Modeling and simulation of transmission system shield wires under unbalanced conditions

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation is to calculate the ground return current under steady-state or transient conditions, given the phase currents in the conductors of two unbalanced three-phase parallel circuits. Thus, the shield wires can be modeled to carry appropriate current depending upon the currents in the three phase conductors. For example, when a fault occurs on a phase conductor, the currents that start flowing in the phase conductors may become unbalanced. Under such conditions, the currents that are coupled into the shield wires will be more important. This investigation can help a transmission system line designer to identify the appropriate shield wires under different transmission system scenarios. A computer package that evaluates the shield wire currents under unbalanced conditions when the transmission lines are randomly spaced is developed.