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Why There Is Voltage Drop In Particular 2 Phases Out Of 3 ?

02/17/2016 9:20 AM

Friends,

I am working in powerplant of 22 MW capacity. And in that we are consuming 6 MW load and export the remaining. That 6 MW load is distributed in and around a distance of 1 Km from power generation area.

At power generation region the 3 phase voltages of Alternator busbar is 11.00 KV , 11.01Kv, 11.05 Kv.

But in the load distribution center, which is present at a distance of 500 Mtrs, the voltage is 10.92 Kv, 10.21 Kv, 10.18 Kv.

In the load distribution area, we have four transformer of same MVA(3.15) and 2 HT Motors (1250 KW / 11 KV Motor)

Out of four transformers, two transformer has load of Induction Motors & other two transformers have DC drives and its motors.

May I Know, why there is voltage drop in particular two phases & Is it leads to any problem. ?

Thank You.

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#1

Re: Why There Is Voltage Drop In Particular 2 Phases Out Of 3 ?

02/17/2016 11:37 AM

Based upon the limited information provided, the 6.5% difference in voltages may be due to normal load imbalances and/or the effects of the harmonics from the non-linear DC drives. If all the loads are perfectly balanced across all three phases and the phase imbalance is a relatively new concern, then I would start with a thermal scan of all the switchgear, transformers, breakers, motors, etc.

Pay particular attention to all the connections and termination points as all three phases should be within a few degrees of each other; any hot spot or large variance would suggest a loose connection that must be corrected (with the circuit de-energized please!).

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#2

Re: Why There Is Voltage Drop In Particular 2 Phases Out Of 3 ?

02/17/2016 12:38 PM

As RAM said, do a thermal scan and look for hot spots.

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#3

Re: Why There Is Voltage Drop In Particular 2 Phases Out Of 3 ?

02/17/2016 7:15 PM

Did you measure the currents in the three phases, and if so, are the phases with the largest voltage drop carrying more current? What is the conductor size and what is the expected voltage drop with the phase currents? Does this explain your voltage drop?

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#4

Re: Why There Is Voltage Drop In Particular 2 Phases Out Of 3 ?

02/18/2016 12:41 AM

Are these DC drives three phase? If not, that could explain the imbalance.

If they are three phase drives, it's possible that one or more diodes have failed to the open condition within one or more drives. Since they are DC drives, they are probably used for a variable speed application. A three phase DC drive commonly has 6 or 12 diodes. A single diode failed might not be noticed if the motor never needs full speed, but it would place an imbalance on the lines.

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#5

Re: Why There Is Voltage Drop In Particular 2 Phases Out Of 3 ?

02/18/2016 6:57 AM
  1. Load imbalance is one possibility.
  2. Imperfect cable and terminal jointing is another.
  3. Insufficient cable size is a third.
  4. Partially damaged cables is a fourth.

If in doubt, consult a qualified high-voltage Electrical Engineer.

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