Differential protection based on zero-sequence voltages for generator stator ground fault

This paper introduces a new differential protection scheme based on zero-sequence voltages with 100% coverage for generator stator ground faults. Analysis shows that the A-fundamental zero-sequence voltages and the A-third-harmonic voltages at the generator neutral and the terminals will change simultaneously, and they present some similar characteristics. According to that, the new scheme that exploits the fault information of both the zero-sequence fundamental voltage and the third-harmonic voltage is described. As it combines the information of the zero-sequence fundamental voltage and the third-harmonic voltage, the scheme can detect the ground fault with high sensitivity in 100% coverage winding. Simulation and field test results show that the proposed scheme can obtain higher sensitivity than the traditional schemes. Index Terms--Fault contribution component, stator ground protection, third-harmonic voltage, zero-sequence fundamental voltage.