Power System Ground Fault Current Distribution Using the Double-Sided Elimination Method

One of the most frequent faults in power systems is the single line-to-ground fault. During such an event, large fault current circulates through the system, grounding network and the earth, returning to generating sources. It is this type of fault that is being referred to in this paper as ground fault, or simply, fault. Considering a power system of a relatively simple network configuration, and using the double-sided elimination method, direct solution for the fault current and its distribution among neutral conductors and the earth is derived. The entire faulted subsystem is modeled considering its grounding network as an integral part. The solution is general and the computer memory and time requirements are very modest. A parametric analysis was carried out to investigate the effect of various factors on the ground potential rise caused by the fault current.