Electromagnetic Transients Program Research Articles

Lumped‐element equivalent circuit modelling of district heating pipe in electromagnetic transients program

AbstractElectromagnetic transients program (EMTP) is widely used to analyze transients in power systems. With the increased interest in integrated energy systems (IESs), it would be beneficial to extend the application of EMTP to multi‐physics transients in integrated electrical and heating networks. In this paper, an accurate and efficient lumped‐element circuit model of the heating district pipe is developed in EMTP. The pipe is split into segments using spatial discretization. The application of the numerical discretization to the energy conservation equation gives the discretized pipe equation which is expressed in the form of a companion model of EMTP. In order to reduce the computational effort, the time‐varying terms in the admittance matrix of the companion model of pipe are eliminated. The modification of the admittance matrix is avoided. Furthermore, the internal nodes resulting from spatial discretization are eliminated, resulting in a lumped‐element circuit model with only two external nodes. Case studies are carried out to validate the proposed model in terms of accuracy and efficiency. The 2‐norm error of the proposed model is 0.0153%. With a pipe length of 100 m, the computational speed of the proposed model is increased by a factor of 2.94 compared with the existing distributed‐element circuit model. The implementation of the proposed pipe model in the EMTP‐type simulator enables the analysis of multi‐physics transients in a multi‐carrier energy system.

Flashover pattern analysis for 275 kV double circuit transmission lines during direct lightning strikes

Lightning overvoltage causes outages of transmission lines (TLs) in tropical countries. Identifying and analyzing the key factors responsible for tripping the lines can improve the performance of the lines. In this work, the flashover patterns due to direct lightning strikes on 275 kV double circuit TLs and towers in Malaysia was evaluated with Electromagnetic Transient Program (EMTP-RV). Three parameters that include lightning current magnitude, power frequency angle and tower footing resistance were analyzed on the line performance during direct lightning strikes. The simulated results found that two key parameters, lightning current at 270 kA and footing resistance at 50 Ω, reveal the highest impact on the insulator flashover. This finding was also verified from multivariate analysis results which is rarely found in the previous works in this field. As a key contribution in this work and in validation to the model, the simulated fault waveform patterns and voltage magnitudes were compared with the actual site data obtained from six different locations in Peninsular Malaysia. The analyzed results show a similar waveform pattern with an overall average voltage magnitude difference of 6.0 % before and after fault. The model is useful to electric utilities for analyzing transient performance of TLs.

Smart Grid Resilience for Grid-Connected PV and Protection Systems under Cyber Threats

In recent years, the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and communication networks has presented significant challenges to power system control and protection, primarily as a result of the emergence of smart grids and cyber threats. As the use of grid-connected solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems continues to increase with the use of intelligent PV inverters, the susceptibility of these systems to cyber attacks and their potential impact on grid stability emerges as a critical concern based on the inverter control models. This study explores the cyber-threat consequences of selectively targeting the components of PV systems, with a special focus on the inverter and Overcurrent Protection Relay (OCR). This research also evaluates the interconnectedness between these two components under different cyber-attack scenarios. A three-phase radial Electromagnetic Transients Program (EMTP) is employed for grid modeling and transient analysis under different cyber attacks. The findings of our analysis highlight the complex relationship between vulnerabilities in inverters and relays, emphasizing the consequential consequences of affecting one of the components on the other. In addition, this work aims to evaluate the impact of cyber attacks on the overall performance and stability of grid-connected PV systems. For example, in the attack on the PV inverters, the OCR failed to identify and eliminate the fault during a pulse signal attack with a short duration of 0.1 s. This resulted in considerable harmonic distortion and substantial power losses as a result of the protection system’s failure to recognize and respond to the irregular attack signal. Our study provides significant contributions to the understanding of cybersecurity in grid-connected solar PV systems. It highlights the importance of implementing improved protective measures and resilience techniques in response to the changing energy environment towards smart grids.

Investigation and Analysis of Electromagnetic Interference for PWM Encoder of Urban Rail Train

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is an important factor in ensuring the safe operation of the sensitive electronic equipment on urban rail trains. The pulse width modulation (PWM) encoder of an urban rail train exported from China to Brazil is sometimes affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI), which causes the train to fail to run properly. To solve this problem, the EMC test is performed on the PWM encoder to identify the coupling path and the type of interference source. The EMI coupling model and the vehicle-catenary-rail model are established by using an electromagnetic transients program (EMTP) to analyze the mechanism of interference coupling. It is shown that the unbalanced voltage of the train body caused by the backflow of the grounding current is the root cause of the interference of the PWM encoder. The maximum voltage coupled to the internal port of the PWM encoder is about 1894 V, which is sufficient to burn out the encoder. A measure to suppress the interference by installing thyristor surge suppressors (TSS) P0300SC is proposed, which effectively solves the EMI problem of the PWM encoder.

A Novel Lightning Overvoltage Protection Scheme Using Magnetic Rings for Transmission Line Systems

Overvoltage protection technology is critical to the safe and stable operation of power electronics equipment and power systems. In this study, based on the characteristics of lightning traveling waves, a novel lightning overvoltage protection scheme was proposed using magnetic rings (MRs) for transmission line systems (TLSs). First, the dynamic inductance of the lightning protection scheme using MRs was theoretically derived by combining the ampere loop law and the infinitesimal method. The finite element method (FEM) was then used to verify the theoretical derivation of dynamic inductance (TDDI) of the lightning protection scheme. Furthermore, the TDDI was integrated into the electromagnetic transient program, and the electromagnetic transient model (ETM) of the TLS with the lightning protection scheme was established. Subsequently, the effects of MR characteristics under the influence of various factors on the protection performance of the lightning protection scheme were investigated. Finally, the MR string in the lightning overvoltage protection scheme with optimal physical structure was used for field application. The results confirmed the feasibility of the lightning overvoltage protection scheme and ETM accuracy.

Multi-Conductor Cable Modeling With Inclusion of Measured Coaxial Wave Propagation Characteristics

The prediction of voltage stresses in transformer and machine windings requires the ability to calculate pulse propagation effects on the feeding cable with sufficient accuracy. The use of commonly available cable models in electromagnetic transient (EMT) programs can lead to voltage wave fronts with too weak damping at very high frequencies. This work shows a method for improving the accuracy of such models by usage of measured coaxial mode propagation characteristics. The information is introduced into a wide-band multi-conductor cable model at high frequencies by a merging procedure, with only a minor impact on the non-coaxial modes of propagation. The application of the developed model is demonstrated for cases where the metallic sheaths are grounded at one end only, or are cross-bonded.

A protocol for selecting viable transmission line arrester for optimal lightning protection

Direct lightning strikes on overhead lines and towers causes power system outages. Optimal surge arrester placement is a practical and economical protection technique. From research trends, three types of transmission line arresters are in practice: Non-Gapped Line Arrester (NGLA), Externally Gapped Line Arrester (EGLA) and Multi Chamber Insulator Arrester (MCIA). This study proposed a simplified guide for selecting the most suitable line arrester considering the placement configurations, double circuit outage prevention and energy capabilities. Electromagnetic Transient Program was implemented to analyze back flashover performance of a typical 275 kV double circuit transmission line in Malaysia. Critical flashover parameters considered are lightning current magnitude, tower footing resistance, and power frequency angle. Analyzed results from the three arresters found that installing four arresters, two per circuit, at the lower and upper phases respectively, is the most optimal and universal double outage mitigation technique. Energy comparison reveals that MCIA discharges 54% and 44% less energy than NGLA and EGLA respectively. Also, from 132 kV system results, MCIA discharges 74% and 22% lesser energy respectively. From further validation of the simulation model, NGLA discharged 23.8% more energy than EGLA from experimental results. The proposed guide is applicable to double circuit lines below 275 kV.

Equivalent grid-following inverter-based generator model for ATP/ATPDraw simulations

This paper presents an equivalent time-domain grid-following inverter-based generator model, which can be used in Electromagnetic Transients Programs (EMTP). It is developed in the Alternative Transients Program (ATP) using the ATPDraw graphical interface. A complete benchmark photovoltaic model available in ATP/ATPDraw environment is taken as reference to evaluate the proposed model under steady-state and fault scenarios. The obtained results showed that the proposed model is simpler and less time-consuming than the complete model, being capable of easily consider the implementation of different components/controls of Inverter-Based Resources (IBR) in EMTP. The settings used in the implemented control schemes proved to be effective, resulting in an average error of about 2.33% during fault conditions. Also, a reduction of about 70 % in the execution time was achieved when compared to the analyzed benchmark one, attesting its usefulness for power system studies with high presence of grid-following IBRs.

Application of artificial intelligence methods for determination of transients in the power system

Numerous factors, including sudden load reductions, switching transient loads, lightning strikes, and malfunctions of control devices, can result in overvoltage. Overvoltage can harm associated power supply components and result in insulation failure, electronic component damage, flashovers, etc. A machine learning technique called a "neural network" estimates computation results that depend on a lot of inputs. For a variety of reasons, neural networks have recently been used to manage and optimize the power system. This paper presents an artificial neural network (ANN)-based approach to determining overvoltages in power systems. To simulate overvoltages, many simulations were performed in Electromagnetic Transient Program (EMTP). Variations of parameters of interest that have an influence on overvoltages were made using JavaScript that was connected to EMTP models. The extraction of characteristic parameters from overvoltage waveshape is a demanding task, and it was conducted in MATLAB, as was a overvoltage classification methodology based on neural networks. Results were presented and discussed.

Measurement of switching transient overvoltages with a capacitive electric field sensor

This paper presents a case study of measurements of switching transient overvoltages using a capacitive electric field sensor. The system was developed and installed in a substation after the failure of a surge arrester during the energization of a 420 kV transmission line. First, the closing operation was simulated in an electromagnetic transient simulation program to estimate the switching transient overvoltages for this event. Then, the concept and design of the measurement system are explained. The system calibration performed in the high-voltage laboratory is presented. Afterward, the installation of the measurement system in the substation is discussed, with a special focus on the calibration of the voltage ratio considering the physical configuration where it is installed. Finally, the measurement results are presented and compared with simulations. The results show that the transient overvoltages caused by the energization of the transmission line should not cause the failure of the surge arrester. The measurement system has been demonstrated to be capable of measuring switching transient voltages of a 420 kV transmission line and can be considered a flexible solution for the long-term monitoring of transient overvoltages in substations.

Analysis and Research on Lightning Inrush Wave Overvoltage in EHV GIS Substation transformation project

When lightning intrudes into the over-voltage in the 500 kV substation, the lightning wave will be introduced into the substation along the line, which will seriously affect the insulation level of the equipment. In this paper, firstly, the working principle, characteristics, and lightning current simulation of the ZnO arrester are described. Then, the electromagnetic transient program (EMTP-ATP) used in a 500 kV GIS substation carried out the simulation research to the lightning over-voltage, specifically studied the lightning protection effect of metal oxide arrester, compared the lightning over-voltage under the different lightning locations and operation mode, and calculated the 500kV GIS Substation under the single in single out operation mode, 500kV. The influence of different positions of lightning arresters in GIS on the magnitude of lightning over-voltage and the lightning over-voltage on the substation equipment in GIS is also described.

Noisy-Intermediate-Scale Quantum Electromagnetic Transients Program

Quantum-empowered electromagnetic transients program (QEMTP) is a promising paradigm for tackling EMTP’s computational burdens. Nevertheless, no existing studies truly achieve a practical and scalable QEMTP operable on today’s noisy-intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computers. The strong reliance on noise-free and fault-tolerant quantum devices–which appears to be decades away– hinder practical applications of current QEMTP methods. This paper devises a NISQ-QEMTP methodology which for the first time transitions the QEMTP operations from ideal, noise-free quantum simulators to real, noisy quantum computers. The main contributions lie in: (1) design of shallow-depth QEMTP quantum circuits for mitigating noises on NISQ quantum devices; (2) practical QEMTP linear solvers incorporating executable quantum state preparation and measurements for nodal voltage computations; (3) a noise-resilient QEMTP algorithm leveraging quantum resources logarithmically scaled with power system dimension; (4) a quantum shifted frequency analysis (QSFA) for accelerating QEMTP by exploiting dynamic phasor simulations with larger time steps; (5) a systematical analysis on QEMTP’s performance under various noisy quantum environments. Extensive experiments systematically verify the accuracy, efficacy, universality and noise-resilience of QEMTP on both noise-free simulators and IBM real quantum computers.

Effects-Based Monitoring of Geomagnetically-Induced Current Using a Convolutional Neural Network

Geomagnetically-induced current (GIC) due to space weather can flow in the power grid causing undesirable effects such as transformer overheating, misoperation of protection devices, and potential blackouts. It is therefore important to monitor GIC in the power grid to improve online situational awareness and decision-making of system operators during a geomagnetic disturbance. To avoid the costly installation of GIC monitors at transformers’ neutrals, it is desirable to find correlations between GIC and already-monitored parameters. Hence, this work proposed the use of a convolutional neural network (CNN) to compute GIC amplitudes from learned patterns in the time-series data of transformer even harmonic currents. Using an electromagnetic transient program, GIC injection simulations were performed for a modeled Dominion Energy Virginia (DEV) substation with two 504 MVA, 500/230 kV transformers. Data collected from these offline simulations were used to train the CNN to provide online GIC monitoring. Testing the CNN performance involved using real GIC measurements from published literature and from a physical GIC monitor in the DEV area. The results showed that the proposed method was able to provide GIC readings with a root mean squared error of 1.56 A/phase (equivalent to an average accuracy of 94%) for these real GIC waveforms.

A Thévenin-Type Version of the Extended Modal-Domain Model for Lightning-Induced Voltage Calculations

In this paper, a new procedure is proposed for determining the external current sources required for evaluating lightning-induced voltages on overhead lines with the extended-modal domain (EMD) model. Unlike the original model, in which the calculation of the inducing current sources depends on the fitting of the characteristic admittance of the line, in the proposed procedure this calculation is performed using the characteristic impedance of the line. This significantly simplifies the use of the EMD model because now all parameters can be readily obtained from the built-in fitting tool that is usually available in electromagnetic transient programs to derive the parameters of Marti’s transmission line model. The validity of the proposed procedure is demonstrated through examples that indicate its accuracy in the calculation of lightning-induced voltages on overhead distribution lines terminated with different types of loads, including transformers and surge arresters, and multiple grounding points.

A Generalized Fault Location Approach for Any Type of Power Network

This paper presents a generalized fault location algorithm that can locate faults for any type of power network configuration. It enhances previous work presented by the authors by reducing the estimation steps but keeping its robustness and redundancy against traveling wave attenuation by power transformers, bad data, voltage signal errors and the impact of Inverter Based Power Sources (IBPSs). This is accomplished by forming arrays containing the network parameters and time-of-arrivals (ToAs) for fault signals captured by Digital Fault Recorders (DFRs), which are used as inputs to the algorithm to compute the accurate fault localization. The IEEE 39-bus system is used to validate the algorithm under different fault conditions using Electromagnetic Transients Program and Matlab as simulation tools.

Full-Order and Simplified Dynamic Phasor Models of a Single-Phase Two-Stage Grid-Connected PV System

The dynamic phasor (DP) method is a useful tool for developing simulation-efficient models suitable for system-level analysis. In this paper, two DP models of a single-phase two-stage grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system are proposed. In the first DP model (DP-Full), the PV array, PV capacitor, boost converter, DC-link, and MPPT (maximum power point tracking) control are modeled. In the second DP model (DP-Simp), the DC-side model is simplified by aggregating the PV capacitor- and boost inductor dynamics into a first-order function while calculating the MPP voltage and current analytically. The accuracy and execution speed of the two DP models are verified by comparing their performance with those of a detailed switching model simulated in an electromagnetic transient program. Simulation and error calculation results show that there is a good agreement between results from the proposed DP models and the switching model. Simulation studies of a two-bus power system demonstrate the computational advantage of the DP-Simp and DP-Full models over the detailed switching model in a multi-converter scenario. The proposed DP models can be used for the fast-paced transient analysis of distribution grids with high PV penetrations.

Time-Domain Protection Scheme for Microgrids With Aggregated Inverter-Based Distributed Energy Resources

This paper proposes a time-domain-based protection scheme for radial and loop microgrid systems with inverter-based resources (IBRs), such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and type-4 wind turbines. The protection scheme is designed to function during both grid-interconnected and grid-isolated modes. The proposed scheme provides an ultra-high-speed sub-cycle directional element aided with low bandwidth communication between relays. Like directional comparison schemes, relays identify whether faults are in-zone or out-zone. The directional element is based on time-domain superimposed quantities and Park’s transformation algorithms. More specifically, the element calculates the superimposed positive-sequence direct component of transient energy during faults. Superimposed voltage and current quantities are calculated using delta filters and decoupled double synchronous reference frame (DDSRF) filters. The proposed filtering method improves the reliability of the superimposed directional element when IBRs are present. The protection scheme is evaluated on a modified IEEE 34-bus distribution system simulated using an electromagnetic transients program.

Experimental and Analytical Studies on Lightning Surge Response of the Quadruple-Circuit Transmission Line

The compact design of a 500 kV quadruple-circuit transmission line can effectively reduce the line corridor area, but the height of the tower also increases, increasing the probability of suffering a lightning strike. The 500 kV quadruple-circuit transmission lines carry more energy, and because of this, lightning strikes that cause power line trips are more likely to result in large-scale power outages. Therefore, it is necessary to make an accurate assessment of the lightning performance of 500 kV quadruple-circuit transmission lines. First, simulated lightning-striking experiments were carried out on a scaled 500 kV quadruple-circuit transmission line in the laboratory, where transient voltages and currents were measured. Second, a numerical model was established with the Finite-Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method, which was then verified with the experimental results. Third, lightning surge responses of a 500 kV quadruple-circuit transmission line under near-real facility conditions are estimated with the verified FDTD model. In the simulations, influencing factors, such as the rise time of injecting current, the velocity of return-stroke current and the terrains, were taken into consideration, but not in previous lightning surge analysis with the Electromagnetic Transients Program (EMTP). Results show that insulator voltages on the same tower cross-arm are nearly identical, although the length of the cross-arm is large enough. Furthermore, it is found that the rise time and the lightning current velocity have great effects on the lightning surge response, and the terrains are less impactful but not negligible. Therefore, these factors should be considered carefully where higher accuracy lightning protection design is necessary.

Support Vector Machine Parameters Optimization for 500 kV Long OHTL Fault Diagnosis

Faults can seriously damage high-voltage (HV) power systems, particularly if they occur on the long overhead transmission line (OHTL) that connects the nuclear power plant (NPP) to the electrical grid. Finding OHTL problems quickly and accurately is essential for the economy, safety, and dependability of the HV power systems. It is essential to pinpoint the problematic phase to avoid unneeded power outages. Thus, one of the most crucial research challenges is now how to identify, classify, and locate OHTL faults. In this study, transient current with high frequency oscillations that arise immediately after a defect at the sending end is investigated in a single-circuit, single-side fed Egyptian 500-kV HV long OHTL. Asymmetric and symmetric faults and locations are also represented in the Alternative Transients Program-Electro Magnetic Transients Program (ATP/EMTP) simulation model under varying fault resistance and inception angles. The proposed solution in this paper is an Optimized Support Vector Machine (OSVM), whose characteristics are optimized via a mutant particle swarm optimization (MPSO) method to detect 500 kV long OHTL faults. The localizer model is also built for practical applications, including power system noise contaminating fault signals. The findings prove that the suggested approach locates the fault in 0.012 seconds from the start of the event, with a 0.0098 percent average percentage error, and without being impacted by differences in fault distance, fault resistance, noise, or fault inception angle. Additionally, the optimised classifier reaches a 99.85% accuracy rate, enhancing line system dependability and advancing nuclear system development.

Influence of configuration of power distribution lines on failure probability of surge arresters

In Japan, many surge arresters have been installed on 6.6 kV overhead distribution lines for reducing lightning overvoltages. The increase of surge arresters has resulted in a remarkable decrease of lightning outages of distribution lines caused by insulator flashovers. In contrast, several surge arresters have been damaged by direct lightning strikes to distribution lines. Studies of countermeasures for the failure of surge arresters are generally carried out by lightning surge analysis using the Electro Magnetic Transients Program (EMTP). In the previous studies, a simple model of a straight line is used, however, branch lines and termination points also exist in the actual distribution lines. In this paper, we present the influence of configuration of distribution lines on the failure probability of surge arresters obtained by the lightning surge analysis.