SC B3

Preferential Subject No. 1: CIGRE SC B3 Berlin 2007 http : //www.cigre-berlin-2007.org Substation 2020, new substation layouts using GIS, Hybrid and compact GIS

Dead Tank based Compact Switchgear Optimized High Voltage Substation Equipment for 145 kV Dr. Hartmut KNOBLOCH Siemens AG Germany Peter STENZEL Siemens AG Germany

SUMMARY
Gas insulated switchgear (GIS) in urban areas and air insulated switchgear (AIS) in rural areas are integral parts of power transmission and distribution. The interim sphere for rural areas can be filled by compact switchgear-solutions like Highly Integrated Switchgear (HIS) or Dead Tank based Compact switchgear (DTC). Depending on the customers demands a factor analysis considering substation design and space limits as well as terminal conditions or operational requirements allows to make the choice for the right solution in each single case. While the Siemens HIS is an outdoor type gasinsulated switchgear system (GIS), the Siemens DTC is an air-insulated switchgear assembly, combining a dead tank type circuit-breaker with disconnectors, earthing switches and instrument-transformers, forming a compact composite configuration for airinsulated switchgear-installations. Requirements of multiple switchgear layouts can be met with the basic DTC components and flexible extension components. This makes it possible to create various switchgear layouts which can be realized with a minimum of engineering effort. All components used are tested according to IEC standards. All routine testing is performed in accordance with the latest IEC and ANSI standards. In addition, shipped poles fit on a standard truck or container. The installation of the entire module requires only a few hours. On-site tests are comparable to those used for live tank breakers. The economical compact design guarantees low investment costs and low operating costs for the customer and is a further step towards optimized asset management. All variations of the DTC are based on products in the existing Siemens product portfolio. The combination of well established products guarantees high reliability of the DTC equipment. Predefined DTC modules for 145 kV which are herein described are the basis for further single lines and substation layouts.

KEYWORDS
Dead Tank Compact, modular design, customer benefit, optimized asset management

hartmut.knobloch@siemens.com

1. INTRODRUCTION
Today, power transmission and distribution is a vital issue. One of the key elements is the high voltage substation. The Siemens dead tank based compact switchgear, Dead Tank Compact (DTC), incorporates various devices with different functions in a substation into one piece of equipment. All variations of the DTC are based on products in the existing Siemens product portfolio. The core component of the DTC is the dead tank circuit breaker with current transformers, which has been recognized as a well established product for years. All components of the disconnectors and earthing switches are taken from the Siemens GIS product family and from the AIS portfolio. The result is a compact space-saving design in comparison to a conventional air insulated substation for 145 kV. DTC needs much less external insulators than traditional AIS. Because of the use of SF6-encapsulated disconnectors all well known problems with air-insulated devices (uncovered contacts in polluted areas near the sea or in cold countries) are solved. The compact design of DTC leads to a good earthquake withstand. Fig. 1 shows the grade of encapsulation and the integration of functions of different switchgear solutions. The DTC is a combined product solution between single installation units like circuit breaker, disconnectors, earthing switches and current/voltage transformers for conventional air insulated switchgear (AIS) and gas insulated switchgear systems like GIS or HIS (Highly Integrated Switchgear). The compact setup of the DTC solution saves about 40 % in floor space compared to the conventional AIS equipped with Dead Tank Circuit Breaker (Fig. 2). This is a benefit for switchgear operators in the event of new installations and it also offers the possibility to upgrade switchgear within the existing floor plan. Compact solutions also require shorter erection time on-site and less effort for installation than a conventional air insulated substation. This outlines a special advantage for the extension of existing AIS substations with limited space.

Figure 1 Position of DTC between AIS and HIS/GIS

Figure 2 H-Layout of a conventional 145 kV AIS (l.) compared to a DTC solution (r.)

2. THE MODULAR DESIGN CONCEPT

All assemblies of the DTC are based on products in our existing product portfolio. The customer benefits greatly from the highly flexible use of predefined and multi-extendable modules which guarantee less engineering effort for various substation layouts. The basic DTC concept offers in-/outmodules, single and double bus bar modules and combined disconnecting modules. In addition to the aforementioned compact and modular designs, further single lines and substation layouts can be implemented. All parts, excluding the primary terminal plates, are encapsulated in grounded cast aluminium housings. The pole assemblies are filled with pressurized SF6 and fixed on a common base frame. Fig. 3 shows typical arrangements with bushings on the incoming and outgoing side, the circuit-breaker and the three position switches for disconnection and earthing functions. The circuitbreaker has a common stored-energy spring drive mechanism. The control cabinet for the circuitbreaker, the three position switch and the terminals of the current transformers are located in front of the switchgear module. A linkage fitted between the poles connects the three position switches to the drive mechanism.

In-/out-variant

Single busbar variant

Double busbar variant

Circuit-breaker with combined function and outdoor earthing switch

Figure 3 Selected switchgear module arrangements of DTC for 145 kV

The self-compression arc-quenching principle /1/ is applied in the DTC circuit-breakers. The arc energy is used to support the interruption of the fault circuit breaking current. This leads to a reduction of the energy required for the operating mechanism. The components of the interrupter unit and the stored-energy spring drive mechanism are both adopted from the well established 3AP circuit-breaker family /2/. The disconnector/earthing switch is based on the design of Siemens GIS components, mainly movable contacts, insulators, shafts and levers, which have the same function. They have proved their reliability in operation over many years. The motor drive, also using a modular design, is an established and reliable component garnered from the range of GIS disconnector/earthing switch products. It can be assembled as a disconnector, a disconnector/earthing switch or an earthing switch/disconnector/earthing switch module (Fig. 4). Due to a 3-position-switch arrangement consisting of earthing switch and disconnector, the interlocking device is activated automatically as a result of the design. No extra interlocking is necessary.

Disconnector

Earthing/disconnector switch

Earthing/disconnector/ earthing switch

Figure 4 Modular design of disconnector/earthing switch for 145 kV The DTC is equipped with conventional type current transformers. The existing CT housing accommodates many combinations of ring type core placements with different ratings. Cores for measuring and protection are available. The current transformer is located between the circuit-breaker and the disconnector/earthing switch. This is equivalent to the location of current transformers in AIS. DTC switchgear is connected to the overhead lines and busbars by SF6 insulated air bushings. A conductor and a shield electrode are fixed inside the bushing. The insulator is available in either porcelain or composite materials, the latter consisting of epoxy impregnated fiberglass tube with silicon rubber sheds. However, the versions with outdoor earthing switches are equipped with porcelain bushings.

3. STANDARD VARIANTS
The concept of the DTC is to provide an economical compact design and create further options for the operator. The most important predefined modules for 145 kV, which are the basis for further different layouts realizable with a minimum of engineering effort (see Fig. 5), are described as follows: The In-/Out-Variant represents the basic module: A dead tank circuit-breaker with current transformer on the incoming side and earthing/disconnector switch on the outgoing side. If further disconnector/earthing switches on the line-side or busbar-side are required, the Single Busbar-Variant offers the right solution. A combination of earthing switch/disconnecting and earthing switch is also available. Special high speed earthing switches are unnecessary for defined application (earthing of overhead lines and the DTC itself). The integrated Earthing Switches are safer than portable grounding rods due to advances in the field of contact materials which are used in the DTC. They are located in one common housing shown in Fig. 4. The DTC can also be used as a Double Busbar-Variant. Gastight insulating partitions are available upon request. They divide each device into functionally distinct gas compartments (circuit-breaker and disconnector). This arrangement does justice to the fundamental idea of a double busbar: In the event of a failure in one busbar or a fault inside one disconnector, further operation is possible with the second busbar, and the entire bay does not have to be exchanged in the event of possible repair work. The gas compartments are under constant monitoring by means of density monitors with an integrated indicator; any nonconformity is

immediately signaled. The SF6 bushing can be delivered in porcelain or epoxy design, identical to those used in other GIS devices. A further version is the Circuit-Breaker with combined function for Circuit Breaker and Disconnector and outdoor Earthing Switches attached on both sides of the module. The features include a simple and compact substation layout, a visible indication of the earthing contact position, no creepage currents across the insulators and the use of conventional Current Transformers. The module can be equipped with earthing switches on both sides of the DTC, which are adopted from well proven Siemens disconnector products. They can be operated either by motor or by hand. The earthing switches and drives are mounted on a common base frame. In comparison to a traditional substation of individual components, complete control of the equipment is attainable with our DTC.

In-/Out-Variant

Single Bus Bar-Variant

Double Bus Bar-Variant

Circuit-Breaker with combined function and outdoor earthing switch

Figure 5 Cross sectional view and single line diagrams of selected switch-gear modules for 145 kV

4. INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND TESTS

Concerning type tests, the confirmation of all technical standards for the components used was done according to IEC 62271-205 /3/. Additionally, several tests according to relevant IEC standards were performed on circuit-breakers and disconnector/earthing switches /4/ (Fig. 6). Some tests during the development stages, according to IEC 62271-100 /5/, exceed the condition checks proposed by this standard, thus guaranteeing high operation reliability in the field. The tests performed contain combinations of high power breaking tests with short circuit currents, mechanical switching and dielectric tests. Modules consisting of circuit-breakers with combined function were additionally tested in accordance to IEC 62271-108 /6/. The whole procedure has enabled the DTC to fulfill the common specifications of IEC 62271-1 /7/. All type tests specified by the relevant IEC standards have been passed. Fig. 7 shows as an example of the climatic test of a 145 kV DTC with ice-load.

IEC 62271-205 (CDV)

Assemblies of hv devices

IEC 62271-100
Alternating current circuit-breakers

IEC 62271-108
Disconnecting circuit-breakers

IEC 62271-102
Disconnectors and earthing switches

IEC 62271-1 (60694)

Common specifications

Figure 6 IEC Test-Standards (IEC 62271-108 is only valid for modules consisting of circuitbreakers with combined function)

The main components of the compact switchgear are subject to complete pre-acceptance pressure testing before assembly. Based on this high level of quality, it is possible to guarantee a leakage rate of less than 0.5 % per year for the switchgear modules. Routine testing is performed in accordance with the latest IEC or ANSI standards which include the following operations and measurements, among others: Series of 100 mechanical switching cycles, switching time determination, tripping and motor currents, gas monitoring, testing of control circuits in accordance with the circuit diagram, voltage drop of the main conducting path and high voltage tests. Fig. 8 shows a 145 kV DTC during dielectric routine tests.

Figure 7 Climatic tests with ice-load

Figure 8 Dielectric routine tests

5. TRANSPORTATION AND ON-SITE ASSEMBLY

All shipped poles of the DTC modules are pre-filled with SF6. No special packing or arrangements are needed, as the DTC fits on a standard truck, as shown in Fig. 9. This does also apply for the transport with container (Fig. 10). The on-site erection is simple because there are so few shipping units for each module; therefore, installation requires only a few hours. As a result of shipping SF6 pre-filled poles, only a short time is required to fill the module to the accurate service pressure. The on-site tests are comparable to those of live tank breakers. They are limited to mechanical functional testing of circuit-breaker, disconnector and earthing switch only, measurement of the moisture content and functional testing of control and auxiliary equipment.

Figure 9 DTC 145 kV transport by truck of module with combined function circuit-breaker and outdoor earthing switches (left) and of other modules with gas-insulated disconnector/earthing switches (right)

Figure 10 DTC 145 kV container transport of module with combined function circuit-breaker and outdoor earthing switches (left) and of other modules with gas-insulated disconnector/earthing switches (right)

6. REDUCTION OF LIFE CYCLE COSTS

The economical compact design of the Siemens DTC guarantees low investment costs and low operating costs for the customer. Low investment costs are due to an economical switchgear layout resulting from reasonably priced equipment due to standardized modules and simple supply respectively simple on site erection low building costs because no buildings are necessary, the system consists of fewer single pieces of equipment, resulting in fewer needed foundations low costs of building sites because space-saving compact and combined switchgear are used. low engineering work for the substation layout because of standardization low cost for erection and commissioning of factory tested modules Low operating costs are due to low maintenance costs with long maintenance intervals and long operating times low failure costs thanks to high reliability and encapsulated components low breakdown costs thanks to high reliability and partitioned functions in individual gas compartments

SUMMARY
The Siemens Dead Tank Compact (DTC) technology closes the gap between gas-insulated switchgear (GIS/HIS) and conventional air-insulated switchgear (AIS). Thanks to features like its prefabricated modules and high reliability it offers a space-saving solution that allows flexible use in various substation layouts. The economical compact design guarantees low investment costs and low operating costs for the customer and is a further step towards optimized asset management.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] Siemens AG: "Offenlegungsschrift 2316009". Deutsches Patentamt 1973 Marin, H.; Knobloch, H.; Schramm, H.; Stenzel, P.: "The dynamic self compression hv SF6 circuit breaker for high ratings". MatPost '99, Lyon (France), 18/19 Nov. 1999 IEC 62271-205: "Assemblies of high voltage devices" (17C/386/CDV) IEC 62271-102: "High voltage alternating current disconnectors and earthing switches IEC 62271-100: "Alternating current circuit breakers" IEC 62271-108: "High voltage a.c. disconnecting circuit breakers for rated voltages above 1 kV up to 72.5 kV and above" IEC 62271-1: "Common specifications"