Experiment 1: Determination of Positive,

Negative and Zero-Sequence Reactance of

Synchronous Generators

A Lab Report
submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements of the coursework for
Power Engineering Lab(ELP303)

Submitted by:
Shubham Kumar(2020EE30627)
Kushagr Goyal(2021EE10634)
Pramsu Shrivastava(2021EE10140)
Aniket Abhiraj(2021EE10676)

Course coordinator: Prof. Nilanjan Senroy

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1 Objective
To determine experimentally the positive, negative and zero sequence reactance of a syn-
chronous machine.

2 Theory
2.1 Symmetrical Components
When a synchronous generator is carrying an unbalanced load its operation may be analyzed
by symmetrical components. In a synchronous machine, the sequence current produces an
armature reaction which is stationary with respect to reactance and is sta- tionary with respect
to field poles. The component currents therefore encounter exactly same as that by a balanced
load as discussed. The negative sequence is produced and armature reaction which rotates
around armature at synchronous speed in direction to that of field poles and therefore rotates
part the field poles at synchronous speed. Induc- ing current in the field damper winding
and rotor iron. The impedance encountered by the negative sequence is called the negative
sequence impedance of the generator. The zero sequence current produce flux in each phase
but their combined armature reaction at the air gap is zero. The impedance encountered by
their currents is therefore different from that encountered by positive and negative sequence
components and is called zero sequence impedance of generator.

2.2 Positive Sequence Reactance X1

A system component operating under balanced condition of current and voltage is in a positive
sequence mode. The positive sequence reactance of a synchronous machine under steady state
condition is the direct axis synchronous reactance Xd of the machine. The positive sequence
impedance can also be defined as the impedance offered by the machine to the flow of positive
sequence currents. A set of positive sequence currents in the armature winding creates a mag-
netic field that rotates in the normal direction of the air gap.

E
The saturated value of synchronous impedance at an excitation current ie is given by ISC where
E is the rated value of induced emf at an excitation current of rated current and ISC is the three-
phase short circuit current at the same excitation current. If the positive-sequence resistance
is neglected the positive-sequence reactance is same as the positive-sequence impedance.

Figure 1: Open Circuit Test for calculating positive sequence reactance

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Figure 2: Short Circuit Test for calculating negative sequence reactance

2.3 Determination of negative-sequence-reactance X2

The negative-sequence impedance of a synchronous machine is the impedance offered by that
machine to the flow of negative-sequence current. A set of negative-sequence currents in the
armature creates in the air gap a magnetic field that rotates at synchronous speed in the direc-
tion opposite to the normal direction of rotation. Thus the negative sequence magnetic field
rotates with twice the normal speed with respect to the rotor. Double frequency currents are
established in the shorted rotor field winding and the damper winding thus keeping the flux
linkage of the winding almost constant at their initial zero value. The flux due to the armature
current is forced into paths of high reluctance which do not link any rotor circuits. These paths
are same as those of subtransient reactance. The armature flux linkage per armature ampere
under this condition is the negative-sequence inductance L2 . The negative sequence is X2 = L2 .
Since the mmf wave rotates at twice the synchronous speed with respect to the rotor, it al-
ternately meets reluctance of the two-rotor axis (d and q axis), corresponding to subtransient
reactance Xd and Xq . Effective negative sequence reactance is then calculated as:

X d + Xq
X2 =
2

2.4 Test for determining X2 - Method I

The synchronous machine is run at synchronous speed with the help of a prime mover. The
machine is unexcited and connected to a voltage source, which is gradually increased till full
load current flows. Power input is measured by a watt-meter. The terminals are so connected
that the direction of rotating field produced by the armature current is opposite to the direction
of rotation of the pole structure. It is important to keep the field winding short circuited during
the test. The negative-sequence impedance Z2 is

V2
Z2 =
I2

where,
V2 = Applied terminal voltage per phase
P2 = Power input per phase
I2 = Current flowing per phase
X2 = Z2 sinϕ where ϕ = arccos( VP2 2I2 )
The circuit diagram for this method is given below:

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Figure 3: Method I to determine negative sequence reactance

2.5 Test for determining X2 - Method II

The negative sequence reactance X2 can also be obtained by driving the machine at rated speed
with low excitation and with a sustained 2-phase short circuit between two of the line terminals.
Let the voltage between the open phase and any one of the short-circuited phase be VOS and
the short-circuited current be ISC . If the wattmeter is connected with its current coil excited
by it measures the negative-sequence power loss(i2 R2 loss). The negative-sequence impedance
Z2 is:
VOS
Z2 =
3ISC
X2 = Z2 sin(ϕ)
where, ϕ = arccos( VOSPISC ). The circuit diagram for this method is given below:

Figure 4: Method II to determine negative sequence reactance

2.6 Zero-Sequence Reactance X0

If zero sequence currents are applied to the armature, there is no space fundamental mmf.
Hence the reactance is small and is hardly affected by the motion of the rotor. There is,
in general, a third space harmonic of air gap mmf, which is stationary but pulsating. This
mmf is opposed by currents induced in the rotor circuits; therefore not much air gap flux is
produced. The zero-sequence currents produce leakage fluxes (slot- leakage end-winding-leakage
and differential leakage). Altogether very little flux is set up, and the zero-sequence reactance
is the lowest of the synchronous machine reactance.
The actual value of X0 varies through a wider range than that of the other reactance and
depends upon the pitch of the armature coils. The reactance is the least for a pitch of two-
thirds because then each slot has two coil sides carrying equal and opposite currents.
V0
Z0 =
3I0

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where,
V0 = Applied voltage across the three phase winding in series
I0 = Currents flowing in the three phase winding in series
If the zero sequence resistance is neglected then the zero-sequence reactance X0 equals the zero
sequence impedance Z0 .
The circuit implemented is shown below:

Figure 5: Zero sequence reactance

3 Experiments and Observations

3.1 Data sheet of components

Specifications Alternator DC Motor

Name of manufacturer Benn Electricals Benn Electricals
kVA 3.0 -
M/C no. A402.0302 8811.0302
Volts 415 220
Rating CMR CMR
Amps 4.2 19.0
RPM 1500 1500
Power factor 0.8 -
Frequency 50 Hz -
Phases 3 -

Table 1: Data sheet

3.2 Determining positive sequence reactance X1

3.2.1 Open Circuit Test

The synchronous machine is run at rated speed. A voltmeter is connected across the machine
terminals and an ammeter is attached to measure the field excitation current of the DC winding.
The exciting current is varied to gather different observation points.

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Excitation Current ic (A) Open Circuit Voltage(V)

0.1 100.8
0.2 206.6
0.3 283.2
0.4 326.9
0.5 355.0
0.6 375.2
0.75 398.2

Table 2: Open Circuit Test conducted at different excitation currents

3.2.2 Short Circuit Test

The synchronous machine is run at rated speed. We connected a high resistance rheostat in
the field circuit with full field voltage applied. An ammeter is connected in the field circuit.
We apply three-phase short circuit at the synchronous machine terminals with the ammeter
connected in any phase and measure the short circuit current corresponding to the field current
given by the ammeter reading.

Excitation Current ie (A) Short Circuit Current ISC (A)

0.1 1.35
0.2 2.45
0.3 3.65
0.4 4.15

Table 3: Short Circuit Test conducted at different excitation currents

3.3 Determining negative sequence reactance X2

3.3.1 Method I

We short circuit the field winding and run the machine at rated speed. Low voltage is applied
from the three-phase variac to the armature terminals with the phase sequence of the machine
and supply reversed with respect to each other. It is noted that the armature current given by
the ammeter reading should not exceed the rated value.

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V2 I2
24.9 1
35.35 1.5
44.4 2
53.2 2.5
61.5 3.0
69.7 3.5
78.2 4

Table 4: V2 vs I2 for determination of negative sequence reactance

3.3.2 Method II

We run the machine at rated speed and short circuit two phases of the alternator through an
ammeter. The voltage coil of the wattmeter is connected along with a volt- meter between the
open phase and any short circuited phase. We gradually increase the excitation such that the
short circuit current doesn’t exceed the full load value.

VOS ISC
11.61 1
17.21 1.5
23.1 2.0
27.95 2.5
32.3 3
37.74 3.5
42.05 4

Table 5: VOS vs ISC for determination of negative sequence reactance

3.4 Determining zero sequence reactance X0

We connect the armature winding in parallel with proper polarity. The field winding is short
circuited and the machine is run at rated speed. We apply a low voltage from the variac and
measure both voltage and current taken by the armature winding.

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V0 I0
2.36 1.2
2.86 1.5
4.41 2.25
5.01 2.6
5.71 3.05
6.35 3.4
6.96 3.75
7.61 4.1

Table 6: V0 vs I0 for determination of zero sequence reactance

4 Graphs
4.1 Determining positive sequence reactance X1
4.1.1 Open Circuit test
Open Circuit Voltage vs Excitation Current

Figure 6: Open circuit test to determine positive sequence reactance

4.1.2 Short Circuit Test

Short Circuit Current vs Excitation Current

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Figure 7: Short circuit test to determine positive sequence reactance

4.2 Determining negative sequence reactance X2

Figure 8: Method I to determine negative sequence reactance

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Figure 9: Method II to determine negative sequence reactance

4.3 Determining zero sequence reactance X0

Figure 10: Zero sequence reactance

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5 Calculations
5.1 Calculating positive sequence reactance X1

Ie E ISC X1 = E/ISC
0.1 100.8 1.35 74.66
0.2 206.6 2.45 84.32
0.3 283.2 3.65 77.59
0.4 326.9 4.15 78.77

Table 7: Ie vs X1 for the determination of positive sequence reactance

The average of all the readings is taken. The positive sequence impedance X̂1 is 78.83 Ω.

5.2 Calculating negative sequence reactance X2

5.2.1 Method I

V2 I2 Z2 = V2 /I2
24.9 1 24.9
35.35 1.5 23.56
44.4 2 22.2
53.2 2.5 21.28
61.5 3.0 20.5
69.7 3.5 19.91
78.2 4 19.55

Table 8: V2 vs I2 for determination of negative sequence reactance

The negative sequence impedance from method I is 21.7 Ω.

5.2.2 Method II

VOS
VOS ISC Z2 = 3I SC
11.61 1 3.87
17.21 1.5 3.82
23.1 2.0 3.85
27.95 2.5 3.73
32.3 3 3.59
37.74 3.5 3.59
42.05 4 3.50

Table 9: VOS vs ISC for determination of negative sequence reactance

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The negative sequence impedance from method 2 is = 3.7 Ω.

5.3 Calculating zero sequence reactance X0

V0
V0 I0 Z0 = 3I 0
2.36 1.2 0.65
2.86 1.5 0.63
4.41 2.25 0.65
5.01 2.6 0.64
5.71 3.05 0.62
6.35 3.4 0.62
6.96 3.75 0.62
7.61 4.1 0.62

Table 10: V0 vs I0 for determination of zero sequence reactance

The zero sequence impedance is = 0.63 Ω.

6 Conclusion
The different parts of the experiment are very helpful in determining the three se- quence
impedances of the synchronous machine as well as the graphs plotted show us the nature of the
device.
We determined from the open circuit test and short circuit test the value of positive sequence
impedance as 78.83 Ω. Also, the curves plotted for open circuit test has a increasing trend
which saturates at high field current. Also, the curve does not start at origin since there is
residual magnetism even at zero field current. The curve for short circuit test is linear with the
field current.

We employed two methods for determining the negative sequence impedance. The value of
negative sequence impedance obtained from first method is 21.7 Ω, while that obtained from
second method is 3.7 Ω. In both the methods, we observe that the trend-line of the V vs I
graph plotted from the data values observed are approximately linear.

Finally, from the last subpart of the experiment, we obtain the zero sequence impedance as
0.63 Ω. Here also, we obtain a linear graph of V vs I from the observed data values. The linear
graphs for V vs I show that the experimental values are closely matching with Ohm’s law. All
the graphs match with the theoretical expectations.

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7 Quizzes
7.1 Pre-Experiment Quiz
1. What do you understand by the term phase sequence?
Phase sequence refers to the order in which the voltage waveforms of a multi-phase al-
ternating current (AC) system reach their peak values within each cycle. Phase sequence
is crucial in applications where the direction of rotation is important, such as in motors.
Incorrect phase sequence can lead to motors running in the wrong direction, potentially
causing equipment damage or safety hazards.

2. What is rotating field?

A rotating magnetic field is a key principle behind the operation of alternating current
(AC) electric motors and generators. It is the result of the interaction be- tween multiple
phase-shifted magnetic fields generated by different stator windings. When AC voltage is
applied to the stator windings, the alternating current causes the magnetic fields produced
by these windings to also alternate. If the windings are arranged in a way that creates a
phase difference between them, a rotating magnetic field is generated.

3. What is pulsating field?

A pulsating magnetic field refers to a magnetic field that changes in strength or polarity
periodically over time, resulting in variations in its intensity or direction. Unlike a steady
and continuous magnetic field, a pulsating magnetic field alternates between different
states.

4. Can zero-sequence currents produce rotating field?

No, zero-sequence currents cannot produce a rotating magnetic field. The produc- tion
of a rotating magnetic field requires phase shifted AC currents, which is absent in zero-
sequence as all the phases are aligned.

5. What field can zero-sequence currents produce?

Zero-sequence currents produce a magnetic field which is static. The magnetic field
generated oscillates but does not rotate.

6. Explain how double frequency currents are produced in the rotor field when
negative-sequence currents are impressed on the armature. mpressing negative-
sequence currents on the armature of a three-phase AC induc- tion motor generates a
reverse-rotating magnetic field in the stator. This, in turn, induces double frequency
currents in the rotor due to the interaction between the rotor and stator fields, leading
to potential issues like increased losses, heating, and mechanical stress.

7. If rotor is at stand still, what will be the frequency of rotor field currents when
(a) positive-sequence currents are impressed (b) negative-sequence currents
are impressed?
When the rotor is at a standstill in a three-phase AC induction motor, the rotor field
currents will have specific frequencies depending on whether positive-sequence or negative-
sequence currents are impressed:
(a) If positive-sequence currents are impressed while the rotor is at a standstill, the
frequency of the rotor field currents will be the same as the frequency of the applied

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positive-sequence currents, which is the standard supply frequency of the system.

(b) If negative-sequence currents are impressed while the rotor is at a standstill, the
frequency of the rotor field currents will also be the same as the frequency of the impressed
negative-sequence currents, which is again the standard supply frequency of the system.

8. Explain why X1 and X2 are different in a synchronous machine whereas they

are equal in transformers?
Transformers are passive devices that do not generate harmonics and hence there is no
unbalanced state creation by the transformer itself.
In synchronous machines, the positive sequence current creates the air gap flux in normal
direction and always faces Xd which is direct axis reactance of machine. But the negative
sequence current creates air gap magnetic field in direction opposite to normal direction
of rotation, and hence it faces 2 rotor axis reactance, Xd and Xq , making the effective
reactance as arithmetic mean of these two.
Hence, both the sequence current face different reactance.

9. Explain why X0 is quite small in a synchronous machine?

When zero sequence currents are applied, then no fundamental mmf is produced, hence
reactance is very small and is hardly affected by rotor motion. A third space harmonic of
air gap mmf is opposed by currents induced in rotor circuit, hence very less air gap flux
is produced and hence zero sequence reactance is the lowest.

10. Explain how X2 is the arithmetic mean of Xd and Xq ?

The negative sequence current creates air gap magnetic field in direction opposite to
normal direction of rotation, hence it rotates with twice the normal speed w.r.t. rotor,
hence it meets reluctance of two rotor axis, d-axis and q-axis which correspond to sub
transient reactance Xd and Xq . Hence for practical calculation purpose, we take reactance
as arithmetic mean of Xd and Xq .

11. Define positive, negative, and zero sequence components of a set of unbal-
anced three phasors?
Any unbalanced three phasors can be broken down into positive, negative and zero se-
quence components. The unbalanced phasors are replaced by the balanced, positive set
and a symmetrical balanced negative sequence set and a single phase zero sequence set.
This helps to simplify calculations.

(a) Positive sequence have 3 phasors with equal magnitude and phase shifted by ̸ 120◦ .
(b) Negative sequence have 3 phasors with equal magnitude and phase shifted by ̸ 120◦ .
(c) Zero sequence have 3 phasors with equal magnitude and parallel to each other.

7.2 Post-Experiment Quiz

1. Explain why resistances are neglected in fault studies.
Resistances are often disregarded in fault studies due to their relatively smaller value
and minor influence during fault events. Also, the calculations for fault analysis become
quicker and more manageable due to this.

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2. Does the positive-sequence impedance determined from O.C.C and S.C.C ap-
ply to the steady state condition or transient condition?
The positive-sequence impedance determined from open-circuit (OCC) and short- circuit
(SCC) tests applies only to the steady-state condition. This is because both OCC and
SCC tests are performed under steady-state conditions. The voltage and current values
measured are steady-state values and subsequently the calculated impedance is also for
steady-state only.

3. The negative-sequence resistance is quite large compared to the positive, or

zero sequence resistance. Explain.
The negative-sequence resistance is large because of the way that it interacts with the
magnetic fields in a power system. The negative-sequence current creates a magnetic field
that rotates in the opposite direction to the positive-sequence current. This magnetic field
causes eddy currents to flow in the conductors of the power system. The eddy currents
create additional resistance to the flow of negative- sequence current. The positive- and
zero-sequence currents do not create eddy currents, so their resistance is much lower than
the negative-sequence resistance.

4. For the zero-sequence reactance if the windings are connected in parallel, will
the results so obtained be correct?
No, the results obtained will not be correct as the zero-sequence reactance of a winding
cannot be determined by connecting the windings in parallel. This is be- cause the
zero-sequence current does not flow through the windings in parallel. The zero-sequence
current flows through each winding individually, and the reactance of each winding is
therefore different.

5. Do X2 and X0 vary in relation to saturation?

The negative-sequence reactance X2 increases with saturation. This is because the
negative-sequence current creates a magnetic field that rotates in the opposite direc-
tion to the positive-sequence current. The zero-sequence reactance X0 is unaffected by
saturation. This is because the zero-sequence current does not create a rotating magnetic
field.

6. How would you connect the sequence network for a single line to ground fault
on the armature?
In case of an LG fault, sequence network is obtained by connecting positive, negative and
zero sequence networks in series.

7. If the three-phase generated emfs are balanced, will you obtain negative se-
quence voltage in the network under unsymmetrical fault condition?
Yes, under unsymmetrical fault conditions, even if the three-phase generated electro-
motive forces (emfs) are balanced, you can still obtain negative-sequence voltage in the
network. This is because negative-sequence voltage is a result of the phase shift between
the voltages of the three phases during unbalanced conditions, regardless of whether the
emfs are initially balanced or not.

8. What is the relationship between positive, negative, and zero sequence cur-
rents in case of a single line to ground fault for an unloaded alternator solidly

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grounded?
In case of a single line to ground fault for an unloaded alternator solidly grounded, the
positive, negative, and zero sequence currents are all equal.

9. For three-phase fault on the synchronous machine armature, will there be

many negative, and zero sequence currents?
In a three-phase fault on the synchronous machine armature, there will be no negative-
sequence and zero-sequence currents.
This is because a three-phase fault is a symmetrical fault, which means that the currents
and voltages in all three phases are equal. Negative-sequence and zero- sequence currents
only occur in asymmetrical faults.

8 Precautions
1. One must always take a note of the rated machine values and never exceed them while
performing the experiment.

2. One must ensure that all the connections are tight and have been verified properly before
powering on the circuit.

3. One must wear proper clothes, shoes and handle the electrical outlets with care.

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