Unbalanced three-phase electrical network calculations, with particular reference to fault-conditions, via the

Millman theorem

Unbalanced three-phase electrical

network calculations, with particular
reference to fault-conditions, via the
Millman theorem
JO Flower, DSc(Eng), FIMarEST
Warwick Manufacturing Group, University of Warwick, UK

The usual approach to solving unbalanced three-phase circuit problems is via the method of
symmetrical components. This, ideally, requires a dedicated computer package. In the present
contribution this is avoided by making use of a simple, but not well-known, electric-circuit
theorem due to Millman. Application of this theorem enables the voltage existing between
the star-points of, say, a generator/load combination to be easily established. Once this
voltage is known, the rest of the circuit variables can be calculated in the usual straightforward
manner. Examples of this method’s use in various unbalanced (including fault) conditions are
illustrated. It is hoped that this simple technique will be particularly convenient for check
calculations in the field, for it requires no other aid than a hand-held calculator.

INTRODUCTION Principal Symbol List

T
he conventional way of performing calculations to de-
1
termine current-flow in three-phase circuits under un- V - voltage between load and generator
balanced (including fault) conditions is to use the star-points.
method of symmetrical components. Z i , Yi - ith phase impedance and admittance of
This method was introduced by Fortescue in 19181,2, and generator respectively
computer programmes to implement it have been available for ∆Yi - variation in the previous admittance
many years. However, the technique is far from being transparent. YL - common-load admittance
Indeed, this author, owing to being called upon to perform such Yo - admittance connecting the two star
a calculation on very rare occasions only, always has to start from points
scratch to remind himself of the theory and practice of symmetri- YiL - load admittance of the ith-phase.
cal-component techniques. This is probably the case for others in
the marine and offshore communities. NB, Y = YiYiL is the admittance of the ith generator
Li
While trying to solve an electronic-circuit problem in a field Yi + YiL admittance and the ith load admittance
unrelated to electric-power engineering, the author rediscovered in series.
the so-called Millman circuit-theorem [Appendix 1].3, 4 Its use, in Vi - open-circuit generator phase-voltage of
dealing with the problems of calculating the conditions pertaining the ith-phase.
during unbalanced operations of three-phase electrical systems, is
explained in this paper.
The Millman circuit theorem is not so widely-known as it
AUTHOR’S BIOGRAPHY deserves to be, and the author could find no mention of it in
John Flower served an apprenticeship as a marine-engine fitter electrical power engineering text books. It is particularly effective
prior to becoming a student at Queen Mary College, London in dealing with a certain class of circuit problems if these can be
University. After graduating he worked on marine radar and arranged to be posed in a given form. This is demonstrated in this
missile development and later joined the staff of the Nuclear paper dealing with three-phase electrical systems. In effect, the
Department, Royal Naval College, Greenwich. Since then he has application of the theorem produces formulae for the voltage
held a number of university posts as lecturer, reader and professor. existing between the two star-points of the generator and the load.
One of his professorships was at Warwick University where he Of course, once this is established, calculating other conditions
is now with the Warwick Manufacturing Group. existing in the network is easy.
A number of these voltage formulae are derived for various

36 Journal of Marine Engineering and Technology No. A2

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 Unbalanced three-phase electrical network calculations, with particular reference to fault-conditions, via the
Millman theorem

unbalanced (including fault) conditions, thereby solving the

Under these conditions equation (2) becomes,
(V + V ) = 0,
circuits with probably no more assistance than a hand-held 1
calculator. These formulae may well prove useful for doing 1
Y 1 2
+ V3
V = as expected.
calculations in the field when modifications to the circuit 1
3Y + Y0
may be forced on the operator and, perhaps, are particularly
useful for checking current-setting for protective device ar-
APPLICATIONS TO SOME IMPORTANT
rangements.
SPECIAL CASES
Equation (1) may be used in developing expressions for V1 under
Since most generators in marine and offshore installations
important unbalanced conditions, and this is illustrated in the
would generally be classed as medium-voltage generators, it is
following.
likely that they will be ‘resistance-earthed’ to limit fault currents.
To avoid misinterpretation, the various expressions specifying the
(a) General phase-load unbalance
voltage, V1, represents the voltage of the load’s star-point relative
Suppose that the three individual loads, including the internal
to the generator’s star-point.
impedances of the generators have admittances
The Millman circuit-theorem is not restricted to single-phase
and three-phase arrangements, but can be used, generally, for
Y1 = Y + ∆Y1 , Y2 = Y + ∆Y2 , Y3 = Y .
poly-phase systems.
Then substitution in equation (2) leads to
THE MILLMAN CIRCUIT-THEOREM
The theorem is probably best illustrated by means of a particular 1
V =
(V + V
1 2 )
+ V3 Y + V1∆Y1 + V2 ∆Y2

circuit-diagram, Fig1. This shows a number of voltage sources (each 3Y + ∆Y1 + ∆Y2 + Y0
having an impedance in series with itself), in parallel, feeding a
This becomes, since V1 + V2 + V3 = 0 ,
common load. It is advantageous to work in terms of admittances
V1∆Y1 + V2 ∆Y2
rather than impedances, as the expressions resulting by doing so are 1
V = . (3)
normally simpler. The resulting voltage, V1, across the common 3Y + ∆Y1 + ∆Y2 + Y0
load-admittance, YL is given by the expression,
Thus, the resulting phase-current flows can be swiftly calcu-
lated. If just one phase is out of balance, ie Y2 = Y3 = Y and
Y1V1 + Y2V2 + .... + Yn Vn
V =
1 Y1 = Y + ∆Y1,
(1)
Y1 + Y2 + .... + Yn + YL then equation (3) becomes,
where the Vi’s are the phasors representing the no-load terminal 1 V1∆Y1
V = . (4)
voltages of the sources, and Yi’s are the corresponding admit- 3Y + ∆Y1 + Y0
tances associated with each voltage source.
Once V1 has been calculated, from equation (1), the currents
(b) A generated-voltage unbalance in one phase
flowing are easily established.
Without loss of generality assume that the unbalance is caused by
A proof of the Millman theorem is given in Appendix 1.
the voltage being generated in phase 1, ie phase 1 voltage
The task set in this paper is, therefore, to set-up a three- 1
V1 = V + ∆V1 , where V1 , V2 , V3 , represent the normally-bal-
phase arrangement in such a way that the circuit theorem can
anced condition of V1 + V2 + V3 = 0 .
be applied easily. Fig 2a shows the conventional way of
Substitution in equation (1) gives,
viewing a three-phase circuit; the connection between the

( )
two star-point may, or may not, be present, but it has an
Y1 V1 + ∆V1 + Y2V2 + Y3V
admittance, Y 0. If either the generator or load is in delta 1
V = . (5)
configuration, then the delta-star transformation can be used Y1 + Y2 + Y3 + Y0
to get the circuit into ‘all-star’ form (Appendix 2). 2
On the assumption that the load is balanced, then equation
The circuit shown in Fig 2a can be rearranged as shown in Fig
(5) leads to,
2b, where A, B and C represent the terminals of the generator.
Y∆V1
Let, 1
V = (6)
YiYiL 3Y + Y0
YLi = , i = 1, 2, 3.
Yi + YiL where Y = Y1 = Y2 = Y3 .
The application of the Millman theorem, shows that the 1 ∆V1
Note that if Y0 = 0, then V = .
voltage between the two star-points, V1, is given by 3
1 YL 1V1 + YL 2V2 + YL 3V3 (c) Output terminal, A, of phase 1 short-circuited to
V = . (2)
YL 1 + YL 2 + YL 3 + YL 0 earth
In this case the conditions illustrated in Fig 2b apply but with a
NB. If no direct connection exists between 0 and 01, then Y0
short-circuit existing between points A and 0. This circuit may be
= 0.
redrawn as shown in Fig 3, where it can be seen that the current
Once V1 is evaluated, from equation (2), the current-flow in
flow to earth has effectively two components Isc1 and Isc2.
each branch is easily calculated. If the system is balanced, then,
1 The expressions for these two currents may be written,
YL 1 = YL 2 = YL 3 = Y (say), and V1 + V2 + V3 = 0 .

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No. A2 Journal of Marine Engineering and Technology

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 Unbalanced three-phase electrical network calculations, with particular reference to fault-conditions, via the
Millman theorem

I sc1 = Y1V1 , and I sc 2 = Y0 + YL 1 V ( ) 1

(f) Short-circuit at the generator terminals A, B, C
but not to earth
where V1 may be obtained by using the Millman theorem, ie The basic circuit diagram is shown in Fig 6a. The phase loads are
1 1
1 Y2 V2 + Y3 V3 now effectively in parallel, and they are, collectively, in series with
V = 1 1
. (7) the admittance Yo to form an equivalent admittance YT. Thus, the
Y2 + Y3 + Y1L + Y0
equivalent circuit to be solved is that shown in Fig 6b.
1 1
If , Y2 = Y3 = Y as would be the case for balanced conditions, In this case the voltage V11, may be written,
then from equation (7), it becomes, Y1V1 + Y2V2 + Y3V3
11
V = .

V =
1 (
Y V2 + V3 ) =
−YV1
Y1 + Y2 + Y3 + YT
(8) If the generator has equal phase admittances,
2Y + YLi + Y0 2Y + YLi + Y0
ie Y1 = Y2 = Y3 = Y , then
whence the current flows can easily be determined.
V
11
=
(
Y V1 + V2 + V3 ) = 0.
3Y + YT
(d) Similar to case (c), except the phase 2 output
terminal B, is also short-circuited to earth Thus no current flows in the load, and each generated current
The form of the circuit diagram most convenient in this case is that shown can be calculated individually from Ii = YVi, i = 1,2,3.
in Fig 4, where the I sc1, I sc2 can be written down by inspection,
(g) Short-circuit at the generator terminal A, B, C
and additionally short-circuited to earth
ie I sc1 = Y1V1 , I sc 2 = Y2V2 . . Referring to Fig 6b it is seen that V11 is short circuited to earth.
Thus the phase currents in the generator may be written immedi-
ately as,
Y31V3
Now voltage V 1 = , hence, Ii = YiVi.
Y + (Y1L + Y2 L + Y0 )
3
1

(Y + Y2 L + Y0 Y3 V3 ) 1
CONCLUSION
(
I sc 3 = Y1L + Y2 L + Y0 V ) 1
=
1L

Y3
1
= 1
(Y
(e) Two-phases short-circuited at the output of the
generator, but not short-circuited to earth
This is by far the most complex situation considered in
this paper. The circuit diagram for this case is shown in Fig
5a. In an attempt to reduce algebraic tedium the situation
will be taken that before the short-circuit occurred, the
circuit was perfectly balanced. With this assumption Fig
5a can be seen to transform into the equivalent circuit
shown in Fig 5b.
Unfortunately, this circuit is not immediately suitable for appli-
cation of the Millman theorem. However, application of the star-delta
transformation (Appendix 2) to the portion of the circuit within the
dotted boundary of Fig 5b, with ‘terminals’ a, b and c enables the
equivalent circuit Fig 5c to be drawn. The Millman circuit theorem
can be immediately applied to this circuit, leading to,
(
+ Y1L + Y2 L + Y0 ) The work describes the exploitation of the Millman circuit-
theorem in unbalanced three-phase systems. The Millman’s
1
Y3 V3 theorem may be regarded as an extension of Norton’s, (or
. indeed Thevenius’) theorem to a particular network topology.
1 + Y3
Although this paper deals only with three-phased systems,
1L + Y2 L + Y0 ) poly-phased systems of any order can be tackled by very
similar analysis.
Application of the theorem enables the voltage existing be-
tween the ‘star’ points of a generator and its load to be established
easily. The ease of doing this has been shown for a number of fault-
conditions. The only application considered that requires some
serious thought is that of a short-circuit existing across two
terminals of the generator, when this short-circuit does not go to
earth.
It is believed that this is the first time the Millman theorem has
been applied to poly-phased circuits.
REFERENCES
1. Tropper, H. Electric Circuit Theory, Longman, Green and
Co, 1949
2. Weedy, BM. Electrical Power Systems, Wiley, 1987
3. Bogart, TF. Electrical Circuits, Glencoe, 1992.

V =
1
1
Y V1 + Y V2 + YL 3V3
1

=
(V + V )Y
1 2
1
+ YL 3V3 4. Hughes, E. Electrical Technology, Longman Scientific and
1 1 1 Technical, 1995.
Y2 + Y3 + Y1L + Y0 2Y + YL 3 + Y0

=
(Y L3
−Y
1
)V 3
1
. APPENDICES
2Y + YL 3 + Y0
1. Derivation of the Millman circuit-theorem
Note that the admittance Y31 does not influence V1 since it Consider the circuit shown in Fig A1. This shows N generators,
does not influence voltage V1 and V2, its sole effect being to each with its internal admittance, Yi, i = 1, ..., N in parallel feeding
produce a circulating current in the path, a b O. a load, YL. The task is to establish the value of the voltage, V1,
Once V1 has been established, current determination is straight- appearing across the load, ie across CD. The Norton theorem is
forward. used to effect this as follows:

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 Unbalanced three-phase electrical network calculations, with particular reference to fault-conditions, via the
Millman theorem

i) Notionally short C to D and measure this short-circuit current 2. The star-delta and delta-star transformations2
flowing, this is the so-called Norton current, and it is given by, These are very well-known transformations and they are given
I N = Y1V1 + Y2V2 + ...... + YN VN . here merely for the sake of convenience.
Consider Fig A3, the three-terminal networks with terminals
ii) Open the circuit at CD, ie remove both the short-circuit and YL. a, b and c.
Replace the voltage generators by their internal impedances, ie in The two networks are equivalent, ie any connections to these
the case of Fig A1 remove the Vi’s and replace them with short-circuits. circuits, exterior to a, b and c, cannot detect whether this network
Establish the admittance that appears between terminals CD interior to a, b and c, is in star- or delta-form, provided the
under this condition, this is called the Norton admittance, YN, and following relations between the individual impedances (admit-
it is given by, tances) exist.
YN = Y1 + Y2 + ...... + YN .
iii) Then the equivalent circuit of Fig A1, so far as the load across delta-to-star star-to-delta
CD is concerned, is given by the Norton equivalent circuit Z2Z3 YbYc
shown in Fig A2. Thus from this figure it can be seen Za = Y1 =
Z1 + Z 2 + Z 3 Ya + Yb + Yc
immediately that,
Y1V1 + .... + YN VN Z 3 Z1 YcYa
V =
1
. Zb = Y2 =
Y1 + .... + YN + YL Z1 + Z 2 + Z 3 Ya + Yb + Yc

Z1 Z 2 YaYb .
Zc = Y3 =
This was the expression that was being sought. It can also be Z1 + Z 2 + Z 3 Ya + Yb + Yc
determined using the Thevenius theorem but in not such a
succinct manner.

FIGURES Z1, Y1
➞

V1 Z2, Y2 ●

Zi, Yi ZL
➞

V2
➞
1
YL V
Zn, Yn
➞

Vi Fig 1: Basic Millman-

circuit arrangement
➞

Vn
● ● ●

A
Z1, Y1

Z1L
V1
➞

Fig 2: (a) Standard three-

phase circuit depiction
Y1L

0 V 1 01
Z0, Y0
➞

Z
V3 V2 Y 3L 2L
3L
Y
Z 2L

Z2, Y2
C
Z3, Y3
B

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No. A2 Journal of Marine Engineering and Technology

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 Unbalanced three-phase electrical network calculations, with particular reference to fault-conditions, via the
Millman theorem

A
Z1, Y1 ● Z1L, Y1L
B 01
➞

V1 Z2, Y2 ● Z2L, Y2L ●

C
Z3, Y3 ● Z3L, Y3L Z0
➞

➞
V2
➞ Y0 V1

V3

● ● ●
0
Fig 2: (b) Three-phase circuit re-arranged into ‘Millman’ form

Fig 3: One phase short-circuited to earth potential

Fig 4: Two phases short-circuited to earth potential

Fig 5: (a) Two phases short-circuited at the generator ouput-

terminals (not to earth)

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 Unbalanced three-phase electrical network calculations, with particular reference to fault-conditions, via the
Millman theorem

Fig 5: (b) First re-arrangement of circuit

a
● Y1
c 01
Y1 ●
3

➞
Fig 5: (c) Second re-arrangement of circuit, suitable for the V1 ● Y1 ●
Millman theorem application b

➞
Y0 V1

➞
V2 YL3

➞
V3

● ● ●
0

Y1 A Y1L
B V11 01
➞

V1 Y2 ● ● Y2L ● ●

C Y3L
Y3
➞

V2 Y0 V1
➞

V3

● ● ●
0
Fig 6: (a) All three generator terminals short-circuited, but not to earth potential

A
Y1
V11
➞

V1 Y2 ● ● YT
B
Y3
➞

V2 C
➞

V3

● ● ● ●
0
Fig 6: (b) Circuit re-arranged for the Millman theorem application.

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No. A2 Journal of Marine Engineering and Technology

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 Unbalanced three-phase electrical network calculations, with particular reference to fault-conditions, via the
Millman theorem

Y1
C
➞

V1 Y1 ● ●

Y3 ●
➞

➞
V2 YL V1
YN
➞
V3 ➞
VN
● ● ● ●
D
Fig A1: General Millman circuit arrangement

➞
YN YL V1
➞
IN
Fig A2: Norton equivalent circuit of that in Fig A1

a
Ya

Za
Z3
2
Y

Y3
2
Z
Yb

Z1 Y1
Z
c

c b
Zc
Y
c

c b

Fig A3: Circuits showing subscripts for the star-delta, delta-star transformations

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