 Earth Fault in Phase A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2.1

Starting NetSim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

2.2

Entering the Source Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

2.3

Entering the Fault Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

2.4

Running the Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

2.5

Results and Time Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

3 Earth Fault Near the Circuit Breaker in a Single Feeder Configuration . . . .15
3.1

Entering the Fault Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

3.2

Entering the CB Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

3.3

Entering Time Assessment Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

3.4

Running the Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

3.5

Results and Time Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

4 Fault with Autoreclosure and Persisting Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

4.1

Entering the Output Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

4.2

Entering the Circuit Breaker Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

4.2.1

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

4.2.2

Timing for the Initial Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

4.2.3

Entering the Timing for the Reclosure and the Persisting Fault . . . . . . .25

4.2.4

Entering Time Assessment Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

4.3

Running the Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

4.4

Results and Time Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

OMICRON Test Universe

5 Multiple Faults on Parallel Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5.1

Selecting the Network Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

5.2

Entering the Source Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

5.3

Entering the Line Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

5.4

Entering the Fault Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

5.5

Entering the CB Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

5.6

Running the Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

5.7

Appendix - Mutual Coupling Impedance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

6 Testing Power Swing Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

6.1

Selecting the Test Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

6.2

Entering the Source Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

6.3

Entering the Fault Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

6.4

Setting up a Sequence of Tests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

6.5

Setting up a Time Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

6.6

Running the Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

7 Considering CT Simulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
8 Power Transformer Test Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Introductory Examples

1 Introductory Examples
Introduction
NetSim Introductory Examples is a collection of test case examples, which are
intended to give the user a quick start into OMICRONs Network Simulation test
module. This collection of examples is neither a complete functional reference,
nor a detailed user manual. The application of NetSim is explained by
performing and mastering the NetSim examples. The most important features of
the module will be covered; the individual settings that depend on the users
network will be omitted.
Reference information about the test modules is found in the module-specific
Help. You are encouraged to use this reference first whenever you have a
question or need further explanation about a specific topic.
Although NetSim is easy to use even for users who have never worked with
network simulation before, it is an advanced test module and it is targeted for
advanced users. This manual assumes that the user has previous experience
with other OMICRON test modules, for example State Sequencer, and has the
understanding of OMICRON Test Universe concept. The common basic tasks
for all test modules, like setting nominal values in a Test Object, routing of input
and output signals in the Hardware Configuration or changing the Report
Settings are not explained in this manual.

About NetSim
The Network Simulation (NetSim) simulates events in an electric power supply
network. NetSim can generate the corresponding secondary voltages and the
secondary currents from distinct locations in the network via a connected CMC
test set. These voltage and currents represent close to realistic conditions to a
connected relay. This relays response to this stimulus can then be measured
and evaluated.
NetSim uses a numerical model to calculate the quantities and to simulate a
power system. The power system is composed of voltage sources, lines, and
circuit breakers. The fault instances and the switching events determine the
changes and the actions in the network.
NetSim provides predefined Test Cases and Network Configurations. The
test cases define the type of event to be simulated and the network
configurations determine the topology to be used for the simulation. Further test
cases and network configurations can be added to NetSim later on.

NetSim

NetSim provides a choice of pre-defined test cases and network configurations.

The only required user interaction is to enter the applicable specific parameters
to specify the network configuration and the fault instances, and to eventually
run the test.
The user interface of NetSim is composed of several views: the Test View, the
Time Signal View, the Time Assessment, the Impedance View, and the
Report View.

Test View
The Test View contains the complete specifications for the simulation that is
performed. The parameters are grouped into several tabs. A graphical
representation of the actual network configuration with some important labels is
displayed to provide a reference for the parameters in the tabs. All parameters
are preset with a default value. You can immediately run a simulation with these
defaults.
Figure 1-1:
Test View with
graphical
representation of
network configuration

With regard to the network parameter tabs described below, please bear in mind
that if secondary values are being displayed, the ratio of the according selected
reference location B needs to be considered!

Introductory Examples

If in doubt, insert the network parameters as primary values.

The Fault tab: Specifies the parameters for the fault(s).

Durations for the prefault, fault and postfault

Fault parameters, for example, type, location, inception angle and

resistance for short circuit faults.

The Lines tab: Specifies the parameters for the line (impedances).

Method of specifying the line impedances

Sequence impedances, line length and relative length of segments.

The Sources tab: Specifies the parameters for the sources (generators).

Frequency, voltages, phase shifts and source impedances.

The Outputs tab: Displays the CMC test set's analog current and/or voltage
outputs that are used for calculation when simulating the selected test case as
well as the assignment of the test set's binary outputs to Simulation events and
their specified delay times.
The CB tab: Specifies the circuit breaker actions.

Initial states of the CBs at the fault inception

Changes of the CB states (open / closed) after the fault inception.

The General tab: Specifies the condition for starting the playback of the signals
with the test set.

The playback starts immediately without any condition after the simulation
and the download of the data.

On an external event, for example, pressing a key, activating a binary

input or receiving a synchronization signal from a GPS receiver.

The Sequence tab: Specifies multiple simulations with different settings and
complete series of simulations with varying parameters.

One or two parameters, which can be varied

Multiple parameter settings for simulations and automatic setups of

complete series.

Time Signal View

The Time Signal View is the main view for analyzing the simulated waveforms
and for in-depth analysis of the test results
This view is constantly updated to provide a preview of the calculated signals
during the test setup, for example, parameter input in the Test View.

NetSim

After a test, this view also shows the status of the recorded binary inputs during
playback, along with the generated voltages and the generated currents. The
detailed evaluation of the instantaneous values and of the time relationships are
provided by using the cursors.

Time Assessment
At Time Assessment set up measurement conditions and displays the actual
values and the automatic assessment of the results after a test.
The usage of the NetSim Time Assessment is identical to the one in the State
Sequencer and Advanced Transplay test modules.

Impedance View
Contrary to the Time Signal View that displays the voltages, currents and the
resulting fault impedance along a time axis, the Impedance View displays the
fault impedance in the complex plane, taking into consideration the zone
characteristic settings made at the Distance Test Object (Mho, Lens/Tomato
or polygonal).
The number of diagrams displayed in the Impedance View depends on the
selected test case and the resulting number of measurement locations. The
Impedance View always displays the impedance curves of all measurement
locations of a particular test case.
At Display Impedances set whether you want to display for each measurement
location:

one individual impedance per diagram (for example, ZAL1, ZAL2,

ZAL3 ...), or

the impedances of a triple (3 lines) per diagram (for example, ZAL1-E +

ZAL2-E + ZAL3-E ...); A being the designation of the measurement
location.

In addition, set whether it is a line to ground (L-E) or a line to line (L-L) fault. For
line to ground faults, the k-factor set in the Distance Test Object is taken into
consideration.
Select the Show measurement points options to display the measurement
points along the impedance curve (measurements in fixed 0.2 ms time
intervals).

Report View
The Report View displays a preview of the report with the settings for the
simulations and results of the test. The NetSim Report View is identical to the
Report View in the other OMICRON test modules.

Earth Fault in Phase A

2 Earth Fault in Phase A

Task
To investigate an earth fault on a single line.
For this example, the dynamic behavior of voltages and currents during a
single-phase fault, occurring on a single line, are observed. The quantities are
measured on the busbars.

Figure 2-1:
Test case for shortcircuit event simulation

Solution
The test case used for the example is shown in the following figure:
Line 1

Line 2

Line 3

Source 1

Source 2
80 %

The testers job is to simulate a single-phase fault on phase A, at 80 % of the line

length between the two relays during nominal power transfer.
A prefault current is attained by a suited setting of either the voltage magnitudes
or the phase angles of the sources, or a combination of both.
For this test, the phase of source 2 will be adjusted accordingly.
Note: All values are specified in secondary values.

NetSim

The default settings for the line impedance and source impedance are used in
this example. They are:

Z1,Line:

3 85

Z0,Line:

12 85

Z1,Source:

15 85

Z0,Source:

54 85

Fault location:

0.8 p.u. of line 2

Line 1, Line 2:

0.5 p.u. of line 2

Z2 = Z1

U1 = 100 V 0

For source 2, U2 = 100 V36 is chosen. During the faultless period, this
causes a current of:
Figure 2-2:
Calculation of the
current during the
faultless period

10

I Prefault =

VSource1

3 VSource 2

2 Z1, Line + 2 Z1, Source

35.7V72
= 0.99 A 13
3685

Earth Fault in Phase A

2.1 Starting NetSim

NetSim loads the default values for the test case. In this example, the test is
performed using the default parameters and the given default values. For this
reason, only the settings that differ from the defaults are explained below;
dialogs that require no changes for this example are omitted but are
subsequently explained as needed.
Figure 2-1: Test case for short-circuit event simulation on page 9 represents
the default test case.
Start NetSim from the Test Universe start screen by clicking "Network
Simulation...", and then "NetSim".

2.2 Entering the Source Parameters

Setting Delta phi changes the phase angle for source 2 to -36 to provide the
desired prefault current as calculated in Figure 2-2: Calculation of the current
during the faultless period on page 10.
To enter the source parameters, proceed as follows:
1. In the NetSim Test View, click the Sources tab.
2. In the Delta phi box type in -36.00 to change the phase angle for
source 2.
Figure 2-3:
Source parameters: the
phase angle for source
2 is shifted to -36

11

NetSim

2.3 Entering the Fault Parameters

The Fault parameters are set to 80 % by entering a value of 0.8 p.u. for the Fault
location. This value of 0.8 p.u. permits the fault event to start after the prefault
time has elapsed, and also permits the reference phase to meet the inception
angle after its next positive zero crossing.
To enter the fault parameters:
1. In the NetSim Test View, click the Fault tab.
2. In the Fault location box type in 0.8 p.u. to set the fault location to 80 %.
Figure 2-4:
Fault parameters: the
fault location is set to
80 % of line 2

2.4 Running the Test

During the setup of the test, the preview data are constantly updated after any
change of a parameter value. For a real test with a signal output via a CMC test
set, the test must be directly started from the Control Center. The signals must
be routed to distinct outputs of the test set.
To run a single test click Single Test on the Home tab.

12

Earth Fault in Phase A

2.5 Results and Time Signals

The Progress bar at the bottom of the window provides information about the
performance of the test. First the simulation itself takes place, then the transient
data are downloaded into the test set, and finally the signal output is performed.
The distribution of the time for the whole test progress depends very much on
the available processing power and the type of simulated event. A typical
distribution at the time for the test could be 50 % for the simulation, 40 % for the
download, and 10 % for the signal output.
For a real test with a connected test set, the calculation of the quantities is done
with a higher accuracy than during the offline mode. Therefore, a sampling
frequency of 5 kHz is used instead of only 1 kHz for the preview in the Time
Signal View.
The quantities are shown in matching triples and are measured by using the
cursors.
Figure 2-5:
Time Signal View of
simulated quantities

The "plausibility check" of the voltages and the currents in figure 2-5 results in a
positive assessment. The voltage in phase A breaks down into smaller values
during the fault. Since the fault is closer to phase B, the voltage is smaller in
phase B than in phase A. The voltages in the healthy phase of B and C rise due
to the displacement of the neutral point.
The current in phase A rises but the currents in the healthy phases B and C do
not change during the fault. The peak value is about three times the prefault
value immediately after fault inception. After approximately 130 ms, the DC
component decays and the steady state short-circuit current is roughly twice the
prefault current.

13

NetSim

14

Earth Fault Near the Circuit Breaker in a Single Feeder Configuration

3 Earth Fault Near the Circuit Breaker

in a Single Feeder Configuration

Task
To investigate a close-in fault on a spur line. Although NetSim does not provide
a test case that specifically models this case, this can be easily accomplished
by providing appropriate settings for the circuit breakers so that the second
source is disconnected from the beginning of the simulation.
The testers job is to perform an automatic assessment of the trip time of the
protection relay. For this example, a measurement is set up to measure the time
between the fault incident and the trip signal from the relay.

Solution
The same fault event (short-circuit) and the same test case (single line) used in
Example 1 are also used for this test. Again, this is the default test case when
starting NetSim.

Figure 3-1:
Test case for shortcircuit simulation with
disconnected source 2

Line 1

Line 2

Source 1
10 %

For this example, the default settings can be used except for:

Fault location =

0.1 p.u. of line 2

Length of Line 1 =

0.5 p.u. of line 2

Since the example contains a spur line with no load, no current will flow through
the faultless periods. The steady state fault current can be calculated from the
formula for a single-phase fault.
Figure 3-2:
Calculations of the
steady state fault
current for a
single-phase fault

I Fault = 3

VSource 1

Z 0 + Z1 + Z 2

3 VSource 1
0.6 Z 0, Line + Z 0,Source + 1.2 Z 1,Line + 2 Z 1,Source

173.2V0
= 1.83 A 85
94.885

Note: These equations can be used to verify the simulation.

15

NetSim

3.1 Entering the Fault Parameters

Setting the Fault location in the Fault tab to 0.1 p.u. of line 2 simulates the fault
close to Bus A.
To enter the fault parameters:
1. In the NetSim Test View, click the Fault tab.
2. In the Fault location box type the 0.1 p.u.
Figure 3-3:
Fault parameters: the
fault location is set to
10 % of line 2

16

Earth Fault Near the Circuit Breaker in a Single Feeder Configuration

3.2 Entering the CB Parameters

Changing the circuit breaker (CB) parameters causes the disconnection of
Bus B for the entire simulation. This simulates the existence of a spur line.
Note: Changing the CB B parameter from Closed to Open is necessary to
cause the disconnection of Bus B.
To enter the CB parameters:
1. In the NetSim Test View, click the CB tab.
2. At Initial state, select Open for CB B.
Note: Leave the default values for all the other settings of the loaded
configuration on the CB tab.
Figure 3-4:
CB Parameters: set the
CB B parameter to
Open

17

NetSim

3.3 Entering Time Assessment Conditions

To perform an automatic assessment of the test result, define the nominal
behavior at Time Assessments.
The nominal value for the trip time of the relay is specified as 400 ms 50 ms.
The measurement condition is named CB-off and ignores any events occurring
before the Fault event. Time measurement starts with the Fault event and ends
with the trip signal changing from 0 to 1. The measured actual time Tact is
compared against the boundaries given by Tnom, Tdev+ and Tdev- to obtain the
assessment.
Figure 3-5:
Time Assessments
definition

3.4 Running the Test

The performance of a protection relay on Bus A is tested by injecting the
simulated voltages and the simulated currents and by reading back the trip
signal with a CMC test set.
To run a single test click Single Test on the Home tab.
After the test, the measurement condition is updated with the actual trip time and
the assessment.
Note: With the parameters used in this example, the measured trip time lies well
inside the tolerance boundaries. Therefore the assessment is passed.
Figure 3-6:
Time Assessments
results

18

Earth Fault Near the Circuit Breaker in a Single Feeder Configuration

3.5 Results and Time Signals

The calculated voltages and calculated currents are shown in the Time Signal
View.
The voltages and the currents show the typical shapes of those quantities during
a single-phase fault. With the cursors, it is easy to measure the peak value of
the steady state of current, which is slightly more then 2.5A. This steady state of
current matches the current as calculated in figure 3-2 on page 15.
Figure 3-7:
Time Signal View with
transient fault quantities
and measured trip
signals

19

NetSim

20

Fault with Autoreclosure and Persisting Fault

4 Fault with Autoreclosure and

Persisting Fault

Task

Solution

To simulate a typical sequence of a failure event and an autoreclosure cycle.

The fault is assumed to be persistent, and the autoreclosure will be
unsuccessful.

A reasonable simulation of such a course of events is possible even though

NetSim is not a real-time simulation tool, and therefore cannot take into account
the reactions of the relay being tested for the actual signal calculations.
Two circumstances can be used to support the solution:
1. For the relay being tested, reasonable signals with causal timing have to
be provided. Since the circuit breaker has some action time, the relay
does not require the fault condition to disappear immediately after the trip
so it is appropriate to set up the test sequence in such a way that the fault
is cleared in a practical time.
2. Similar considerations apply for the reclosure time and the clearing of the
persisting fault. Since the pause time runs from the moment the clearing
of the fault is detected until the reclosure signal is issued by the relay, the
drop-off time, the pause time and the CB-close time have to be included
into the calculations. The timing for the persisting fault corresponds to the
explanation above.
The CB tab in the NetSim Test View provides the necessary settings to
configure the appropriate sequences for this example.
All other settings for the source and fault parameters are identical to Earth Fault
in Phase A on page 9. Please refer to Entering the Source Parameters on
page 11 and Entering the Fault Parameters on page 12 for further information.

21

NetSim

4.1 Entering the Output Settings

PTs connected to the busbar is the output setting for this example. This setting
will deliver a faster pick-up of the persisting fault for some relays.
Selecting the other output setting instead (PTs connected to the line) may
increase the trip time for the persisting fault. This is because there is no voltage
present during the pause time and the relay does not obtain useful prefault
information. You can easily investigate this effect by changing the PT connection
settings.
Figure 4-1:
Output tab: settings for
PTs connected to the
busbar

22

Fault with Autoreclosure and Persisting Fault

4.2 Entering the Circuit Breaker Parameters

4.2.1

General
The CB tab in the NetSim Test View provides the means to define the circuit
breaker (CB) actions during the course of the simulation.

Figure 4-2:
CB tab: default initial
states and state
changes

At the start of the simulation, the initial states of the CBs are defined at Initial
State on the CB tab. The Initial State feature has been previously used in
Entering the CB Parameters on page 17 for simulating the spur line by
disconnecting busbar B.
The settings for changing the state of the CBs can be made at Circuit Breaker
A and Circuit Breaker B. Per CB you can define up to four state changes. The
timing of the state changes refers to the fault event. Settings for three-pole and
single-pole openings and for three-pole closing of the CB are provided.
Changes in the CB states are defined from top to bottom so any unused fields
remain in the (unchanged) default setting.
Note: For other test cases with more CBs, for example, double line, additional
CB tabs will be available in the Test View.

23

NetSim

4.2.2

Timing for the Initial Fault

The following times are assumed:

A trip time of approximately 30 ms with a pick-up and instantaneous trip

for the relay.

An opening time of approximately 50 ms for the CB.

So, for this example, the CB states are set to "open" at 80 ms after the Fault
event.
For the relay, this setting makes it look as if the CB "opened" on its trip time. One
condition for the causal timing is that the fault leads to an instantaneous trip of
the relay, that is, it is a zone 1 fault for a distance relay.

24

Fault with Autoreclosure and Persisting Fault

4.2.3

Entering the Timing for the Reclosure and the

Persisting Fault
For the reclosure and the persisting fault settings, the following times are
assumed:

a drop-off time of approximately 30 ms for the relay

a pause time of 200 ms until the reclosure command is issued

a closing time of approximately 50 ms for the CB

a trip time of approximately 30 ms for the persisting fault

an opening time of approximately 50 ms for the CB.

Since the drop-off is counted from the fault clearance, which is the first "CB
open" event, the state of the CBs is changed to "closed" after (80 + 30 + 200 +
50) ms = 360 ms. At this moment, the fault persists.
80 ms later, after the second trip and the CB opening, the CBs are set to "open"
after the fault event because the relay will trip again due to the persisting fault.
Figure 4-3:
CB settings for fault
sequence with
reclosure and persisting
fault

25

NetSim

4.2.4

Entering Time Assessment Conditions

The time assessment conditions are set for the measurement and the
assessment of the trip time.
Measuring the second trip, for example, the persisting fault, is not possible since
the condition would be the same as for the first trip, that is, the initial fault.
Therefore the measurement would again deliver the first trip time.

Figure 4-4:
Time assessment
conditions for trip time
and pause time

4.3 Running the Test

The performance of a protection relay at bus A can be tested by injecting the
simulated voltages and the simulated currents and reading back the trip signal
with a CMC test set.
To run a single test click Single Test on the Home tab.

4.4 Results and Time Signals

The Time Signal View shows that the resulting simulation resembles a practical
"fault-reclosure-persisting-fault" sequence. Detailed investigations of the actual
values of the voltages and the currents or timing can be made by using the
cursors.
The trip time and the pause time are automatically measured by the
measurement conditions.
Figure 4-5:
Time assessment
conditions with result
and assessment

The described test shows that NetSim provides flexible settings that allow a
simple simulation of realistic events.

26

Multiple Faults on Parallel Lines

5 Multiple Faults on Parallel Lines

Task
To simulate a double line power transmission system under multiple fault
occurrences.
There are two faults involved; both of them are on different lines, at different
times, and have different fault types. The two faults are:

On Line 1: a line-line fault (A-B) at 20% of the line length

On Line 2: a three-phase fault at 40% of the line length, 80ms after the
fault on line 1

The CBs switch off according to the tripping of the relays. Relays A, C, and D
trip instantaneously, relay B has a slightly delayed transfer trip.
The mutual coupling between the parallel systems has to be taken in account.

Solution
The simulation is performed with a network configuration as shown in the
following figure:

Figure 5-1:
Network configuration
for short circuit event
simulation on double
line

Line 2
40 %
Source 1

Line 1

Source 2

20 %

Again, many of the settings are left as the default values, and they are not
repeated throughout the manual. Only the essential settings are mentioned.

27

NetSim

5.1 Selecting the Network Configuration

Click Select Test Case on the Home tab to see the various network
configurations. Select Parallel Line to get a network configuration as shown in
figure 5-1 on page 27.
Figure 5-2:
Selecting a short circuit
simulation on a parallel
line

5.2 Entering the Source Parameters

The only parameter that needs to be modified on the Source tab is the angle of
Source 2. It is set this way in order to obtain a sensible prefault current.
A look at figure 5-1 on page 27 (and at the Lines tab) shows that the line
segments between the generators and the busbars are not explicitly modeled in
this configuration, so the total positive sequence impedance between the two
generators is.

Z1,Line 2 + 2 Z1,Source
Half of the current through this total impedance flows through each of the two
parallel lines.

28

Multiple Faults on Parallel Lines

Choosing VSource2 = 100 V <- 66 for Source 2 results in a prefault current of:

I Prefault =

1 VSource1 3 VSource 2 3 62.9V57

=
= 1.0 A 28
2
Z1,Line 2 + 2 Z1,Source
31.585

The corresponding setting is made on the Source tab.

5.3 Entering the Line Parameters

The Lines tab for a parallel line configuration differs from the single line
configuration. Instead of providing parameters for the line segments between
the busbars and the generators, input fields for the mutual coupling between the
two parallel systems are provided.
Figure 5-3:
Mutual coupling
impedance input on the
Lines tab

This test is performed with the default values. For further details about the
definition of the mutual coupling impedance ZM of these settings refer to
Appendix 4.7.

29

NetSim

5.4 Entering the Fault Parameters

Figure 5-4 shows the Fault tab with the required simulation settings.
Figure 5-4:
Entering the Fault
parameters

The non-default values are:

Line 1: Faulted phase(s): L1-L2
Line 2: Faulted phase(s): L1L2L3; Fault location: at 0.4 p.u.; Prefault: 280 ms,
this is 80 ms more than the prefault for Line 1, so the fault on Line 2 occurs
80 ms after the fault on Line 1.
The Fault: the times are not critical as they are chosen so that the CB actions
are finished before the fault conditions are removed.
Note: When you examine the fault timing more closely by using the cursors in
the Time Signal View, you may discover some deviations from the specified
fault times. These deviations happen because the exact moment of the fault
inception depends on the reference phase and the fault inception angle.

30

Multiple Faults on Parallel Lines

5.5 Entering the CB Settings

When working with the double line network configuration, separate tabs CB(1)
and CB(2) for the CB settings of the two lines are provided. Timing for CBs on
line 1 (phases A and B) is set in tab CB(1), for line 2 (phases C and D) it is set
in tab CB(2).
For this simulation, the following CB sequence is assumed:

Relay A trips instantaneously, CB A opens 100 ms after Fault 1

Relay B sees the fault in zone 2 and performs a transfer trip, CB B opens
120 ms after Fault 1.

Relay C and D both trip instantaneously, CB C and D open 100 ms after

Fault 2.
Note: The delay times for the CB events refer to the fault event on the
respective line.

The timing for CBs A and B for line 1 (defined in the CB(1) tab) refers to
the fault event on line 1.

The timing for CBs C and D for line 2 (defined in the CB(2) tab) refers to
the fault event on line 2.
This applies even if no fault is simulated at all (setting Faulted phase(s) to
(none)); the time of the fault event for the respective line remains the
reference for the CB action timing.

Figure 5-5:
Timing for CBs on line 1
(A, B)

31

NetSim

Figure 5-6:
Timings for CBs on line
2 (C, D)

5.6 Running the Test

The following figure shows the Time Signal View with some selected signals
related to the "left" bus:
Figure 5-7:
Time Signal View with
voltage VA and currents
IA and IC

On closer examination, interesting details may be seen in the enlarged views.

32

Multiple Faults on Parallel Lines

Figure 5-8 on page 33 shows the time interval when the two faults overlap and
CBs A and B open up.
From Fault 2 on, all voltages break down to small values due to the three-phase
fault on line 2. At 100 ms, CB A opens. Phase C is first disconnected and since
it is free of fault in line 1, some voltage returns because of the infeed through CB
B, which has not opened yet. Also due to the infeed from the other side and due
to the DC component, which has not decayed yet, the arc in pole A of CB A
cannot extinguish and I A-A flows for another period, almost until CB B opens at
120 ms.
Figure 5-8:
Switching off currents at
CB A during fault
overlap and delayed CB
opening

33

NetSim

Figure 5-9:
Induced voltage through
mutual coupling when
zero sequence current
is present

Figure 5-9 shows the induced voltages seen by relay A when CBs C and D open
and the currents on line 2 return to zero. At the zero crossings of the individual
phases, the zero sequence current in line 2 appears or changes its value, which
becomes effective as induced voltage on line 1 through the mutual coupling.
These details illustrate how accurately NetSim simulates the different events
and the quantities during complex fault sequences in the system. The effects
displayed, depending on the multiple parameters, cannot be evaluated by
analytical means and demonstrate the advantages of a simulation.

34

Multiple Faults on Parallel Lines

5.7 Appendix - Mutual Coupling Impedance

The ZM (or RM, XM) setting for the mutual coupling in the Lines tab relates to the
impedances in the impedance matrix of the double line system.

Z11

Z 21
Z
Z = 31
Z 00
Z
00
Z
00

Z12

Z13

Z 00

Z 00

Z 22
Z 32
Z 00
Z 00
Z 00

Z 23
Z 33
Z 00
Z 00
Z 00

Z 00
Z 00
Z 44
Z 54
Z 64

Z 00
Z 00
Z 45
Z 55
Z 65

Z 00

Z 00
Z 00

Z 46
Z 56

Z 66

in the following way:

Z M = 3 Z 00

35

NetSim

36

Testing Power Swing Detection

6 Testing Power Swing Detection

Task
Verifying the power swing detection function of a distance relay; investigating
the range of slip frequencies the power swing condition is detected in.

Solution
The simulation can be performed with NetSim, using the test case Power Swing.
To assess the range of slip frequencies where the detection works and where it
fails, multiple measurements at different slip frequencies have to be performed.
Again, many, if not most settings will be left as the default values. Those will not
be repeated, only the essential settings will be mentioned.

6.1 Selecting the Test Case

Power swings are no short circuit faults, they are a separate test case to be
selected.
Click Select Test Case on the Home tab to see the various network
configurations. Select Multiple Turns.
Figure 6-1:
Selecting an
asynchronous power
swing test case

37

NetSim

The power swing test case is further described by the attribute "Asynchronous",
which means that generator 2 (source 2) is assumed to be out of step while
generator 1 (source 1) remains stable at the nominal frequency. A positive value
for the slip frequency means that the frequency of source two is reduced by this
amount against the nominal frequency. At practical ratios between the voltages
of the two sources, the impedance locus travels straight through the entire
tripping area, leaving it at the opposite side to where it entered.
Figure 6-2:
Typical impedance
locus during an
asynchronous power
swing

A different case would be the so-called synchronous power swing, which

corresponds to a situation where the slipping generator regains stability. The
phase angle of the affected source suffers only a transient disturbance and
returns to its initial value by reversing the phase change. Typically, the
impedance locus leaves the tripping area close to the point where it entered it.
For practical investigations on protective relays, the asynchronous power swing
is best suited and it is also very easy to set up by just specifying the slip
frequency. In NetSim, the asynchronism is simulated for exactly one "turn" of the
slipping generator. When the phase angle of source 2 returns to its initial prefault
value, the slipping is stopped.

38

Testing Power Swing Detection

6.2 Entering the Source Parameters

Since the impedances are similar to those in example 1 Earth Fault in Phase
A, a delta phi of -36 is again chosen for source 2, giving now a prefault current
of slightly more that 1 A since the total impedance of the default configuration is
a little bit smaller that in example 1.

6.3 Entering the Fault Parameters

With this test case, the "fault parameters" are the settings for the power swing.
The expression "fault" is set in quotes here because a power swing just appears
like a fault on the line, even if there is none! The phenomenon in the voltages
and currents result from the conditions of the generators.
Figure 6-3:
Parameters for
specifying an
asynchronous power
swing test

Beside the durations for prefault and postfault, only the slip frequency must be
specified. The "fault time" is implicitly defined by this, since the "fault" event is
exactly one period of the slip frequency. Since the length of the calculated
transient file is limited and increases with lower slip frequencies, the minimum
value for this is around 0.2 Hz. With these settings, a single test could be run
now, but we will go for a more sophisticated procedure.
Most power swing detection algorithms somehow determine the rate of change
of the measured impedance (this is the calculated ratio voltage/current at the
relay location). If the change is comparable slow against the change during a
typical fault event, the presence of a power swing is assumed. When the slip
frequency is raised, the rate of change of the measured impedance also
increases. So the power swing detection function can be expected to fail at
certain values of the slip frequency.
To determine the range where the power swing detection works and to find the
limit where it begins to fail, multiple tests with different slip frequencies have to
be performed. To facilitate this, NetSim offers the Sequence feature for the
automatic variation of parameters for repeated tests.

39

NetSim

6.4 Setting up a Sequence of Tests

To repeat a test with different parameters, use the Sequence tab.
First, one or two parameters must be selected whose values will be specified in
this tab. Consequently, the corresponding fields in other tabs (Fault, Line,
Sources, etc.) will not accessible any more. By default, the parameter selections
are set to [none] and single tests can be performed with the current parameters
in the tabs.
As soon as a parameter is selected, a field becomes active for the input of the
value. A test point with this parameter can then be added to the test point table.
This way, a sequence of tests can be arranged manually.
For this specific example, it could be estimated from the relay settings that
power swings with slip frequencies up to about 2.5 Hz will be detected. Above
this slip frequency, the power swing detection will not pick up. We will need a
sequence of tests with slip frequencies that cover the range around the
estimated limit with a useful stepping. To set this up quickly, the automatic
sequence function can be accessed through the Sequence... button. By
specifying From, To and Step values, multiple test points with varying
parameters can be automatically set up. It must be kept in mind that, especially
with two varied parameters, the number of test points can easily grow to
unpractical figures if this feature is used carelessly.
The figure below shows the Sequence tab with Slip frequency as the only one
varied parameter and with test points from 1.6 Hz to 3.0 Hz in a step of 0.2 Hz.
Figure 6-4:
A sequence of tests with
varying slip frequency

40

Testing Power Swing Detection

6.5 Setting up a Time Assessment

To verify the detection of the power swing, a corresponding status signal of the
relay has to be routed to a binary contact which must be wired to a binary input
of the CMC, which is labeled "PS detected" in this example. The closing of this
contact can then be used in a measurement condition as shown below:
Figure 6-5:
Time assessment for
power swing detection

The exact timing of the power swing detection is hard to predict and can be
expected to vary with the slip frequency. So a very general condition is specified,
which requires the input to become active somewhere within one second after
the "fault" event. With this, a raw yes/no assessment can be performed.
Testing this with just a trip contact would require more conditions to be fulfilled.
So the power swing blocking function would have to be activated to influence the
behavior of the trip contact. Since measuring and assessment of "something not
happening" is generally more difficult, the interpretation of the measurement
condition would have to be inverted. In this case, tripping would be expected at
slip frequencies above about 2.5 Hz.

6.6 Running the Test

At this point, the difference of the Single Test and the Start/Continue becomes
essential.
From the test points defined in the Sequence tab (figure 6-4), select one of your
choice and click Single Test on the Home tab to run a single test.
Click Start/Continue on the Home tab to execute the entire sequence of test
points.
Even with no sequence defined, a test can be run using the current settings by
clicking Single Test. But after such a test, the results will be volatile. Changing
parameters is still possible; this will cause the results to be overwritten by the
newly calculated preview values. To create persistent results and assessments,
use Start/Continue (F5).

41

NetSim

The following figure shows the Time Signal View for the test point with a slip
frequency of 2.2 Hz.
Figure 6-6:
Time Signal View for a
power swing with a slip
frequency of 2.2 Hz

When the whole sequence is executed, the test points for frequencies above
2.4 Hz are assessed as "failed". Since we expected the power swing detection
not to work at these slip frequencies, the result is correct and as expected for our
test case.
Figure 6-7:
Assessment of test
sequence with a varying
slip frequency

42

Considering CT Simulation

7 Considering CT Simulation
To enable the current transformer (CT) simulation for the current triple of your
choice, select the CT option in the Model column on the Outputs tab.
CT simulation is available for any test case. This example explains it with the
test case "Short Curcuit - Single Line".
If enabled, the current transformer is modeled in its characteristics and the
"modified" transformer is considered when performing the test.
This allows tests including the CT saturation effects resulting from the CT and
burden data and the primary current. These saturation effects are also displayed
in both the Time Signal View for currents and impedances and in the
Impedance View.
Figure 7-1:
Outputs tab, enabling
CT simulation

Specify the current transformer parameters in the Current Transformer (CT)

dialog box (see figure 7-2). To open the Current Transformer (CT) dialog box,
click Current Transformer on the Home tab.

43

NetSim

Figure 7-2:
The Current
Transformer (CT)
dialog

Set the characteristic CT data for the defined CT location either by selecting an
existing Template, by importing the data from a CT Analyzer file, or by entering
the CT Data parameters manually.
The meaning of the various CT settings is explained in the "Correlation between
CT Property Table and CT Analyzer Result Value" topic of the Help
accompanying the NetSim test module.
Figure 7-3:
Navigating to the Help
topic "Correlation
between CT Property
Table and CT Analyzer
Result Value"

44

Power Transformer Test Case

8 Power Transformer Test Case

The Transformer - 2 windings test case provides the possibility to define a
short circuit fault and to either position this fault arbitrarily on one of the line
segments between fault locations A-B or C-D, or to apply it to the transformer
bushings of the high voltage (HV) or low voltage (LV) side.
IA

IB

Line 1

Transformer

Loc.

IC

ID

Line 2

Loc.
HV
side

LV
side

At Select Test Case, select Transformer - 2 windings and click OK.

Figure 8-1:
Select a transformer
short circuit test case

When entering the power system data, apart from the ratio of the primary and
secondary values of the selected measurement location, also the absolute
primary values that apply to the measurement location (voltage level of the
according side of the transformer) are relevant.

45

NetSim

Figure 8-2:
On the Transformer tab
enter the
transformer-specific
data

In cases when the transformers star point is either isolated or highly resistive
(reactive), enter a high resistance (we suggest 1 M).

Possible Use Cases

1. Load Simulation
Don't let the fact confuse you that the Power Transformer test cases single
line diagram presents two infeeds rather than one infeed and a load. That is
to attain a higher simulation flexibility. This way, achieving load currents only
requires changing the infeed voltage magnitude and the angle.
It is furthermore possible to change the infeed's internal impedance (on the
Source tab). To simulate a pure impedance load, simply set the infeed
impedance of the load end to the load impedance, and the infeed voltage of
this end to zero.
If the transformer is located between two network segments, just enter the
parameters of the external grids into the respective infeed input fields.
2. Testing Differential Protection
To test a differential protection function, set the faulted segment on the Fault
tab to either HV or LV side, and adjust the fault current magnitude, for
example, by adjusting the fault impedance.

46

Power Transformer Test Case

To simulate an external ("through") fault, place the fault on the line (Faulted
segment = Line 1 or Line 2).
To simulate a fault inside the protected zone (between locations B and C),
select HV side (bushing) or LV side (bushing).
Furthermore, impacts of different CT saturations can be investigated.
The meaning of the various CT settings is explained in the "Correlation
between CT Property Table and CT Analyzer Result Value" topic of the Help
accompanying the NetSim test module.
Figure 8-3:
Navigating to the Help
topic "Correlation
between CT Property
Table and CT Analyzer
Result Value"

You may also want to refer to chapter 7 Considering CT Simulation on

page 43 of this manual.
3. Step Transformer
Tap changer settings affect secondary voltage and internal impedance. Both
values are changed on the Transformer tab (for example, tap position by
adjusting the nominal winding voltage accordingly). You could, for example,
use LinkToXRIO for the winding voltage, controlling the voltage resulting
from the assumed tap setting.
Since varying values of secondary voltage and internal impedance might
influence the protection function, you can test the effects to the protection
scheme simply by adjusting those values.
4. Testing Differential Protection with Unbalanced CT Saturation
Differing HV and LV CT and burden data result in varying CT saturations at
the two reference locations. Especially when different types of current
transformers are in use at the different locations, during through faults their
resulting current difference may affect the differential protection function.
The Power Transformer test case allows for easily observing the resulting
current difference and its effect.

47

NetSim

5. Testing of Backup Overcurrent Protection Without Tripping the

Differential Main Function
Especially for external faults (fault location on one of the lines), the
Transformer - 2 windings test case provides the possibility to test the
function of the backup overcurrent/distance protection and to validate
whether the selectivity is still guaranteed.
The Impedance View allows the verification of the trip zones set for the
distance function as compared to the apparent impedances for the selected
measurement location and given fault conditions.

48

Support

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155

Support

156

Index

Index

L
load simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

B
backup overcurrent protection without tripping
differential main function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

C
CT Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Current Transformer (CT) dialog . . . . . . . . . . 44

D
default values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
differential protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
with unbalanced CT saturation . . . . . . . . 47

M
Measurement
Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

N
NetSim
Running the Test . . . . . . . . . . 12, 18, 26, 32
Network
Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Selecting Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

P
E
Earth Fault
In Phase A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Near Circuit Breaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Examples
Earth Fault In Phase A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Earth Fault Near Circuit Breaker . . . . . . . 15
Multiple Faults on Parallel Lines . . . . . . . 27
Testing Power Swing Detection . . . . . 37, 43
external faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Parameters
Circuit Breaker Parameters
Entering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Measurement Conditions . . . . . . . . . . 26
Timing for Initial Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Timing Reclosure and Persisting
Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Fault Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 16, 30
Line Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Output Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Source Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 28
power transformer test case . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Progress bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Impedance View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

51

NetSim

R
Report View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Results and Time Signals . . . . . . . . . 13, 19, 26

S
Settings
CB Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Measurement Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Output Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Solution
Earth Fault in Phase A . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 37
Earth Fault Near Circuit Breaker . . . . . . . 15
Fault w/ Autoreclosure & Persisting
Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Multiple Faults on Parallel Lines . . . . . . . 27
Multiple faults on parallel lines . . . . . . . . . 27
State Sequencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
step transformer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

T
Tab
CB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Task
Earth Fault in Phase A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Earth Fault in Phase A example . . . . . . . 37
Earth Fault Near Circuit Breaker . . . . . . . 15
Fault with Autoreclosure & Persisting Fault .
21
Fault with Autoreclosure and Persisting
Fault - example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Multiple Faults on Parallel Lines . . . . . . . 27

52

Test
Running the Test . . . . . . . . . . 12, 18, 26, 32
Test Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Test View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Testing Power Swing Detection . . . . 37, 43
Test View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Time Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Time Assessments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Time Signal View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 13
Transformer - 2 windings test case . . . . . . . 45

V
values
default values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
view
Impedance View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Report View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Results and Time Signals . . . . . . 13, 19, 26
Test View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 7
Time Signal View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 13