Generator Grounding

The following discussions all refer to grounding of wye-connected generators. Generators

typically have much higher direct-axis positive sequence subtransient reactance (Xd) than zero
sequence reactance (X0), which means that they can have higher single line-to-ground (SLG)
fault current that are higher than their three phase fault current when solidly grounded (this is
especially true for generators wound with a 2/3 pitch, which has very low X0 compared to other
winding pitches). However, since generator standards (e.g., IEEE C50.12, NEMA MG 1)
typically only require that the machine be able to handle the thermal, electric, and mechanical
stresses of three phase fault current without damage, a generator would likely be damaged if it
were solidly grounded and a SLG fault occurred. Thus, unless a generator is specifically
designed to be solidly grounded, an alternative means of grounding should be used to lower the
SLG fault current to less than the three phase fault current.

Unit-connected Generators
Generators that are connected to unit transformers (i.e., unit-connected generators) with a delta
connection on the generator step-up transformer (GSU) primary side are usually high-resistance
grounded (HRG). On low-voltage systems, this may be done by directly using a neutral
grounding resistor (NGR) in the connection between neutral and ground with a ground
overvoltage (59G) relay connected to the generator-side of the resistor or an overcurrent (51G)
relay. On medium-voltage systems, this is typically done using a neutral grounding transformer
(NGT, e.g., a single-phase distribution transformer), with primary voltage equal to line-to-neutral
voltage and secondary voltage at either 120 V or 240 V (often preferred), and the NGR
connected in the secondary and monitored by either a ground overcurrent (51G) or ground
overvoltage (59G) relay. Thus, the secondary resistor can have a low resistance value as its
value reflects into the primary proportional to the turns ratio squared.

The resistor value is calculated such that the ground fault current that flows during a single line-
to-ground fault will be higher than the capacitive charging current of the generator-conductor-
transformer system, but kept very low, usually around 5-10 A. This is so the capacitive charging
current isnt mistaken for a fault, among other reasons. The neutral grounding transformer and
resistor are chosen to have a short-time apparent power rating, typically 10 s or 1 min, which
allows them to have a much lower power rating than if it were continuously carrying current.

The low value of fault current is well within the stress tolerance of the machine, so it is unlikely a
generator will be damaged for SLG faults.

There are several disadvantages to HRG generators. One is that such a low fault current allows
a large neutral point shift that typically results in high transient overvoltages (TOV) on the
unfaulted phases. Thus, surge protection equipment must be selected based on the TOV seen
during ground faults (ungrounded-neutral type arresters must be used); also the components
between the generator and the delta winding of the GSU transformer must be insulated at full
line-to-line voltage, including the primaries of any unit auxiliary transformers serving station
service loads and any voltage transformers. Another disadvantage is that no single-phase loads
can be served on HRG systems, though isolation through a delta-wye step down transformer
will allow single-phase loads provided the wye is solidly grounded. These disadvantages are
usually dealt with through design, since protection of the generator from damage is often the
priority.

It is important to keep in mind that if there is station service load designed to be served from
either the transformer, the generator, or the parallel combination of the two, it should be served
from a unit auxiliary transformer with a delta primary and a grounded wye secondary if
connected between the transformer and a generator circuit breaker. Even if the load voltage is
the same as the voltage generated, an isolation transformer should be provided. The grounded
wye secondary provides a ground reference for the station service system loads. If the station
service is operated ungrounded, the station service equipment needs to be appropriately
labeled to reflect this and ground-fault detection must be provided to allow an orderly shutdown
of the generation system when the first ground fault occurs [1].

While less common, generators connected to GSUs with a wye on the primary side and a delta
on the secondary side are sometimes seen. This configuration also results in high SLG fault
currents when both the transformer and the generator are solidly grounded, but to lower the
fault currents enough to prevent damage to the generator, the generator and the transformer
both may require high-resistance grounding.

Common Bus Generators without Feeders

When generators are directly connected to a common bus through individual circuit breakers, a
ground fault can affect all units equally. If HRG was used in this scheme, the differential current
sensed for a ground fault in the generator zone will likely be very small, so other means of fault
detection and isolation must be relied upon. The generators would have to be taken off-line one-
by-one to isolate the faulted unit. The amount of time this could take could result in a need to
increase the ratings of the NGT and NGR so they dont overheat during fault isolation. An
alternative would be to open all generator circuit breakers. However, if all units tripped off line
on a ground fault, the entire plant would be down. Therefore, a balance must be struck between
selectively tripping the proper breaker, fault isolation procedures, generator availability, and
preventing generator damage.

Common bus generators are therefore usually grounded with low-resistance grounding (LRG).
Physically, the implementation of the grounding is the same as HRG, however, the resistor is
calculated to typically allow between a few hundred amps to 1.5x the generator rated current to
flow during a ground fault. Maximum fault current is often limited to 1000 A. The higher the
allowed fault current, the lower the transient overvoltages will be. Also, raising the fault current
allows the differential element to pick up when line-to-ground faults occur within the generator
zone, thus protecting the generator despite the fact that larger fault currents are flowing than
would with HRG.

Relays that offer directional detection in the generator zone can allow HRG grounding of
common bus generators. For example, when a ground fault occurs in the generator zone, each
59G relay in the HRG circuit will detect the fault. If a directional overcurrent relay (67N) or zero-
sequence reverse power relay (32V) can also be used to detect the fault, that element can
provide blocking on the 59G relays of the unaffected generators. The generator with the fault in
its zone can be allowed to trip.

Another option with HRG common bus generators is to set different time delays on the 59G
functions. Generators will sequentially trip offline until the fault is cleared. The last generator to
trip should be the faulted unit, and the prior generators can then be restored to service.

Additionally, as additional HRG generators are brought online, the capacitive charging current
increases, and may rise above the value of the resistive current selected for HRG alarm or trip
functions. This could lead to the need for LRG/HRG hybrid grounding scheme, with the
generators HRG and the bus LRG through a grounding transformer.

Generators with Feeders

When generators are connected to feeders directly, the required feeder grounding governs the
choice of generator grounding.

References

[1] NFPA, "NFPA 70, National Electrical Code," 2014.

[2] IEEE, IEEE Std C37.102, IEEE Guide for AC Generator Protection, 2006.

[3] IEEE, IEEE Std C37.101, IEEE Guide for Generator Ground Protection, 2006.

[4] D. Reimert, Protective Relaying for Power Generation Systems, Boca Raton, FL: CRC
Press, 2006.

[5] IEEE, IEEE Std C62.92.2-1989, IEEE Guide for the Application of Neutral Grounding in
Electrical Utility Systems, Part II - Grounding of Synchronous Generator Systems, 1989.