Considerations for generator ground fault protection in mid size cogeneration plants

Abstract

Generator ground-fault protection aspects are analyzed for midsize cogeneration plants. In these plants, the generators may be connected to a common generator bus. The overall bus-connected system should be considered when applying generator high-resistance grounding schemes. Calculations are reviewed for sizing generator neutral-ground resistance and evaluating third harmonic originated in the scheme. The relevant applications of third harmonics in applying 100% stator ground-fault protection schemes are examined. Practical considerations are presented for establishing selectivity of ground-fault protection schemes in the case of a common generator bus.