Advances in Power and Energy Systems

Transient Stability of Synchronous Generator for Selected Events

BORIS CINTULA, ANETA ELESCHOV, ANTON BEL, MARTIN LIKA
Department of Electrical Power Engineering
Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava
Ilkoviova 3, 812 19 Bratislava
SLOVAKIA
boris.cintula@gmail.com, http://www.kee.fei.stuba.sk
Abstract: - The paper deals with the issue of dynamic stability of synchronous generator, in the first part are
described the indicators of dynamic stability and basic principles of the solution. The second part contains the
results of dynamic simulations analysis of selected events which are compared in terms of the significance of
their impact on the synchronous generator dynamic stability.
Key-Words: - Synchronous Generator, Dynamic Stability, Method of Area Equality, Critical Clearing Time,
Short Circuit, Breaker Failure Relay
d 2 0 P
,
=
Tm S n
dt 2

1 Introduction
During the power system operation arise a lot of fast
changes, which can cause a disproportion between
production and consumption of electricity what also
means big changes of rotor angles. Fast changes in
power system consist for example of switching
operations, source or load outages, but the most
frequently the short circuits, what is associated with
step change of impedance of power system.
Synchronous generators respond to fast changes
in electromechanical swings and during these
swings can generators get into a situation when the
rotor angle stabilises at a new value or the rotor
angle will grow to a loss of synchronism. [1]
In real operation, each generator complies with
condition of static stability. But it is necessary to
add that a generator which complies with
a condition of static stability does not have to
comply with dynamic stability. The main difference
between the assessment of static and dynamic
stability is that in static stability is determined the
ability of generator to operate in a steady state and
in dynamic stability is determined and investigated
the impact and course of transient state to
synchronous generator.

(1)

0 nominal angular velocity of generator; Tm

mechanical time constant of generator; Sn nominal
power of generator.
For theoretical analysis of dynamic stability
using the method of area equality can be used the
simplified model of power system in Fig.1 and its
equivalent scheme in Fig.2. The method of area
equality application for transient state (short circuit
on one of the power lines) is shown in Fig.3, curve I
- state before short circuit, II short circuit on the
line, III outage the line after short circuit.
The border of dynamic stability (crit) is
determined by method of area equality
accelerating and breaking area, what means to
comply with a following condition:
(2)
S+ < S

Fig.1 Simplified model of power system for

transient stability for examination of generator

2 Assessment of Dynamic Stability

For qualitative assessment of the synchronous
generator dynamic stability is used method of area
equality, the solution which is defined the border of
the dynamic stability critical angle crit. Further
solution of kinetic equation (1) can be provided the
critical clearing time (CCT).

ISBN: 978-1-61804-128-9

Fig.2 Equivalent scheme of simplified model of

power system

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Advances in Power and Energy Systems

takes longer than CCT duration, then it is possible to

come to a loss of generator synchronism.
It is possible to determine the CCT duration
by simulation experiment or calculation come out
from the kinetic equation (1)
t crit (CCT ) =

2M

0 P0

( crit 0 ),

(3)
0 nominal angular velocity of generator; M
mechanical rotor torque of generator; P0 generator
power before short circuit; 0 rotor angle of
generator (by P0); crit critical rotor angle of
generator.

Fig.3 Graphic application of method of area

equality for transient state short circuit on
power line [1]

But this equation is valid only if the power from

generator is during the 3-phase short circuit equal
zero, i.e. it is 3-phase short circuit on the bus bar
where the generator power is connected to. [1]
The time courses of generator rotor angle
are in Fig.5, where the tripping is shown at:
1 critical time (CCT),
2 shorter time than CCT
3 longer time than CCT.

The most serious failure in terms of dynamic

stability is 3-phase short circuit. In Fig.4 are shown
the power characteristics of 3-phase bus bar short
circuit.

Fig.4 Transient stability assessment for 3-phase

short circuit on the bus bar [2]
Based on above the dynamic stability of
synchronous generator can be classified into three
basic states:
1) if S+ = S - border of dynamic stability
(critical angle value)
2) if S+ < S - preservation of dynamic stability
3) if S+ > S - loss of dynamic stability

Fig.5 Time behaviour of generator rotor angle [1]

2.1 Factors Affecting the Length of CCT

The factors affecting the CCT duration are:
short circuit power in substation, where the
power from the generator is exported,
value of voltage in substation, where the
power from the generator is exported,
operational condition of generator, i.e.
underexcited or overexcited generator. [3]

3 Critical Clearing Time (CCT)

Critical clearing time (CCT) is important indicator
of dynamic stability and to know its duration is
considered a practical assessment of dynamical
stability of synchronous generator.
CCT indicates how long the generator is
able to work in 3-phase short circuit at the nearest
bus bar where the generator is connected to and
after the short circuit preserve in synchronous
operation.
If the short circuit tripping takes shorter
than CCT duration, then the generator is
dynamically stable. In case the short circuit tripping

ISBN: 978-1-61804-128-9

In Fig.6 is shown the CCT course of the voltage

in the substation, where the generator power is
connected to. In the course it is possible to see that
the CCT duration strongly depends on operational
generator conditions, i.e. if the generator works in
underexcited or overexcited state.
In Fig.7 is shown the CCT course of the short
circuit power in the substation, where the generator
power is connected to. Point of this course is to

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Advances in Power and Energy Systems

show that CCT duration depends on short circuit

power as well, but from figure it is clear is not very
significant.
Based on the facts above it is necessary to
consider in determining CCT duration with
calculations for overexcited state (Qgen=max),
underexcited state (Qgen=min) and zero reactive
power supply (Qgen=0).

5 Dynamic Simulations of Selected

Events
Simulations of the dynamic stability of synchronous
generator were realised in according to simplified
model of power system in Fig.8.

Fig.8 Model of power system for assessment of

transient stability (G1-Synchronous Generator;
T1-Generator Transformer; BFR-Breaker Failure
Relay; QM-Circuit Breaker; V1-Power Line)

Fig.6 Influence of voltage on CCT duration in

transmission power substation [3]

The aim of this part was to simulate and compare

the selected events (events N-1 and N-k), which can
arise in the power system and therefore it is
necessary to consider these events in the analysis of
dynamic stability.
Dynamic simulations were realised in the following
generator operational parameters G1:
Sn = 259MVA, Un=15,8kV,
PG = 221,7MW, QG= 29,9MVAr (overexcited state).
Dynamic simulations were realised for the following
selected events:
1) bus bar short circuit in substation with three
circuit breakers per two branches where the
generator power is exported,
2) 3-phase short circuit on power line V1,
3) 3-phase short circuit on power line V1 with
failure of circuit breaker QM1,
4) 3-phase short circuit on power line V1 with
failure of circuit breaker QM2,
5) 3-phase short circuit on power line V1 with
failure of circuit breakers QM1, QM2.

Fig.7 Influence of short circuit power on CCT

duration in transmission power substation [3]

4 Assessment of Dynamic Stability of

Power System
Dynamic stability can be investigated for one
generator but also for the whole power system. The
procedure for the power system assessment of
dynamic stability consists of the CCT determination
for all generators connected to power system. The
most often used method for dynamic stability
assessment is dynamic simulations of power system
mathematical model.
This way can be also
evaluated the dynamic simulations for events N-1,
N-k or break-up points verification.
CCT calculations are realised the most in
developing of defense plans, connecting new
sources, operation preparations and maintenance
states.

ISBN: 978-1-61804-128-9

5.1 3-phase Busbar Short Circuit in

Substation with Three Circuit Breakers per
Two Branches
The simulation of dynamic stability was focused on
monitoring of generator behavior during the 3-phase
bus bar short circuit in the substation with three
circuit breakers per two branches (Fig.9).
This substation is characterised by the
operational safety (highly strong side), what also
confirm the simulation. The most often, this type of

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Advances in Power and Energy Systems

breakers per two branches caused a generator

swinging but this failure did not cause a generator
emergency shutdown. The generator stabilised
approximately 10s after the failure at a new balance
value and it is dynamically stable.

substation is used for power export from power

plants.

5.2 3-phase Short Circuit on Power Line V1

The generator G1 behaviour is shown in Fig.11.
From this figure it is clear that the failure caused a
swinging but still remained in operation and it is
dynamically stable. Generator stabilised at a new
balance value approximately 9s after the failure.

Fig.9 Substation with three circuit breakers per

two branches [4]
The simulation of the dynamic stability was
modelled for the 3-phase short circuit arising on bus
bar W2 when both bus bars are in operation at time
of short circuit.
Differential bus bar protection on W2
responds on this failure and sends trip commands to
the circuit breakers QM13 and QM23, which are
disconnected at time 100ms after the failure and the
substation remains in continuous operation.
Ability to remain in continuous operation after
3-phase bus bar short circuit is the highly strong
side of this type of substation in comparison with
other classical substation with single bus bar. In
case of 3-phase bus bar short circuit in substation
with single bus bar for power export from power
plant has to be the generator emergency shutdown.
It is necessary to add that despite generator
maintaining continuous operation, this failure has a
significant impact on the dynamic stability. The
generator behavior under the given operational
parameters and modeled event (at the time until 10s
after the failure) is shown in Fig.10.

Fig.11 Behavior of the synchronous generator after

the short circuit on the line V1 (vt-voltage at the
generator terminals; ang-rotor angle, efdelectromotive voltage; it-current; pg-active power;
spd-frequency)

5.3 3-phase Short Circuit on Power Line V1

with Failure of Circuit Breaker QM1
The next modelled situation was the 3-phase short
circuit on the line V1 with the failure of circuit
breaker QM1.
The line is protected by distance protection in
protection zone where the short circuit arose.
Distance protection responded on this failure and
sent the trip commands to the circuit breakers at the
beginning and the end of the line (QM1, QM2). The
circuit breaker QM2 tripped the line until 100ms,
but the circuit breaker QM1 failed. In case of circuit
breaker failure on the line the nearest BFR (Breaker
Failure Relay) responds to this failure.
BFR is installed in every substation and its
tripping time is longer than the circuit breaker
tripping time, i.e. more than 100ms.
In this modelled situation was the BFR
tripping time set for 350ms (where is included
circuit breaker tripping time 100ms and BFR
setting time 250ms).
BFR1 responded to the circuit breaker failure
at time 350ms after the short circuit and sent the trip
commands to circuit breakers on all bus bar
branches.

Fig.10 Behavior of the synchronous generator after

the bus bar short circuit in the substation with 1,5
circuit breaker for a branch (vt-voltage at the
generator terminals; ang-rotor angle, efdelectromotive voltage; it-current; pg-active power;
spd-frequency)
In Fig.10 it can be seen that the 3-phase bus
bar short circuit in substation with three circuit

ISBN: 978-1-61804-128-9

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Advances in Power and Energy Systems

circuit breaker QM2 (vt-voltage at the generator

terminals; ang-rotor angle, efd-electromotive
voltage; it-current; pg-active power; spd-frequency)

Synchronous generator response to this event

is shown in Fig.12, where it can be seen the
generator stabilisation at new balance value after the
swinging approximately until 11s after the short
circuit. Generator is dynamically stable.

5.5 3-phase Short Circuit on Power Line V1

with Failure of Circuit Breakers QM1, QM2
The simulation of dynamic stability was focused on
monitoring of generator behavior during the 3-phase
bus bar short circuit in the substation with three
circuit breakers per two branches (Fig.9).
The circuit breaker failure on both sides of the line
belongs among very low probability events but the
dynamic simulations have to be verified anyway.
Short circuit arose on the line V1; the distance
protection responded and sent the trip commands to
the circuit breakers on both sides of the line (QM1,
QM2) which failed. Therefore, the BFR responded
on both sides of the line at time 350ms and all
branches of both bus bars were tripped.
The generator swung after both BFR
responding the most and stabilised at a new balance
value until 11s, i.e. generator is dynamically stable
and even this event did not cause a loss of
synchronism (Fig.14).

Fig.12 Behavior of the synchronous generator after

the short circuit on the line V1 with the failure of
circuit breaker QM1 (vt-voltage at the generator
terminals; ang-rotor angle, efd-electromotive
voltage; it-current; pg-active power; spd-frequency)

5.4 3-phase Short Circuit on Power Line V1

with Failure of Circuit Breaker QM2
The next modelled situation was the 3-phase short
circuit on the line V1 with the failure of circuit
breaker QM2. At first sight, it is a similar situation
as the one above, but in fact it is significantly
different situation because the power system model
(Fig.8) is interconnected system what means that the
tripping times change will also strongly change an
impact on the dynamic stability of the generator.
Finally, the simulation confirms this fact.
Equally as the situation above, the line is
protected by distance protections. The short circuit
arose in the protected zone of distance protection on
the line V1. The distance protection sent the trip
commands to the circuit breakers at the beginning
and the end of the line (QM1 and QM2). The circuit
breaker QM1 tripped the line until 100ms, but the
circuit breaker QM2 failed. Subsequently, the BFR2
responds to the circuit breaker QM2 failure and trips
all bus bar branches at time 350ms.
The generator (Fig.13) is after the BFR
responding swung again but until 9s is stabilised at a
new balance value, i.e. it is dynamically stable.

Fig.14 Behavior of the synchronous generator after

the short circuit on the line V1 with the failure of
circuit breakers QM1 and QM2 (vt-voltage at the
generator terminals; ang-rotor angle, efdelectromotive voltage; it-current; pg-active power;
spd-frequency)

6 Conclusion
The simulated events in this paper can be sorted in
terms of the significance of their impact on the
dynamic stability of synchronous generator from the
most affecting as follows:
1. 3-phase short circuit on power line V1 with
failure of circuit breakers QM1, QM2
2. 3-phase short circuit on power line V1 with
failure of circuit breaker QM1
3. 3-phase short circuit on power line V1 with
failure of circuit breaker QM2
4. 3-phase short circuit on power line V1

Fig.13 Behavior of the synchronous generator after

the short circuit on the line V1 with the failure of

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Advances in Power and Energy Systems

One of all simulated events is the bus bar short

circuit. But this only one is quite relevant to
compare with other events because in this situation
there is a special type of substation and an
electrically near short circuit will have always more
significant impact on the dynamic stability of
synchronous generator than other short circuits at
different power system points.
Resulting from the simulations can be stated
that short circuit tripped at fast time (100ms) do not
jeopardise the dynamic stability as significant as the
short circuits tripped at slow time (BFR in case of
this paper 350ms).

References:
[1] Revkov, D., Eleschov, ., Bel, A.,
Prechodn javy v elektrizanch sstavch,
Bratislava, Vydavatestvo STU, 2008, 180 s,
ISBN 978-80-227-2868-3.
[2] Eleschov, ., Bel, A., CCT Basic Criteria
of Power System Transient Stability, The 11th
International Scientific Conference EPE 2010,
Brno, 2010, pp. 157-161, ISBN 978-80-2144094-4.
[3] Eleschov, ., Bel, A., Factors affecting the
length of critical clearing time, The 9th
International Scientific Conference Control of
Power System 2010, Tatransk Matliare, 2010,
pp. 1-7, ISBN 978-8089402-20-5.
[4] Janek, F., Arnold, A., Gorta, Z., Elektrick
stanice, Bratislava, Vydavatestvo STU, 2001,
286 s, ISBN 80-227-1630-8.
[5] Paar, M., Toman, P., Distribution Network
Reconfiguration Based on Minimal Power
Losses, The 9th International Scientific
Conference Electric Power Engineering 2008,
Brno, 2008, pp. 211-215, ISBN 978-80-2143650- 3.
[6] Orsgov, J., Toman, P., Evaluation of
Negative Effects of Distributed Generation,
The Power Quality and Supply Reliability,
Tallin, 2008, pp. 131-135, ISBN 978-1-42442500-6.

Table 1 Values of monitored parameters in the

simulation of dynamic stability of synchronous
generator

Event

bus bar
short
circuit
3-p short
circuit on
power line
V1

Voltage at
the Generator
Terminals
[kV]

Rotor Angle
[ ]

Current
[kA]

Active
Power
[MW]

min

max

min

max

min max

min

max

5,46

16,46

2,90

44,07

4,5

27,9

6,5

371,7

11,42 16,12 12,01 29,70

6,8

12,9 120,2 286,7

Acknowledgement

3-p short
circuit on
power line
V1 with
failure of
QM1

10,16 16,76

3,49

51,34

3,8

18,4 107,9 392,6

3-p short
circuit on
power line
V1 with
failure of
QM2

11,42 16,48

7,90

28,81

6,2

12,9 120,2 296,3

3-p short
circuit on
power line
V1 with
failure of
QM1,QM2

10,68 16,77

1,40

56,23

3,2

17,5

ISBN: 978-1-61804-128-9

89,8

These publications are the result of implementation

of the project: Increase of Power Safety of the
Slovak Republic (ITMS:26220220077) supported
by the Research & Development Operational
Programme funded by the ERDF.

This work was done during implementation of the

project Effective control of production and
consumption of energy from renewable resources,
ITMS code 26240220028, supported by the
Research and Development Operational Program
funded by the ERDF.

401,8

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