Understanding Insulation Coordination 2015

Insulation Coordination
in the Alberta Interconnected Electric System

Part 1
Ligong Gan, P.Eng.
Transmission Engineering & Performance
Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)
AGENDA
• Why do we need insulation?
• What is insulation coordination?
• Recap of May 13/15 2014 Course by Dr. Peelo

– Temporary over-voltages
– Switching over-voltages
– Lightning over-voltages
• Typical approaches to insulation coordination
• IEEE and IEC standards
• Q&A
2
Before Lightning Rod was Invented…
• Lightning has always been a prominent part of all ancient religions

and mythologies in the world
• In the old days, lightning was considered an act of god(s) to
express their anger
• For example
 In the Middle Ages in Europe, it was common practice to ring church
bells during a lightning storm to break up thunderstorms and to avert
lightning
 The uneducated people believed that this would disperse evil spirits,
while the more educated believed that it would cause vibration in air
which broke up the continuity of the lightning path
 However, during a 33 year period, 386 church steeples were hit by
lightning, killing 103 bell ringers at the rope
3
Characteristics of Lightning
• 2000 lightning occurrences on the earth by

the time you finish reading this slide
• A lightning flash typically lasts for 0.2s
• Usually made of several shorter discharges,
each of which lasts for 10 to 50 µs
• Typical length of lightning path is 2-3 km
• Individual discharges are called “strokes”
• Most visible when return stroke occurs
• Lightning bolt can carry a potential
difference of >1000 kV and >100 kA with
>20 GJ
4
Lightning Facts of Alberta
• In an average year, 270,000 cloud-to-ground (CG)

lightning strikes occur in Alberta (in contrast, Manitoba
has only 70,000 per year)
• Most CG lightning occurs in the mountain and west-
central areas
• Virtually all CG lightning strikes occur in July (45%),
August (32%) and June (23%)
• On a typical day, most lightning strikes happen between
3:00 pm and 11:00 am
Source – Alberta
• Average lightning strike density in Alberta is only 0.8 to Environment and
1 s/km2 Sustainable Resource
Development (ESRD)
• The worst strike density is about 4 website
s/km2, mainly in two areas, one 20

km north of Edson, and the other
50 km southeast of Edson
• The least density is 0.1 s/km2 in
the north and far southeast
5
Power Industry Structure in Alberta
Minister of Energy
(Appoints AESO Board Members, MSA & AUC Chair)
Electric Utilities Act
Balancing Independent Alberta Utilities Market

System Surveillance
Pool Commission (AUC)
Operator Administrator
(AESO) (MSA)
Transmission Distribution
Generators Retailers
Facility Owners Facility Owners
6
What is AESO?
The AESO –
• Was formed in 2003 under the Electric
Utilities Act (EUA)
• Contracts with TFOs to acquire transmission

services
• Develops and publishes binding ISO rules

and standards
• Develops and issues Functional

Specifications for projects
• Works closely with TFOs and market

participants on transmission projects
7
Why Do We Need Insulation?
1. Public and utility

personnel safety
2. Ensure current flows

only along conductors
3. Prevent damage to
equipment due to high
voltage. In particular,
prevent or reduce
permanent damage to
– Transformers
– Cables
8
How Insulation Breakdown Takes Place
• Chemical – Oxidation, hydrolysis, etc.

• Mechanical – Cracks, channels, tracks, deforming, etc.
• Thermal – Overheating (e.g., transformers are generally
limited to 2 seconds over-current)
Typical failure rate of equipment due to insulation breakdown
Failure Rate Failure Rate
HV xformers 0.1% Cables ≥ 25 kV 83% of all failures
LV xformers 0.15% CTs 0.35%
HV shunt reactors 0.4% PTs 0.2%
HV breakers 0.09% Surge arresters 0.01%
Source: Research conducted by Bueno & Mak Group.
9
Insulation Coordination – Definition
IEEE 1313.1 – The selection of the insulation strength of equipment in

relation to the voltages, which can appear on the system for which the
equipment is intended and taking into account the service
environment and the characteristics of the available protective devices
IEC 60071-01 – Selection of the dielectric strength of equipment in
relation to the operating voltages and over-voltages which can appear
on the system for which the equipment is intended, taking into
account the service environment and the characteristics of the
available preventing and protective devices
Plain Language – Arrangement of insulation levels in such a manner
that an insulation failure, if one occurs, would be confined to the place
on the system where it would result in the least damage, be the least
expensive to repair and cause the least disturbance to the continuity
of supply
10
Insulation Coordination (cont.)
Keep in Mind
• It’s impossible to design a
system that is 100% protected
• No perfect solution – practicality

is the key
Number of insulator units
• Insulation coordination is both

an art and science
• Insulation coordination is often

an economic decision
Over-Voltage
11
An Example of Insulation Coordination
• Tower type  steel

• Shielding wire  Yes
• Line BIL = 1050 kV
• Transformer BIL = 850 kV
• Breaker BIL = 1050 kV
Arrester • Switch & post insulators BIL
Breaker
= 900 kV
Transformer
• Arrester
Tower & Line
– Continuous voltage = 190 kV
240 kV system
– Discharge voltage = 600 kV
• Separation distance  3 m
between arrester & xformer
(as per IEEE C62.22)
12
Recap of May 13/15 2014 Course
“Insulation Coordination” by Dr. Peelo
• The following voltages are always phase-to-phase r.m.s.

values
– Nominal system voltage
– Minimum continuous operating voltage
– Maximum continuous operating voltage (MCOV)
• The following voltage is phase-to-ground r.m.s. value
– Short-duration low-frequency withstand voltage
• The following voltages are phase-to-ground (sometimes
phase-to-phase) peak values
– Lightning impulse insulation withstand voltage
– Switching impulse insulation withstand voltage
13
• Nominal system voltage – the phase-to-phase

r.m.s. voltage by which the system is designed. It’s
generally 10% below the maximum system voltage
as defined below
• Maximum continuous operating voltage (MCOV) –
the highest phase-to-phase r.m.s. voltage under
normal operating conditions
– AESO’s reliability standards (TPL and VAR in particular)
– AESO’s “Transmission Planning Criteria and Guidelines” specifies
Steady State Voltage Criteria (Table 8.2-1) for transmission elements
– MCOV = Extreme Maximum Voltage in AESO’s Functional Spec
14
What Is MCOV?
• Highest voltage under “normal” operating conditions
• Highest voltage for which equipment is designed for

satisfactory continuous operation without intended
derates
• In defining MCOV, voltage transients and short

duration temporary over-voltages are normally
excluded
• However, voltage transients and temporary over-

voltages may affect equipment operating
performance and should be considered in design
15
Acceptable Range of Voltages in the AIES
Extreme Normal Normal Extreme

Nominal
Minimum Minimum Maximum Maximum
(kV)
(kV) (kV) (kV) (kV)
69/72 62 69 76 79
138 124 135 145 152
144 130 137 151 155
240 216 234 252 264
260 234 247 266 275
500 475 500 525 550
Note: Extreme Maximum kV = MCOV (as mentioned previously)
16
• Over-Voltage – Any voltage that exceeds the MCOV.

Often expressed in p.u. with reference to the peak
phase-to-ground maximum voltage
1 p.u. = MCOV × 2÷ 3
• Critical flashover (CFO) voltage – A voltage with a
given waveform that causes flashover on 50% of all
tests
The breakdown of most insulation materials is basically probabilistic in
nature. It often follows a normal (Gaussian) distribution. The CFO is
simply the mean value of the statistical distribution.
17
“Understanding Grounding” by Dr. Xu
At any point of a network,

3
• If-1 can be times of I f-3
𝐾+2
3(1+𝐾+𝐾2)
• TOV can be times of rated V (MCOV)
𝐾+2
𝑍0
Where 𝐾 =
𝑍1
When 𝐾 <3 Effectively grounded (as per IEEE and IEC)
18
• Representative over-voltage (Urp) – A voltage that

produces the same dielectric effect on insulation as over-
voltages of a given class occurring in services
(There are up to four representative over-voltages in a power system)
• Coordination withstand voltage (Ucw) – for each class of
voltage, the value of the withstand voltage of the insulation
configuration in actual service conditions, that meets the
performance criteria
(Adjusted Urp considering inaccuracy of initial data)
• Required withstand voltage (Urw) – the test voltage that
the insulation must withstand in a standard withstand test to
ensure that the insulation meets the performance criteria
when subjected to a given class of over-voltages in actual
service conditions and for the whole service duration
(Adjusted Ucw considering the difference between standard test
conditions and real-life operating conditions)
19
• Coordination factor (Kc) – the factor by which the value of Urp

must be multiplied to arrive at the value of Ucw
Ucw = Urp x Kc
• Atmospheric correction factor (Ka) – the factor to be applied to

Ucw to account for the actual atmospheric conditions (applies
only to external insulation)
• Safety factor (Ks) – the factor to be applied to Ucw to account for
the actual service conditions
• Test conversion factor (Ktc) – the factor to be applied to Urw in a
given over-voltage class, in the case where the standard
withstand shape of the selected withstand test is that of a
different over-voltage class
20
• Conventional (deterministic) BIL or BSL – the insulation

strength expressed in terms of the crest value of a
standard lightning impulse (for BIL) or a standard
switching impulse (for BSL) for which the insulation shall
not exhibit ANY disruptive discharge (generally
applicable to non-self-restorable insulations)
– Applicable to non-self-restoring insulation
• Statistical BIL or BSL – the insulation strength expressed

in terms of the crest value of a standard lightning impulse
(for BIL) or a standard switching impulse (for BSL) for
which the insulation exhibits a 10% probability of failure
(generally applicable to self-restorable insulations)
– Applicable to self-restoring insulation
21
Basic Impulse Level (BIL or

BSL)
The crest voltage of a standard wave
(either a 1.2/50 impulse or a 250/2500
impulse) that will not (or in 90% of the 1.2/50
tests, will not) cause a flashover of the
insulation is referred to as “Basic Impulse
Level or BIL”
The insulation strength of equipment as

tested should be equal or above the BIL
as specified in an AESO’s Functional
Spec
250/2500
22
How the BIL (or BSL) is Determined
BIL or BSL
Test conversion
factor Ktc
Required withstand voltage Urw

Atmospheric factor Ka
Safety factor Ks
Coordination withstand voltage Ucw
Coordination factor Kc
Representative over-voltage Urp
MCOV
(between 5% and 10%)
Nominal voltage (138/144/240/500 kV)
Ground
23
Standard lightning impulse voltage waveform Standard switching impulse voltage waveform
Very fast front short duration over-voltage Temporary over-voltage

24
Margins of Protection
5
Magnitude of over-voltage pu
0
Fast-front over-voltage Slow-front over-voltage Temporary over-voltage Continuous operating
(Lightning, s) (Switching, s to ms) (seconds to minutes) voltage (life time)
25
26
Temporary Over Voltage (TOV)
• An oscillatory phase-to-ground or phase-to-phase over-voltage, at a
given location and of relatively long duration (1s to 10s), is undamped or
only weakly damped
• TOV level establishes the rating of surge arrestors
• The general rule is that surge arresters should not activate at TOV but
will activate when experiencing higher voltages
Major causes of TOV

• Load rejection
• Ground faults
• Resonance phenomena or harmonics
• Line energization/deenergization
Duration of TOV
• Typically 1s to 10s (or minutes in extreme cases)
27
Surges and Transient Over-Voltages
A short-duration highly damped,

oscillatory or non-oscillatory over-
voltage, having a duration of a few
milliseconds or less. Transient
over-voltage is normally classified
as one of the following types
• Slow front
• Fast front
• Very fast front
28
Surges and Transient Over-Voltages (contd.)
• Slow front (20 µs to 5 ms)

– Line energization/deenergization
– Faults or load rejection
– Switching of capacitors/reactors
• Fast front (0.1 µs to 20 µs)
– Lightning
– Switching operations
• Very fast front (1 ns to 0.1 µs)
– Switching of disconnects or circuit
breakers (typically with GIS
applications)
29
Class and Shapes of Over-Voltage and Tests
Source: IEC 60071-2 30

Over-Voltages Amplitudes
Power-Frequency Temporary Switching Over-Voltage

Over-Voltage
• Slow front 30-300 s
• Generally  10s Tail @ 50%: 100-2000s
SLG faults <1.5 pu
Ferranti effect <1.3 pu Energizing lines 1.5-2 pu
Load rejection < 1.4 pu Re-energizing lines 3-3.4 pu
Resonance > 2 pu Switching no-load xformr > 2 pu
Energization/re-energ. < 1.5 pu Switching reactor > 2 pu
Stuck breaker pole < 2 pu Switching capacitors 1.5-2 pu
Fault interruption 1.5 pu
Lightning Over-Voltage
• Fast front 1-6 s > 5 pu
Tail @ 50%: 50 s
31
Typical Insulation Coordination Studies
Transmission substation insulation coordination study
• Primary purpose is to determine the location of lightning masts, location and rating
of surge arresters, the mitigation techniques such as pre-insertion breakers, point-
on-wave breaker control, current-limiting reactors, and to determine appropriate
protection relay settings
• Look at all sources of surge over-voltages: Temporary over-voltage, switching
surge and lightning surge
• Determine the probabilities and protection margins for all transients entering the
substation
Transmission line insulation coordination study
• Primary intention is to determine
– Location of arresters if back flashover is of a concern
– Necessity and location of arresters if the terminal breakers do not have pre-insertion
resistors
Power plant (including WAGF) or user-owned substation IC study
• Typically performed by the owner of the power plant or substations
• Similar to transmission substation insulation coordination study for the substations
• Primary intention is to determine grounding requirement and location of surge
arresters
32
Over-Voltage Protection Devices
Surge Pre-Insertion
arrester Resistor
Grounding
Shielding wire
More insulation
Controlled closing
33
Characteristics of SiC and ZnO Arresters
Characteristics
of different
surge arresters
34
Selection of Surge Arresters
• Location
• Maximum continuous operating voltage
• Amplitude and shape of over-voltages
• Nominal discharge current
• Residual voltage at the nominal discharge
current
• Energy absorbing capability (Arrester class)
• Surge impedance and/or capacitance of the
protected equipment
35
Selection of Surge Arresters
Example – Find a suitable lightning arrester for a 240 kV transformer.
For the transformer, MCOV = 264 kV (=240×110%) and BIL = 850 kV (as per AESO FS)
Therefore, the arrester’s voltage rating (Vr) and continuous operating voltage (Vc) is ≥153 kV
(= 264 ÷ 3)
The following arresters can be chosen:

Voltage Rating (kV rms) TOV Max Residual Voltage (kV peak)
(kV rms) SPL (1 kA) SPL (2 kA) LPL (5 kA) LPL (10 kA)
Vr Vc (10 sec) 30/60 µs 30/60 µs 8/20 µs 8/20 µs
210 156 231 417 433 469 494
240 191 264 476 495 536 564
276 221 303 547 569 617 648
Insulation strength (BIL) = 850 kV

Therefore, protective margin = (850/564 – 1) = 0.51 or 51% (which is >25%)
Assuming an effectively grounded system, and the power frequency over-voltage is limited
to no more than 40% at the arrester,
so MCOV × 140% = 153 × 140% = 214 kV (which is less than 264 kV)
36
Procedure for Insulation Coordination
• Transient analysis & simulation

•
•
•
Origin and level of over-voltages
Statistical distribution of over-voltages
Protective level of arresters
Determination of representative
over-voltage Urp

• Insulation characteristics
• Determine contamination severity
• Verification of data and assumptions
Kc
• Determine coordination factor Kc
Determination of coordination
withstand voltage Ucw

• Determine altitude correction factor Ka
• Determine safety factor Ks Ka Ks
Determination of required
withstand voltage Urw

• Determine test conversion factor Ktc
• Determine level and range of Uw (for Ktc
both internal and external)
Rated or standard
insulation level Uw

37
Differences between IEEE and IEC
• Both IEEE 1313 and IEC 60071 are excellent reference standards
• Procedures and methodologies in both standards are same or similar
• In many cases IEEE 1313 cites directly IEC 60071 recommendations
• The differences are minor and subtle
IEEE 1313 IEC 60071
Nomenclature BIL, SIL LIWV, SIWL, ACWV

Detailed with more
Detail Tend to be concise
examples
Generally more Generally more
Performance criteria
“aggressive” “conservative”
MCOV ≥ 15 kV ≥ 1 kV
38
Typical Nominal, Minimum, MCOV and BIL
Values in AESO’s Functional Specification
Nominal Minimum MCOV BIL

(kV) (kV) (kV) (kV)
25 23 28 150
69 62 79 350
138 124 152 650
144 130 155 650
240 216 264 1050
500 475 550 1800
39
Insulation Coordination for Transmission Lines
Transmission Line Insulation Coordination Involves

• Shielding angle of the shielding wire
• Clearance of conductors
• Selection of the type and length of insulators
Keep in Mind
• Shielding Failure Flashover Rate (SFFOR) and Back Flashover Rate (BFR)
are two typical design criteria – typical SFFOR is 0.05 f/100km-yr and BFR
is 1 f/100km-yr
• The higher the tower and voltage, the smaller the shielding angle
• BFR impacts substation insulation requirements
• Contamination influences creepage distance (mm/kV) and consequently
the number of insulator units
• Generally, from an insulation perspective, transmission line reliability
performance is 10% of substation reliability criterion
40
Insulation Coordination for Substations
Substation Insulation Coordination Involves

• Determination of BILs for major equipment or equipment group
• Location of shielding masts and/or shielding wires
• Clearance of conductors
• Surge arresters – Rating, number & locations
Keep in Mind
• MTBF (and BFR) determine if line-entrance arresters are required
• Transformers and cables should always be primary concerns
• Protective margin is generally for non-self-restoring insulation
• Cost of equipment failure generally determines sequence of failure
• Gap configuration can change CFO level by 30%
• Lightning flash can be multiple strokes – longitudinal insulation
• There may be back-and-forth calculations/adjustments required
41
Protection and Insulation Coordination of
Substation Components
Substation Type
• Air-insulated substation
• Gas-insulated substation
Major Equipment
• Transformers
• Circuit breakers
• CTs and PTs
• Capacitors/Reactors
• Cables
42
Insulation Coordination between T and D
General Principles
• Similar to protection coordination between transmission
and distribution
• Should a surge result in insulation breakdown, it should

generally be on the distribution system first
• Interruptions to consumers are more confined and

localized, i.e., fewer customers impacted per event
• Distribution utilities are generally closer to the failed
equipment – faster response
43
Typical BIL Levels of Distribution Class &
Power Class
Voltage Distribution Power Class

(rms kV) Class BIL (kV) BIL (kV)
5 60 75
8.7 75 95
15 95 110
25 110 150
34.5 150 200
72 250 350
44
Insulation Coordination between T and G
Keep in Mind
• Rotating machines (incl. generators/motors) do not have BIL
ratings
• For conventional power plants, insulation coordination is primarily
between plant substation and TFO system
Wind Aggregated Generating Facility (WAGF):
• Most wind power plants in Alberta use 34.5 kV collector systems
• Most wind generators (WTGs) are not typically grounded
• Induction WTGs can continue to generate if sufficient capacitance
is present (self excitation) – voltage can be high
• As above, MCOV and TOV can become constraints for arresters
• Most WTGs use distribution class equipment (for economic
reasons) with up to 150 kV BIL
45
Insulation Coordination between
Transmission Lines and Substations
General Principles
• Insulation performance of overhead lines has a large impact on the
insulation performance of substations
– Re-energization operations
– Towers close to substations
• Transmission lines should be designed to enable no injection of

over-voltage in excess of the rated impulse withstand voltage of the
connecting substations into the substations
• In mountain areas, the reduction in Critical Flashover (CFO)

voltage due to higher elevations should be taken into account
• Substation insulation strength should be at least equal to line

insulation strength for switching surges if no line-side arresters
46
Things to Remember in Insulation Coordination
• The TFOs and Market Participants, not the equipment

manufacturers, are responsible for insulation coordination
studies
• There is nothing more important than “knowing your system
better”
• There is not always a “single best solution” to insulation
coordination
• Back-and-forth calculations and adjustments are often
needed in insulation coordination studies
• Deterministic approach should always be applied to non-
self-restoring equipment
• Statistical approach can be applied to self-restoring
equipment
• Surge arresters are generally not used to limit temporary
over-voltages (TOVs)
47
Things to Remember in Insulation Coordination
(cont’d)
• Basically, the basic impulse level (BIL) is equal to the
Representative Over-Voltage Urp with many correction factors on top
• Insulation coordination is both an art and science, and is often an
economic decision. Many parameters or requirements are conflicting
in reality.
Example – To reduce BFR of a transmission line
Option: increase conductor spacing and insulator units  larger tower  higher
cost and increased surge impedance  increased BFR
• Power system insulation is an ever-evolving field. More research
needs to be done to more fully understand the transient behavior of
lightning, switching surges, etc.
IEEE 1243 – Guide for Improving the Lightning Performance of Transmission Lines
says
– The methods for estimating the lightning performance of transmission lines show
several approaches to a real‐life engineering problem that is ill‐defined. Precise
constants are rarely known and are often not really constant, input data is difficult
to describe mathematically except in idealized ways
48
THANK YOU
Questions?
Insulation Coordination
in the Alberta Interconnected Electric System
Part 2
Ligong Gan, P.Eng.
Transmission Engineering & Performance
Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)
APIC Insulation Coordination – Agenda
• AESO’s role in transmission system

insulation coordination
• Evolution of BIL requirements in

Alberta
• Insulation Requirements in AESO’s

Functional Specifications
• Thoughts on Possible Future Changes

to Current BIL Levels
• Q&A
2
The Power Industry of Alberta
Generation Competition
Retail
Regulated
Transmission
Distribution
AESO
3
Power Industry Structure in Alberta
Minister of Energy
(Appoints AESO Board Members, MSA & AUC Chair)
Electric Utilities Act
Balancing Independent Alberta Utilities Market

System Surveillance
Pool Commission (AUC)
Operator Administrator
(AESO) (MSA)
Transmission Distribution
Generators Retailers
Facility Owners Facility Owners
4
AESO’s Core Functions
Transmission System Access System Operations

Provide access for both electricity Direct the reliable 24/7 operation of
generators, large industrial Alberta’s power grid
customers and distribution utilities
Transmission
Market Services
System Development
Develop and operateAlberta’s
real-time wholesale energy Plan the transmission grid to
market to facilitate fair, ensure continued reliability to
efficient and open competition facilitate a competitive market and
investments in new supply
5
Alberta’s Bulk Transmission System
240-500 kV (now and near future)
 Virtually all 240 kV lines

 The KEG loop (500 kV) Dover
Thickwood
 Two 500 kV HVDC lines between Wesley

Creek
Livock
Brintnell
Edmonton area and Calgary area

Conklin
McMillan
Leismer
Christina
Lake
Mitsue Heart
 Two 500 kV AC lines planned from

Lake
Little
Smoky Marguerite
Louise Lake
Creek Heathfield
Heartland
Edmonton area to Fort McMurray WhitefishLake

Deerland
Josephburg
Clover Bar
area
Wabamun
Sagitawah
Sundance
Bickerdike Sunnybrook
Keep-
Genesee Ellerslie
hills
 One 500 kV AC interconnection to Brazeau Battle

River
British Columbia
Metiskow
Hansman Lake
Cordel
Benalto Red Deer
Pemukan
 One 240 kV interconnection to

Sheerness
Anderson
Lanfine
Beddington
Montana
Crossing
Sarcee Janet Jenner
E. CalgaryShepard Langdon SC2
Bennett Empress
SS-65
Milo Cassils
West
Foothills Brooks
 One 150 MW (HVDC) Stavely

SC1
‘MATL’
Newell
Bowmanton
interconnection to Saskatchewan
Chapel Rock Peigan
Windy N. Lethbridge Whitla

Filder Flats
Etzikom
Goose Lake
Coulee
6
Alberta’s Existing Transmission System
Substations Xmission Lines (km)

Voltage (energized) (energized)
TFO Customer TFO Customer
69/72 kV 70 11 2,246 21
138/144 kV 403 57 12,824 282
240 kV 101 23 10,361 223
500 kV 8 602
Note: Circuit length (km) includes both overhead lines and undergroundcables
Evolution of Insulation Requirements in
Alberta Transmission System
 First 138 kV line – 80L from Ghost

Substation to Edmonton was built in
1929
 MCOV of the first 138 kV line 80L was
set at 145 kV (105%)
 Today – the following MCOV and BIL
levels are used:
138 kV 144 kV
MCOV 152 155
BIL (1) 550 550
BIL (2) 650 650
8
 First 230 kV line, between Wabamun
and Sarcee 42S was built in 1961
 MCOV of the first 230 kV line was set
at 242 kV
 Wabamun had to operate at 253 kV
in order to maintain acceptable
voltage at Sarcee
 Because of the circuit length (>450
km), special equipment with MCOV of
264 kV was installed at Wabamun
 The system was then classified as
“240 kV nominal voltage”
 BIL levels of 900 kV and 1050 kV
were chosen, assuming a grounding
factor of 1.4
9
 In 1986, first 500 kV tie-line 1201L,

between Langdon and Cranbrook (B.C.),
was built Thickwood
Dover
 In 1982, first intra-Alberta 500 kV line

Brintnel l Livock
1202L, between Keephills and Ellerslie, Heart

Lake
was built but operated at 240 kV Heartland

Heathfield
WhitefishLake
 In 2010, 1202L re-energized at 500 kV Sundance

Wabamun
Sunnybroo
k
CloverBar
Keep-
hills Genesee Ellerslie
 MCOV of 1201L/1202L was set at 550 kV

Hansman
Lake
 BIL of 1425/1550/1800 kV chosen for Pemukan
substations 89S/320P/102S ThermalPlant Crossing

Lanfine
Hydro Plant SC2

Shepard
Bennett
 Since around 2011, 1550/1800 kV

SS- 65
Existing 240kV Cassils
Existing 500 kV Foothill
Future 240kV s
Newell
Future 500 kV Stavely
became BIL levels for 500 kV system Future 500 kV HVDC
Chapel
SC1
‘MATL’
Bowmanto
n
Rock
AIES Filder
Windy
Flats
Whitla
Transmission System
Etzikom
500/240 kV System Overview Coulee
10
AESO’s Role in Transmission Insulation
Coordination
In general, AESO only defines functionality requirements
of transmission elements in its Functional Spec
 Operating conditions of equipment
 Input and desired output (for RASs etc.)
 Provides a direction (or guidance) for design
 Reference for equipment bidding and procurement
 Requirements (or guidance) for compliance with standards
A Functional Specification does not

 Define inner workings
 Specify the manufacturer to be used or avoided
 Dictate how equipment is procured
 Provide details of how equipment is installed
11
AESO’s Role in Transmission Insulation
Coordination (cont’d)
Typically, AESO’s Functional Spec contains

 Purpose
 Interpretation and Variances
 Project Overview
 Scope of work
 Standards
 Scope of work for TFO and Market Participant
 Transmission System Operating Characteristics
 Normal operating levels and constraints
 Emergency operating requirement
 Appendices
 Single line diagrams for substation configuration and SCADA
requirements
12
Some Relevant Rules & Standards
• ISO rule 502.1 – Wind Aggregated Generating Facilities Technical

Requirements
Section 21 provides lightning surge protection requirements for the collector
stations, and between collector substation and transmission line
• ISO rule 502.2 – Bulk Transmission Line Technical Requirements
Specifies the standards to be used in setting electrical clearances, the conditions
under which an insulation study is required, and the minimum insulation levels of a
bulk transmission line
The Information Document (ID) further provides detailed explanation as to how
insulation coordination is conducted, and the recommended BIL levels
• Generation & Load Interconnection Standard 2006
Section 2.3 sets out the general requirements for insulation studies and the
specific IEEE standard (P998) to be employed
• ARS FAC-001-AB – Facility Connection Requirements
Section R2.6 requires that the AESO’s interconnection requirement or project’s
Functional Spec must address insulation and insulation coordination
13
AESO’s Philosophy on Insulation Coordination
• AESO specifies rules & standards which set out

minimum technical requirements
• AESO provides minimum BIL levels without

distinguishing
– between BIL & BSL

– between conventional & statistical
• TFOs and market participants are required to

perform any and all insulation coordination
studies and determine appropriate insulation
levels
• TFOs and market participants are required to

coordinate with each other in setting equipment
insulation levels
14
AESO Rule 502.2 – Transmission Lines
• Section 14(2) – Shield wires must be installed on

138/240/500 kV AC or ±500 kV DC bulk transmission
lines
• Section 14(3) – Number and positioning of the shield
wires must be so as to produce lightning flashover rates
that are consistent with all reliability requirements of the
lines
• Section 17(5) – Electrical clearances for use with the
wind pressure values of Table 3 must be determined
from the application of the methodology outlined in IEEE
Standard 1313.2 “The Application of Insulation
Coordination”, for transmission line phase to ground
switching over voltages
15
• Section 21(7) – The minimum insulation levels for a bulk

transmission line and any 25 kV distribution line located on bulk
transmission line structures must be as set out in the following
table:
Nominal Voltage (kV) Critical Impulse Flashover CIFO (kV)

25 kV 165
138/144 kV 715
240 kV 1,155
• ID 2010-005R, Section 21 – Insulation levels for 500 kV AC or

±500 kV DC lines are determined from insulation studies carried
out for each such line, as part of the design process.
16
• ID 2010-005R, Section 21 – 25 kV insulation requirement

applies only to those 25 kV distribution lines placed on bulk
transmission line structures. 502.2 recognizes the need for
insulation coordination between circuits of different voltages
located on common structures
• ID 2010-005R, Section 21 – Insulation levels for 500 kV AC

or 500 kV HVDC lines are determined from insulation
studies carried out for each such line, as part of the design
process. Hence, 502.2 does not include insulation levels for
500 kV class lines
17
AESO Functional Specification
In the “Project Scope” section:
• (the legal owner of the transmission facility) shall

complete insulation coordination studies and coordinate
with the market participant as required to establish
appropriate insulation levels
• Undertake insulation, grounding, protection and
communication studies as necessary to accommodate the
proposed system additions and modifications
18
AESO Functional Specification
6.3 Insulation Levels

(1)The following provides the minimum required basic impulse levels for the
transmission system. Station equipment with lower insulation levels may be used
provided that protection and coordination can be maintained with judicious insulation
design and use of appropriate surge arresting equipment.
(2)For 25 kV circuit breakers where there is a grounded wye transformer and surge
arrestors are installed, a basic impulse level of 125 kV is acceptable.
Nominal Voltage (kV rms) 25 69/72 138/144 240 500
Station post insulators and airbreaks 150 350 550 900 1,550
Circuit breakers 150 350 650 1,050 1,800
Current and potential transformers 150 350 650 1,050 1,800
Transformer windings (with arresters) 150 350 550 850 1,550
19
Thoughts on Possible Future Changes to
Current BIL Levels
• Should we split the current basic insulation levels into BIL

and BSL levels?
• In some 500 kV projects, it has been suggested that the BIL
level for the 500/240 kV autotransformers be set at 1425 kV
for lower cost and easier transportation
• Should we create a new nominal voltage level of 260 kV
with MCOV of 286 kV (or 275 kV)?
• Should we raise the current BIL for 240/260 kV
transformers from 850 kV to 900 kV (or higher)?
• Should we differentiate GIS from AIS equipment, especially
for 500 kV equipment, on the BIL levels?
• Any other from you?
20
Upcoming AESO Rule for Substations –
502.11
• The AESO is now in the process of developing
a Substation Rule (502.11) which sets out the
minimum technical requirements respecting
design, engineering and construction of (new)
transmission substations
• Insulation coordination and grounding will be a

major part of Rule 502.11
• Proposed Process (2015-2016)

– Industry Workgroup (WG)
– Recommendation paper to WG & stakeholders
– Draft and post Rule for comments from industry
– Filing of Rule 502.11 with AUC
21
THANK YOU
Questions?
Over-Voltages and the
Distribution System
Thomas C. Hartman, P.Eng.

APIC – Professional Development
May 12 & 14, 2015
University of Alberta
Discussion Outline - OVERVIEW
• The Origin and Shapes of Distribution System Surges
• Insulation Systems – And How They Go Bad
• Where Surges Matter – And What They Do
– Overhead Systems
– Underground Systems
• Distribution Surge Arresters – Design and Application
• Reality Check
• Q&A
NOTE: References are in parenthesis - (xx)
1
Disclaimer
I will mention many companies during this presentation.

Please keep in mind:
1 – I have NO financial interest or otherwise in any of
the companies I mention
2 – I work for ATCO Electric Distribution and that is my
only source of income
3 – This presentation is my opinion only and does not
necessarily reflect ATCO policy, practices, or standards
4 – I expect that you will use this presentation for illustrative
purposes only. Any arrester applications you design shall
be based on your own professional judgement
2
The Origin and Shapes of
Distribution System Surges
• Overhead
(16)
(1) (2)
• Underground – Mostly same as O/H, (12)
but with some twists!

3
What is a Surge?
Surge
• IEEE Std 100: “A transient wave of current, potential, or
power in an electric circuit. Note: The use of this term to
describe a momentary overvoltage consisting in a mere
increase of the mains voltage for several cycles is
deprecated. See also: swell.”
Temporary Overvoltage (TOV)

• IEEE Std 100: “. An oscillatory overvoltage, associated
with switching or faults … and/or nonlinearities … of
relatively long duration, which is undamped or slightly
damped.”
4
TOV
It is NOT a Surge!
• Accidental Grounding - Leg of Delta
• Loss of Neutral
• Fault Conditions
• Comingling
“When Overbuild Meets Underbuild”

Surge arresters provide a simple solution to a complex overvoltage
problem
Daniel J. Ward, Dominion Virginia Power
T&D World Magazine - Mar 1, 2011
5
World Ground Flash Density
www.arresterworks.com/resources/calculator_images/GFD_World.jpg
6
A Natural Cause - Lightning
(13)
(14)
(3)
(15)
Lightning Current MIL-STD-464
7
Vacuum Switch TRV Behavior (7)
Simulated TRV Response

Source Voltage: 3.4 kV (6 kV System)
Current at Opening: 4.7 A
8
Shunt Capacitors
Effect of switching re-strikes on capacitor voltage
(6)
(5)
9
Current Limiting Fuse Operation
(11)
10
Current Limiting Fuse Arc Interruption Voltage
(34)
11
Other Surge Waveforms
(37)
Switching Surge (36)
(38)
12
Surges and Their Waveforms
Just So YOU Know…
Lead Length can ADD up to 1500 Volts/Foot
Lead length is the physical wire distance between the
Apparatus and the Line Side of the Surge Arrester
PLUS (+)
The Line Length from the Ground of the Surge
Arrester to the Ground of Apparatus
AND for the Love of Goodness,

Please Don’t COIL the Leads!!!
13 University of Alberta
Insulation Systems
And How They Go Bad
If we lived in a perfect world, our insulation systems
would last forever. But…
We don’t.
All Insulation Systems are Doomed from the Start!

• Embedded Manufacturing Defects
• Environmental Contamination
• Shipping and Handling
• “Some” Field Assembly Required
(32)
14
Insulation Systems– How Do They Fail?
External Sources
• Physical Damage – “Rocks and Rifles”, External Arc
• Contamination – Farming, Exhaust, Salt, etc.
Internal Sources
• Water Ingress
• Arcing under Oil or SF6
• “Built-In” Defects – Either from Vendor or Customer
15
Insulation Systems
Contamination and Built-In Defects
Contamination – Surge Arresters Really Won’t Help
• The Failure Mechanisms Associated with
Contamination are Active at 60 Hz System Voltage
“Built-In” Defects – Surge Arresters May Help

• If the Failure Mechanism is Triggered by a Surge,
then a Surge Arrester will Delay the Trouble
• If the “Built-In’ Defect is Active at System Voltage,
then a Surge Arrester Won’t Help.
16
Insulation Systems – Failure Triggers
Contamination
• Dry Band Arcing is the Beginning of the End
“Built-In” Defects
• It is All About Capacitance, Dielectric
Constants, and Dielectric Strength
• C = (k*0*A)/d
where k: Air =1, Silicone = 4, EPDM = 2.6
Glass = 6, Polyethylene = 2.25, Porcelain = 6
Which Equals an Evil Voltage Divider
17
Ceramic / Glass
• One Tough Insulation System!
• Can Last a Century or More
• Surges / Flashovers are Generally Benign
Failure Mechanisms
• Slow Clearing Times Crack Ceramic/Glass
• Susceptible to Point Pressures Resulting in Crack
Propagation
• Pin Threads (lead/nylon)
• Ice Expansion Forms Cracks
• External Contamination / Cleaning
18
Polymers
Organic/Semi-Organic System (31)
• Manufacturing Process
Sensitive
Failure Mechanisms
• Embedded
Manufacturing/Material Defect
• If Small Enough, the Defect
Lays Dormant Longer
• Surges Reduce PD Inception
Levels
• Ultimate Demise of Insulator (30)
19
Dielectric Fluid – Oil (29)
1. Oxidation: Oxidation is the most common cause of oil deterioration, which is the reason
that transformer manufacturers are careful to seal the transformer from the atmosphere.
2. Contamination: Moisture is the main contaminant. Its presence can react with the oil in the
presence of heat. It also lowers the dielectric properties of the insulating oil.
3. Excessively high temperature: Excessively high heat will cause decomposition of the oil
and will increase the rate of oxidation. The best way to avoid excessive heat is to avoid
overloading the transformer.
4. Corona discharges: Arcing and localized overheating can also break down the oil,
producing gases and water, which can lead to the formation of acids and sludge.
5. Static electricity: The existence of an insulating fluid flowing past an insulating solid
(paper), results in charge separation at the interface of the two materials. Physically, these
charges separate at the interface of the oil and paper in any transformer; thus reducing the
dielectric strength of the insulating oil. This could also cause internal flashover.
6. Furans: Furan derivatives are a measure of degradation of paper insulation. When the
paper ages, the long-chain cellulose molecules (polymers) break down in smaller fractions
and its physical strength is reduced. The degree of polymerization can be directly related to
the concentration of furan derivatives, which are formed in the oil.
20
SF6 (28)
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a relatively nontoxic gas used in a number of applications for its
inert qualities. The dielectric and other physical and chemical properties related to its lack
of reactivity have led to the extensive use of SF6 as an insulating medium in switching
equipment (e.g., circuit breakers) by electric utilities. While SF6 is inert during normal use,
when electrical discharges occur within SF6-filled equipment, toxic byproducts can be
produced that pose a threat to health of workers who come into contact with them.
SF6 can decompose into byproducts when exposed to four types of electric discharges
(CIGRE1 1997)
• partial corona discharges caused by insulation defects;
• spark discharges that occur at insulation defects or during switching operations;
• switching arcs that occur in load break switches and power circuit breakers; and
• failure arcs that occur due to insulation breakdown or switchgear interruption failure.
Each discharge can result in different mixtures and concentrations of byproducts.
21
Where Surges Matter ~ OVERHEAD SYSTEMS
And What They Do There
Pin Insulator
Transformer
Regulator
Capacitor
Riser Pole
On the Secondary
22
At the Pin Insulator (16)
23
At the Transformer
(9) (24)
24
At the Secondary
Transformer Secondary Protection
Surge Suppression Inc.
At the secondary bushing – Inside (9) EATON’s Cooper Power Systems
25
At the Capacitor (17)
(18)
(17)
26
At the Regulator
(19)
(35)
27
Where Surges Matter ~ UNDERGROUND
And What They Do There
Underground Systems
• Riser Pole
• Cable
• At an “Open Point”
28
At the Riser Pole
(20)
(22)
(21)
29
In the Cable
(25)
(27) (26) (26)
30
At an “Open Point”
(4)
(10)
31
At ANY Place on your System
Just So YOU Know…
PLUS (+)

Distribution Surge Arresters
Design and Application
• A Very Brief History of Surge Arrester Evolution

• Explanation of Surge Arrester “Classes”
• Which Class to Use
• How Arresters Eventually Fail
• Surge Arresters have ONE Job – Protect Insulation
33
A Brief History
• Air Gap – Beginning of Time to Now
• Silicon Carbide (SiC) – 1930 to Mid 1980s
• Metal Oxide Varistors (MOV) – 1975+
(41)
http://www.arresterworks.com/ http://www.arresterworks.com/
34
Differences Between Manufacturers
• None Really
• Arresters are essentially COMMODITIES
• Purchase on your preferences such as:
• Price
• Vendor Service
• Availabilities
• Vendor Preference
• Etc.
• You will likely be satisfied!
• My Preference???
35
Surge Arresters – Parameters
Critical Parameters (Minimum Needed)
1. MCOV – Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage
2. TOV – Temporary Over-Voltage Withstand
3. EFOW – Equivalent Front-of-Wave (0.5 uS, Lightning)
Lesser Parameters (May be hard to Coordinate)

4. Discharge Voltage – At: 1.5 kA, 5 kA, 10kA, & 20 kA
5. Switching Surge – 250 or 500 amps (Class Dependent)
6. Arrester Class – ND, HD, RP, Intermediate, Station
Only 6?!, Really?!
But What is a Surge Arrester RATING?!

36
Critical Parameter #1 – MCOV
Impedance
Solid Multi-
Maximum Uni- Grounded,
Nominal System Maximum Grounded
Line to GND Grounded Ungrounded,
L-L Voltage L-L Voltage Systems
Voltage Systems and Delta
(4-Wire)
(3-Wire) Systems
kV rms kV rms kV rms MCOV MCOV MCOV
4.16 4.37 2.25 2.55 5.1 5.1
4.8 5.04 2.91 -- -- 5.1
6.9 7.25 4.19 -- -- 7.65
24.9 26.2 15.1 15.3 22 --
Do You See a RATING Here?
37
Critical Parameter #2 – TOV (41)
38
Critical Parameter #3 – EFOW (BIL)
(39)
39
Lesser Parameters 4 & 5
4. Discharge Voltage – At: 1.5 kA, 5 kA, 10kA, & 20 kA
5. Switching Surge – 250 or 500 amps (Class Dependent)
These two parameters will one used based on the type

of equipment you are protecting.
The Discharge Voltage is use at the “End” of Lightning

Protective Levels.
40
Capacitors – Coordinate to Surge Arrester
Schneider Electric – Hong Kong
General Specification for Fixed Capacitor Bank for Electrical Network up to 36kV
According to network rated voltage, the insulation level of equipment is as follows :
(40)
Rated Voltage (Vdim) Insulation Level Power Frequency Voltage

Impulse Voltage Withstand
Withstand
(kV peak)
(kV rms)
(V) (kV)
6600 7,2 20 60
11000 12 28 75
15000 17,5 38 95
22000 24 50 125
33000 36 70 170
41
Insulators – Coordinate to Surge Arrester
PPC Pin Type Insulators
Catalog Number Frequency 253-S 261-S 263-S 366-S 380-S 386-ST

ANSI Class 55-2 55-3 n/a 55-4 55-5 55-6
Neck Type C C C F F J
Typical Application (kV) 60 Hz 7.2 11.5 11.5 13.2 14.4 23

Dry Flashover Voltage (kV) 60 Hz 45 55 55 65 80 100
Wet Flashover Voltage (kV) 60 Hz 25 30 30 35 45 50
Puncture Voltage (kV) 60 Hz 70 90 90 95 115 135
Impulse Flashover Positive (kV) Impulse 70 90 90 105 130 150
Impulse Flashover Negative (kV) Impulse 85 110 110 130 150 170
Leakage Distance 5" 7" 7" 9" 12" 15"
Dry Arcing Distance 3 3/8" 4 1/2" 4 1/2" 5" 6 1/4" 8"
Cantilever Strength (lbs) 2500 2500 2500 3000 3000 3000
Minimum Pin Height 4" 5" 5" 5" 6" 7 1/2"
Net Weight per 100 (lbs) 183 225 260 390 500 890
Package Weight per 100 (lbs) 191 254 288 400 617 938
Standard Package Quantity 48 24 24 12 12 8
42
Arrester Class - Parameter #6
• Normal Duty (ND)

• Heavy Duty (HD)
• Riser Pole (RP) (Not a Real Class)
• Intermediate Class
• Station Class
Arrester Class size is Mostly Determined by the

Diameter of the MOV Disk
ND = 1”, HD = 2”, RP = 2”, Inter. = 3”, Station = 4”+

43
Class Comparisons
0.5 μsec 8/20 Test Waveform Tempoary

500 A
Rated 10kA Maximum Discharge Voltage - kV Over-Voltage
Hubbell Voltage MCOV Switching 1 sec 10 sec
Product
EFOW 1.5 kA 3 kA 5 kA 10 kA 20 kA 40 kA
kV kV Surge kV rms kV rms
Normal Duty PDV65-Optima 18 15.3 62.8 46.4 50.1 53.8 57 63.3 72.6 91.2 22.7 21.7
Heavy Duty PDV100-Optima 18 15.3 60.6 43.5 45.4 48.4 51.3 56.4 63.5 75.5 23.5 22.2
Riser Pole PVR-Optima 18 15.3 53.4 35.5 38.9 41.9 44.3 48.9 56.1 66.2 22.2 21.0
Intermediate PVI-LP 18 15.3 51.6 38.3 40.9 43.2 45.2 48.8 54 60.9 21.4 20.5
Station EVP 18 15.3 51.6 36.1 38.5 40.4 42.4 45.5 49.1 56.1 21.7 20.8
44
Protection Level
Protective Margin = ((Insulation Level / Arrester Discharge Voltage) – 1) * 100%
(33)
45
Generic MOV I-V Curve
46
(42)
47
Which Arrester Class – What Purpose?
• Your Choice… In Alberta, a low lightning region -
Normal Duty is good enough for general purpose
protection
• Riser Poles – How important is the circuit?
• Capacitors
– Normal Duty is OK,
– Big Banks consider Heavy Duty or Intermediate
• Transformers
– Normal Duty is OK
– Big Expensive Transformers… Heavy Duty or Intermediate
48
Surge Arresters – How Do They Fail?
• TOV is the Number 1 Killer of Surge Arresters in
Alberta (As reported on Global National, just kidding…)
– The Process is Simple: Overvoltage Physically Heats the
MOV disk, Heat Lowers the MCOV Which Increases the
Heat Generated, Which Lowers the MCOV More, Which
Increases th Heat Generated, until BOOM!
• Today’s Surge Arresters Rarely Fail Due to a Surge

in Alberta. The Quality is Really That Good!
49
Surge Arresters – Disconnector
(41)
50
~ Reality Check ~
Should You Be Worried about a Surge Armageddon?
(23)
51
~ Reality Check ~
No, of course not.

Your own historical data is proof!
But, Asset Life would be Extended Significantly with

the Proper Application of Surge Arresters!
52
Where to Focus Your Protection
• Transformer Primaries – SHORTEST Lead Length!!!

• Riser Poles – SHORTEST Lead Length!!!
• UG Open Points
• Regulators – Primary & By-Pass
• Reclosers – Line AND Load Sides
• Capacitors
• O/H Dead Ends and N/O Switches
53
Careful There, Electrical Current!
One Last Thing…
Be Careful Where You Place an Arrester

• Fuses – Surge Current Will Hurt a Fuse
• Capacitors, Regulators, Reclosers, etc
There is NO line or load on these devices,
at least as surge currents are concerned.
54
Where to Focus your Protection
Just So YOU Know…
PLUS (+)

A Shameless Promotion
arresterworks.com
Jonathan Woodworth Deborah Limburg

Principal Engineer Web and Business Developer
Jonathan started his career at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Deborah is a long term veteran in the arrester industry having worked for
Batavia, Illinois, where he was an integral member of the high energy Cooper Industries for over 25 years. During that time she held a number of
particle physics team in search of the elusive quark. Returning to his home positions in the product engineering department, including leader of the
state of NY, he joined the design engineering team at McGraw Edison Engineering Design Services group. One of her major accomplishments at
(later Cooper Power Systems) in Olean. During his tenure at Cooper he Cooper was the design and implementation of a virtual product drawing
was involved in the design, development and manufacturing of arresters. systems for all major product lines. This lead to a considerable reduction in
He served as Engineering Manager as well as Arrester Marketing Manager the number of Designers and CAD operators required to maintain the
during that time. Since 2008 he has been the Principal Engineer for product documentation system. This database system also helped to
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errors.
Though his entire career, Jonathan has been active in the IEEE and IEC
standard associations. He is past chair of the IEEE SPD Committee, he is Additionally she developed the software to handle disk selection process for
past chair of NEMA 8LA Arrester Committee, and presently co-chair of IEC the tightly matched disk columns required for series capacitor banks and
TC37 MT4. He is inventor/co-inventor on five US patents. Jonathan the management of the varistor assembly process. Deborah received her
received his Bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering from The Ohio BS in Computer Software from the University of New York State and is a
Institute of Technology and his MBA from St. Bonaventure University. co-inventor on several US patents.
Contact at 716-307-2431 or Jonathan.Woodworth@ArresterWorks.com Since 2010 Deborah has been the Web and Business Developer for
Arresterworks.
Contact at 716-378-1419 or Deborah.Limburg@ArresterWorks.com
56
Over-Voltages and the Distribution System
QUESTIONS?
57
References
1 – http://www.picturesof.net/pages/090326-134616-923048.html
2 – www.wordy.photos/index.php?keyword=11%20kv%20fuse%20explodes&photo=0XVPcDxoV2g&category=people&title=electric+power+line+explosion
3 – http://www.satcomlimited.com/transparent_over_voltages.html
4 – http://www.hubbellpowersystems.com/cable-accessories/elbow-arresters/description/
5 – http://www.sandc.com/edocs_pdfs/edoc_024494.pdf
6 – “SURGE ARRESTER APPLICATION OF MV-CAPACITOR BANKS TO MITIGATE PROBLEMS OF SWITCHING RESTRIKES”
Lutz GEBHARDT - ABB – Switzerland, lutz.gebhardt@ch.abb.com & Bernhard RICHTER - ABB – Switzerland, bernhard.richter@ch.abb.com
7 – “COMPUTATION OF FAST TRANSIENT VOLTAGE DISTRIBUTION IN TRANSFORMER WINDINGS CAUSED BY VACUUM CIRCUIT
BREAKER SWITCHING”
Casimiro Álvarez-Mariño and Xosé M. López-Fernández, Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Universidade de Vigo, EEI,
Vigo, Spain, xmlopez@uvigo.es
8 – http://new.abb.com/products/transformers/distribution
9 – http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:37.5kVA_three_phase_utility_stepdown.jpg
10 – http://uqu.edu.sa/files2/tiny_mce/plugins/filemanager/files/4310333/traveling_wave.pdf
11 – http://revistas.unal.edu.co/index.php/ingeinv/rt/printerFriendly/25218/33722
12 – http://io9.com/photos-from-the-days-when-thousands-of-cables-crowded-t-1629961917
13 – http://www.edn.com/Home/PrintView?contentItemId=4426566
14 –http://www.ecnmag.com/articles/2011/07/advanced-tvs-construction-improves-lightning-protection
15– http://www.nautel.com/support/technical-resources/tips-n-tricks/04-09-2012/
16 – http:// www.slideshare.net
17 – https://library.e.abb.com/public/a8c42d637aa10aa2c12577ee0055faad/ABB_DPDQPole_Qpole_revB_EN.pdf
18 – http://www.cooperindustries.com/content/dam/public/powersystems/resources/library/230_PowerCapacitors/23012.pdf
19 – http://www.cooperindustries.com/content/dam/public/powersystems/resources/library/225_VoltageRegulators/MN225008EN.pdf
20 – https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/electric_power/illustrated_glossary/substation_equipment/potheads.html
21 – http://ecmweb.com/archive/applying-pole-mounted-overvoltage-protection
22 – http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/gos/Resmajor/SU6/GO95/SU6_GO95_rule_54_6-F.html
Continued on Next Page
58
References - continued
23 – http://creepypasta.wikia.com/wiki/File:5178_apocalyptic_destruction.jpg
24 – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distribution_transformer
25 – http://www.icccable.com/company_product.html?cid=208
26 – http://www.powertechlabs.com/areas-of-focus/power-labs/cable-technologies/condition-assessment-the-whole-picture/
27 – http://www.ee.washington.edu/research/seal/projects/seal_robot/sensors.html
28 – http://www.epa.gov/electricpower-sf6/documents/sf6_byproducts.pdf
29 – http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/272197/file-251812186-pdf/white_papers/afi-wp-transoil1.pdf
30 – http://reliabilityweb.com/index.php/print/defects_in_nonceramic_insulators_can_they_be_detected_in_a_timely_manner1
31 – http://www.inmr.com/thermal-inspection-program-finds-failing-dead-end-polymeric-insulators-2/5/
32 – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallout_shelter
33 – http://classicconnectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Illustration.jpg
34 – “Electrical Distribution System Protection”, 3rd Edition, Cooper Power Systems, 1990
35 – http://www.cooperindustries.com/content/public/en/power_systems/products/voltage_regulators/32-step_single-phase.html
36 – https://fisitech.wordpress.com/2010/10/22/practical-issues-switching-surgeac-transcient/
37 – http://nepsi.com/services/power-systems-studies/
38 – http://file.scirp.org/Html/3-9800140_1113.htm
39 – http://electrical-engineering-portal.com/definition-basic-insulation-level-bil
40– http://www.schneider-electric.com/download/hk/en/details/18865768-General-Specification-for-Fixed-Capacitor-Bank-for-Electrical-Network-up-to-
36kV/?reference=Fixed_capacitor_bank_36kV_specENv2
41 – http://www.hubbellpowersystems.com/catalogs/arresters/31_optima.pdf
42 – http://www.coe.montana.edu/ee/seniordesign/archive/SP13/150mwwindfarm/Data_Content/InsulationCoordination.pdf
43 - http://electrons.wikidot.com/semiconducting-ceramics:varistor-applications
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Understanding Insulation Coordination 2015

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Insulation Coordination

in the Alberta Interconnected Electric System

• Why do we need insulation?

• What is insulation coordination?

• Recap of May 13/15 2014 Course by Dr. Peelo

• IEEE and IEC standards

• Lightning has always been a prominent part of all ancient religions

• 2000 lightning occurrences on the earth by

• In an average year, 270,000 cloud-to-ground (CG)

s/km2, mainly in two areas, one 20

Electric Utilities Act

Balancing Independent Alberta Utilities Market

• Contracts with TFOs to acquire transmission

• Develops and publishes binding ISO rules

• Develops and issues Functional

• Works closely with TFOs and market

1. Public and utility

2. Ensure current flows

• Chemical – Oxidation, hydrolysis, etc.

IEEE 1313.1 – The selection of the insulation strength of equipment in

• No perfect solution – practicality

• Insulation coordination is both

• Insulation coordination is often

• Tower type  steel

• The following voltages are always phase-to-phase r.m.s.

• Nominal system voltage – the phase-to-phase

• Highest voltage under “normal” operating conditions

• Highest voltage for which equipment is designed for

• In defining MCOV, voltage transients and short

• However, voltage transients and temporary over-

Extreme Normal Normal Extreme

• Over-Voltage – Any voltage that exceeds the MCOV.

At any point of a network,

When 𝐾 <3 Effectively grounded (as per IEEE and IEC)

• Representative over-voltage (Urp) – A voltage that

• Coordination factor (Kc) – the factor by which the value of Urp

• Atmospheric correction factor (Ka) – the factor to be applied to

• Conventional (deterministic) BIL or BSL – the insulation

• Statistical BIL or BSL – the insulation strength expressed

Basic Impulse Level (BIL or

The insulation strength of equipment as

Required withstand voltage Urw

Representative over-voltage Urp

Very fast front short duration over-voltage Temporary over-voltage

Major causes of TOV

A short-duration highly damped,

• Slow front (20 µs to 5 ms)

Source: IEC 60071-2 30

Power-Frequency Temporary Switching Over-Voltage

Example – Find a suitable lightning arrester for a 240 kV transformer.

The following arresters can be chosen:

Insulation strength (BIL) = 850 kV

• Transient analysis & simulation

IEEE 1313 IEC 60071

Nomenclature BIL, SIL LIWV, SIWL, ACWV

Nominal Minimum MCOV BIL

Transmission Line Insulation Coordination Involves

Substation Insulation Coordination Involves

• Should a surge result in insulation breakdown, it should

• Interruptions to consumers are more confined and

Voltage Distribution Power Class

• Transmission lines should be designed to enable no injection of

• In mountain areas, the reduction in Critical Flashover (CFO)

• Substation insulation strength should be at least equal to line