Insulation Co-ordination Study on Gas insulated sub-station (GIS) Using EMTP

Balaji Prasad.K
SASTRA University Tanjore, India.

Santosh Kumar.A , Venkataraman.G

R&D, Areva T&D Chennai, India.

Abstract For todays power engineers, the challenge is to maintain high standard of reliability, availability and quality of power supply. To enhance the reliability and availability of power it is necessary to have healthy power system components. The health and reliability of power system depends upon the safety margins considered during the design phase. The criterion for selection of this safety margin is the dielectric transient performance. The current scenario is that our assets are overloaded and aged, leading to operation of power system beyond the safety margin. The recent trend is to opt for Extra High Voltage (EHV) class using GIS technology. GIS can be smaller than Air Insulated Sub-station (AIS) by a factor of 10. This is because it utilizes the insulating property of SF6 gas. GIS has to meet high standards of reliability in operation, therefore risk of failure due to over-voltages must be kept to minimum. Moreover, dielectric failure within the GIS demands more service time. Hence a complete Insulation Co-ordination study, on GIS is presented here. In this work, the selection criteria for different protective measures used to limit the over-voltages are elaborated, in accordance with IEC 60071. A critical requirement in Insulation Coordination study is proper matching of insulation characteristics of various elements. In GIS, SF6 gas, transformer bushing, transmission line, cables used for insulation shouldnt deteriorate each others properties. Due to complexity involved in GIS, an EMTP simulation tool is used for transient over-voltage analysis of the system. From Insulation co-ordination studies conducted earlier, modeling guidelines for each of the components e.g. lightning stroke, lightning arrestor, overhead transmission line, transformer, cables, and bushings are used. The results of all these studies are consolidated to develop the overall system profile. This is used in simulation and analysis of various over-voltage conditions such as Temporary OverVoltages (TOV), switching over-voltages, lightning impulses, and fast front over-voltages. The results are combined to obtain an optimum Insulation Co-ordination scheme. Keywords-Insulation Co-ordination; Over-voltage protection; simulation; EMTP.

powers system depends upon this synchronism. The ability of the power system to return to steady state without losing synchronism is power system stability. It is classified into steady state, transient and dynamic stability. Many of these generating stations are remotely located. Hence the electric power generated must be transmitted over a long distance to load centers that are usually cities or towns. This is called the power transmission. In order to provide an efficient and reliable power supply, it is essential to have a strong and flexible transmission network The reliability of supply provided by an electric power system, as judged by the frequency and duration of supply interruptions depends to a great extent, on the surge performance of the customers [1]. Although there are many other causes of interruptions, breakdown of insulation is one of the most frequent. If the insulation were subjected only to the normal operating voltage which varies within quite narrow limits, there would be no problem. In reality, the insulation has to withstand a variety of over-voltages with a large range of shapes, magnitudes, and durations. Thus one can distinguish between steady state and transient over-voltages due to which the equipments are stressed. For economic reasons, the objective of the design is to select the minimum insulation strength. Thus, for example, if switching surges dictate the clearance levels, ameliorating measures such as closing resistors in the breakers should be considered. If lightning dictates the design, further reduction in tower footing resistance may be desirable [2]. II. INSULATION CO-ORDINATION STUDY METHODOLOGY

I.

INTRODUCTION

Modern electric power systems can be categorized into three major components: generation, transmission and distribution. Electric power is generated at the generating stations by synchronous alternators that are usually driven either by steam or hydro turbines. All such generators operate in synchronism with the rest of the system. The system and the generator are said to be synchronized, when both have same frequency, voltage and phase sequence. The stability of the

The term Insulation Co-ordination was originally introduced to arrange the insulation levels of several components in the transmission system in such a manner that any dielectric failure, 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 the supply [14]. The present usage of the term is broader. Insulation co-ordination now comprises the selection of the electric strength of equipment in relation to the voltages which can appear on the system, for which the equipment is intended. The IEC defines insulation coordination as the selection of the dielectric strength of equipment in relation to the voltages that 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. Proper understanding about the different type of over-voltages, their properties such as rise time, fall time, and their origin needs to be understood, in order to provide effective protection of power system components against these over-voltages. Temporary overvoltages The steady-state over voltages, also known as temporary over voltages, is generated within the system due to the switching of circuit elements or the initiation or interruption of faults. Due to sudden load throw off, AC overvoltages occur, i.e. power frequency operating voltage temporarily attains a high value at the receiving end of a transmission line. This over-voltage stresses the system until the operating voltage is restored. In the case of a single-phaseto-ground fault in an isolated neutral system, the healthy phase voltages rise from phase voltage until the 3 times higher line voltage. Also the capacitance of an unloaded distribution cable in combination with the inductance of a power transformer or generator can increase the system voltage resulting in a sustained AC over-voltage. This means that the insulation level of the power equipments should be such that the tolerance level under transient voltages is higher than the level to which transient voltages will be limited by protective devices such as lightning arrestors. B. Lightning Overvoltages The lightning discharge is a heavy discharge of current striking near the line or substation, in the transmission line tower, or directly on the line. The overvoltages developed across the power system components depend on the surge or characteristic impedance of the components. The waveforms of the lightning-induced over-voltages are all different in amplitude and capricious in shape. As a standard for testing the dielectric impulse strength of power apparatus in the highvoltage laboratory, the lightning impulse voltage wave is fixed as 1.2/50s waveform. The intensity of lightning over voltage depends upon the magnitude of lightning impulse current flowing through the system. The magnitude of current injected into the line, multiplied by its surge impedance determines the over voltage magnitude. Lightning currents as high as 200 kA have been recorded by researchers. The probability of higher order of current is very low. However, the average magnitude of impulse current accompanied with lightning strike is estimated to be between 10-15 kA. As soon as the lightning strikes, the injected charge (the current) always tries to find the least resistance path to the ground. C. Switching Overvoltages Switching over-voltages result from switching operations in the network. Switching of a short-circuit current, clearing a short-line fault, disconnecting unloaded transformers, disconnecting or connecting unloaded distribution cables or transmission lines, all result in damped oscillatory voltages, the so-called transient recovery voltage or A.

TRV, right across the circuit breaker terminals, which slowly damps out because of the presence of resistive elements in the network. Switching over-voltages are among the important factors to be considered in the design of transmission lines and their overvoltage protective devices, particularly in the systems with rated voltages above 300 kV [3].The magnitudes of switching over voltages, their waveforms (much slower than the lightning) depends upon the factors such as operating speed of the mechanism of the circuit breakers, type of arc quenching medium, the instant at which the arc across the electrodes is extinguished and the energy stored in the inductance of the power system. Moreover, In GIS, the disconnector operations give rise to Very Fast Transient Overvoltages (VFTO). These restrike on the system repeatedly very fast before, the arc is extinguished, hence pose a big problem. The magnitude of switching over voltages could rise to even 3.0 p.u. The waveform varies over a wide range. A popular standard waveshape is 250/2500 s, used for testing purposes. In comparison to lightning surge, it is a much slower waveshape. It is because of this, the breakdown strength of dielectrics is highest for lightning impulse voltage and it is lower for a particular shape of switching impulse [5]. Further, the magnitude of switching impulse voltage keeps rising as the rated voltage of operation of the system is raised over the time. The insulation level provided to various installations in the power system by design must withstand the expected maximum voltage of lightning and switching overvoltages until the Basic Impulse Level. D. Basic Impulse Insulation Level (BIL) BIL for the component is the maximum withstand voltage for that equipment provided by design, above which necessary protective measures must be provided for safe operation. BIL for lightning impulse insulation level is the electrical withstand voltage of insulation expressed in terms of the crest value of the 'standard lightning impulse', as per IEC60071. In case of switching transients, it is defined as the switching impulse withstand voltage of specified magnitude and the shape depending upon the rated system voltage. The BIL level is actually determined by the transient over voltage protection techniques provided by the horn gaps and surge diverters or the lightning arrestors (LA). Zinc oxide gapless surge diverters are used at the sub-stations and in particular for the transformers (being the costliest equipment). It is the residual transient voltage across the LA which is impressed upon the transformer. The transformer must be designed, developed and tested to withstand the residual voltage.

III.

OVERVIEW OF THE ANALYSIS

Even if arresters are located at the terminals of all apparatuses, equipment failures can occur. A consistent measure of design based on reliability is achieved by the probabilistic method of Insulation co-ordination. Designing for a mean time between failures (MTBF) criterion, is proposed here to permit a realistic basis of design.

For Gas Insulated Sub-stations, Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) has been set as high as 800 years [8]. The basis for the increase is that the consequence of failure in the gas-insulated station may require significant outage and repair times. In a statistical study, the maximum overvoltage possible is insignificant. The statistical distribution of overvoltages is the analyzed and BIL is obtained from this distribution curve. The switching over-voltage probability curve in typical line is such that the probability decreases very rapidly for higher voltage values. Thus it is not economic to provide insulation above a certain level. In practice, the overvoltage distribution characteristic is modified by the use of switching resistors which damp out the switching overvoltages or, by the use of surge diverters set to operate on the higher switching over-voltages. In such cases, the failure probability would be extremely low. Using this method could eliminate the necessity of installing pre-insertion resistors in parallel with transmission line circuit breakers and its associated problems. For e.g. if Switching Withstand Impulse Level (SWIL) of the line is low, two sets of surge arresters at two locations along the transmission line can be installed. The optimum installation points for these two arrester sets should be determined. [14] At the higher transmission voltages, the length of insulator strings and the clearances in air do not increase linearly but to V1.6 as shown in Fig 1. The required number of suspension units for different over voltage factors is shown. For 220 KV system the increase in suspension units is lesser compared to higher voltage systems, for increase in over voltage factor. Thus, while it may be economically feasible to protect the lower voltage lines up to an over-voltage factor of 3.5 (say), it is definitely not economically feasible to have an over-voltage factor of more than about 2.0 or 2.5 on the higher voltage lines. In the higher voltage systems, it is the switching over-voltages that are predominant. Proper design of circuit breaker can result in reduced switching impulse overvoltage levels. Different simulation approaches have been conducted for switching transient studies. Switching over-voltage simulations of a transmission line were done in two stages. In the first stage, simulations were performed without surge arresters and the need for surge arrestors is verified. In the second stage, a set of surge arresters were installed along the transmission line at an optimum point, which is a point between two sub-optimum points for switching at both ends of the line. The effect of surge arresters in reducing switching over-voltages is verified for different types of surge arresters. It was found that this method could provide a more flat voltage profile along the transmission line. A. Temporary Overvoltages These are caused by sudden loss of load, any short circuit faults on the transmission line. They last for longer duration compared to other types. The probability of failure due to temporary over-voltages is least because, design insulation level is chosen to withstand this type of over-voltages in

Required No. of Units

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

Overvoltages (p.u) Figure 1-Insulation levels for different Voltage Ratings

Lightning Overvoltages The modeling of transmission lines for lightning impulse overvoltage simulations is done by considering the following components separately: wires (shield wires and phase conductors), towers, footing impedances and insulators. An additional component, the arrester, should be added if the study is aimed at selecting the arrester ratings needed to achieve a given performance of the line. Details of the study to determine the lightning flashover rate are: a) The calculation of random values includes the parameters of the lightning stroke, phase voltages, tower footing resistances (TFR) and the insulator strength. b) The point of impact is determined by means of the electro geometric model, as suggested in IEEE 1243 standard. c) Overvoltage calculations are performed once the point of impact has been determined. d) If a flashover occurs in an insulator string, the counter is increased and the flashover rate updated. We can assume lightning current which enters the substation in two cases: Direct lightning stroke from the power line Back flashover of transmission tower by the lightning stroke on the top of the tower. The commercial transmission line has grounded shield wires to prevent direct lightning stroke, so we consider only back flashover case here [8]. 1) Modeling for Back flashover Analysis: Overhead transmission line is modeled using Frequency Dependent (Phase) Model which uses curve fitting to duplicate the frequency response of a line or cable. This method has modeled the components based on frequency model. Each span is represented by a multiphase untransposed line model and the phase conductor and shield wire are explicitly modeled between towers [2]. Tower footing is determine using current dependence of tower footing resistance given by

Ig =

1 Eo 2 Ro 2

(1)

Rt =

Ro 1+ I Ig

(2)

- Soil resistivity (ohm-m) Eo- Soil ionization gradient ( 300kV/m). Ro-footing resistance at low current, low frequency Ig - limiting current which cause soil ionization, I - stroke current through the resistance.
The limiting current is given by equation (1). Here Lightning stroke is represented by a current source of negative polarity. The peak current is statistically related to the steepness or time to crest of the current waveform. The steepness increases as the peak current increases, however, the front time increases with peak current. Lightning Flashover Rates (LFR) depend upon the tower footing resistance, especially in lightning impulse overvoltages caused by back flashovers. The peak overvoltage occurring at the top of the tower is partly determined by the apparent tower footing resistance. After return of the first reflection, the voltage reflection from the tower base will arrive sooner at the tower top than reflections from the adjacent towers. The lower the tower footing resistance, the more negative reflections produced from the tower base towards the tower top. Hence the peak voltage at the tower top is reduced. The influence of the tower footing resistance on the tower top voltage is determined by its value which is also surge current dependent. The larger the surge current, the smaller the tower footing resistance and the more negative reflection produced [6]. (3) BFR = 0.6 N s P(t ) 1 (4) P (t ) = 3 .3 t 1+ 3l
( 23 ho 0.6 ) (5) 10 BFR- Back flashover rate, (flashes/ 100 km-years) Ng- ground flash density (per km2/year) h-tower height (m) Ic- critical current (kA) The distance to the point of flashover, d, may be determined by using equation (6) Ns = N g

is superimposed on a power frequency component [5]. Switching transients usually show complex waveforms with frequencies in the range of 100 Hz to 1000 Hz superimposed on the power frequency. The following are important parameters necessary for EMTP study of switching impulses. Step Size: When using the EMTP, the selection of the step size t is of importance. On the basis of the highest expected frequency, and assuming that ten points would define one period of this frequency fmax with sufficient accuracy, t is given by: 1)

T (0.1)/Fmax (7) Where Fmax: maximum frequency. Circuit breakers are less often the direct cause of high over-voltages in power systems than is generally assumed. Their operation is similar to that of an ideal circuit breaker, even when switching high short-circuit currents, switching capacitive current, and to a lesser extent in the case of low inductive currents. They interrupt the current mostly at its natural zero crossing point. On the other hand, Over-voltages are, caused by the switching process itself, based on the characteristic of the system as well as the switching operations and faults immediately prior to it. Although switching surges are unavoidable, we can nevertheless reduce their frequency of occurrence and magnitude [6].
2) The step size constraint rule: If the step size t is larger than the travel time of the shortest line in the network, then a new line model should be used for lines with t).This case has been simulated using the constant parameter line model and good results were obtained. This is because there is very little zero sequence current in the results. On balanced conditions the value of zero sequence currents is zero. If the zero sequence current is relatively high, then the constant parameter line model will not give accurate results, e.g. in the case of overvoltage due to switching of circuit breaker , due to phase to earth fault. Simulating trapped charges in the EMTP is done by using the override initial conditions feature of the EMTP. Busbars Busbars are represented as propagation elements. Where certain busbars are too short, compared to a time step, they can be represented as a single propagation element, whose length is the total length of all busbars being considered. For a very short busbar, a lumped inductance can be used. Transformer: The equivalent circuit representation of transformer must include all stray capacitances into account. A powerfrequency model must be used, taking into account nonlinearity, losses, and remnant flux. In some cases it is important to model accurately the capacitances to get a correct resonant behavior (energization of a transformer from a short line). A frequency-dependent transformer model would be of D. C.

1 (6) ( MTBF ) ( BFR ) Based on standard value of MTBF, the simulation of lightning strikes at distance (d) is simulated. d=

B.

Switching Overvoltages In general, a switching operation in a power system is change from one stable state to another stable state. In this transit time, transient phenomena can be observed. The total amplitude of the overvoltage due to switching may be considered in two parts, namely a transient component which

interest but in most practical cases the knowledge of the transformer parameters does not permit an accurate representation of the transformer. E. Surge Arrestor: Metal oxide gap less arrestors are used in modern GIS. The specified Lightning Arrestor in the network must be graded so that flashovers only occur at intended points. The surge arrester must have an extremely high resistance during normal system operation and a relatively low resistance during transient over-voltages. In other words, it must have a nonlinear voltage versus current (V-I) characteristic. The metal-oxide (MO) varistor material used in modern high voltage surge arresters has a highly nonlinear voltage versus current characteristic as shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, the electrical characteristics are determined solely by the properties of the MO blocks. By stacking the blocks in series and parallel the voltage rating and energy absorption capability of the arrestor can be improved. The following are steps to model a lightning arrestor: reference voltage proportional to the arrester rating VR number of parallel columns of discs; Voltage versus current (V-I) characteristic in per unit of the reference voltage [10]. The choice of arrester V-I characteristic depends upon the type of transient being simulated since current waveshape with faster rise times will result in higher peak voltages. Manufacturers often publish several curves based on its operation at various voltages Limited experience is presently available on modeling and validation of an MO surge arrester for very fast front transient simulation. An interesting discussion on this subject was presented in [9]. Basically, the recommended models are similar to those proposed for modeling surge arresters in fast front surge simulations, but representing frequency-dependent behavior by means of distributed parameter components (e.g., lossless line). An adequate model of an MO surge arrester for lowfrequency and slow front over-voltages can be described by its nonlinear V-I characteristic. A more sophisticated representation is needed to duplicate arrester performance in high-frequency transients, due to its frequency-dependent behavior.

Earthing Grid: The grounding system of a structure is the group of buried conductors whose goal is to provide an electrical connection to ground, for safety, functional grounding and/or fault protection [7]. For substations it is usually a large grid, with several terminals, whose overall dimensions can cover a surface of several thousands of square meters. As an example, we present in Fig. 3 substation grid with two terminals (I1 and I2 are the currents flowing from the network to the grounding system in terminals 1 and 2, respectively, and U1 and U2 are the relevant voltage, referred to the remote grounding). Fast front over-voltages are usually computed considering grounding systems as simple resistors, even for large grids. One of the most detailed models for the grounding system is the so-called Electromagnetic model [2]. This model is used as reference for obtaining the model of earthing grid initially developed in MATLAB software, then imported to EMTP. Usually, modeling the earthing grid has additional benefits of providing accurate results. The purpose is to calculate the voltage between the surge arrester ground terminal and the neutral point of the transformer, which results from a difference in Ground Potential Rise (GPR) between the two components When lightning surge flows through the surge arrester into the earth grid. An electromagnetic field approach is the best choice when the need for calculation of transient voltages between points of the earth grid is present [8]. The earth grid model is a transient electromagnetic program written in the C based programming language of MATLAB. Basic field theory study implementation yields the required field strength. It is based on the thin wire structure program originally written in FORTRAN code by J. H. Richmond. The model performs an electromagnetic analysis on wire structures in the complex frequency domain, based on closed form expressions and Simpsons rule of integration for the solution of electromagnetic fields. Its function is to determine the electric fields at the surface of the wire structure, due to the longitudinal current flowing in each section of the wire. The electric field calculation is then used to determine the dynamic impedance, both self and mutual, of the wire structure in order to determine the current distribution in the overall grid. The grid is divided into segments and the current distribution is approximated by defining every two segments as a dipole with a piecewise sinusoidal current distribution given with sinusoidal expansion functions, as it is very close to the natural current distribution on a perfectly conducting thin F.

Figure 2 Non linear VI characteristics of MO varistor

Figure 3 Grounding Grid in sub-station

wire. A sinusoidal dipole is used as a test source, as this is probably the only finite source. The first step of this method is the calculation of the frequency response of the grounding system: impedances Zij (fk) between terminals i and j, computed by means of the Electromagnetic model for several frequencies fk on [0Hz~1MHz]. The whole grounding system is then modeled into EMTP by means of a unique bloc describing the relationship between currents in flowing from the network to the terminal n and voltages of terminals Vn, with state space equations. In the case of two terminals equations are:

V & X = A X + B 1 V 2 I1 V1 =CX +D I2 V 2

statistical study is implemented on whole substation failure rate of the sub-station can be brought down. This study proposes further investigations for the development of software for carrying out a statistical Insulation Co-ordination study. A large number of simulations are required to be carried out to obtain the probability distribution function of overvoltages. Additional features of this software are provisions for changing plant layout, addition of new equipment like reactors, capacitor banks, transformers, etc. Expected outcome of this software is to modify the surge arrestor location and configuration by analyzing the change in insulation performance, caused by any change in system layout and/or configuration. This tool would save time and reduce the chances of human error having an impact on failure rate of the plant. REFERENCES
[1] [2] [3] Diesendorf.W, Insulation Co-ordination in High-voltage Electric Power Systems, London, England 1974. Andrew R. Hileman,Insulation Coordination for Power Systems, 1999 International Standard IEC 60071.2, Insulation Co-ordinations Part 2: Application Guide, International Electro technical Commission (IEC), 1996. Prof. Ravindra Arora, Module VIII- Insulation Coordination and Over Voltages in Power Systems, High Voltage Engineering, NPTEL online. A.I.Ibrahim, H.W.Dommel, A Knowledge Base for Switching Surge Transients, International conference on Power system Transients, 2005. M. Z. A. Ab Kabir, J.Jasni ,J Sardi, W.F.Wan Ahmad, H. Hizam,Evaluation of a 132 kV Transmission Line Performance via Transient Modeling Approach European Journal of Scientific Research, 2009. P.Auriol, C.A. Nucci, C.Mouychard Modelling of substation grounding for fast front overvoltage studies, International Conference on Power System Transients, 2007. IEEE 1313.2 IEEE Guide for the Application of Insulation Coordination, 1999. Juan A. Martinez-Velasco, Ferley Castro-Aranda Assessment of the Lightning Flashover Rate of a Shielded Transmission Line Protected by Surge ArrestersInternational Coference on Power system transients, 2007. J. W. Woo, J. S. Kwak, H. J. Ju, H. H. Lee, J. D. Moon The Analysis Results of Lightning Over-voltages by EMTP for Lightning Protection Design of 500 kV Substation, International Confererance on Power Systems Transients, 2005. Juan A. Martinez-Velasco, Ferley Castro-Aranda Modelling of Overhead Transmission Lines for Lightning Studies , International Conference on Power Systems Transients, 2005. Juan A. Martinez-Velasco, Ferley Castro-Aranda, EMTP implementation of a Monte Carlo method for lightning performance analysis of transmission lines , International Conference of Power Ststem Tramnsients , 2005 International Standard IEC 60071.4 Insulation Co-ordinations Part4: Computation Guide to Insulation Co-ordination and Modeling of Electrical Network, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 2004. J.R.Lucas,High Voltage Engineering, 2001. Mohammed H. Shwehdi, Mohammed A. Abdalla The use of EMTP for analyzing a cable terminated transformer under a lightning surge.

(7)

where X is the state vector, and matrixes A, B, C and D, which define the transient behavior of the grounding system, can be obtained from the discrete values of mutual impedances Zij computed with the Electromagnetic model. IV. APPLICATIONS TO POWER ENGINEERS

[4]

The models presented are accurate as long as the conditions and assumptions made are applicable to the case under study. Moreover, the values obtained through simulation would be higher than actual field values because, tower footing resistance (TFR) reduces as a result of soil ionization during surge current discharge through earth. The results are consolidated, to get the transient behavior of the sub-station as a whole. This exercise helps in understanding how transient over-voltages are reflected within a sub-station. If over-voltages of longer duration were to enter the GIS, probability of flashovers increases rapidly, because of the random behavior of the suspended particles in the metallic enclosures. The application of this study to power engineers is in understanding the necessity for detailed insulation coordination study in GIS. This study is useful for developing an Insulation Co-ordination study software which takes all the criteria defined in [13] into consideration and performs interactive functions and updates the required protective measures to be adopted. V. CONCLUSIONS

[5] [6]

[7]

[8] [9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

Protection of power transformer and other equipments against over-voltages resulting from lightning or other causes is an important consideration in power system protection [15]. EMTP program for simulation and modeling techniques facilitate the analysis of over-voltages in very high graphical format. This study brings out the complications involved in insulation co-ordination in GIS. When this

[13]

[14] [15]