Grounding and ground fault protection of multiple generator installations on medium-voltage industrial and commercial power systems. I. The problem defined

The paper discusses typical grounding practices and ground fault protection methods for medium voltage generator stators, highlighting their merits and drawbacks. Particular attention is given to applications of multiple generators connected to a single bus. The paper also provides an overview of the generator damage mechanism during stator ground faults. Problem areas associated with each type of grounding are identified and solutions are discussed. The paper also provides a list of references on the topic. The paper is intended as a guide to aid engineers in selecting adequate grounding and ground fault protection schemes for medium voltage industrial and commercial generators for new installations, for evaluating existing systems, and for future expansion of facilities, to minimize generator damage from stator ground faults. These topics are presented in four separate papers. Part I covers scope, introduction, user examples of stator ground failure, and theoretical basis for the problem.