1

Grounding Transformer Application,

Modeling, and Simulation
M. Shen, Member, IEEE, L. Ingratta, and G. Roberts

AbstractThe grounding transformer is a transformer

intended solely for establishing a neutral connection point on a
three-phase ungrounded power system. The transformer is
usually of the wye-delta or zig-zag transformer.
This paper first reviews the state of the art of the grounding
transformer to assist electric power engineers in the proper
understanding of the use and applications of these devices, and
then a zig-zag grounding transformer is modeled in
PSCAD/EMTDC simulator. After a 27.6 KV ungrounded threephase transmission system is constructed, different scenarios are
simulated and verified under different conditions with the
connection of the grounding transformer.
Index TermsFault Localization, Grounding Transformer,
Metering System, Modeling, Power System, Protection, Relaying,
Simulation, Ungrounded.

I. INTRODUCTION

he way to ground a power system is probably more

difficult to select than any other features of its design.
Historically, there has been a gradual trend in American
power system from ungrounded, to resistance grounded, to
solid or effective grounded [1]. The main reasons for this
trend can be readily traced. Most systems were initially
operated with their neutrals free, i.e., the neutrals were not
connected to ground. This was the natural thing to do as the
ground connection was not functional for the actual transfer
of power. People had a strong argument in this favor, since an
insulator failure on one of the phases could be tolerated for
some little time until the fault could be located and fixed. In
addition, most lines at that time were single circuit, and the
free-neutral feature permitted loads to be powered with fewer
interruptions than the neutral had been grounded. Another
important consideration was that relaying had not come into
general use, so that many prolonged outages were avoided by
the ungrounded operation.
The principal virtue of an ungrounded-neutral system is its
ability, in some cases, to clear ground faults without
M. Shen, L. Ingratta, and G. Roberts are with the Energy Division at
Wardrop Engineering Inc., Mississauga, Ontario L4V 1V2, Canada. (e-mail:
mike.shen@wardrop.com)
Wardrop Engineering Inc. has been delivering solutions to power utilities
and industrial clients since 1955. Wardrop is internationally recognized as a
provider of engineering services in the specialized fields of power transmission,
distribution, and generation.
The vision at Wardrop is to create a company that stands for People,
Passion, Performance. Trusted Globally.

2008 IEEE.

interruption. However, Limitations to ungrounded power

system began to develop with the growth of systems, both as
to mileage and voltage. This increased the currents when a
ground occurred, so that the increasing faults of transient
grounds (from lightning, or momentary contacts) were no
longer self-clearing. More recent transient-overvoltage
comparisons between isolated and grounded systems have
shown the former to give higher overvoltages, both during
faults and switching operations [1]. Therefore, it is necessary
to assume that an ungrounded-neutral system will result in
more equipment damages than some form of grounded
system. Transformers must be designed on the basis of full
neutral displacement and in the higher voltage classes this will
result in a somewhat higher cost.
Most grounded systems employ some method of grounding
the system neutral at one or more points. These methods can
be divided into two general categories: solid grounding and
impedance grounding. Impedance grounding may be further
divided into several subcategories: reactance grounding,
resistance grounding, and ground-fault-neutralizer grounding.
Each method, as named, refers to the nature of the external
grounding circuit, from system neutral to ground rather than
to the degree of grounding [2].
The best way to obtain the system neutral for grounding
purpose in three-phase systems is to use source transformers
or generators with wye-connected windings. The neutral is
then readily available. The alternative is to apply grounding
transformers when some system neutrals may not be
available, particularly in many old systems of 27.6 KV or less
and many existing 2400, 4800, and 6900 V systems. When
existing delta-connected systems are to be grounded,
grounding transformers may be used to obtain the neutral.
Grounding transformers may be the interconnected wye (zigzag), the wye-delta, or the T-connected type [2].
II. INTRODUCTION TO GROUNDING TRANSFORMERS
A grounding transformer is a transformer intended solely
for establishing a neutral ground connection on a three-phase
ungrounded system. The transformer is usually of the wyedelta or zig-zag arrangement as shown in Figure 1. The
application of grounding transformers on delta-connected
ungrounded three-phase transmission/distribution systems is
well known. Ground-fault protection schemes that provide
selective and reasonably fast tripping are often incorporated
with these grounding transformers. Since grounding

transformers are not encountered on a daily basis by most

electric power engineers, improper understanding and
applications of these devices and/or the associated groundfault protection systems sometimes occurs.
A
B
C

(a) Wye-delta grounding transformer

ungrounded electrical system.

The internal connection of this transformer is illustrated in
Figure 2. Consider a three-phase Y (wye) transformer with an
earth connection on the neutral point. Cut each winding in the
middle so that the winding splits into two sections. Turn the
outer winding around and rejoin the outer winding to the next
phase in the sequence (i.e. outer A phase connects to inner B
phase, outer B phase connects to inner C phase, and outer C
phase connects to inner A phase).
The impedance of the grounding transformer to threephase current is high so that when there is no fault or unbalanced current on the systems, only a small magnetizing
current flows in the transformer windings. The transformer
impedance to ground current, however, is low so that it allows
high ground current to flow. The transformer divides the
ground current into three equal components; these currents
are in phase with each other and flow in the three windings of
the grounding transformer. The method of winding is seen
from Figure 2 to be such that when these three equal currents
flow, the current in one section of the winding of each leg is
in a direction opposite to that in the other section of the
winding on that leg. This tends to force the ground-fault
current to have equal division in the three lines and accounts
for the low impedance of the ground currents.

(b) Zig-zag grounding transformer

Figure 1. Wye-delta and zig-zag grounding transformer

The technical literature covering grounding transformers is

scattered. A number of technical publications [1]-[8] discuss
various aspects of the purpose, application, protection
philosophy, and specifications of different types of grounding
transformers. However, some of these materials are not
readily available. It appears that no single publication
discusses all aspects of the grounding transformers. This
paper first reviews the state of the art of the grounding
transformer to assist electric power engineers in the proper
understanding of the use and applications of these devices,
and then a zig-zag grounding transformer is modeled in
PSCAD/EMTDC simulator. After a 27.6 KV ungrounded
three-phase transmission system is constructed, different
scenarios are simulated and verified under different
conditions with the connection of the grounding transformer.
A. What is the Grounding Transformer?
One type of grounding transformer commonly used is a
three-phase zig-zag transformer with no secondary winding.
One application is to derive an earth reference point for an

Figure 2. Winding connections of the zig-zag grounding transformer

B. Why the Grounding Transformers are Necessary?

Grounding transformers have been applied to ungrounded
three-phase power systems to 1) provide a source of groundfault current during line-to-ground faults, 2) limit the
magnitudes of transient overvoltages when restriking ground
faults occur and, 3) stabilize the neutral, and when desired,
permit the connection of phase-to-neutral loads [4].
Ungrounded three-phase systems are used mainly to
prevent an automatic shutdown when a ground fault on any
one of the three phases occurs. The majority of all faults are
of the single phase-to-ground variety. Therefore, continuity of
power is maintained when no automatic tripping occurs for
this common type of fault. However, ultimately, the fault must
be located and fixed. It goes without saying that it can be
annoying and time consuming to locate a ground fault by

switching loads on and off to pinpoint and remove the single

phase-to-ground fault from the system. Consequently,
grounding transformers are commonly used to enable
automatic detection and, if desired, isolation of phase-toground faults.
Many electric utilities have converted ungrounded delta
primary distribution systems to grounded wye systems to
provide for the automatic isolation of line-to-ground faults, to
help protect the system components, and to prevent or
minimize possible injury to personnel. It is believed that the
use of grounding transformers on new systems will phase out
in the future, because generally, it is cheaper and simpler to
install a new grounded neutral wye system than a delta system
having an associated grounding transformer. However,
grounding transformers would normally be retrofitted to
existing delta systems, particularly; systems rated for 27.6 KV
or less. Most of the older systems in these voltage classes
were designed to be operated ungrounded.
C. Use of Grounding Transformers
The grounding transformer provides a source for zerosequence current, stabilizes the system neutral, and, if
properly sized, permits the addition of a neutral conductor to
overhead lines.
The preferred location for the grounding transformer is at
the source substation, connected either to the power
transformer leads or the station bus. If the grounding
transformer is to be used to supply a four-wire distribution
system, care must be taken to insure that switching cannot
cause the grounding transformer to be disconnected while the
power transformer continues to energize the lines. If the
grounding transformer were to be disconnected, a system
ground fault could cause 173% voltage to be applied to the
phase-to-neutral distribution transformers connected to the
unfaulted phases. Also phase-to-neutral overvoltages are
possible due to load imbalances, even without a ground fault.
Small grounding transformers made from single-phase
distribution transformers have sometimes been used on threewire ungrounded distribution systems to derive a neutral for a
local four-wire system. Such applications must be carefully
engineered since the presence of the grounding transformer
on the distribution line will tend to degrade the sensitivity and
selectivity of residual ground relays. Application of small
grounding transformer on otherwise ungrounded systems
should be avoided since it is usually not possible to provide
ground-fault relaying that is fully selective and yet protects
the grounding transformer from continuous overcurrent.
The calculations necessary to specify a grounding
transformer are discussed in [3].
D. Location of System Grounding Points
The selection of a system grounding point is influenced by
whether the transformer or generator windings are connected
wye or delta. delta-wye or wye-delta transformers
effectively block the flow of zero-sequence current between
systems. Although the wye connection is generally more

helpful to system grounding because of the availability of a

neutral connection, that fact alone should not be the sole
criteria for the location of the system ground point.
The system ground point should always be at the power
source. An old concept of grounding at the load or at other
points in the system because of the availability of a
convenient grounding point is not recommended because of
the problems caused by multiple ground paths and because of
the danger that the system could be left ungrounded and
therefore unsafe. The National Electrical Code recognizes this
danger and prohibits system grounding at any place except the
source and/or service equipment.
It is generally desirable to connect a grounding transformer
directly to the main bus of a power system shown in Figure 3,
without intervening circuit breakers or fuses, to prevent the
grounding transformer from being inadvertently taken out of
service by the operation of the intervening devices. In this
case, the transformer is considered part of the source power
transformer and is protected by the relaying applied for
transformer/bus protection.

Figure 3. General connection of grounding transformer to a

delta-connected or ungrounded power system

E. Rating of the Grounding Transformer

Since a grounding transformer is normally only required to
carry short-circuit ground current until the circuit breakers
clear the fault and de-energize the faulted circuit, it is
common to rate it on a short time such as 10 s. Under these
circumstances the physical size (and resulting cost) is
considerably reduced. If it is required to carry a continuous
percentage of unbalanced current, this will reduce the amount
of savings possibly.
The rating of a three-phase grounding transformer, in kVA,
is equal to the rated line-to-neutral voltage in kilovolts times
the rated neutral current that the transformer is designed to
carry under fault conditions for a specified time. Most
grounding transformers are designed to carry their rated
current for a limited time only, such as 10 s or 1 min.
Consequently, they are much smaller in size than an ordinary
three-phase continuously rated transformer with the same
rating.

Rated voltage of a grounding transformer is the line-to-line

voltage for which the unit is designed.
In an application on a multigrounded neutral system, the
grounding transformer must have the capability to carry some
continuous neutral current. An estimate must be made of the
maximum expected load imbalance in order to specify this
rating. A grounding transformer constructed in accordance
with IEEE Std 32-1972 will have a continuous rating of 3%
for a 10 s rated unit. This value would correspond to a 200 A
continuous rating for the 6600 A transformer specified above.
If higher values of continuous current are required, the size
and cost of the grounding transformer may increase. A 1 min
rated unit would have 7% of the continuous current rating.
F. Protection of the Grounding Transformers
When a grounding transformer is used on a system, the
protection philosophy should be as follows [5]:
The system must be protected against faults in the
grounding transformer; however, any isolation of a
grounding transformer must not leave a system in a
totally ungrounded or in an inadequately grounded mode.
Back-up protection should be provided for ground faults
that are not cleared by the primary protection device.
Protection should be selective to prevent unnecessary
outages.
When a zigzag or grounded wye-delta transformer is used,
the effective grounding impedance is selected to provide
sufficient current for selective ground relaying. The available
ground fault current is generally on the order of 400 A.
The electrical protection scheme for the grounding
transformer is simple, consisting of overcurrent relays
connected to delta-connected CTs, as shown in Figure 4 (a),
or differential protection with backup ground relay, as shown
in figure 4 (b).
Each power transformer, bus, and feeder breaker would
have primary ground overcurrent relaying. This protection
could be sensitive instantaneous overcurrent relaying. Backup
protection would be provided by a time-overcurrent relay
connected to a CT in the neutral of the grounding transformer
as shown in figure 4 (C).

A phase-to-ground fault should not be allowed to persist on

a grounding transformer with low or no neutral impedance
that permits a fault current magnitude greater than the
continuous current rating. Therefore, the selection of a CT
ratio associated with the grounding transformer depends more
on the pickup of the ground relay than the rating of the
grounding transformer. However, if a fault is allowed to
persist, then the CT ratio must be selected with the continuous
current in mind.

(a) Overcurrent protection

G. Fault Locating in Ungrounded or High-Resistance

Ground System
Common methods of localization are: 1) fault isolation by
network switching, and 2) circuit tracing using a signal
injector and a hand-held signal detector.
Network switching is the simplest method. The system
operator deenergizes one feeder at a time until the fault
disappears. Then branch circuits are switched, eventually
loads are tested. This identifies the faulted network section.
This search process interrupts the continuity of service, which
is the advantage of these systems. In practice, the search is
postponed until there is a scheduled break in production.
However, often the search is frustrated by the disappearance
of the fault when all the manufacturing equipment is shut
down. And the search is manpower intensive and requires

(b) Differential protection with backup ground relay

(c) Time-overcurrent protection

Figure 4. Ground-fault protection with zig-zag grounding transformer

A
B

C RRL

C 115.0 [kV]
27.6 [kV]

50.0 [MVA]
#1

Va
#2

B
Vb
C
Vc

#2

#2

#2

#1

#1

#1

IV. SYSTEM SIMULATIONS AND VERIFICATIONS

A. Normal Operation
As presented above, the grounding transformer creates a
neutral point for the 3-wire delta-connected transmission
system; therefore the original 3-phase ungrounded system is
converted to 3-phase grounded system, which now can supply
any unbalanced or single-phase loads. The unbalanced current
will go to ground and pass through the grounding transformer
back to the main transformer.
The transmission system model is shown in Figure 7. The
main power transformer is a wye/delta (115kV/27.6kV)
transformer. Beside the main power transformer, a zig-zag
grounding transformer is connected to the system. Therefore,
a neutral point is obtained and connected to the ground.
A

50.0 [MVA]

Va
B
Vb
C

#2

#2

I_Fault

#2
#1

#1

#2

5.0 [MW]

Neutral Lead

Figure 5. The zig-zag grounding transformer model in PSCAD/EMTDC

Figure 7. 115/27.6 kV wye/delta transmission system with grounding

transformer

100 [ohm]

500 [ohm]

#1

Vc

Ic_Ground

C 115.0 [kV]
27.6 [kV]

RRL

#2

Ib_Ground

#1

#2

A
B

#1

RRL

Ia_Ground

B RRL

1000 [ohm]

#1

And more ...

0.04 [ohm]

#2

Un-Balanced
3-phase load

Figure 6. Delta-connected transmission system topology

Line Leads

#1

100 [ohm]

5.0 [MW]

Balanced 3-phase
load

Zig-Zag
Grounding
Transformer

500 [ohm]

As introduced in Section II, the internal connection of the

zig-zag grounding transformer is illustrated in Figure 2. In
PSCAD/EMTDC simulator, three single-phase 2-winding
transformers are used to model the zig-zag grounding
transformer. Oppositely connect the secondary winding of
each single-phase transformer to the primary winding of next
single-phase transformer in the sequence; a zig-zag grounding
transformer model is obtained (Shown in Figure 5).

A RRL
B RRL

1000 [ohm]

III. MODELING OF THE GROUNDING TRANSFORMER IN

PSCAD/EMTDC

A. Topology of Delta-connected Transmission System with

Grounding Transformer
In addition to the grounding transformer model introduced
in pervious section, a delta-connected transmission system is
also constructed in PSCAD (shown in Figure 6). The
grounding transformer is directly connected to the wye-delta
source power transformer. System simulations and analyses
will be taken place based on this system topology.
Depends on different system data, in this system, a 0.04
Ohm resistor is applied to this model as the winding
impedance of this grounding transformer. Different balanced
and unbalanced loads are connected to the system.

0.04 [ohm]

well-trained personnel that are familiar with the entire power

system network [9].
Circuit tracing with a superimposed signal is a preferred
method for locating a fault. The signal can be supplied in a
number of ways. For high-resistance grounded systems, a
common signal source is the modulation of the ground-fault
current through the grounding resistor. This may be
accomplished with a second resistor switched in parallel with
the grounding resistor or by shorting out a portion of the
grounding resistor. With either method, a pulsing circuit
operates a contactor, which switches in a lower resistance for
the grounding circuit. This increases the ground-fault current
momentarily, enough for detection by ammeters or by a
clamp-on detector [10].
For an ungrounded system, a pulsating electronic signal
injector (commonly referred to as a thumper circuit) is
attached to the faulted network, and hand-held detectors sense
the signal along the faulted circuit. The thumper circuit is an
electronic oscillator within the audio frequency range and is
coupled between the faulted phase and ground. The signal
travels along the fault path, and is detected by a receiver
circuit. Such test equipment is portable and only needs to be
attached when looking for the fault.
The current practices for locating ground faults have
certain weaknesses, which have troubled many industrial
operations. These weaknesses stem from three conditions that
are frequently not considered by the localization methods.
They are: 1) intermittent fault conditions; 2) multiple faults on
the same phase; and 3) inverted ground faults [11]. A new
location technique which can uniquely identifies a fault
location by discerning the zero-sequence fault current is
proposed [11].

Scenario 1. With Un-balanced loading

Scenario 2: With Balanced Loading

As shown in Figure 7, the system is powering some

balanced loads and some un-balanced loads. With
PSCAD/EMTDC simulator, an un-balanced current, I_Fault
(about 0.14kA, shown in Figure 8), is measured in the
grounding transformer.

If the un-balanced load is disconnected from this system,

with the simulation, an almost zero kA current is measured in
grounding transformer (shown in Figure 10), which verifies
that the grounding transformer has very high impedance to
balanced three-phase currents.
Main : Graphs

Main : Graphs

I_Fault

0.20

0.20

0.10

0.10
0.00

y [KA]

0.00
-0.10

-0.10

-0.20

-0.20
0.100

0.120

0.140

0.160

[s]

0.020

Figure 8. Un-balanced ground current

Main : Graphs
Ia_Ground

0.20

y (KA)

0.10
0.00
-0.10
-0.20

[s]

0.000

0.020

0.040

0.060

0.080

0.100

0.120

0.140

0.160

Ib_Ground

0.20
0.10
y[kA]

0.00
-0.10
-0.20

[s]

0.000

0.020

0.040

0.060

0.080

0.100

0.120

0.140

0.160

Main : Graphs
I_Fault

0.080

0.100

0.140

B. Fault Analyses and Simulation Verifications

From the above simulation, it is clear that the grounding
transformer creates a neutral point for the transmission
system, and allows the un-balanced ground current pass by. In
addition, when the phase-to-ground fault is applied to the
system, the grounding transformer will also create a path for
the fault current. Mean while, the fault current will be sensed
by the CTs for the protection purpose. More important
characteristic, the grounding transformer has, is the grounding
transformer minimizes the overvltage on other un-faulted
phases, which will be simulated and analysed in this Section.
Scenario 1: Phase A to Ground Fault Applied

Ic_Ground

RRL

50.0 [MVA]

Va

B RRL

C 115.0 [kV]
27.6 [kV]

RRL

#1

#2

B
Vb
C
Vc

#2
#1

5.0 [MW]

Timed
Fault
Logic

#2
#1

#2
#1

0.00
-0.10

100 [ohm]

0.10

500 [ohm]

1000 [ohm]

0.20

y[kA]

0.120

On this wye/delta transmission system, if a fault is applied

on the Phase A to ground during 0.08s to 0.12s shown in
Figure 11. Because the fault is applied on the Phase A, the
voltage on phase A will be dramatically decreased. However,
the voltage on Phase B and C are still maintained nearly at the
normal operating rate. Simulation verification is shown in
Figure 12 and Figure 13.

Main : Graphs
I_Fault

0.060

Figure 10. Ground current with balanced loading

By measuring the currents in each winding of the

grounding transformer, 3 current signals, Ia_Ground,
Ib_Ground, and Ic_Ground are also measured and shown in
Figure 9.
I_Fault

0.040

-0.20

0.020

0.040

0.060

0.080

0.100

0.120

0.140

0.160

Figure 9. Un-balanced ground current vs. three currents in individual winding of

the grounding transformer

From Figure 9, we can see that the grounding transformer

creates a path for the un-balanced current, and also divides
the ground current to three in-phase, equal components. This
also verified one of the very important characteristics of the
grounding transformer, which we mentioned in Section II-A.

I_Fault

0.000

0.04 [ohm]

[s]

0.080

Figure 11. Fault applied between Phase A and ground

FAULTS
C
A->G

0.060

0.040

Ic_Ground

0.020

Ib_Ground

[s]

Ia_Ground

y [KA]

I_Fault

7
Main : Graphs

Main : Graphs
Va

30

Vb

Vc

200

I_Fault

Ia_Ground

150
20

100
50
y (KA)

y (KV)

10

0
-50
-100

-10

-150
-20

-200
[s]
-30
[s]

0.000

0.020

0.040

0.060

0.080

0.100

0.120

0.140

0.000

0.020

0.040

0.060

0.080

0.100

0.120

0.140

0.160

0.160

Figure 16. Ground current under Phase A and B to ground fault condition
Figure 12. Phase voltages under Phase A to ground fault condition

V. REVENUE METERING SYSTEM INSTALLATION ON THREEPHASE UNGROUNDED SYSTEMS

Main : Graphs
I_Fault

200

Ia_Ground

150
100

y (KA)

50
0
-50
-100
-150
-200
[s]

0.000

0.020

0.040

0.060

0.080

0.100

0.120

0.140

0.160

Figure 13. Ground current under Phase A to ground fault condition

Scenario 2: Phase A and Phase B to Ground Fault

In some cases, some faults could be applied between two
phases and ground. In Figure 14, one scenario, phase A and
Phase B fault to ground is shown. With the grounding
transformer connected to the system, the Phase C voltage
should be maintained at the normal operation level. The
simulation result again verified this conclusion, which is
shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16.
A RRL

B RRL

C RRL

C 115.0 [kV]
27.6 [kV]

50.0 [MVA]

Va
B
Vb

FAULTS
AB->GC

5.0 [MW]

Timed
Fault
Logic

#1

#2

Ic_Ground
#1

#1

100 [ohm]

500 [ohm]

1000 [ohm]

#2

Vc

Ib_Ground

C
Ia_Ground

#2

#2

#1

I_Fault

0.04 [ohm]

Figure 14. Fault applied between Phase A, Phase B and ground

Main : Graphs
30

Va

Vb

Vc

20

y (KV)

10

-10

-20

-30
[s]

0.000

0.020

0.040

0.060

0.080

0.100

0.120

0.140

0.160

Figure 15. Phase voltages under Phase A and Phase B to ground condition

Currently, in Ontario Electricity market, the utility

companies are conducting the wholesale revenue metering
system upgrade. According to the standard, the new metering
installations in the IESO-administered market shall conform
to Blondels Theorem. On this wye/delta with grounding
transformer system (shown in Figure 17), if the metering
system will be installed at point between the power
transformer and the grounding transformer, two elements
could be selected because the power source is a three-phase;
three-wire system before the grounding transformer.
However, if the metering installation point is selected after the
grounding transformer, a three-element system must be
installed because the power source now actually is a threephase; 4-wire system.
If a 3-element metering system is considered, it can be
concluded that there is no difference between installation
before grounding transformer point and installation after
grounding transformer point (shown in Figure 17). In
addition, because the distance between these two points is
only few meters physically. The line impedance between these
two points sure can be neglected. Therefore, no voltage
difference should be considered between these two points.
The metering instrument transformers, such as VTs, the
connections are shunt connection on the system. Usually they
are used as single purpose to supply the meters. Depends on
the VTs secondary loads, but normally the loads are very
light. So the VTs impedance to the system is very high.
Probably, only few mA current is drawn from the line on
which the VT is connected. Compare to the hundred and
thousand amperes fault current, this mA current definitely
could be neglected. The metering system will sure not affect
the relaying system at all unless the metering system itself
causes the faults on the system.
After all, the metering system itself could be treated as a
normal 3-phase load on the system, but just very light load.

simulator, and different scenarios are simulated and verified

under different conditions. Finally, the concern from the
revenue metering system installation on wye/delta
transmission systems in Ontario power network is addressed.

After
Grounding
Transformer
Point
A

50.0 [MVA]

Va

C 115.0 [kV]
27.6 [kV]

RRL

#1

#2

B
Vb
C
Vc
100 [ohm]

500 [ohm]

1000 [ohm]

Before
Grounding
Transformer
Point

Ic_Ground

A
B

Ib_Ground

RRL

Ia_Ground

B RRL

#2

#2

#1

#1

#1

#2

5.0 [MW]

I_Fault

0.04 [ohm]

Figure 17. Potential revenue metering system installation points before or after
grounding transformer

The electric power systems, which are operated with no

intentional ground connection to the system conductors, are
generally described as ungrounded. In reality, these systems
are grounded through the system capacitance to ground
(shown in Figure 18). The line conductors have capacitances
between one another and to ground, as presented by the deltaand the wye-connected sets of capacitances. In most systems,
this is extremely high impedance, and the resulting system
relationships to ground are weak and easily distorted.
If one conductor, for example phase A, becomes faulted to
the ground, the line A to ground voltage will be close to zero
voltage, and the line B and C to ground voltage will increase
to phase-to-phase voltage.
A

RRL

50.0 [MVA]

B RRL

C 115.0 [kV]
C
27.6 [kV]

RRL

#1

#2

Figure 18. Three-phase ungrounded system

This overvoltage is 1.732 times the voltage normally on the

insulation. This sustained overvoltage or the transient
overvoltages on the ungrounded system may not immediately
cause failure of insulation, but may tend to reduce the life of
the insulation.
For metering system installation on above ungrounded
system, the voltage classes of CTs, VTs, and other
instruments should be carefully considered.
VI. CONCLUSIONS
In this paper, first of all, the state of the art of the
grounding transformer is reviewed. Then, the electrical model
of the grounding transformer is built in PSCAD/EMTDC

VII. REFERENCES
[1]
[2]

Electrical Transmission and Distribution Reference Book, ABB, 1997.

IEEE Recommended Practice for Grounding of Industrial and Commercial
Power System, IEEE Std 142-1991, June 1991.
[3] IEEE Guide for the Application of Neutral Grounding in Electrical Utility
Systems, Part IVDistribution, IEEE C62.92.4-1991, December 1992.
[4] Edson R. Detjen, and Kanu R. Shah, Grounding Transformer
Applications and Associated Protection Schemes, IEEE Transactions on
Industry applications, Vol. 28, N0.4, July / August 1992
[5] L. J. Carpenter, Connecting a Grounding Transformer to the System,
General Electric Co., GER-1062.
[6] Peter E. Sutherland, Application of Transformer Ground Differential
Protection Relays, IEEE Transactions on Industry applications, Vol. 36,
NO. 1, January/February 2000
[7] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zigzag_transformer
[8] http://ecmweb.com/mag/electric_basics_zigzag_transformers
[9] D. J. Love and N. Hashemi, Considerations for ground fault protection in
medium-voltage industrial and cogeneration systems, IEEE Trans. Ind.
Applicat., vol. 24, pp. 548553, July/Aug. 1988.
[10] D. H. Lubich, Sr, High resistance grounding and fault finding on three
phase three wire (Delta) power systems, IEEE Paper-78034090-6/97,
1997.
[11] T. Baldwin, F. Renovich, L. Saunders, and D. Lubkeman, Fault locating
in ungrounded and high-resistance grounded systems, IEEE Trans. Ind.
Applicat., vol. 37, pp. 11521159, July/Aug. 2001.

VIII. BIOGRAPHIES
Mike Shen (Member2006) was born in Jiangsu,
China, in 1972. He received the B.Sc. degree in
electrical engineering from Jiangsu University,
Jiangsu, China, in 1994, and the MASc degree in
electrical engineering from the University of
Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, in 2006. His
research interests are power system protection,
control
and
telecommunication,
distributed
generation, SCADA system, metering system, power
quality, power electronics, electrical control,
electromechanical systems.
Mr. Shen has over 10 years of professional experiences in Electrical Engineering
from Electrical Automation, Mechatronics, AC/DC Motor Drives, Power
Electronics, Substation Automation, SCADA Systems, Power System Protection
and Control, Distributed Generation, Demand-side Management, Renewable
Energy, Electric System Modeling and Simulations. Currently, He is employed
at Wardrop Engineering Inc. as a design engineer.