MIPRO 2015, 25-29 May 2015, Opatija, Croatia
Neutral Grounding in Middle Voltage Power
Systems:
Simulation model
S. Ravlić*, A. Marušić **, J. Havelka **
* Ravel d.o.o., Zagreb, Hrvatska
** Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, Zagreb, Hrvatska
sonja.ravlic@ravel.hr
Abstract - In middle voltage networks in Croatia there are
four neutral earthing concepts: isolated neutral point, low-
impedance grounded networks, resonant grounded
networks and networks with partial compensation. The
paper will generally discuss modelling and simulation
software developed for analysis of four grounding concepts
mentioned earlier. Model was made using Matlab. Real time
simulations were performed to test the behavior of middle
voltage networks with different grounding concepts in case
when single phase earth faults occur. The manner in which
neutral point is treated has a fundamental influence on the
value of the current and on overvoltages. The paper will also
discuss influences that cable network connected to middle
voltage side of network transformer and the moment when a
fault occurs have on the value of the current and on
overvoltages. Based on the simulation results, the paper
presents the possibilities and limitations of various neutral
earthing concepts in medium voltage systems.
I. INTRODUCTION
Single phase to earth faults are the most frequent
failures in medium and high voltage systems [1]. The
values of the currents and of the temporary overvoltages
with power frequency in case of a single pole earth fault
depend on the neutral point treatment, earth capacitances
of the overhead lines or cables connected to the network,
voltage level, the value of fault resistance and on the
distance between the supply busbars and the fault location
[2]. When considering single phase earth faults in medium
voltage networks two important aspects need to be taken
into account: value of the short circuit current (and
consequently touch voltages) and overvoltages. In order to
describe the behavior of the network during single phase
earth faults simulation model made using MATLAB
SimPowerSystem software [3]. Several simulation models
were made for same network: isolated neutral point, low-
impedance grounded networks, resonant grounded
networks and networks with partial compensation. The
model described in this paper observes substation during
fault and the influence of various neutral earthing methods
combined with the influence of the length of middle
voltage power lines and the moment when a fault occurs.
Every neutral grounding concept has its own advantages
and disadvantages.
A real time simulation model like this can be powerful
analysis tool to validate which neutral grounding concept
to choose for a specific substation regarding network
1124
connected to the substation, safety issues, network
importance, earth system requirements and costumer
interruptions [2].
II. SIMULATION MODEL ELEMENTS
The aim of this paper is to determine the
characteristics of single phase earth faults in middle
voltage networks in Croatia. All simulation models are
consisted of: three-phase 110 kV source, network
transformer 110/10(20) kV, middle voltage cables and
overhead lines, 10(20)/0.4 kV transformers, series load
and single pole fault with earth. MATLAB
SimPowerSystems provides component libraries and
analysis tools for modeling and simulating electrical
power systems [3]. Figure 1 shows a network model in
Matlab SymPowerSystem. Simulations of earth fault
currents and overvoltages were conducted in 20 kV
network with a different grounding concept, different
middle voltage cable length and different moment when a
fault occurs. All network elements are in detail described
below.
The three-phase source is connected in Y with a
grounded neutral. This block generates a three-phase
sinusoidal 110 kV voltage, 50 Hz with no time variation.
Phase angle of phase A is zero degrees.
Network transformer was modelled according to the
real network transformer. Network transformer is
110/10(20)/10.5 kV, 40 MVA with winding connection
YNynD5. In order to provide real parameters of network
transformer equivalent circuit was calculated. Figure 2
gives equivalent circuit of three phase network
transformer [4]. This part of network dimensioning was
especially complex and important in order to provide real
network state.
All cables are represented as distributed parameter
lines. In order to dimension middle voltage cable
parameters from Elka’s catalogue [5] were used. Line to
earth capacitances of middle voltage cables are one of the
most important factors that need to be taken into account
during dimensioning the network model. Two cases were
observed in this paper: cable length 1 km and cable length
40 km. The aim of the simulation was to observe the
impact that cable length have on overvoltages and on the
value of the current.
 Fig. 1. The network model in Matlab
Fig. 2. Equivalent circuit of three phase network
transformer
Single pole fault with earth is represented as one-phase
circuit breaker connected to ground. In series with circuit
breaker is resistance (characterizes the ground resistance).
Two cases of single pole fault with earth were observed in
order to see what influence the moment when the fault
occurs has on overvoltages and current value. Table 1
gives moments when a fault occurs and phase shift of
faulted phase. The moment when a fault occurs is
represented by t (ms) and φ (°) represents a phase shift of
faulted phase. It is expected that the highest values of the
overvoltages will occur in cases when the phase shift of
faulted phase is φ = 90 °.
TABLE 1. SINGLE POLE FAULT WITH EARTH
t (ms) φ (°)
case 1 10 0
case 2 5 90
Neutral grounding resistor was dimensioned according
to the real neutral grounding resistors in Croatia (generally
40 Ω for the 20 kV network). The purpose of a neutral
grounding resistor is to limit ground fault currents to safe
levels so that all the electrical equipment in a power
system is protected. In this case ground fault current is
limited to 300 A. In case of low ohmic grounded neutral
1125
point it is connected between neutral point of middle
voltage side of network transformer and the earth.
In order to be able to determine inductance L of
Peterson coil (in case of a resonant grounded neutral point
and partial compensation) it is necessary to know the three
phase grounding capacitance of middle voltage cables:
1
Z˜L (1)
3 ˜ Z ˜ C0
In (1) C0 represents line to earth capacitances of
middle voltage cables, ω represents angular frequency.
For the suppression of the arc the Peterson coil should be
well tuned within limits [6]. If the value of the Peterson
coil is correctly tuned the current of the possible earth
fault can be reduced [7]. In this case current will be
reduced to zero. In case of resonant grounded neutral
point Peterson coil is connected between neutral point of
middle voltage side of network transformer and the earth.
In case of a partial compensation resistor is connected
parallel to low-ohmic resistor between the neutral point
of middle voltage side of network transformer and the
earth [1].
III. MEASUREMENTS
Number of measurement blocks were used to measure
three-phase values of voltages and currents in a circuit.
When connected in series with three-phase elements, the
three-phase V-I measurement block returns the three
phase-to-ground or phase-to-phase peak voltages and
currents. The block can output the voltages and currents
per unit or in volts and amperes. It measures phase to
phase voltages as well as a phase to ground. Comparison
of the values before and after the single pole fault with
earth was made in order to understand the influence it has
to network.
 IV. SIMULATION EXPECTATIONS U[V] ·104
3
Length of the middle voltage power lines, neutral
earthing method should determine the earth fault current 2
and overvoltages [2]. The moment when fault with earth
occurs should influence overvoltages significantly.
1
Highest overvoltages for all four neutral grounding
concepts and both cable lengths are expected to appear if a
0
fault occurs at moment t = 5 ms (φ = 90°).
It is expected that currents in the case of the isolated -1
neutral point increase significantly with the increase of the
length of middle voltage cables. Internal overvoltages -2
during earth faults are expected to be the highest in the
case of the isolated neutral point (compared to all other -3
neutral earthing methods). t [s]
0 0,02 0,04 0,06 0,08 0,1 0,12
In case of the low-ohmic neutral point large number of Figure 3. Phase to phase voltages before and after fault in case of
long cables should increase the value of the earth fault isolated neutral point
current. Earth fault currents are expected to be the highest
in the case of low-ohmic neutral point (current increases V. SIMULATION RESULTS
especially with the increase of underground cables).
Overvoltages in this case are expected to be the lowest. A. Isolated neutral point
In case of resonant grounded neutral point the Results for two cable lengths and two moments when
inductive reactance of the Peterson coil is set near the a fault occurs in networks with isolated neutral point are
value of the capacitive reactance of the whole network. given in table 2. Figure 4 and figure 5 show the increase
The capacitive and inductive currents are opposite and of current due to long cables. In case of long cables
resulting current is expected to be very small. In the (40 km) current increases 42.8 times, as expected. It is
simulation, it is expected that result current is set to zero. evident that cable length has little impact on the value of
Increase of the length of the underground cables should overvoltages. Figure 6 and figure 7 show influence that
not influence the value of the current. Overvoltages in moment when a fault occurs have on overvoltages. As
case of resonant grounded neutral point are expected to be expected, overvoltages are the highest in case if a fault
very high (almost as high as in the case of an isolated
occurs at 5 ms. The moment when a fault occurs has no
neutral point).
influence on the value of fault current.
Increase of the length of the middle voltage cables
should not influence the value of the current in case of the TABLE 2. SIMULATION RESULTS IN CASE OF ISOLATED NEUTRAL POINT
partial compensation, too. Current is supposed to depend l t Fault current Overvoltage Max.
only on the value of the low-ohmic resistor. Overvoltages (km) (ms) overvoltage
in case of partial compensated networks should be similar 1 10 4.78 1.733 1.823
as in the case of low-ohmic neutral point.
1 5 4.78 1.735 3.316
During a single phase earth fault the voltage of the
faulted phase in all simulations is expected to collapse 40 10 204.67 1.754 1.818
while the voltage of the healthy phases is expected to rise. 40 5 204.67 1.756 2.275
Figure 2 shows the voltage of the faulted phase for all four
ways of transformer neutral point grounding treatment. I[A] ·104
Phase to phase voltage of all three phases for all four 50
ways of transformer neutral point grounding treatment
should remain unaffected regardless the cable length and 0
moment when a fault occurs. Figure 3 shows the phase to
phase voltage for isolated neutral point in case when cable
length is 1 km, and the moment when a fault occurs is -50 t [s]
0 0,01 0,02 0,03 0,04 0,05 0,06 0.07 0.08 0.09 0.1
10 ms. Figure 4. Fault current in case of isolated neutral point, cable length 1
I[A] ·104 km, a fault occurs at 10 ms
1.5 I[A] ·104
1 400
0.5
0 200
-0.5 0
-1
-1.5 -200
t [s]
-400
0 0,01 0,02 0,03 0,04 0,05 0,06 0.07 0.08 0.09 0.1 t [s]
Figure 2. Phase to ground voltage of the faulted phase 0 0,01 0,02 0,03 0,04 0,05 0,06 0.07 0.08 0.09 0.1
Figure 5. Fault current in case of isolated neutral point, cable length 40
km, a fault occurs at 10 ms

1126
 U[V] ·104 I[A] ·104
3 400
200
2
0
-200
1
-400
t [s]
0
0 0,01 0,02 0,03 0,04 0,05 0,06 0.07 0.08 0.09 0.1
Figure 8. Fault current in case of low-ohmic grounded neutral point,
-1 cable length 1 km, a fault occurs at 10 ms
I[A] ·104
-2 400
200
-3
t [s] 0
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12
-200
Figure 6. Overvoltages in case of isolated neutral point, cable length 1
km, a fault occurs at 10 ms -400
4
t [s]
U[V] ·10
0 0,01 0,02 0,03 0,04 0,05 0,06 0.07 0.08 0.09 0.1
4 Figure 9. Fault current in case of low-ohmic grounded neutral point,
3 cable length 40 km, a fault occurs at 10 ms
U[V] ·104
2
3
1
2
0
-1 1
-2
0
-3

-4 -1
-5
-2
-6
t [s]
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 -3
t [s]
Figure 7. Overvoltages in case of isolated neutral point, cable length 1
km, a fault occurs at 5 ms 0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.8 0.1
Figure 10. Overvoltages in case of low-ohmic grounded neutral point,
cable length 40 km, a fault occurs at 10 ms
B. Low-ohmic grounded neutral point
U[V] ·104
Table 3 gives results for two cable lengths and two 3
moments when a fault occurs in case of low-ohmic
grounded neutral point. Figure 8 and figure 9 show 2
increase of current due to long cables. In case of long
cables (40 km) current increases, as expected. 1
Overvoltages are the highest in case if a fault occurs at
5 ms. Figure 10 and figure 11 show influence that 0
moment when a fault occurs have on overvoltages in case
-1
of resonant grounded neutral point.

TABLE 3. SIMULATION RESULTS IN CASE OF LOW-OHMIC GROUNDED -2

NEUTRAL POINT

l t Max. -3
(ms) Fault current Overvoltage
(km) overvoltage
1 10 283.27 1.697 1.747 -4
t [s]
1 5 283.27 1.697 2.216 0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.8 0.1
Figure 11. Overvoltages in case of low-ohmic grounded neutral point,
40 10 314.31 1.659 1.761 cable length 40 km, a fault occurs at 5 ms

40 5 314.31 1.611 2.068

C. Resonant grounded neutral point
Results for two cable lengths and two moments when
a fault occurs in networks with resonant grounded neutral
point are given in table 4. Figure 12 and figure 13 show

1127
that current does not increase due to long cables, as U[V] ·104
3
expected. In case of resonant grounded neutral point
overvoltages are expected to be almost as high as in the
2
case of isolated neutral point. Figures 14 and 15 show
overvoltages in case of resonant grounded neutral point 1
for a 40 km cable length.
0
TABLE 4. SIMULATION RESULTS IN CASE OF RESONANT GROUNDED
NEUTRAL POINT
-1
l t Max.
(ms) Fault current Overvoltage
(km) overvoltage
-2
1 10 0 1.734 2.140

1 5 0 1.746 2.049 -3
40 10 0 1.719 1.770
-4
40 5 0 1.731 2.213 t [s]
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.8 0.1
Figure 15. Overvoltages in case of resonant grounded neutral point,
I[A] ·104 cable length 40 km, a fault occurs at 5 ms
200
100 D. Partial compensation
0 Results for two cable lengths and two moments when
-100 a fault occurs in networks with partial compensation are
-200 given in table 5. Figure 16 and figure 17 shows that the
t [s] current does not increase due to long cables. Figure 18
0 0,01 0,02 0,03 0,04 0,05 0,06 0.07 0.08 0.09 0.1 and figure 19 show influence that moment when a fault
Figure 12. Fault current in case of resonant grounded neutral point, cable occurs have on overvoltages in case of partial
length 1 km, a fault occurs at 10 ms
compensation.
I[A] ·104
400 TABLE 5. SIMULATION RESULTS IN CASE OF PARTIAL COMPENSATION
200 t
l Max.
(ms) Fault current Overvoltage
0 (km) overvoltage
-200 1 10 282.49 1.697 1.745
-400 1 5 282.94 1.692 2.214
t [s]
0 0,01 0,02 0,03 0,04 0,05 0,06 0.07 0.08 0.09 0.1 40 10 244.66 1.649 1.686
Figure 13. Fault current in case of resonant grounded neutral point, cable
length 40 km, a fault occurs at 10 ms 40 5 244.63 1.655 2.065

U[V] ·104
3 I[A] ·104
400

2 200
0
1 -200
-400
0 t [s]
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 0.14
-1 Figure 16. Fault current in case of partial compensation, cable length 1
km, a fault occurs at 10 ms

-2 I[A] ·104
400
-3 200
t [s] 0
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.8 0.1 0.12
Figure 14. Overvoltages in case of resonant grounded neutral point, -200
cable length 40 km, a fault occurs at 10 ms -400
t [s]
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 0.14
Figure 17. Fault current in case of partial compensation, cable length 40
km, a fault occurs at 10 ms

1128
 U[V] ·104 networks with low-ohmic grounded neutral point
3
increases from 283.27A to 314.31due to larger number of
long cables. In case of isolated neutral point single pole
2
fault current increases from 4.78 A to 204.67 A. In case
of resonant grounded neutral point single pole fault
1
current remains the same (total compensation), as
expected. Increase of the length of the cables does not
0
influence the value of the current in case of the partial
compensation, too. Current depends only on the value of
-1
the low-ohmic resistor.
The aim of the study was to show influence various
-2
neutral earthing methods, different length and type of the
middle voltage power lines and different moments when
-3
t [s] a fault occurs have on overvoltages and fault current
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.8 0.1 0.12 magnitudes. For this particular substation observed in
Figure 18. Overvoltages in case of partial compensation, cable length paper resonant grounded neutral point is recommended.
40 km, a fault occurs at 10 ms
In that case danger of too high potential (touch voltage)
U[V] ·104 on earth of substation is reduced to a minimum (fault
3 current is zero). When considering single phase to earth
faults in medium voltage networks handling safety issues,
2
especially touch voltages, is the most important aspect.
1
VII. CONCLUSION
0 The aim of this paper was to observe influence several
neutral grounding concepts, different middle voltage cable
-1
lengths and various moments when a fault occurs have on
the value of fault current and overvoltages. As expected,
the neutral grounding concept determines the behavior of
-2
a power system during a single phase to earth fault. With
the increase of cable lengths current increases, too, except
-3 in case when Peterson coil is connected in order to
compensate capacitive component of fault current. In case
-4 when Petersen coil is connected between neutral point and
t [s]
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.8 0.1 0.12 earth cable length doesn’t influence the value of fault
Figure 19. Overvoltages in case of partial compensation, cable length current. Cable length doesn’t influence overvoltages as
40 km, a fault occurs at 5 ms
much it influences the value of the current. The moment
when a fault occurs has great influence on overvoltages. If
VI. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS a fault occurs at 5 ms overvoltages increase significantly.
As expected, during a single phase earth fault the Listed neutral earthing concepts should be considered
voltage of the faulted phase collapsed while the voltage for a specific substation. A decision which concept to
of the healthy phases increased. The voltage of the choose should be adopted based on simulation results for
faulted phase for all four transformer neutral point values of the short circuit currents and overvoltages. The
earthing methods behaved as expected. Phase to phase model described in this paper can be used in order to
voltage of all three phases for all four methods of present what particular kind of neutral earthing method to
transformer neutral point grounding treatment remained use in specific substation.
unaffected.
Highest overvoltages were expected to occur in case REFERENCE
of isolated neutral point and in case of resonant grounded [1] V. Komen and R. Ćućić, “Fault resistances in medium voltage
neutral point. In case of low-ohmic grounded neutral distribution networks” Annals of DAAAM & Proceedings,
point and partial compensation overvoltages were DAAAM International Vienna, 2007
expected to be similar. Results show matching of [2] “Application Guidelines - Overvoltage Protection: Dimensioning,
expected and simulated results. testing and application of metal oxide surge arresters in medium
voltage systems”, ABB,; 4th revised and expanded edition,
It has been showed that overvoltages strongly depend Wettingen; 2009
on the neutral point method and on the moment when the [3] “Mathworks, Accelerating the pace of engineering and science”,
fault occurs. Maximum calculated overvoltage factor http://www.mathworks.com/products/simpower/, 26.11.2014.
(transient overvoltages during an earth fault) in isolated [4] R. Goić, D. Jukus, I. Penović, “Electric power distribution”,
network was 3.316. Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and
Naval Architecture, Split, Croatia, 2008
Highest single pole fault current was expected to
[5] Elka, “Medium voltage power cables for rated voltage up to
occur in case of networks with low-ohmic grounded 36 kV”, http://elka.hr/en/category/energetski-srednjenaponski-
neutral point. Calculated and simulated results show kabeli-za-napone-do-36-kv/, 26.11.2014.
match with expected values. Fault current in case of

1129
[6] G. Druml, A. Kugi and B. Parr, “Control of Peterson coils”, XI.
International Symposium on Theoretical Electrical Engineering,
Liz, Austria, 2001.
[7] B. Dolnik and J. Kurmisky, “ Contribution to earth fault current
compensation in middle voltage distribution networks”, Przglad
Electrotechniczny (Electrical Review), 0033-2097, R. 87, 2/2011
[8] I. G. Kuliš, A. Marušić and G. Leci, “Protection relay software
models in interaction with power system simulators”, MIPRO,
Opatija, 2012.
[9] I. G. Kuliš, A. Marušić and S. Žutobradić, “Insufficiency of
Wattmetric Protection in Resonant Grounded Networks”,
Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Developments
in Power System Protection (DPSP), Amsterdam, 2004., pp. 486-
489.
1130
[10] Y. Chun-wen, W. Ming-hui, J. Litingvand L. Ling-ling,
“MATLAB Power System Simulation of Resonant Grounding
Fault”, Energy Procedia, 17, 2012., pp. 1761-1768.
[11] S. Hänninen, “Single phase earth faults in high impedance
grounded networks, Characteristics, indication and location”,
disertation for the degree of doctor of technology, Helsinki
University of Technology, Espoo, Finland, 2001.
[12] O. Siirto, M. Loukkalahti, M. Hyvarinen, P. Heine and M.
Lehtonen, “Neutral point treatment and earth fault suppression”,
IEEE Electric Power Quality and Supply ReliabilityConference,
Tartu, Estonia, 2012