Transmission & Distribution

SF6 GasInsulated Switchgear up to 145kV

handbook 5 482 696 En B

TH7m

sustainable solutions for a better life.

www.vatech-td.com

Table of contents

Presentation

.....................................................................................................................................................

Main characteristics ..................................................................................................................................... 3 Switchgear ........................................................................................................................................................ 4 Circuit breaker-disconnector ........................................................................................................................ 4 Combined disconnector-earthing switch ................................................................................................. 7 Electrical control of the combined disconnector-earthing switch..................................................... 8 High-speed earthing switch .......................................................................................................................... 9 Instrument transformers ......................................................................................................................... 10 Current transformer ...................................................................................................................................... 10 Voltage transformer ...................................................................................................................................... 10 Surge arresters.............................................................................................................................................. 11 Connections .................................................................................................................................................. 12 Cable connections ........................................................................................................................................ 12 Overhead connections.................................................................................................................................. 12 Direct connections on power transformers ........................................................................................... 13 Primary components ................................................................................................................................. 14 Enclosures ....................................................................................................................................................... 14 Insulators .......................................................................................................................................................... 15 Conductors ...................................................................................................................................................... 15 Density switches ............................................................................................................................................ 16 Safety membranes ........................................................................................................................................ 16 Installation and maintenance ................................................................................................................ 17 Packing and shipping ................................................................................................................................... 17 On site storage ............................................................................................................................................... 18 Erection ............................................................................................................................................................. 18 Site tests ........................................................................................................................................................... 18 Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................... 19 Examples of installation ........................................................................................................................... 20

5 482 696 En

Presentation

The TH7m indoor GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) is of three-phase design for voltages of up to 145 kV and short-circuit currents up to 40 kA. Hexabloc TH7m can be used for all standard substation configurations.

The design of the TH7m has been simplified by using the circuit breaker-disconnector for both the protection and disconnection of the outgoing circuits and a combined device for the isolation and earthing of the bay. The resulting reduction in the number of devices simplifies operation of the substation, improves reliability, reduces overall size and makes installation easier.

Example of a typical outgoing bay The combined disconnector-earthing switch forms an integral part of the busbars. It is used to connect the busbars to the bay or to earth the bay. The circuit breaker-disconnector is used to protect and isolate the outgoing lines, eliminating the need for a line disconnector. The outgoing bay is typically connected using a dry cable with synthetic insulation and equipped with plug-in terminations. The outgoing line is equipped with a high-speed earthing switch. The improved reliability procured by the reduction in the number of devices makes it possible to reduce the number of SF6 compartments. The typical outgoing bay includes the following compartments: - the compartment for the busbars and the combined disconnector- earthing switch - the compartment for the circuit breaker, current transformer, cable terminations and high-speed earthing switch. - the voltage transformer which remains isolated from the common compartment.

1 - Busbars and combined disconnector-earthing switches 2 - Circuit breaker-disconnector 3 - Current transformer

4 6 3 7

J GHI
sepa

m 2000
4

3 1

J GHIJ GHI
sepa sepa

O I SF6

selec t Q01 Q10

fault

m 2000 m 2000
4
1 2 3

Q90 Q50 Q51 Q80

Q90

Q51

I
3 Q01

O
Q50
maint.

local

remote

1 Q10
Busbar

am sep

IJ GH2000

45672

High-speed earthing switch Cable box Voltage transformer Local control cubicle

5 482 696 En

Main characteristics

Ratings Maximum rated voltage ...................................................................................................up to 145 kV Maximum rated lightning withstand voltage ....................................................................up to 650 kV Maximum rated lightning withstand voltage between disconnector and circuit breaker-disconnector contacts.......................................................................up to 750 kV Rated withstand voltage at power frequency ..................................................................up to 275 kV Rated withstand voltage at power frequency between disconnector and circuit breaker-disconnector contacts.......................................................................up to 315 kV Rated frequency.............................................................................................................50 and 60 Hz Rated current for continuous duty on feeder ...................................................................up to 3150 A Rated current for continuous duty on busbar ..................................................................up to 3150 A Rated peak withstand current ................................................................................up to 108 kA peak Short-time withstand current .....................................................................................up to 40 kA x 3 s Rated filling pressure ...........................................................................................................0,63 MPa Alarm pressure.....................................................................................................................0,60 MPa Minimum operating pressure ...............................................................................................0,58 MPa Circuit breaker : - rated breaking capacity ............................................................................................................40 kA - rated making capacity ...................................................................................................108 kA peak - rated operating sequences .........................................................................................OCO - 1' - CO CO - 15'' - CO Rated making capacity of earthing switch with short-circuit making capacity ...........................................................................up to 108 kA peak

Reference standards The specific requirement of GIS are given in IEC 60 517, gas insulated metal enclosed switchgear for rated voltage of 72.5 kV and above. For individual GIS components additional IEC standards apply: CEI 60 044 CEI 60 071 CEI 60 129 CEI 60 270 CEI 60 376 CEI 60 480 CEI 60 517 CEI 60 694 CEI 60 815 CEI 60 859 CEI 61 128 CEI 61 129 CEI 61 259 CEI 61 634 Instrument transformers. Insulation coordination. Alternating current disconnectors and earthing switches. Partial discharge measurements. Specification and acceptance of new sulphur hexafluoride. Guide to checking of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) taken from electrical equipment. Gas-insulated metal enclosed switchgear for rated voltage of 72.5 kV and above. Common specifications for high-voltage switchgear and controlgear. Guide for the selection of insulators in respect of polluted conditions. Cable connection for gas-insulated metal-enclosed switchgear for rated voltage of 72.5 kV and above. Bus-transfer current switching by disconnectors Alternating current earthing switches - Induced current switching. Requirements for switching of bus-charging currents by disconnectors. High-voltage switchgear and control - Use and handling fo sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) in high-voltage switchgear and controlgear. CEI 62 271-100 Alternating current circuit-breakers

5 482 696 En

Switchgear

Circuit breaker -disconnector

The circuit breaker-disconnector protects and isolates the circuits. The circuit breaker-disconnector combines the breaking characteristics specific to circuit breakers with the isolation and circuit-separation characteristics specific to disconnectors. The isolation characteristics have been checked after complete simulation of the circuit-breaker service life, which is the most restrictive case. The mechanism of the position indicator complies with the requirements of IEC standard 60129.

The breaking chamber is of puffer and self-blast type. The circuit breaker is driven by mechanical operating drive. The energy required to operate the circuit breaker is stored in helical compression springs.

10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

- Safety disk - Drive mechanism - Filling coupler - Density switch - Push button - Mechanical operating mechanism GMv - Local control cubicle - Insulator support - Breaking chamber - Barrier insulator

5 482 696 En

Breaking chamber operating principle The breaking chamber is self-blowing and selfexpansive. According to the IEC 62 271-100 standard, the circuit breaker is restrike free. In the interrupting unit, permanent current flow is separated from the transient current flow. The contact parts subject to arcing are made of refractory materials. An insulating sleeve prevents decomposition product from accumulating on the insulator support. To disrupt high currents, energy of the electric arc is used to increase pressure in an expansion chamber. When current cancels out, the pressurized gas, led by the nozzle, is blown on the arc to disrupt it. Lower intensity currents are blown thanks to the compression of a swabbing volume, which throws SF6 on electric arc.

10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3

12345678910 -

Fixed contact Fixed arcing contact Insulating nozzle Moving arcing contact Expansion chamber Moving contact Swabbing valve Swabbing volume Regulation valve Support insulator

2 1

Fig.1 Circuit breaker closed, allowing continuous flow of current via the main contacts. Fig.2 Start of opening. Main contacts disengage. The diagram shows the disengaged position of arc contacts. The gas passes from V2 to V1. The swabbing valve is open. Fig.3 Opening continues. Arc contacts disengage to create an electric arc between these two contacts. In case of high-intensity current, high pressure closes the valve between V1 and V2 to limit pressure on V2 piston. Pressure on V2 is regulated, which allows for energy savings over control. Fig. 4 Current is stopped. In this position, there is blowing in the nozzle. Gases leave the hot spot.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

V1 : expansion chamber V2 : swabbing volume

5 482 696 En

GMv operating mechanism The DTH7m circuit breaker is driven by the GMv operating mechanism. The GMv operating mechanism is simple, robust and particularly reliable. It is used for the conventional circuit breakers of the 145 kV range. The operating mechanism uses only tried and tested techniques that are perfectly controlled. Reliability has been further enhanced by reducing the number of components. The drive springs are of the helical compression type. The primary transmission mechanism is of the chain type. The latching part are specially designed to operate without lubrication or greasing. As a result, the operating mechanism is virtually maintenance free. The GMv operating mechanism allows to achieve an O-CO cycle without reloading springs.

1
1234567Motors and spring charging mechanism Closing springs Primary transmission Closing cam Closing lock Closing crank 5 Opening lock

3 4

10 13 2 11 12 6 7 8 9
8 - Closing coil 9 - Opening coil 10 - Opening springs 11 - Operating crank 12 - Position indicator (open/closed) 13 - Charged/discharged status indicator

5 482 696 En

Combined disconnectorearthing switch

The combined disconnector-earthing switch fulfils the functions of a disconnector and of an earthing switch. The combined selector switch disconnector is designed to operate in charge, that is to transfer charge currents from a busbar to another. Thus, it has a breaking and making capability. Furthermore, the moving contact stops in intermediate position. This third position guarantees insulation distances for an open disconnector and an open earthing (across gap contacts and phase-earth). This stop in intermediary position is not necessary on the busbar and for line disconnectors.

The combined disconnector-earthing switch uses a blade-type contact. The movement of the blade-type contact makes the connection to the busbar or earths the circuit breaker upstream circuit. The disconnector is fitted with an electrical operating mechanism and a manual operating mechanism. The position of the contacts may be checked through the viewport. A portable endoscope may be used to facilitate checking. The same type of gear motor is used to drive the combined disconnector-earthing switch and the high-speed earthing switch.

Two combined adjacent busbar disconnector-earthing switches 1 - Busbar 2 - Moving contact screen 3 - Fixed earthing contact 4 - Barrier insulator 5 - Moving contact blade 6 - Fixed disconnector contact 7 - Busbar 8 - Flange 9 - Expansion joint 10 - Cutene chip (only for selector switch disconnector)

2 3 4 5 6 7

10

8 9

5 482 696 En

Electrical control of the combined disconnectorearthing switch

Electrical controls are based on the screw/nut principle, a well-known and reliable system that allows to transmit reliable drive.

This principle guarantees precise and reliable kinetics. The control is activated by gear motors monitored using limit switches.

Schematic diagram

Closed disconnector

Open disconnector Open earthing switch

Closed earthing switch

Because first nut goes until end of stroke, the stability of the intermediate position is guaranteed. The parts of the screw/nut mechanism are specially treated to operate without lubrication or greasing. The controls thus operate without any maintenance.

All control components are integrated in an IP41 case. Manual control using a handle is also possible.

3
2 0 1

4
0

2
1 - Earthing drive 2 - Disconnector drive 3 - Push button to control electric lock of access trap 4 - Key selector switch 5 - Access trap to handle

5 482 696 En

High-speed earthing switch

The earthing switch uses a contact pin and tulip contact mechanism. It can close in case of short-circuit. The earthing terminals can be isolated from the substation by simply removing a shunt. The mechanism of the position indicator on the earthing switch complies with the requirements of IEC standard 60129.

3 4

123456-

Fixed contact Moving contact Drive crank Drive shaft Isolatable earthing terminals Fast closing mechanism (protection cover removed)

5 482 696 En

Instrument transformers

Current transformer

The current transformers are of the magnetic type. The primary winding is formed by the primary conductor. The secondary windings are wound on toroids inside the SF6 gas compartment. The transformer is equipped with a terminal box that can be lead-sealed for metering.

A metal shield ensures good distribution of the electric field around the primary conductor and supports the windings. Secondary circuits can be short-circuited in the local cubicle.

4 5

12345-

Primary conductor Secondary windings Shield Isolatable earthing terminals Terminal box

Voltage transformer

The voltage transformers are of the magnetic type. The windings are immerged in SF6 gas. The inter-layer insulation is a film chosen for its dielectric strength and thermal stability.

The transformer always forms a separate compartment from the rest of the GIS. The transformer is equipped with a terminal box that can be lead-sealed for metering. The voltage transformer has a standard connection to the line side (downstream of the line combined disconnector-earthing switch). However, it is possible to connect it to the station side (upstream of the line combined disconnectorearthing switch).

3 1 6

123456789-

Primary winding Secondary winding Laminated core Insulating bushing Terminal box Barrier insulator Density switch Filling coupler Safety disk

10

5 482 696 En

Surge arresters

It is normal practice to protect a GIS from lightning surges, by locating a porcelain-clade lightning arrester between overhead lines and the GIS. In case of a direct connection to power transformer with SF6 gas insulated busduct, or a cable connection, it may be necessary to use a GIS arrester. In case of a new station, simulations with actual plant data should be performed to determine more precisely overvoltages, as well as the number and locations of surge arresters (a commercial offer to realize these simulations can be proposed on request).

The provided surge arresters on TH7m are of metal-oxide type, which offer: - high non-linear voltage/current characteristics, - a high energy absorption capacity . Their active parts are composed of ZnO chips piled up on an insulating rod, inside an insulating tube. Surge arresters can be equipped with surge counters.

5 482 696 En

11

Connections

Cable connections

Cables with a termination insulator should be used for connections. The dimensions of the connection enclosure comply with 60859 IEC standard for dry terminations. This enclosure allows the installation of plug-in terminations, in order: - not to reopen the cable box on site, - to connect cables easily. Links allowing the insulation of the cables from the GIS are always provided. These links are used to carry out quickly the dielectric tests of the GIS and of the cables after mounting. Upon specific client request, the dimensions of the enclosure can be adapted for fluid-filled terminations. The same connection enclosure can be used with termination insulators for dry plug-in cables and with conventional termination insulators. Supply limit in accordance with 60859 IEC standard.

5 3 4

2 1

12345-

Plug-in cable termination insulator Main circuit end terminal High speed earthing switch Links Isolable earthing terminals

Overhead connections

Type n1 Connections to overhead lines and power transformers are made using short lengths of synthetically insulated cable. One end of the cable is fitted with a plug-in terminal, the other with a synthetically insulated dry bushing.

Installation and complete testing of the short lengths of cable can be carried out by the manufacturer.

1 2

1234-

Terminal Synthetically insulated bushing Extruded high voltage cable Plug-in cable end

3 4

12

5 482 696 En

Type n2 For short distances, the compact three-phase module is connected to the GIS by a threephase SF6 gas insulating busduct. This tripod is equipped with three dry synthetically insulated bushings.

Type n3 For long distances, each single-phase module is connected to the GIS by a single-phase SF6 gas insulated busduct. This module includes a dry synthetically insulated bushing. On specific request of the client, the synthetically insulated crossing can be replaced by a classic porcelain bushing.

Direct connection to power transformer

Direct single-phase connection to power transformer is performed via a SF6/oil bushing. These bushings are usually delivered as part of the power transformer. Enclosures surrounding the bushing (GIS side) are usually supplied by GIS manufacturer.

A compensation joint is mounted over to guarantee the necessary flexibility required by the tolerances when assembling on site. To isolate the circulating currents, in the SF6 busducts, from the ones circulating in the transformer tank, an insulating ring is provided either by the transformer manufacturer on the bushing flange, either by GIS manufacturer on the compensation joint. For GIS dielectric tests on site, a removable link allows to isolate GIS from transformer.

5 482 696 En

13

Primary components

Enclosures

The enclosures are made of cast or welded aluminium alloy. Enclosure design complies with European pressure vessel codes (CENELEC). Standard colour of enclosure external painting: RAL 7035.

Thanks to their modular design a small number of enclosures are readily adaptable to most substation layouts: - busbar disconnector enclosure, - circuit breaker enclosure, - current transformer enclosures, - voltage transformer enclosure, - cable termination enclosure.

Current transformer enclosures

Circuit breaker-disconnector enclosure

Busbar disconnector enclosure

Voltage transformer enclosure

Cable termination enclosure

14

5 482 696 En

Insulators

Barrier insulator The barrier insulators are made up of a metal plate supporting three single-pole insulators. The single-pole insulators are made of epoxy resin moulded around the central conductor

3 2

1 - Support 2 - Single-pole insulator 3 - Conductor insert

Support insulator

1 - Conductor 2 - Insulator 3 - Fixing device

2 3

Conductors

The conductors are made of aluminium alloy.

The elastic contact parts are made of copper or silver-coated copper.

1 - Insulator conductor insert 2 - Sliding contact ring 3 - Silver-coated copper nozzle 4 - Aluminium tube

5 482 696 En

15

Density switch

The density switch is used to monitor the SF6 pressure inside the compartments. The Bourbon tube measures the pressure and the bimetallic pull-rod compensates the variation of pressure induced by the variation of temperature.

The specification of the bimetallic pull-rod is chosen so that it compensates isochoric pressure variations (at constant volume).

1 4 5

2 3 3 2
1 -Density switch 2 -Coupler 3 -Filling coupler 4 -Bourdon tube 5 -Bimetal pullrod 6 -Pointer 7 -Switches

Safety membrane

Each compartment is fitted with a safety membrane which protects the enclosures against unacceptable excess pressure.

The safety membrane is made of a stainless alloy and is not subject to ageing. A deflector is used to direct the gas flow in a direction presenting no danger to personnel.

2
1 -Safety disc 2 -Protective screen 3 -Deflector

16

5 482 696 En

Installation and maintenance

Packing and shipping

The TH7m is shipped as complete bays and Transport Units (TU). Each bay is fully factory-assembled. The switching and monitoring devices are fully connected to the control cubicle. The voltage transformers and the busbar components are generally shipped in separate Transport Units and not with the fully-assembled bays. To prevent the ingress of dust and moisture in the gas compartments, all transport units that can be sealed are pressurised with dry SF6 gas or nitrogen at a pressure of 0.03 MPa.

The TUs are placed in a rigidly framed plywood case suited for overseas transport and handling. The dimensions of the TUs have been optimised taking into account the most frequently encountered transport limitations and handling facilities. The complete bays can easily be moved using a balanced lifting beam. The maximum net load of a bay is 3000 kg.

5 482 696 En

17

On-site storage

Transport unit packaging is designed to prevent any damage to the equipment during transport and the storage period of 6 months from ex work shipment to beginning of erection on site.

The transport units must be stored on site in a ventilated building, free from dirt and dust and not subject to flooding. If the planned storage exceeds 6 months or if the conditions are particularly severe it is necessary to install periodic inspection and maintenance works during the storage period. The manufacturer either carries out erection or supervises by the user's installation personnel.

Erection

Installation and pre-commissioning are performed under the technical responsibility of the manufacturer.

Erection area conditions GIS mounting requires a clean and dust free environment. Civil works should be finished before mounting starts. The floor should have a firm surface and be easy to keep free from dust. The floor should be clean and unencumbered by tools or equipment not required for mounting the GIS. Walls and ceiling should be of such quality that they do not peel. If necessary, a coat of suitable "anti-dust" paint should be applied on all these surfaces. Suitable crane, lifting devices and scaffolding should be provided. Adequate interior lighting should be provided during the erection period. Site security: Access to the site should be restricted to those people required for mounting the GIS. Hand tools, special tools and certain spare parts should be stored in locked premises under supervision.

Electrical power supply to the site: Electrical power supply should be made available during the entire mounting period. The specifications for the electrical power supply on the site will be stipulated by common agreement. The electrical power supply should be able to meet the requirements of the gas processing plant, the vacuum cleaner, hand tools and lifting equipment. Preparation erection: The order in which the HV bays are mounted is determined by mutual agreement between the customer and the manufacturer. The order depends on the environment of the GIS, ease of access and lifting means. Erection of fully assembled units: The GIS consists exclusively of complete units and a small number of separate switchgear devices or busbars. Installation of the units required a minimum amount of site work. Only compartments that are opened on site require full SF6 gas processing.

Site tests

Tests are carried out after mounting on site in order to detect possible damage incurred during transportation, storage or final assembly. Tests are performed under the technical responsibility of the manufacturer. As switchgear erection proceeds, the following tests are performed: - measurement of the resistance of the main circuit, - tightness tests of each compartment sealed on site.

After completion of erection, the following tests are performed: - checks and verifications of the protection relay settings, - checks and verifications of the interlocks between bays, - checks and verifications of switching devices, - checks and verifications of the gas supervision system, - high-voltage dielectric tests.

18

5 482 696 En

Station dielectric tests: Dielectric strength is checked in order to eliminate all risk of subsequent internal faults that could be caused by erection errors or damage during handling, transportation, storage and mounting. The test procedure employed must not jeopardise the sound part of the GIS. These tests cannot always be performed on site, and certain departures from the standards may be accepted. The electrical power requirements, dimensions and weight of the test equipment may need to be considered when choosing an appropriate test method. The usual test procedure is procedure A of IEC 60517. Procedure A corresponds to applying an alternating current of a specified value for 1 minute.

For this test the substation must be fully assembled and the SF6 gas pressure equal to the rated filling pressure. This test with an alternating current at 50 Hz is particularly suitable for detecting conductive particles. In most cases the test is sufficiently sensitive to detect abnormal configurations of the electrical field. Some parts of the GIS, such as the cables, overhead lines, power transformers, reactors and lightning arresters, must be disconnected during tests either because they have too high a load current or because of voltage limitations.

Dielectric tests on high voltage cables: The recommended process consists in carrying out a test under alternating voltage during 24 hours, at network rated voltage, as indicated in the IEC 60840 standard.

This test also allows to test several cables at the same time and to remove operations of opening and treating SF6 compartments, when it is necessary to use a test generator.

Maintenance

Generalities Under normal conditions of use (e.g. in distribution networks) and in particular for indoor substations protected from damage due to climatic conditions, experience shows that the electrical and mechanical durability limits of the GIS are not reached before 25 years, unless the GIS undergoes frequent, stress-generating operations. The life time of a GIS is also based on ageing of the sealing system.

During the initial operating period, maintenance requirements are reduced, and a complete overhaul of the switching devices is certainly not necessary. After 25 years, according to use, refurbishment will probably be required in order to prolong service life by at least 15 years.

Periodic inspection Common to the entire GIS: - Checking of the SF6 gas - Checking of density switch alarm settings - Checking of SF6 gas moisture - Inspecting LCC, wiring and cabling - Inspection of earthing systems - Inspection of paintwork touchups if necessary Circuit breaker-disconnector: - Recording operation counters, monitoring limits of use - Mechanical measurements and tests - inspection of GMv operating mechanism Disconnector-earthing switch - Recording operation counters, monitoring limits of use - Mechanical measurements and tests

Once a year

every 5 years

or after 5000 cycles or after 5000 cycles

After 5000 cycles

5 482 696 En

19

Examples of installation

Cable feeder bay using a circuit breaker-disconnector

4480
Cable feeder bay using a line disconnector

887

4689
Bus section bay using a circuit breaker

800
4282

20

5 482 696 En

1788

2536

2900

948

2760

Inlet/outlet bay

4840

Busbar coupling bay (with selector disconnector of busbars)

492

3295

5 482 696 En

948

2900

492

2900

21

H configuration using a bus section circuit breaker

1000

2900

4840

1500

600

22

1800

4940

3650
5 482 696 En

H configuration using a bus section disconnector

2240

2520
1500

1000

600

4795

5 482 696 En

1800

4160

3650

23

Double busbar station

800

1000

600

4795

24

1800

4270

2900

1500

3650

5 482 696 En

VA TECH Transmission & Distribution GmbH & Co KEG Penzinger Strae 76, A-1141 Vienna Tel.: ++43/1/89 100, Fax: ++43/1/89 100-196 E-Mail: contact@vatech-td.at, www.vatech-td.com

Product Management VA TECH Transmission & Distribution S.A. 1 rue de la Nva - BP 178 - 38004 Grenoble Cedex 1 France Tl. 33 (0)4 76 57 71 94 - Fax. 33 (0)4 76 60 50 89