GROUP

A3

HIGH VOLTAGE EQUIPMENT Thursday 31 August 2006

Andre GIBOULET (FR) meeting secretary

The discussion meeting was chaired by K. FRHLICH (CH), chairman of the Study Committee. A. JANSSEN (NL) and M. DENIGRIS (IT) as special reporters. The secretary of the Study Committee E. KYNAST (DE) and the meeting secretary A. GIBOULET (FR) The chairman opened the meeting with a presentation of the present state of the Study Committee, introducing the future chairman, MARK WALDRON, addressing the field of activities and the administrative and technical strategies. Based on 25 papers which have been selected the special reporters prepared the questions. The questions were divided into 9 sub-groups. We received 70 prepared contributions and 21 spontaneous contributions during the session. Many thanks to the authors, the contributions were of good quality and a great effort of synthesis has been done, in order to allow exchanges during the session. An average of more than 400 people attended the A3 session. Origin of the contributions: Manufacturers 45% Consultants / testing organisation 21% Utilities 17% CIGRE / IEC WG 12% Universities 5%

Preferential Subject 1: Novel high voltage equipments (switchgears, surge arresters, instruments transformers, capacitors) and development tools.

Circuit- breakers: With respect to CB technological developments, the double motion compared to the double speed were discussed. Concerning the double motion, several contributions presented the main advantages of double motion system which are less energy needed and a possible optimisation of speed in a non linear way. An interesting presentation of the studies done on the double speed showed some possible promising improvements of this option. The competition between the two options seems still under consideration. Such developments are strongly supported by calculation and simulation techniques. Models for the estimation of the interrupteur capability to clear SLF current, it has been mentioned that the RRRV is not significantly influenced by the rated voltage, but mainly influenced by other parameters, like fault current and time delay of the TRV. The arc parameters, such as arc conductivity or resistivity at 0, 200 or 500ns before current zero, as well as the deformation of current (Id), have been discussed and show rather similar criteria, for the theoretical limits for a defined design with respect to SLF clearing performances. However, due to the erratic behaviour of the arc, scattering of test results will always occur. Moreover, the results are very sensitive to small differences in manufacturing, assemblage and test process, which might also increase the scattering of the test results. Simulations and calculations as verification tools, three interesting contributions were presented, one of them on behalf of WG A3.20. These three contributions showed the limit of these tools, which are good to assist, to optimize the design and to reduce the number of preliminary tests. Nevertheless, the outcome should not be overestimated, as a close feedback between simulations and tests are needed. Life estimation of optical parts and its associated electronic for the NCIT, a contribution reported according to ageing tests and pilot project experience, an expected life time for the optical sensors of about 40 years. Regarding the electronic parts the expected life time is about 20 years like for others electronics components, such as, relays, meters or bay controllers. It has been also mentioned, that the electronics parts are easy to replace in service. Where in report A3-105 the electronic secondary equipment of a GIS covers both control and monitoring functions, in report A3-201 a pledge against such a combination has been given. Several contributors supported the view that one has to be careful, not to interfere with the high reliability required for control and protection circuits. Reference has been made to further developments with IEC 61850.

TRV studies have been done in Russia, leading to TRV requirements quite different from IEC (higher values). Although those points have been already discussed within CIGREs bodies, our Russian colleagues are willing to share these results again with WG A3.13 and WG A3.19. A new design concept of MV circuit breaker based on diode stack in stead of an arcing chamber, were presented on paper A3-112. During the session a contribution showed the details regarding the controlled switching applied to a servo-motor drive, in order to prevent the overloading of the diodes. During the test conditions and the pilot experience for single capacitor bank and back-to-back operation with a parallel capacitor bank, good results with minimal switching overvoltages have been recorded. A technical feasibility study shows a possible application up to 72kV, but there are some economical considerations for this voltage level.

Insulators: Two contributions presented the main advantages by using Disconnecting Circuit Breaker (DCB) which are, a saving of surface of about 40 to 50% for the substation and less maintenance on the integrated disconnecting function. Spontaneous questions answers took place, regarding some safety aspect like the nonvisible gap of the disconnecting function, which is mandatory in some countries. Some other points were, what happened in case of low pressure or in case of polluted chamber. Answers were provided by manufacturers stating that all these points have been taken into consideration during the design and tests phases; in addition, there is now a large return of experience with good results. A new kind of transparent composite insulator for a separate disconnecting contact on DCB was presented. This arrangement of transparent composite insulator allows seeing the open gap. The question of the need of DCB with separate contact, with transparent insulator is not really shared by the community, it still exist a debate for this option. Six contributions concerning the return of experience of composite insulators, among them a complete survey done in Australia based on more than 3000 components of HV equipment rated above 100kV installed since 1997 for some of them. The results are very promising, only 4 failures reported. Another experience was reported by a DUTCH utility, where they face problems on a heavy polluted area near the sea, with composite insulator with a spiral shape profile. One contribution showed very good results, during an accelerated ageing test under high electrical field gradient. Another contribution presented comparative tests, between porcelain type and composite type insulators under salt fog test, which showed a great advantage for the composite insulator type. A bad experience was reported with composite insulator in a very particular case on a highly stressed circuit breaker in a test laboratory. As conclusion, concerning the use of composite insulators is that the good experience found in service, explains their growing use.

Arresters: On paper A3-102 Brazil presented excellent results on OHL's protection against lighting. During the session two contributions were discussed, one from Japan showed a very large experience based on more than 83000 "externally gapped arrester" and one experience in Europe including a combination of line surge arrester and controlled switching of the line circuit breaker. In both cases the returns of experience have been found very satisfactory.

Preferential Subject 2: Management of ageing high voltage equipment (assets) Monitoring & Diagnostics:

In report A3-201 the Australian experience and policy with large scale monitoring has been dealt with, the robust philosophy is based on an asset management driven approach, efficiency, rather than technology driven. The same approach applies to the Indian experience. The Australian contribution explained the monitoring policy of two major utilities; one utility is installing remote condition infrastructure at all new substations and upgraded substations. The other utility have a policy based on the importance of substations. Both of them apply a monitoring on the secondary equipment, but one of them applies a cost / benefit's approach to decide. The second contribution from an Indian utility explained the implementation of Condition Assessment Test called dynamic contact resistance measurement (DCRM), 40 circuit breakers have been detected by DCRM method and thereby avoiding a major failure. As shown in report A3-202, the IR thermography is far more complex than expected, but as that was explained in most cases the application in service can be kept simple. In addition other methods can be used like UV corona, in order to supplement or to improve the IR thermography method.

On site calibration: IT calibration is becoming more and more a demand, due to the deregulation of the electrical energy market. Two alternative technologies were presented, the traditional galvanic R-C divider and the optical voltage transducer. The in service calibration, represents the real stresses in service but all conditions are not fulfilled for example to provide a calibration certificate. Both technologies offer advantages, which are: No outage needed, the entire chain is checked, wide dynamic range. There are some additional advantages for the optical one: Easier to transport and to connect, no capacitive current absorbed

Service Experience: Based on the bad service experience with grading capacitors in Norway, as reported in 2004, the Norwegians have decided to replace all the grading capacitors during the normal 20/25 years revision. It was decided to limit the maintenance to a visual inspection only and in addition, to use a controlled switching to the all shunt-reactor circuit breakers. The CIGRE WG A3.18 presented a summary of their work on grading capacitors, a compilation of stresses will be issued, the failure rate, causes of failures and ceramic capacitors will be considered. A good service experience was reported by a manufacturer concerning a large number of 420kV circuit breaker (double chamber) without grading capacitors. A summary of the work done by CIGRE TFA3.01 and IEC MT 40 concerning the electrical endurance test for CB was discussed. An IEC draft document, will be issued with a reduced number of endurance test program compared to the present technical report. The aim of the electrical endurance test program is to qualify the breaker for a service life of 25 years without maintenance of its primary parts. A contribution was presented by the WG A3.06 "worldwide survey of reliability in service of HV equipments". The demand of the WG is, to use the IEC 60694 definition in answering to the questionnaire for "Major Failure". A major failure must not be defined by its impact on the system, but to the equipment itself, which fail to perform a key function. A contribution from JAPAN, has mentioned that maintenance experience, monitoring and knowledge of the ageing process are all equally important to assess the equipment's residual life. The investigation of failures and ageing phenomena should be undertaken in close cooperation between utilities and manufacturers and even within CIGRE, in order to optimise the reliability, the maintenance and the end of life.

Preferential Subject 3: Extreme Stresses:

Climate stresses: An answer to the question concerning the gas mixture SF6/CF4 performance for capacitive testing was presented by a test laboratory. The results based on real tests and current zero measurement on gas mixture were presented. Although, they found a quite large post-arc current for the mixture SF6/CF4, it showed excellent dielectric and breaking characteristics. A good service experience with breakers that have type-tested on room temperature with a gas mixture density equivalent to the minimum functional pressure was reported by the Canadian paper.

The longitudinal insulation for generator CB was discussed. The longitudinal insulation of generator CB can be very critical, if the applied voltage across contacts can reach twice, the phase to ground voltage for a relatively long time. The longitudinal insulation of CB during cables switching and capacitor banks can be also critical.

Transient stresses: TRV. The amendment 2 of IEC 62271-100 has been accepted and TRV requirements, harmonised with IEEE are now in place. These new requirements can create some difficulties for large tests labs where TRV and load circuits are often situated in separate buildings with high stray capacitances. High short-circuit currents and DC components have been addressed. The rule of thumb to assess the circuit breaker performance, according to the draft application guide, has been given. A Brazilian contribution, discussed the point of a high DC component and therefore a high X/R ratio, which are linked to the integration of new independent power generations (IPP). Another subject was presented concerning the experience gained in Brazil with the use of Current Limiting Reactors for short circuit limitation. Some studies are under consideration to apply it at new substations in order to avoid the substitution of the present CB. The impact of shunt capacitor bank in the vicinity of circuit breakers was discussed. A French utility presented its studies and its service experiences as well as the cost estimation of the dumping system which are about 30% the cost of the capacitor. Concerning the out of phase angles in radial systems, Brazil presented a solution to limit the TRV. They use special protection relays (impedance relays), to trip in such a way that the interruption occurs either far before or far after the phase angle around 180 A new synthetic test for full pole testing was presented by a test lab enabling to test 800kV circuit breakers on all duties full-pole with the circuit breakers on ground potential. IEC's policy for extreme temporary over voltages was given, which is to use the next higher rating. But, Japan on the contrary, the experts are studying the possibility to increase their 550kV network partly to 600kV; These results will be taken into consideration by WG A3.19. WG A3.13 presented the scope of the future technical brochure, which will take into account of the special stresses on equipments on long UHV's transmission systems, which should be a basis of common information for extending the standards to cover the new requirements.

Testing: Application of series compensation capacitor bank has been discussed; a series capacitor bank is protected by a MOV which is protected by a spark gap. The spark gap is itself protected by a by pass circuit breakers and this is protected by a current limiting reactor. These last 3 components have been successfully tested in a test lab. An expert mentioned the possibility to omit the spark gap, but another expert immediately pointed out a bad experience without spark gap. Regarding the metal oxide varistors (MOV), the need of pressure relief test was discussed. Such test is very expensive, as the capacitor bank has to be build. A new development using polymer housed completely folded and reinforced, varistors show a far less dangerous behaviour under short circuit tests. It was suggested to revise the standard to suppress the pressure relief test for polymer housed MOV. Generator circuit breakers, it is expected that soon the new edition of IEEEC37.013 will be accepted. The amendment 1 covers cases of generators from 10 to 100 MVA. Out of phase test for generator circuit breakers, the test is based of an angle of 90 degrees. Some expert mentioned that for very small generator with low inertia and for very large generators an angle of 180 degrees might be required.