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When a fault occurs in a power system the zero sequence component of current becomes zero. The type of fault is
phase to ground fault
Line to line fault
Double line to ground fault
Line to ground fault
Line to line fault
In symmetrical component analysis, the zero-sequence current I0 is defined as 31(Ia+Ib+Ic). In a Line-to-Line (L-L) fault, the fault occurs between two phases without involving the ground, meaning the sum of the currents remains zero (i.e., Ia+Ib+Ic=0), resulting in I0=0.
In symmetrical component analysis, the zero-sequence current I0 is defined as 31(Ia+Ib+Ic). In a Line-to-Line (L-L) fault, the fault occurs between two phases without involving the ground, meaning the sum of the currents remains zero (i.e., Ia+Ib+Ic=0), resulting in I0=0.
I0=31(Ia+Ib+Ic) — Definition of zero sequence current
I0=0 — Condition for faults not involving ground
In an L-L fault (e.g., between phases B and C), the currents satisfy Ib=−Ic and Ia=0. Since the zero-sequence component is the average of the phase currents, it follows that I0=31(0+Ib−Ib)=0. This condition exists because there is no return path for the fault current to the neutral or ground, preventing the flow of zero-sequence currents.
Zero sequence current requires a path to ground to exist.
L-L faults are purely symmetrical regarding ground, hence no zero sequence current.
L-G and D-L-G faults involve the ground, therefore they always have non-zero I0.
Symmetrical components are used to simplify the analysis of unsymmetrical faults.
Simplifies analysis of power system networks
Easier determination of relay settings
Complex calculation for multi-phase faults
Requires knowledge of network sequence impedances
Protective relaying coordination
Fault current calculation in transmission lines
The zero-sequence network is open-circuited for faults that do not involve the ground (e.g., L-L faults).
Option A and D refer to Line-to-Ground faults, where I0 is maximum. Option C refers to Double-Line-to-Ground, where I0 is also present due to the ground connection.
B is correct — Line-to-line faults do not involve the ground, resulting in a zero-sequence current component of zero.
Remember: If a fault does not involve the ground, I0 is always zero. This is a quick way to identify L-L faults in objective questions.