See

discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/4249562

Sequence Impedances of Overhead

Transmission Lines Carson's Method Versus
Rudenberg's Method
Conference Paper October 2006
DOI: 10.1109/UPEC.2006.367763 Source: IEEE Xplore

CITATIONS

READS

185

2 authors, including:
Hamdy Ziedan
Assiut University
17 PUBLICATIONS 36 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE

Available from: Hamdy Ziedan

Retrieved on: 05 September 2016

SEQUENCE IMPEDANCES OF OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINES

CARSON'S METHOD VERSUS RUDENBERG'S METHOD
H. H. El-Tamaly and H. A. Ziedan
El-Minia University, Egypt
ABSTRACT
This paper is aimed at determining the sequence impedances of transmission lines, including the negative-, positive-,
and zero-sequence impedance for single- and double-circuit lines. There are several methods used to determine the
sequence impedances such as Carson, later modified by others, and Rudenberg. A comparative study is made between
Carson and Rudenberg methods in their prediction of sequence impedances of overhead lines.
INTRODUCTION

Sequence impedances of single-circuit untransposed

lines
For an untransposed transmission line with unequal selfimpedance and unequal mutual impedances, the
voltage-current equations of the line are written as [3]:
(3)
[Vabc] [Zabc][Iabc]
where
Z Z Z

For unbalanced phase currents in an overhead

transmission line, there may be return current through
the ground, through overhead ground wires, or through
both. The phase currents are decomposed into positive-,
negative- and zero-sequence components. The zerosequence current in each phase is identical. The total
current in the return path is the sum of the zerosequence current in the three phases, or three times the
zero-sequence current in one phase. Because zerosequence current is identical in magnitude and phase in
each phase conductor rather than equal only in
magnitude and displaced in phase by 1200 from other
phase currents, the magnetic field due to zero-sequence
current is very different from the magnetic field caused
by either positive- or negative-sequence current. The
difference in magnetic field results in the zero-sequence
reactance of a transmission line being 2 to 3.5 times as
large as the positive-sequence reactance. The ratio is
toward the higher portion of the specified range for
double circuit lines and lines without ground wires.
The calculation of sequence impedances will help in
assessing the fault current and how it is influenced by
the mutual effect between parallel-circuits of multicircuit lines [1].

LZabc]

p/f

Zba Zbb

bc

LZca Zcb Zcci

[A]-'[Vabc] = [A]-'[Zabc] [A][1012]

[Zo12] = [A]-'[Zabj[A]

where the similarity transformation is defined as.

and

[A ]=

a2

(5)
(6)

a2
Therefore, the sequence impedance matrix of an
untransposed line can be calculated using Eqn. (6) and
expressed as

4z 02
LZ20 z21 z 22
00z

Original Carson's Method [2,3]

The work of Carson provides a convenient method for
considering the effect of the return path through the
ground. The method assumes the return current to be
confined to a fictitious conductor which has a self GMD
of 1 ft and which is directly below the overhead
conductors at a distance De dependent on the resistivity
p of the earth and frequency f of current in Hz. The
value of De in ft can be calculated by the following

De =2160

ac

in which the self-impedances are

Zaa . Zbb . Zcc
and the mutual impedances are
Zab . Zba . Zca
Multiplying both sides of Eqn. 3 by [A]-'

METHODOLOGY

equation:

ab

aa

Sequence impedances of single-circuit transposed

lines
If the overhead lines are totally transposed, both the
resulting mutual impedances, and the self-impedances
are equal to each other. If each phase conductor has the
same resistance, ra = rb - rc - rp, and same GMR = Ds.

cI=

(1)

In a simplified form, Carson gives the resistance of the

earth rdin ohms per mile as:
rd 1.588f X i03
(2)
Reactance is expressed in terms of the distances from
the overhead conductors to the fictitious conductor.

zZm

Z. Z,

zm(8)

Zm Zs

The bar over the symbol is to indicate the value for

transposed lines. The sequence impedance matrix of
total transposed line can be calculated using Eqn. (6)
and expressed as
O][ Zo 2] (9)
[z2zm o

298

series-voltage drop for each phase. Following the same

procedure as in section 2.1.1.
EP
(I12)

where the self-impedance of each conductor is:

(10)
Zii = [(rp + rd) +j 0. 1213 ln (De/Ds)]
The mutual impedance between any two conductors is:
Zij = [rd+jO.1011 ln (De/Dij)]
(1 1)
where the subscripts i and j stand for the phases a, b
and c.
The averaged values of self- and mutual impedances

ip,
Ip2

Figure 1 Single-line diagram of a double-circuit line

]F1
(21)
rEP
Ip
bc
_J _
_p2_
Zaa Zab Zac Zad Za, Zaf
(22)
Zba Zbb ZCZcbd Zbe Zbf

_[Z_

E2

are:

Zs= ( 1/3 )[Zaa + Zbb + Zcc]

( 12)

Zm= (I/3)[Zab +Zbc + Zca]

whereZ=Z2 =Z ZandZ=Z + 2Z

(13)

1Zca Zcb
[Zabcdef IZ
Z=
Zda Zdb
r

Sequence impedances of untransposed lines with one

overhead ground wire
If one overhead ground wire g is added, then

[Vabcg] = [Zabcg] [labcg]

but for the ground wire Vg 0.
Va
Za Zab Zac
Zba zbz
Zbb Zbc:Zb Zbgbg 'b
Zb

Vb Vb
Vc

=Z

ea

ga

hb

gb

cc

gc

0
Z

z z z z z z

Zfa Zfr Z1c Zfd Zfe Zff

where Ep is the vector of phase-conductor voltage drops,
1 -and lp1, and Ip2 are the vectors of phase currents for
(15)
circuits 1 and2. [Zabcdef]is 6 x 6 impedance matrix.
Z

(14)

zag

F'1bL
|
1

LE2

g_9 -

YDI!PIC+YDI

(23)

where [YA], [YB], [Yc] and [YD] are obtained by

partitioning [Zabcdef]I into four 3 x 3 matrices by using
Kron reduction technique. Adding Ip1 and Ip2.
(24)
(Ipl+ Ip2) = [[YA] + [YB] + [YC] + [YD]] Ep
Solving for Ep,

The matrix [Zabcg] can be dletermined using Eqn. (10)

and Eqn. (11), as before, and also using the following

Equ ns:
equations:
Zig = ZgV= [rd +j 0.1011 In (De/Dig)]

zcc Zcd Zce ZCf

Zd
Zdd Zded Zdf
Zdc Zdd

(16)

Zgg= [(rg + rd) +j 0.1011 In (De/Dgg)]

(17)
Ep [Zpeq] (PI+1p2)
(25)
Where rg and Dgg are the resistance and the GMR of the
Where, [Zpeq] = [[YA] + [YB] + [YC ] + [YD]](26)
overhead ground wire, respectively.
[Zpeq] is the equivalent 3 x 3 series impedance matrix of
The matrix [Zabcg] given in Eqn. (15) can be reduced to
the double-circuit line. Noting that in Eqn. (26) [YB] and
[Zabc] by using the Kron reduction technique. Therefore,
technique.Therefo[Yc] account for the inductive coupling between the two
x reeduction
Eqn. byn(I
(15)using
can betheexpressedl
as
circuits.
Vab
Z B I abc
(18)
Vbc ZA
ZThe sequence impedance matrix [Z012] can be found
.........!
Z
Z

from
Eqn. (6), where [Zabc] is replaced by [Zpeq]
L:Z
c. D
For transposed line, the matrix Zac is formulated as
where the submatrices [ZA], [ZB], [Zc] and [ZD] are
before
in section
o
7 a 2.1.2 and the procedure is repeated to
specified in the partitioned matrix [Zabcg] in Eqn. (15).
_
obtain Z Zii and Z2
Therefore after the reduction,
[Vabe] =[Zabe] ['abc]
(19)
Sequence impedances of double-circuit untranwhere,
] [ZA][a [Z][Z' [ZC]
(20)
Therefore, the sequence impedance matrix [Z012] can be
sposed lines with overhead ground wires
found from Eqn. (6).
If overhead ground wires (one or more) are added to the
For transposed line, the matrix [z] is formulated as
double circuit, the procedure in section 2.1.3 is followed
to build the series impedance matrix of (6+N) x (6+N),
beforeinsetion
12ndth procdure isrepeatedt
before in section 2.1.2 and the procedure is repeated to
where N is the number of ground wires. This impedance
obtain Z0, Z and Z2*
matrix is partitioned and reduced using Kron reduction
technique to obtain the 6 x 6 matrix [Zabcdef]. Eqn. (26)
Sequence impedances of double-circuit untransposed
is used to find [Zpeq].
lines
The corresponding sequence impedance matrices of the
If two parallel three-phase are close together, either on
double-circuit lines are computed in the same manner as
the same tower or on the same right-of-way, there are
for the single-circuit using Eqn. (6), where [Zabc] is
mutual inductive and capacitive couplings between the
replaced by [Zpeq].
two circuits. When calculating the equivalent series
For transposed line, the matrix [Zabc] iS formulated as
an shn aditac marcs
before in section 2.1.2 and the procedure iS repeated to
couplings should not be neglected unless the spacing
obtainz0 7 andy
i
between the circuits is large.
2
Consider the double-circuit line as shown in Figure 1.
Since both are connected in parallel, they have the same

[Zab=

impedance~~~~~~~

.hs

299

Modified Carson's Method [4]

The modified method assumes that the ground return
can be replaced by a set of "return" conductors located
as images directly under the overhead conductors
(overhead ground wires and phase conductors) at
distance De expressed by Eqn. (1). Each of these return
conductors has GMR equal to that of the corresponding
overhead conductor, and a resistance rd expressed by
Eqn. (2).
Sequence impedances of single-circuit untransposed
lines with ground wires
For simplicity, the conductors are numbered from 1 to
(6+2N), beginning with the overhead phase conductors,
then overhead ground conductors, then image of phase
conductors, then image of ground conductors, where N
is the number of ground wires, and 6 stands for the
number of overhead phase conductors (3-phases) and
their images.
Operating as a transmission line, the sum of the currents
in all the conductors is zero. That is,
(27)
(6+2N)
0
k=
The resistance matrix of the line (R-matrix) is a (6+2N)
x (6+2N) diagonal matrix of conductor resistances.
The resistance rp of each overhead conductor is obtained
from manufacturer tables, for a specified frequency,
temperature, and current. The resistance rd of all the
image conductors is the same, as given by Eqn. (2).
The inductance matrix of the line (L-matrix) is a (6+2N)
x (6+2N) matrix whose elements are:
(28)
Lkm = 2 x 10-7 ln (1/Dkm)
Where Dkm is the distance between conductors k and m.
When k = m, Dkm in Eqn. (28) is the GMR of (bundled)
conductor k.
The impedance matrix is a (62N) x (62N) as
(29)
[Z]= [R]+ j69[L]= 0 1

respectively. For transposed line, the matrix [Zb ] is

formulated as before in section 2.1.2 and the procedure
is repeated to obtainZ, Z1 and Z2.

Sequence impedances of double-circuit untransposed

lines without ground wires
Here, there are 6 phase conductors and 6 (image) return
conductors, so the total number of conductors equals 12.
This formulates a 12 x 12 matrix with 6 x 6 partition
matrices [ZA], [ZB], [Zc] and [ZD]
The 6 x 6 impedance matrix [Zabcdef] is obtained as:
[Zabcdef] =[ZA] - [ZB] [ZDI-' [ZC]
(31)
The equivalent 3 x 3 series impedance matrix [Zpeq] of
the double-circuit line is obtained using Eqn. (30) after
partitioning of [Zabcdefd' into [YA] [YB], [Yc] and [YD]

matrices.

The corresponding sequence matrix of the doublecircuit line is computed in the same manner as for the
single-circuit line using Eqn. (6), where [Zabc] is
replaced by [Zpeq] For transposed line, the matrix [Z] iS fornulated as
before in section 2.1.2 and the procedure is repeated to
obtain ZZ- and Z2 .
Sequence impedances of double-circuit untransposed
lines with ground wires
If the number of ground wires is N, the matrix to be
formulated is (12+2N) x (12+2N) with partitions [ZA],
[ZB], [Zc] and [ZD] as 6 x 6, 6 x (6+2N), (6+2N) x 6 and
(6+2N) x (6+2N) matrices, respectively. The matrices
[Zabcdef] and [Zpeq] are determined as described in section
2.2.3. Subsequently, the sequence impedance matrix is
determined using Eqn. (6).
For transposed line, the matrix [Zb ] is formulated as
before in section 2.1.2 and the procedure is repeated to
z

obtains,oIz andy.

[Z> [R] jwt[L>

LZC * ZD_ jRudenberg Method [5-7]

The method assumes that the earth underneath a phase
The impedance matrix [Z] of Eqn. (29) is partitioned to
obtain the following matrices
conductor can be replaced by fictitious return conductor
directly below the phase conductor at a distance D'e
[ZA]: with dimension 3 x 3
which depends on the frequencyfof the phase current in
[ZB]: with dimension 3 x (3+2N)
Hz and type of soil as expressed by:
[Zc]: with dimension (3+2N) x 3
[ZD]: with dimension (3+2N) x (3+2N)
1
cm
De 2 1
(32)
(30)
[Zabc] [ZA] [ZB] [ZD] [ZC]
y K zyX f
Where [Zabc] is the 3 x 3 series impedance matrix and
Where1 - 1 S,yisEulerconstant(=1.7811)ands
the sequence impedance matrix [Z012] is formed as
y
K 2 \I f
before using Eqn. (6).
If the transmission line is transposed, the procedure
is the specific resistance (cm2/sec) as determined by the
discussed in section 2.1.2 is followed by formulating
type of soil.
The resistance of the ground return conductor r'd for a
[Zabc] and then the matrix [Z12].
length y (in cm) is expressed as
Sequence impedances of single-circuit untransposed,
lines without ground wires
(33)
r'd=7cy 10-7 fy10~Q
If there is no ground wires (N =0), the matrices [ZA],
Where Cl is the angular frequency of the phase current.
[ZB], [ZC] and [ZD] of Eqn. (30) are 3 x 3 matrices. The
impedance matrix [Zabc] and the sequence impedance
The inductance of the phase conductor Lph and its
ground return Le is
matrix [Z012] are obtained using Eqn. (30) and Eqn. (6),

300

=Le+Lph=j2Y

KL11r(2 +1.l09 H
f

+-.09H

According to Carson's method:

(34)
(4

Zo =0.4840+j 1.7692
Q./mile.
= Z 0.2595 +j 0.8113
Q0/mile.
ZI
According to modified Carson's method:
Q/mile.
Zo = 0.5863 +j 1.9013

LYykr')2i
Where h is the conductor height above ground plane in
cm, r' = r.e' /4 and r is the radius of the phase conductor.

ZI = Z2 = 0.2592 +j 0.6767
Q/mile.
For
the
of
add
Example 3.
example Figure 2, a second
The following is an example to compare between
wire
at
the
same
level of the first ground wire
ground
original Carson, modified Carson and Rudenberg
but
18
ft
from
it.
The conductors and ground
spaced
methods.
wire have individual GMR = 0.0278 ft and ra= rg
A single conductor of radius r = 0.4 cm at height h = 10
0.259 Q/mile at 50 Hz. Calculate the zero- and positivem above the ground plane. Calculate the inductance of
sequence impedances.
the conductor and its ground return. Consider ground
resistivity
100 Q.m andf~ 50 Hz According to Carson's method:
= 5 0 Hz
resistivity p = I100 Q.m andf
Z Z0=0.4406
/ie
.46+j141
j 1.44 17Q/ie
=
=
According to Carson's method: The inductance per
0.2608
0.8076
+j
Q/mile.
Z2
ZI
phase is
According to modified Carson's method:
L 0.7411 log D = 6.582 mH/mile = 4.091 mH/km
Q/mile.
Zo = 0.4976 + j 1.3749
r'
Q/mile.
ZI = Z2 = 0.2606 + j 0.6735
According to modified Carson's method: The inductance per phase is
Example 4. Consider double-circuits of three-phase
lines on a single tower as shown in Figure 3. The
L 0.7411 log D)2= 8.0573 mH/mile = 5.0076mH/km
conductors GMR = 0.0278 ft, with a resistance of 0.259
r,2
According to Rudenberg method: The inductance per
Q/mile at 50 Hz. Calculate the zero- and positivephase is
sequence impedances. Compare the obtained results
L = Le+ Lph= 0.858 + 1.7148 = 2.5728 mH/km.
with those for the case of considering the line as
equivalent to two parallel circuits.
As the discrepancy between Carson and Rudenberg
a,
methods is significant, the following examples are
91 0a2
9
aimed to compare between original Carson method and
i
its modified version.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Example 1. Find the positive-, and zero-sequence

impedances per mile at 50 Hz for untransposed and
transposed lines of a single-circuit three-phase line
consisting of 397000 CCM ACSR (30 x 7) with a GMR
= 0.0278 ft with flat, horizontal spacing of 18 ft between I
centers. Assume p = 100 Q-m.
According to Carson's method:
Q/mile.
Zo = 0.4972+ j 2.5974
Q/mile.
ZI = Z2 = 0.2590 +j 0.8132
According to modified Carson's method:
Q/mile.
Zo = 0.3386 +j 4.3279
Q/mile.
ZI = Z2 = 0.2590 +j 0.6778
The transposed lines have the same values of the
untransposed lines in conformity with the previous
findings [2].

8'

bi

04- 12'

4- 12'

-0

b2

8'

C1C

92

Figure 3 Two circuits of a 3-phase line on the same

tower.

According to Carson's method:

Zo = 0.3677 +j 2.2904

Q/mile.
0.1295
0.3691
Q/mile.
ZI Z2
+j
According to modified Carson's method:
Q/mile.
Zo = 0.1692 + j 3.8174
Q/mile.
ZI = Z2 = 0.1295 +j 0.3076
For the case of considering the line as equivalent to two
Example 2. The circuit is shown in Figure 2 for singleparallel circuits, the results are:
circuit three-phase line with one ground wire. The
According to Carson's method:
conductors and ground wire are 397000 CCM ACSR
Q/mile.
Zo = 0.2486 + j 1.39175
(30x7) with a GMR = 0.0278 ft. ra= rg 0.259 Q/mile
Z1 = Z2 = 0.1295 +j 0.3601
Q/mile.
at 50 Hz. Calculate the zero- and positive-sequence
According to modified Carson's method:
impedances.
Z0=0.1693 j 2.3 191
Q
./mile.
Z1 = Z2 = ~~~~~~~~~0. 1295 j 0.300 1 Q ./mile.
is quit clear that Z1 (= Z2) iS almost the same for the
line whatever it is treated
as a double-circuit line or two
28.8' 28 8' 1
/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~single-circuits in parallel. However, Zo for the doubleO 18'
circuit line is different from Z0 of the line when treated
9' -*0
Figure 2 Single-circuit line with one ground wire.
as two single-circuits in parallel.
=

~~~~~~~~It

O0

301

Example 5. A typical configuration for double-circuit

three-phase line with two ground wires is illustrated in
Figure 4. The GMRa of the conductors and GMRg of the
ground wires are 0.0278 ft, with ra =rg 0.259 Q/mile
at 50 Hz. Calculate the zero- and positive-sequence
impedances. Compare the obtained results with those
for the case of considering the line as equivalent to two
parallel circuits.

-i-51

g1

o04- 12'
a,

12'

without ground wires. However, there is significant

difference in the zero-sequence value.
The ratio (Z0 modified / ZO original) is always greater than 1
and ranges between 1.14 and 1.96 for the studied
transmission lines. The ratio approaches 1 with the
increase of the number of ground wires for single- and
double-circuit lines.
The calculated inductance of overhead conductor and its
ground retune using is smaller than that obtained
according to Cason methods. Moreover, Carson's
methods are more systematic in application and do not
need special tables as Rudenberg's method.

92

Qo

a2
04 9a
~ 9, *0

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

8'
bi
Q0-

12'

The authors would like to thank Prof. Dr. M. AbdelSalam of Assiut University for his interest in this
research work.

b2

12' _-0

>

REFERENCES

8'

04 9' >

0Q

1. El-Tamaly, H. H. and Ziedan, H. A., "Fault Current

Calculations as Influenced by the Mutual Effect
between Parallel lines", submitted for publication in
Electric Power Components and Systems Journal, USA,
2006.

C2

Figure 4 Double-circuit three-phase lines with two

ground wires.
According to Carson's method:
Zo =0.3140+j 1.1178
Q./mile.
+ j 0.3668
Zo = Z=0.1300
Q/mile.
According to modif1ed Carson's method:
Q/mile.
Zo= 0.3679 +j 1.0906
Q/mile.
ZI Z2=0. 1296 .j 0.3065
For the case of considering the line as equivalent to two
parallel circuits, the results are:
According to Carson's method:
Q/mile.
Zo = 0.2494 +j 0.91345
Q/mile.
ZI = Z2= 0.1300 +j 0.3580
According to modified Carson's method:
Q/mile.
Zo = 0.30735 +j 0.95855
Z = Z2 = 0.12965 + j 0.2990
Q/mile.
The comment stated in example 4 regarding the line
representation as double-circuit or two single-circuits in
parallel is also valid here.

2. Carson, J. R. "Wave Propagation in Overhead Wires

with Ground Return", Bell System Tech. J. Vol 5, pp.
539554, 1926.
3. Gonen T., "Electric Power Transmission System
Engineering, Analysis and Design", John Wiley and
Sons, New York, USA, pp. 172-184, 1988.

4.. Glover, J. D and Sarma, M., "Power System

Analysis and Design, with Personal Computer

Applications", PWS-KENT Publishing Company,
Boston, USA, pp. 135-188, 1998.
5. Wagner, C. F., and Evans, R. D., "Symmetrical
Components", McGraw-Hill, New York, USA, 1933.
6.. Anderson, P. M, "Analysis of Fault Power Systems",
Iowa state Press, Ames, Iowa, USA, 1973.

CONCLUSIONS

7. Rudenberg, R., "Transient Performance of Electric

Power Systems", First Edition, McGraw-Hill Book
Company, New York, USA, pp. 393-408, 1950.

For untransposed lines, the values of series-phase

impedances are not equal and the mutual impedances
between lines are not equal to each other to form
unsymmetrical impedance matrix. However, the values
of series-phase impedances for transposed lines are
equal and the mutual impedances between lines are
equal to each other to form symmetrical impedance
matrix. On the other hand, the values of the positive-,
negative-, and zero-sequence impedances are the same
for the transposed and untransposed lines. The value of
positive-sequence impedance is the same on using either
original Carson's method or its modified method,
whatever the line is single- or double-circuit and with or

AUTHOR'S ADDRESS
H. H. El-Tamaly
H. A. Ziedan
Department of Electrical Engineering,
Faculty of Engineering, El-Minia University,
El-Minia, Egypt.
email: dr_h_tamalygyahoo.com
email: ziedan092gyahoo.com

302