OVERVOLTAGES
Introduction
Travelling waves
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Power Related Software
ATP the Alternative Transients Program
Objective type questions
1. Which one of the following statements is true?
In a protection scheme for a communication line,
a. The lightning arrester prevents any accumulation of static charge , and the drainage coil relieves the system of any excess voltage
b. The lightning arrester relieves the system of any excess voltage , and the drainage coil prevents any accumulation of static charge
c. The lightning arrester prevents any accumulation of static charge on the communication circuit
Ans. b
2. The correct meaning of 50% dry flash-over test is:
A positive 1/50-microsecond wave is applied 20 times to the insulator. Then a negative 1/50-microsecond wave is applied to the same insulator 20 times.
a. The amplitude of the wave is such that the insulator flashes over in each case, but is not damage
b. The amplitude of the wave is such that the insulator is damaged in 50 % of the cases.
c. The amplitude of the wave is such that 50% of the positive impulses cause flashover and 50 % of the negative impulses cause flashover , but the insulator is not damaged
Ans. c
Introduction
The transient overvoltages that occur on a power system are either of external origin(for example, a lightning discharge) or are generated internally by switching operations. In general, the transients in transmission systems are cause by any sudden change in the
operating condition or configuration of the systems. Lightning is always a potential hazard to power system equipment, but switching operations can also cause equipment damage. At voltages up to about 230 kV the insulation level of the lines & equipment is dictated
by the need to protect against lightning. On systems where voltages are above 230 kV but less than 700 kV switching operations as well as lightning are potentially damaging to the insulation. At voltages above 700 kV switching surges are the main determinant of the
level of insulation.
Travelling waves
The parameter of the transmission lines, generator & transformer windings are distributed. A distinguishing feature of the circuit with distributed parameters is its ability to support travelling waves of current & voltage. The velocity of propagation of current & voltage
waves along a lossless line is
n = 1/ (LC) = 1/ (e om o) = 3*108 m/sec = velocity of light
for an overhead line .
In some practical cases , the ambient medium is not free space or air. For example , in a cable the permittivity of the dielectric is e oe r where e r may be 3 to 5 or even more. Thus the velocity of wave propagation in cable is reduced by a factor 1/ e r. It may be less
than half the velocity for an air insulated line. Similarly, where the conductor is buried in steel , as are the conductors of most rotating machines, the permeability m (=m om r) may greatly exceed m o..
The ratio of the amplitudes of voltage and current waves is called the characteristic impedance Zo of the line.
Zo = (L/C)
For a typical overhead transmission line, Zo is about 400 ohms. For an underground cable it is in the range of 30-80 ohms, because the closer spacing of the conductors makes C larger & L smaller.
4. A long line connected to a cable of finite length with its remote end open-circuited.
What do you understand by a distortionless line?
What is the attenuation constant of a distortionless line? What is the power (and energy) associated with a distortionless line?
Show that for a transmission line the attenuation constant a is
a = (R/2Z) + (GZ/2)
where R= resistance per unit length
Z= Characteristic impedance
G= leakage conductance