What are short-circuit currents in the context of LMS Substation 2-2?

Short-circuit currents refer to the excessive currents that can occur during fault conditions within a power system. When a fault happens, such as a short circuit, the normal impedance in the circuit is significantly reduced, allowing a large amount of current to flow. This can create conditions that exceed the design limits of system components, which is critical to understand for the protection and reliability of electrical systems.

During these fault conditions, the short-circuit current can far exceed the normal operating currents, leading to potential damage to equipment, hazards for personnel, and disruptions in service. Identifying and calculating these currents is essential for the design and implementation of protective devices such as circuit breakers and fuses, ensuring they can interrupt these excessive currents effectively.

Understanding short-circuit currents helps engineers ensure that protective measures are in place to prevent incidents during abnormal conditions, thereby safeguarding the entire electrical system from failures and hazards.