Modified Negative-Sequence Overcurrent Protection for Operation Under Load Asymmetry Conditions

This article examines the performance of negative-sequence overcurrent protection during short circuits in the presence of current asymmetry caused by single-phase loads, such as those encountered in AC railway traction systems. The impact of unbalanced loads on the generation of negative-sequence currents is analyzed using field test data and a mathematical model. Various operating modes of an electric power network under unbalanced loading conditions are simulated in MATLAB Simulink R2015a. It is shown that under significant load asymmetry, negative-sequence currents can reach magnitudes comparable to those of short-circuit currents, thereby increasing the risk of false protection operation. To address this issue, a modified negative-sequence overcurrent protection scheme is proposed that ensures both sensitivity and selectivity. The modification is based on analyzing the ratio of negative-sequence to positive-sequence current phasors and monitoring the rate of change of the negative-sequence current. A faulted phase selector is also incorporated into the protection scheme. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the modified protection in reliably identifying unsymmetrical short circuits under varying unbalanced load conditions, including remote faults with high fault resistance.