3. Definition
In the power systems analysis field of electrical engineering, a per-unit system is the expression of system
quantities as fractions of a defined base unit quantity.
Calculations are simplified because quantities expressed as per-unit do not change when they are referred
from one side of a transformer to the other.
The main idea of a per unit system is to absorb large difference in absolute values into base relationships.
Thus, representations of elements in the system with per unit values become more uniform.
4. Advantages of per-unit system
Similar apparatus (generators, transformers, lines) will have similar per-unit impedances and losses expressed
on their own rating, regardless of their absolute size. Because of this, per-unit data can be checked rapidly for
gross errors. A per unit value out of normal range is worth looking into for potential errors.
Manufacturers usually specify the impedance of apparatus in per unit values.
Use of constant 3 is reduced in three-phase calculations.
It improves numerical stability of automatic calculation methods.
5. By convention, we adopt the following two rules for base quantities:
The value of base power is the same for the entire power system of concern.
The ratio of the voltage bases on either side of a transformer is selected to be the same as the ratio of the
transformer voltage ratings.
Relationship between units
The relationship between units in a per-unit system depends on whether the system is single-phase or three-
phase.
single Phase
Assuming that the independent base values are power and voltage, we have:
𝑃𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒=1pu
𝑉𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒=1pu
6. Alternatively, the base value for power may be given in terms of reactive or apparent power. In such case we
have, respectively:
𝑄 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒=1pu or 𝑆 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒=1pu
The rest of the units can be derived from power and voltage using the equations :
S=VI, P=Scos(ϕ), Q=Ssin(ϕ) and V=IZ, where Z is represented by:
Z=R+jX = Zcos(ϕ)+jXsin(ϕ), we have:
I 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 =
𝑆 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
𝑉 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
= 1pu
Z 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 =
𝑉 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
𝐼 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
=
𝑉2
𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
I 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑉 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
=1pu
Y𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 =
1
Z 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
=1pu
7. Three Phase System
Power and voltage are specified in the same way as single-phase systems. However, the relationships for
the derived units are different. Specifically, power is given as total (not per-phase) power, and voltage is
line-to-line voltage. In three-phase systems the equations:
𝑄 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒=1pu and 𝑆 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒=1pu. The apparent power S now, 𝑆 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒= 3V𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒I 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
I 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒=
𝑆 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
3V 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
=1pu
Z 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒=
𝑉 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
3I 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
=
𝑉2
𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
𝑆 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
=1pu
Y𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒=
1
Z 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
=1pu
8. In transformers
The voltages, currents, and impedances in a per-unit system will have the same values whether they are
referred to primary or secondary of a transformer.
For instance, for voltage, we can prove that the per unit voltages of two sides of the transformer, side 1 and
side 2, are the same. Here, the per-unit voltages of the two sides are E1p.u. and E2p.u. respectively.
𝐸1,𝑝.𝑢=
𝐸1
𝑉 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒1
=
𝑁1 𝐸2
𝑁2 𝑉 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒1
from the relationship,
𝐸1
𝐸2
=
𝑁1
𝑁2
=
𝑁1 𝐸2
𝑁2
𝑁1
𝑁2
𝑉 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒2
from the relationship,
𝑉1
𝑉2
=
𝑁1
𝑁2
=
𝐸2
𝑉 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒2
= 𝐸2,𝑝.𝑢
9. For current, we can prove that the per-unit current on the both side is same.
𝐼1,𝑝.𝑢=
𝐼1
𝐼 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒1
=
𝑁2 𝐼2
𝑁1 𝐼 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒1
from the relationship,
𝐼1
𝐼2
=
𝑁2
𝑁1
=
𝑁2 𝐼2
𝑁1
𝑁2
𝑁1
𝐼 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒2
=
𝐼2
𝐼 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒2
= 𝐼2,𝑝.𝑢
11. Charles Legeyt Fortescue (1918): Any set of N unbalanced phasors can be replaced
by N sets of balanced phasors.
Fortescue demonstrated that any set of unbalanced three-phase quantities could
be expressed as the sum of three symmetrical sets of balanced phasors.
Using this tool, unbalanced system conditions, like those caused by common fault
types may be visualized and analyzed.
It is used for any number of phases but mainly used for the three-phase system.
12. Whenever there is an unsymmetrical fault in an electrical system, the electrical
system becomes unbalanced.
Than it becomes difficult to do per phase analysis because the three phases are
unequal and unbalanced.
So to study unsymmetrical system per phase basis Symmetrical Component is
used.
15. Within Fortescue’s formulas, the “α” operator shifts a vector by an angle of 120 degrees counter-
clockwise, and the “α 2 ” operator performs a 240 degrees counter-clockwise phase shift.
α = 1∠120°
20. References
Beeman, Donald (1955). "Short-Circuit-Current Calculating Procedures". In Beeman, Donald (ed.). Industrial
Power Systems Handbook. McGraw-Hill. pp. see esp. 38–41, 52–55.
Elgerd, Olle I. (2007). "§2.5 Per-Unit Representation of Impedances, Currents Voltages and Powers". Electric
Energy Systems Theory: An Introduction (1971 1st ed.). Tata McGraw-Hill. pp. 35–39. ISBN 978-0070192300.
Yuen, Moon H. (Mar–Apr 1974). "Short Circuit ABC--Learn It in an Hour, Use It Anywhere, Memorize No
Formula". IEEE Trans. on Industry Applications. IA-10 (2): 261–272. doi:10.1109/TIA.1974.349143.
William D., Jr, Stevenson, (1975). Elements of power system analysis (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw-
Hill. ISBN 0-07-061285-4.
Weedy, B.M. (1972). Electric power systems (2nd ed.). London ; Toronto: J. Wiley. ISBN 0-471-92445-8.
Glover, J. Duncan; Sarma, Mulukutla; Overbye, Thomas J. (2011). Power System Analysis and Design. Cengage
Learning. pp. 108–116. ISBN 111142577