A comparison of fault calculation procedures for industrial power distribution systems: the past, the present, and the future

A summary of fault calculation procedures appropriate for industrial power distribution systems is presented in this paper. A discussion of ANSI/IEEE Standards for fault calculations is used as the basis for comparisons between alternative approaches that have been developed. Symmetrical component and phase variable modeling are discussed for frequency-domain modeling approaches and suggested minimal modeling requirements are provided for time-domain simulation techniques. Each approach is discussed from accuracy, solution time, and date requirement point-of-view and recommendations are made for specific types of systems. General conclusions are drawn with regard to the appropriateness of each of the basic methods for fault calculations of complex systems