VFTO Documentation

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
What is Gas Insulated Switchgear:

A compact, multi component assembly enclosed inside a grounded metallic
encapsulation, which shields all energized parts from the environment. The primary
insulating medium is compressed SF6 gas.
It generally consists of:
a.
Bus-bars
b.
Circuit-breakers
c.
Disconnecting switches
d.
Earthing switches
e.
Current transformers
f.
Voltage transformers
g.
Cable and boxes
h.
Gas supplying and gas monitoring equipment
i.
Dens meters
j.
Local control
Gas Insulated Substations (GIS) have found a broad range of applications in power
systems over the last three decades because of their high reliability, easy maintenance, small
ground space requirement etc.. In our country also, a few GIS units have been in operation
and a large number of units are under various stages of installation.
GIS is based on the principle of operation of complete enclosure of all energized or
live parts in a metallic encapsulation, which shields them from the external environment.
Compressed SF6 gas, which has excellent electrical insulating properties, is employed as the
insulating medium between the encapsulation and the energized parts. Gas Insulated
Substations have a grounded outer sheath enclosing the high voltage inner conductor unlike
conventional equipment whose closest ground is the earth surface.
The Basic Insulation Level (BIL) required for a Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) is
different from that of the conventional substation because of certain unique properties of the
former. Gas insulated bus has a surge impedance (70 Ohm) more than that of the
conventional oil filled cables, but much less than that of a over head line (300 400 Ohms).
In addition, the GIS is totally enclosed and therefore is free from any atmospheric
contamination. Hence, in general the GIS permit lower BIL rating than the conventional one.
A GIS requires less number of lightning arresters than a conventional one. This is mainly
because of its compactness. The basic consideration for insulation co-ordination is V-t
characteristic. The V-t characteristic of SF6 is considerably flat compared to that of air. Air
can withstand to very high voltages for very short time. On the other hand SF6 exhibits a flat
characteristic. Thus the ratio of basic switching impulse level to basic lightening impulse
level is close to unity for GIS, where as for the conventional substations this ratio varies
between 0.6 and 0.86.
1.2
Advantages of GIS over the Conventional, Open Air Substations:

1) Very much reduced area and volume requirements resulting in lower costs.
2) Greatly improved safety and reliability due to earthed metal housing of all high
voltage parts and much higher intrinsic strength of SF6 gas as insulation.
3) More optimal life cycle costs because of lesser maintenance, down time and
repair costs.
4) Elimination of radio interference with the use of earthed metal enclosures.
5) It is not necessary that high voltage or extra high voltage switchgear has to be
installed outdoors.
6) They offer saving in land and construction costs.
7) These substations can be located closer to load centers thereby reducing
transmission losses and expenditure in the distribution network.
1.3
Disadvantages of GIS:
Although GIS has been in operation for several years, a lot of problems encountered
in practice need fuller understanding. Some of the problems being studied are:
2
1.
Switching operations generate Very Fast Transient Over voltages (VFTO).
2.
VFTO may cause secondary breakdown inside a GIS and Transient Enclosure
Voltages (TEV) outside the GIS.
3.
Field non-uniformities reduce withstanding levels of a GIS.
4.
Prolonged arcing may produce corrosive / toxic by-products.
5.
Support spacers can be weak points when arc by-products and metallic particles are
present.
For these reasons, VFTO generated in a GIS should be considered as an important
factor in the insulation design. For designing a substation it is essential to know the
maximum value of VFTO. Moreover, this VFTO in turn generates Transient Enclosure
Voltages (TEV) outside the GIS. Hence studies are carried out on estimation of the VFTO
and TEV levels. For this purpose PSPICE can be used.
In GIS, Very Fast Transient Over voltages (VFTO) are caused by two ways, due to
switching operations, line to enclosure faults and internal insulation flashover.
The internal FTOs generated have traveling wave behavior of a surge. Since FTOs
have the characteristics of traveling wave, they can change significantly at different points
within GIS. These FTOs travel to the external system through enclosures, gas-air bushings,
cable joints, current transformers etc. and may cause damage to the outside equipments like
high voltage transformers connected to the GIS.
FTOs can also lead to secondary breakdown in GIS. Further they may give rise to
electro-magnetic interference.
Since the contact speed of the dis-connector switches is low, re-striking occurs many
times before the interruption is completed. Each re-strike generates VFTOs with different
levels of magnitude.
Dis-connector Switches (DS) are used primarily to isolate the operating sections of an
HV installation from each other as a safety measure. Beyond this, they must also be able to
perform certain switching duties, such as load transfer from one busbar to another or
disconnection of bus bar, circuit breaker etc.. Step shaped traveling wave generated between
the dis-connector switch contacts propagates in both directions, reflecting at the components
of GIS, thus resulting in a complex waveform.
1.4
The main Problems Associated with the VFTO are as follows:

1) Flashover to Ground at the dis-connector switch contacts.
2) Failure of electronic control circuits connected to GIS, because of electromagnetic
interference of VFTO.
3) Dielectric strength is reduced under VFTO, if non-uniform electric field is formed
by the particles (mainly metallic).
4) Effect on components such as bushing and transformer.
5) Transient Enclosure Voltage (TEV) on external surface of the sheath. This may
cause flashover to near by grounded objects.
For these reasons, VFTO generated in GIS should be considered as an important
factor in the insulation design of not only gas insulated components, but the entire substation.
The VFTO generated due to switching operation, the breakdown may occur if a sharp
protrusion exists within the GIS. The over voltage pattern and the VFTO level changes after
the VFTO breakdown. This type of breakdown is known as Secondary Breakdown. This type
of breakdown is also possible at the switching contacts during the current interruption. From
the insulation design point of view, this new VFTO level and amplitudes of the high
frequency components are also important.
For designing a substation it is essential to know the maximum value of VFTO.
Hence studies are carried out on estimation of the VFTO levels. For this purpose PSPICE can
be used. In PSPICE simulation a suitable equivalent circuit is necessary for each component
of the substation.
From the above it can be seen that the estimation of magnitudes of VFTOs are
essential for the design of a GIS. This has been the scope of this project.
1.5
Aim and Scope of the Present Study:

The present work is aimed at calculating magnitude of fast transient over voltages in
GIS due to Switching Operations and Line-to Enclosure faults by suitably modeling a typical
GIS system. A comparison is made for different lengths of GIS. For better understanding of
4
the transients, they are calculated with Fixed Arc Resistance and with Variable Arc
Resistance. Attempts have been made to compare the transients with Load and without Load.
Therefore in the present study, the following work has been carried out.
1. The maximum possible VFTO level for 245KV substation is estimated.
2. The effect of each component of GIS on the VFTO level is estimated separately.
3. The length of the cable termination depends on station configuration. From VFTO
point of view, minimum length of the cable is estimated by considering different
switching operations.
4. A model of the spark channel development is proposed for estimating the VFTO
level.
In Chapter-2, Literature Survey, Principle and Generation of VFTO, Secondary
Breakdown, Surges, Re-strikes and Pre-strikes, Trapped Charge and Current Chopping in
GIS are discussed.
In Chapter-3, Modelling of GIS Components, PSPICE models, Modelling details,
Calculation of Parameters and Equivalent circuit of GIS components are presented.
In Chapter-4, The transients due to switching operations and line-to-enclosure faults
with Fixed Arc Resistance for different lengths of GIS and also the transients due to fault
along with load and without load are described and analyzed.
In Chapter-5, The transients due to switching operations and faults with Variable Arc
Resistance for different lengths of GIS and also the transients due to fault along with load
and without load are dealt with.
In Chapter-6, Suppression of fast transient over voltages is discussed.
In Chapetr-7, Comparison between the transients due to switching operations with
Fixed and Variable Arc Resistance for different lengths of GIS. Comparison between the
transients due to fault for different lengths, with fixed and variable arc resistance, with and
without Load, and suggestions for the further work are presented.
CHAPTER - 2
LITERATURE SURVEY
2.1
Introduction:
During the current operation of dis-connector switch in a GIS, re-strikes (pre-strikes)
occur because of low speed of the dis-connector switch moving contact, hence Very Fast
Transient Over voltages are developed. These VFTOs are caused by switching operations
and line-to-enclosure faults.
When a dis-connector switch is opened on a floating section of switchgear, a trapped
charge may be left on the floating section. In the opening operation of dis-connector switch,
transients are produced and the magnitude of these transients and rise times depends on the
circuit parameters. When there is a fault occurs, there is a short circuit in the system.
Transients are also produced due to the faults in the system. Due to this VFTOs are caused
by switching operation can also lead to secondary breakdown with in GIS. Re-striking surges
generated by the dis-connector switches at GIS generally possess extremely high frequencies
ranging from several hundred KHz to several MHz.
In this chapter, the general layout of 245KV GIS is given in section 2.2. The literature
survey is presented in section 2.3. Generation of VFTO is discussed in section 2.4. Principle
of FTO generation is described in section 2.5. Secondary breakdown in GIS is explained in
section 2.6. The occurrences of Surges, Re-strikes and Pre-strikes in GIS are presented in
sections 2.7, 2.8 respectively. Trapped charge condition in GIS is also discussed in section
2.9, and necessity of current chopping is described in section 2.10.
2.2
Gas Insulated Substations:

The general layout of 245KV Gas Insulated Substation comprises the following
components:
Circuit Breaker
Isolator
Dis-connector Switch
Earthing Switch
Current Transformer
Voltage Transformer
Bus bar & Connectors
Power Transformer
Bushing & Cable
When designing the GIS, space-associated costs are reduced, resulting in a substantial
reduction in overall station costs, as GIS occupies only roughly 10% of the space required by
a conventional substation. Typical cases for which GIS is undoubtedly the more economic
solution (along with areas of major cost savings) are given below:
1.
Urban and Industrial areas (space, pollution)
2.
Mountain areas (site preparation, altitude, snow and ice)
3.
Coastal areas (salt-associated problems)
4.
Underground substations (site preparation)
5.
Areas where aesthetics are a major concern (Landscaping etc.)
2.3
Literature Survey:
Working Group 33/13-09, CIGRE [1], BHEL [15] deals with the given qualitative
description of origin of FTO associated with Gas Insulated Substation. They also described
the effect of these FTO on different equipments like transformers, circuit-breaker etc..
B.P. Singh [2] deal with the modeling concept of a typical GIS and various over
voltages generated due to switching operations and line fault for fixed and variable arc
resistances and in the presence or absence of load.
K. Diederich [3], described the Origin of Very Fast Transients in GIS. Switching
operations in a GIS lead to very fast transient phenomena, which can be subdivided into
internal and external very fast transients. These VFTs stress the equipment in GIS as well as
the secondary equipment.
S. Yanabu [4], has experimentally estimated fast transient over voltages in GIS. The
maximum FTO estimated from observation was 2.7 p.u. This was observed infrequently and
occurred only at the open end of the bus bars.
S. A. Bogss [5], carried out field tests for measurement of dis-connector switch
operation induced transients and indicated that transients do not exceed 2.0p.u. Further it
gives that the trapped charge left during dis-connector switch opening depends on the design
of the switch.
S. Ogawa [6], proved that re-striking surge of dis-connector switches can estimated
by conducting calculations with considerably high accuracy than measured waveforms.
Accuracy of as low as 3% to 5% has been achieved for measured and calculated values.
Z. Haznadar [7], R. Witzmann [8], has developed models for different GIS
components and conducted experiments with regard to waveform distortion on various
models consisting of spacers, bushing etc..
Amir Mansour Miri [9], presented numerical and experimental evaluation of the
transient behavior of GIS. With the help of electrical equivalent circuits of GIS components,
the generation and propagation of transients inside GIS have been evaluated.
Nobuhiro Shimoda [10], J. Ozawa [11], describes the method of suppression of
transient over voltages caused by dis-connector switch. This is obtained by insertion of
resistor with appropriate value during switching operation.
T. G. Engel [12], determined the resistance of high-current pulsed arc by various
formulae. The results indicate that in the initial stages of discharges (t < 0.5s), equation
developed by Toepler and some other authors are identical.
G. Ecklin and D. Schlicht [13], describes the operation and switching procedures with
isolators occurring in GIS and the principle operation of FTOs generated in GIS.
Tohei Nitta [14], describes surge propagation in GIS. Traveling velocity of surges is
equal to the velocity of light. Any component, which adds extra ground capacitance to the
system should be properly included in the calculation model. Small inductance plays
important in the surge propagation performance of a given system.
P. Osmokrovic [16], describes the formative times and Toeplers constant approach to
modeling the breakdown event and it depends on the macroscopic parameters of the
insulation.
2.4
Generation of Very Fast Transient Over voltages (VFTO) in a GIS:

During the current operation of dis-connector switch in a GIS, re-strikes (pre-strikes)
occur because of the low speed of the dis-connector switch moving contact, due to the very
fast voltage collapse within a few nano seconds (ns) and the subsequent traveling waves,
Very Fast Transient Over-voltages are developed. The main oscillation frequency of the fast
transients depends on the configuration of GIS. Moreover, the effect of complexity of the
configuration of a GIS on the peak value of the transients has been studied in this thesis.
For the development of equivalent circuits, low voltage step response measurements
of the main GIS components have been made. Using the PSPICE the equivalent electrical
models are developed. The peak value of the fast transients often occurs when circuit
structure is relatively simple, but more frequently if the structure is rather complicated. The
propagation velocity of traveling wave generated during dis-connector switch operation is
about 30cm / ns.
The representation of bushing is important for simulating the fast transients.
Generally, the transit time through a bushing is comparable to or greater than the rise time of
GIS generated transients. For this reason, bushings cannot be considered as a lumped element
in estimating the VFTO level.
The generation of fast transients can be classified into two types. They are due to the
following:
a)
Dis-connector switch operation
b)
Faults between Bus bar and Enclosure
In case of line-to-earth fault, the voltage collapse at the fault location occurs in a
similar way as in dis-connector gap during re-striking. By this event, step shape traveling
surges are injected. For such a surge source inside GIS, two surges traveling in opposite
directions are generated. However, if voltage collapse occurs at the open end of GIS, only
single surge propagates on the bus.
Spark collapse time is defined as the time to bridge the gap with the spark after the
initiation of breakdown. A longer spark length causes longer spark collapse time. It was also
observed that with a constant SF6 gas pressure, a higher inter electrode breakdown voltage
causes longer spark collapse time. With the same voltage, a lower gas pressure also causes
longer spark collapse time.
When SF6 breakdown occurs it re-combines very quickly, since it has a high electronegative property. Due to this property, re-striking voltages of the order of nanoseconds rise
time are produced. Hence FTOs are mainly because of SF6. As a consequence of
characteristics of breakdown in electro-negative gases and short traveling wave times in GIS
resulting from short overall length, transient over-voltages with steeper voltage rise and
higher frequencies are produced.
Breakdown in SF6 starts initially by avalanche, starting with initiatory electron due to
cosmic radiation, field emission or several other phenomena producing electrons. These
electrons are accelerated by electric field thereby increasing its kinetic energy. As a result,
number of electrons increases because of collisions. According to streamer criteria, first
avalanche occurs followed by chain of avalanches bridging the gap between the electrodes
and thus forming a streamer. Thus, to have breakdown there should be sufficient electric field
to produce sequence of avalanches and there should be atleast one primary electron to initiate
first avalanche.
In the above sequence of events there exists a time lag for initiating electron to be
available in the gap after the voltage is applied. This time lag is termed as the Statistical Time
Lag. Similarly the formation of spark channel takes definite time known as Formative Time
Lag (Tf) and is defined below [17].
KT
Tf 4.4 l
U
Where
l = Spark Length
KT= Toeplers Constant
U = Ignition Voltage
This time lag is of the order of nanoseconds. Therefore the rise time of FTOs will be
of the order of nanoseconds. The above phenomenon suggests that the FTOs are generated
10
due to voltage collapse, which occurs when spark is produced. This spark is produced after a
time lag of Tf.
Dis-connector Switches (DS) are designed to interrupt small charging current that
flows through the short lines as fast as the circuit breaker. In this case, since the contact speed
of DS is generally slow, re-striking occurs a number of times before interruption is
completed, resulting in generation of high frequency surge voltage each time re-strike takes
place. DS operation in GIS generates the largest line-to-ground voltage transients imposed on
the switchgear during normal operation.
2.5
Principle of FTO Generation:

During opening operation of Dis-connector Switch (DS), transients are produced due
to internal oscillations. The magnitude of these transients and rise times depends on the
circuit parameters like Inductance, Capacitance and Connected Load. Assuming that some
trapped charge is left during opening operation, transients can be calculated during closing
operation of DS.
Fast Transient Over voltages generated during Dis-connector Switch operation are a
sequence of voltage steps created by voltage collapse across the gap at re-striking. Specific
over voltage shape is formed by multiple reflections and refractions. Operation of Disconnector Switch (DS) can be shown by using the below figure:
Fig 2.1
Electric Circuit for explaining re-strikes
11
Where
L1 = Inductance of Source
C1 = Capacitance of Source
C2 = Capacitance of GIS Open Part
U1 = Power Frequency Voltage
U2 = Voltage of GIS Section
The more frequent service situation of the isolator is its use to connect or dis-connect
unloaded parts of the installation as is shown in figure 2.1. For example, a part of the GIS is
dis-connected by an isolator from a generator or from an overhead supply line, where by the
self-capacitance C2 of this part of circuit can be upto several nF, depending on its length.
First re-strike across the gap occurs when voltage across the gap exceeds the
breakdown voltage. The occurrence of sequence of re-strikes is described with the following
figure 2.2.
Fig 2.2
Voltage of the open-ended GIS side of the Isolator
12
The voltage across the gap is the difference between U 1 and U2. If it is assumed that
the breakdown voltage UB of the gap increases with increasing separation and therefore with
time as shown in figure 2.2. Then the curve U2 can be constructed as follows.
At the instant of mechanical contact separation, U 1 and U2 have the same value, the
voltage U2 continues to retain this value, while U1 changes with power frequency. The
voltage (U2 - U1) across the gap of the isolator also changes. As soon as, (U2 U1) exceeds
the dielectric strength UB of the gap, a breakdown and thus a first re-strike occurs. Both
electrodes are there by electrically connected by a conducting spark, whereby GIS section
with initial voltage U2 is very rapidly charged to instantaneous value of U1. The transient
current flowing through the spark then interrupts as soon as the GIS have been charged to U 1
and spark extinguishes.
The voltage U2 now remains constant with time, while the voltage U 1, on the side of
supply keeps changing. This continues until the second re-strike occurs with an increased
breakdown voltage UB as a consequence of larger separation. Hence U 2 follows U1, until
finally at the end of the switching process the gap no longer can be broken down. Transients
are also produced due to faults in the system. When there is a fault, there will be short circuit
in the system. Due to this, oscillations occur due to presence of inductance and capacitance
on both sides of the fault section causing transients.
2.6
Secondary Breakdown in a GIS:

Very Fast Transient Over voltages (VFTO) caused by switching operations can lead to
Secondary Breakdowns within Gas Insulated Substations.

In the first type, the flashover to ground at the dis-connector switch contacts is due to
the streamer generated during re-strike or pre-strike between the dis-connector switch
contacts. Secondly, inside the GIS, like particles or fixed protrusions cause an
inhomogeneous field distribution and insulation can fail. In these two types of earth faults,
VFTO are developed. The flashover voltages under these two conditions are appreciably
lower than the normal withstand voltages to the ground.
Practically, it can be observed that,
13
1.
Streamers are generated from several locations over a contact. Apparently one of
these streamers develops a flashover between the contacts, while the flashover to ground is
caused by the development of the other streamers.
2.
The flashover voltage to ground is lower when the spark is generated between the dis-
connector switch contacts by an impulse voltage than when the spark is simulated with a
piece of wire. This is because of the existence of streamers.
Practically, it can be observed that the VFTO induced earth faults are possible at the
dis-connector switch contacts during its operation. This is because of the development of the
enhanced field gradient to earth and later VFTO will be generated in the GIS.
The breakdown from the live conductor to the outer conductor is possible under
VFTO or impulse voltages. Thus it is important to develop a simulation model for the
breakdown and the characteristics of the spark channel. The time varying process during
voltage breakdown and the resulting VFTO can be measured. The computer simulation
model for this breakdown can be developed. The results obtained with PSPICE are compared
with measured values. The time varying process during the building of the spark will be
simulated by using the Toeplers spark law.
2. 7
Surges in GIS:
The discharge process during each individual re-strike begins with a voltage collapse
across the contact gap, which because of the particular breakdown mechanism in
electronegative gases takes place within only approximately 10-8 sec. This voltage collapse is
directly related to the formation of the spark channel. With a typical voltage decrease rate of
1013 v/s (100 KV in 10 ns), it is the stimulus for a traveling wave, which propagates away
from the gap into the installation.
After a certain travel time the wave front reaches the open end of the GIS section, is
then reflected and travels back again crossing the gap that is still short-circuited by the spark,
until it reaches the next discontinuity in the surge impedance, such as for example the
connection of the GIS to the overhead line.
Here it is now partly reflected. On this partial reflection the wave splits itself into a
Reflected and a Transmitted component. The Reflected component travels a second time
14
towards the open end of the GIS and is there again reflected. For this reason, the discharge
transient shows a periodicity of double the traveling time of the wave in the GIS.
The amplitudes of the voltage and current surges depend on the re-striking voltage
and on the parameters of the circuit. Therefore very different amplitudes can occur depending
on the complexity of the installation.
2. 8
Re-Strikes and Pre-Strikes in GIS:

Dis-connector Switch (DS) operation typically involves slow moving contacts which
results in numerous discharges during operation. For example, a floating section of

switchgear between a disconnect switch and an open breaker (load side) may be disconnected
from an energized Gas Insulated System (supply side).
For capacitive currents below ~ 1 amp, a re-strike occurs every time the voltage
between the contacts exceeds the dielectric strength of the gaseous medium between them.
Each re-strike generates a spark, which equalizes the potential between the switch
contacts. Following spark extinction, the supply and load side potentials will deviate
according to the AC supply voltage variation and the discharge characteristics of the load
side respectively. Another spark will result when the voltage across the electrode gap
dependent breakdown voltage UB and the potential difference of the load and supply side, U.
Each Dis-connector Switch (DS) operation generates a large number of ignitions
between the moving contacts. The number of ignitions depends on the speed of the contacts.
The largest and steepest surge voltages are generated only by those breakdowns at the largest
contact gap. Therefore, only a few breakdowns (10 50) need be considered for dielectric
purpose.
The slow operation and very rapid breakdown give rise to TRAPPED CHARGE and
traveling wave surges within Gas Insulated Substation (GIS).
2. 9
Trapped Charge in GIS:

When a Disconnect Switch is opened on a floating section of switchgear, a Trapped
Charge may be left on the floating section. The potential caused by this charge will decay
15
very slowly as a result of leakage through spacers. A trapped charge near 1.0 p.u (peak) can
levitate particles.
Particle motion under D.C conditions is much more severe than that for A.C
excitation and may lead to scattering of particles onto insulating surfaces. However, such
particle motion leads to appreciable (A) D.C currents, which will normally discharge the
floating section in a relatively short time.
A trapped charge of 1 p.u implies that the first breakdown upon closing the disconnect
switch will occur at 2 p.u across the switch contacts and may lead to conductortoground
over voltages of upto 2.5 p.u. Thus the magnitude of trapped charge left after operation of a
disconnect switch may be of some consequence to switchgear reliability.
During recent field tests on a 500 KV sub station, measurements were made of the
trapped charge left when a DS was opened onto a floating section of switchgear. Numerous
measurements led to the conclusion that for this switch, a potential of 0.1 0.2p.u is left on
the floating section and that this result is consistent. The reason for this consistent result is
that the negative breakdown occurs at approximately 15% greater potential difference than
the positive breakdowns for this switch.
The asymmetry in breakdown voltages leads to the falling pattern near the end of
operation which continues until the potential is low enough that breakdowns can occur
during the rising portion of a power frequency cycle as shown in below figure 2. 3.
Fig 2. 3
Load side voltage waveform during opening of disconnect switch

16
Two such breakdowns bring the potential back to a large positive value after which
the falling pattern is re-established. The end point of this process is inevitably a transition
from a large negative potential to a slightly positive potential at a gap distance for which the
positive breakdown potential is 1.1 p. u (peak) and the negative breakdown potential is
1.2 p. u (peak). At this point another positive and negative breakdown cannot occur, as a
result 0.1 - 0.2 p. u (peak) is left on the floating switchgear.
The salient features which lead to this small trapped charge are the asymmetry in
breakdown potential and relatively long arcing time. This trapped charge can be controlled
through careful design of contact geometry. For the purpose of calculating transient
magnitudes, a trapped charge of 1.0 p. u (peak) prior to closing of Dis-connector Switch (DS)
is assumed. One of the methods suggested to suppress these over voltages is by insertion of a
resistor with an appropriate value during switching.
2. 10
Current Chopping:
When a Circuit Breaker (C.B) is made to interrupt low inductive currents such as
currents due to no load magnetizing current of a transformer, it does so even before the
current actually passes through zero value, especially when the breaker exerts the same deionizing force for all currents within its short circuit capacity. This breaking of current before
it passes through the natural zero is termed as Current Chopping.
The energy contained in the electro-magnetic field cannot become zero
instantaneously. The only possibility is the conversion from electro-magnetic to electro-static
of energy.
i.e.
1 2 1
LI CV 2
2
2
L
I
C
17
Generally in Vacuum or SF6 circuit breakers the currents chopped are of the order of
5 Amps. When a constant de-ionizing force is applied by a breaker for arc interruption, then
force must be high enough to interrupt highest value of short circuit current.
Fig 2. 4
waveform of over voltage with current chopping
Now, if the breaker is called upon to break a load current which is less than the
highest short circuit current, then the de-ionizing force would be sufficient enough to force
the arc from its high value straight to zero before the same actually reaches to natural zero.
This results a tremendous amount of over voltage as shown in the above figure 2.4. This
phenomenon is termed as Current Chopping.
18
2.11
Conclusion:
Switching operations in a Gas Insulated Switchgear lead to very fast transient
phenomena. These VFTs stress the equipment in GIS as well as the secondary equipment.
Switchgear reliability can be improved by assuring that dis-connectors minimize the trapped
charge left on the switchgear. Reduced trapped charge carries two benefits. Firstly, the
magnitude of dis-connector operation induced transients is reduced and Secondly, the
tendency for free conducting particles to be scattered onto spacers is reduced.
Hence it is essential to know the maximum value of VFTOs produced in the
switching operation. For this reason PSPICE is used. In pspice simulation a suitable
equivalent circuits is necessary for each component of the substation. The designed
equivalent circuit of each component in the substation using pspice simulation is used in the
4th and 5th Chapters.
19
CHAPTER-3
MODELLING OF GIS COMPONENT FOR

CALCULATION OF TRANSIENTS
3.1
Introduction:
For accurate analysis of transients, it is essential to find the VFTOs and circuit
parameters. Due to the traveling nature of the transients the modelling of GIS makes use of
electrical equivalent circuits composed by lumped elements and especially by distributed
parameter lines, surge impedances and traveling times. The simulation depends on the quality
of the model of each individual GIS component. In order to achieve reasonable results in GIS
structures highly accurate models for each internal equipment and also for components
connected to the GIS are necessary.
The dis-connector spark itself has to be taken into account by transient resistance
according to the Toeplers equation and subsequent arc resistance of a few ohms. The wave
shape of the over voltage surge due to dis-connector switch is affected by all GIS elements.
Accordingly, the simulation of transients in GIS assumes an establishment of the models for
the Bus, Bushing, Elbow, Transformers, Surge Arresters, Breakers, Spacers, Dis-connectors,
and Enclosures and so on.
In this chapter, the modeling concept of GIS is given in section 3.2. The PSPICE
models are developed in section 3.3. Calculation of parameters of GIS is described in section
3.4. Experimental apparatus of GIS is described in section 3.5. Single-line diagram
dimensions of 245KV GIS are given in sections 3.6 & 3.7 respectively. The equivalent circuit
of GIS components is given in section 3.8.
20
3.2
Modelling Concept:
A GIS system comprising of an Input Cable, Spacer, Dis-connector Switch, Bus bar
of 5mts length and load has been considered for modeling into electrical network and
analysis.
The Fast Transient Over voltage waveform generated during Closing and Opening
operation of Dis-connector Switch and Line-to-Enclosure faults has been considered for
calculations.
Spacers are simulated by lumped Capacitance. The Inductance of the busduct is
calculated from the diameters of Conductor and Enclosure. Capacitances are calculated on
the basis of actual diameters of inner and outer cylinders of central conductor and outer
enclosure. Cone Insulators used for supporting inner conductor against outer enclosure are
assumed to be disk type for approximate calculation of spacer capacitance.
The busduct can be modeled as a series of Pi-network or as sequence parameters.
However in this model, it is considered as distributed Pi-network. The Schematic Diagram of
a Typical Gas Insulated System (GIS) is shown in below figure 3.1.
Fig 3.1
Schematic diagram of a typical Gas Insulated Substation
Assuming that some trapped charge is left on the floating section of switchgear during
opening operation of dis-connector switch, a voltage of certain value is considered during
simulation.
21
3.3
PSPICE Models:
To simulate the Very Fast Transient Over voltages in GIS, PSPICE is used. The
equivalent circuit of GIS is shown in below figures 3.2 & 3.3.
Fig 3.2
Equivalent circuit of GIS
Where,
Z1 = Surge Impedance of Gas Insulated Bus duct w.r.to Enclosure Interior surface
Z2 = Surge Impedance of Overhead Transmission Line w.r.to Earth Surface
Z3 = Surge Impedance of Enclosure Exterior Surface w.r.to Earth Surface
Cb = Capacitance of the Bushing
C = Capacitance of the Current Transformer
Fig 3.3
Equivalent circuit of GIS
22
Where l1, l2 be the length of the source side bus bar, length of the load side bus bar, C1
and C2 are source side capacitance and the load side capacitance respectively. Let Z c and lc be
the surge impedance and length of the cable respectively.
For estimating these voltages, the equivalent impedance networks for the components
like Capacitance, Inductance of the Ground Wire, Grounding Grid, Spark Channel, and the
Resistance of Ground Grid, Switch (Which follows Toeplers Spark Law) are required.
3.4
Calculation of Parameters:
3.4.1
Calculation of Inductance:
The inductance of the bus duct can be calculated by using the formula [16]
given below:
Where r1, r2, r3, r4, are the radii of the conductors in the order of decreasing
magnitude and l is the length of the section.
r
L 0.001 l ln 1
r3
r
ln 2
r1
Fig 3.4
r
ln 4
r3
r2
r1
r
1 - 2
r1
r

ln 1 1
r2

Cross section of typical GIS System
23
3.4.2
Calculation of Capacitance:
The Capacitance is calculated with the assumption that the conductors are
Cylindrical. Capacitance is calculated by using the standard formulae given below:
o = 8.854 * 10-12, r = 1
Where
b = Outer Cylinder Radius

a = Inner Cylinder Radius
l = Length of the Section
3.4.3
Calculation of Capacitance due to Spacer:

Spacers are used for supporting the inner conductor with reference to the outer
enclosure. They are made with Allumina filled epoxy material whose relative
permittivity (r) is 4. The thickness of the spacer is assumed to be the length of the
capacitance for calculation.
3.4.4
Calculation of Short Circuit Inductance & Resistance:

Assuming a short circuit fault level of 1000MVA for 132KV system voltage,
Inductance and Resistance are calculated as follows:

I ph * Vph S
S
Vph
I ph
And
%Z
X*I
V
24
V
I
X %Z *
But
X 2* *f *L
X
2* *f
And it is assumed that R = XL

3.4.5
Calculation of Inductance due to Load (Transformer):
For 600MVA, 132KV transformer with 10% impedance and 0.8 power factor
the inductance is calculated as follows:
3 * V * I * Cos P
3.4.6
P
3 * V * Cos
And
%Z
X %Z *
But
X 2* *f *L
X*I
V
V
I
X
2* *f
Calculation of Variable Arc Resistance:

Based on earlier studies in SF6 gas, Toeplers Spark Law is valid for
calculation of Variable Arc Resistance. The Variable Arc Resistance due to Toeplers
formulae [5] is given below:
25
R=
KT l
q o i t dt
t
Where
KT = Toeplers Constant
= 0.005 volt.sec/mt for SF 6 under Uniform Field conditions
L = Spark Length in meters
qo = Initial Charge or Charge at the instant of breakdown
t
= Spark Collapse Time in sec.
The value of time varying spark resistance R(t), is calculated until it reaches a
value of 1 to 3 ohms. The integral in the denominator sums up the absolute value of
current i through the resistance R(t) over the time beginning at breakdown inception.
Thus, it corresponds to the charge conducted through the spark channel upto timet.
Initial charge qo is an important parameter while considering the non-uniform
fields. But the field between the dis-connector contacts is almost uniform. Therefore
qo is very small.
3.5
Experimental Apparatus (Modelling details):

A GIS unit with the following arrangement is assumed for developing the model as
shown in below figure 3.5.
26
Fig 3.5
Sketch of Experimental Apparatus
The apparatus has a dis-connector with an earthing switch, four disk-type spacers, a
load bus bar about 10m long with three post-type spacers and a 550KV gas bushing
containing stress capacitor.
The 1 GHz surge sensor mentioned in the diagram is located at a distance of 1.6m
from the dis-connector. Further, holding the load side bus bar at zero potential, dc voltage
27
was applied from the high voltage dc power supply to the bushing via a 1 M resistor and
VFTO waveform of the closing operation was observed.
The dc voltage applied was positive and moving contact of the dis-connector was
located on the load side.
3.6
Single-Line Diagram of 245 KV Substation:
28
Fig 3.6
3.7
Single-line diagram of 245kv GIS
Dimensions of a 245 KV Gas Insulated Substation:
29
Components of a GIS
3.8
Distance in meters
1. Overhead Transmission Line
5000
2. Cable
8000
3. Cable to Lightening Arrester (LA)
1.3
4. Cable to Voltage Transformer (VT)
2.05
5. VT to Current Transformer (CT)
1.2
6. CT to Earthing Switch (ES)
0.35
7. ES to Dis-connector Switch (DS1)
1.5
8. DS1 to BUS-II
0.5
9. BUS-II
10
10. BUS-II to DS3
0.5
11. DS3 to Earthing Switch (ES1)
3.35
12. ES1 to Circuit Breaker (CB3)
0.4
13. CB3
2.5
14. CB3 to CB5
0.9
15. DS5 to Power Transformer (PT)
11
16. PT to DS6
15
17. DS6 to Earthing Switch (ES2)
0.5
18. ES2 to CB4
0.5
Equivalent circuit of GIS components:
30
ELEMENT
EQUIVALENT
MODEL
CIRCUIT
CHARACTERISTICS
Transmission line with
BUS DUCT
distributed parameters.
Loss in transmission line
because of skin effect.
SPACER
Lumped Capacitance
C > 20pf
towards the ground.
Parameters depending on
ELBOW
the ratio between conductor
distributed parameters
and enclosure radius. Value
and capacitance added in
of the capacitance C
between the line.
depending on the system

topology.

distributed
CABLE
parameters.
Each end of cable is

terminating
with
lumped capacitance.
CURRENT
Lumped capacitance
TRANSFORMER
towards the ground
CAPACITIVE
VOLTAGE
TRANSFORMER
Lumped capacitance
towards the ground
Zg1, Zg2, are variable

surge impedance in SF6
BUSHING
Transmission line of
(Capacitively
varying surge impedances
Graded Bushing)
are connected in series
side. Za1, Za2, are

variable surge impedance in
air side.
31
In case of VFT (0.5s) the
SURGE
ARRESTER
Arrester capacitance is
protection characteristic is
considered. Protection
corrected in reference to the
characteristic connected
characteristic for the surge
in parallel with arrester
8/20s. Inductance of
capacitance
grounding connection is
taken into account.
Value of capacitance
POWER
Lumped capacitance
TRANSFORMER
towards the ground
depends on the transformer

type, voltage level, winding
connection and winding
type.
Parameters depending on
distributed parameters.
the ratio between conductor
DIS-CONNECTOR
Capacitance of the
and enclosure radius. Value
CLOSED
switching contacts
of capacitance C depends
towards the ground is
on the system topology.
considered.
Inter electrode
DIS-CONNECTOR
OPENED
capacitance of the
C includes spacer
switching contacts
capacitance also.

considered.
EARTH
Lumped capacitance
SWITCHING
towards the ground.
SPARK
RESISTANCE (in
case of DS operation)
It is a non-linear function
of time. It varies
according to the Toeplers
Spark Law
32
if t < 1s, R = 0
if t > 1s, R varies
from 0 to 5
Spark resistance varies

SPARK
(earth fault)
according to Toeplers
Spark Law. L is the
inductance of the spark
R is in the range of
1 to 3
channel.
CIRCUIT
BREAKER (C.B)
CLOSED
CIRCUIT
BREAKER (C.B)
OPENED
distributed parameters
The surge impedance of
equivalent capacitance of
C.B bus duct is less than 70
switching contacts
because of additional
capacitance.
considered.
The capacitance between
The length of bus duct on
switching contacts is
both sides of contacts is
considered. C.B bus duct
equal. The inter electrode
is represented with
capacitance incase of C.B is
distributed parameters on
high, because of large arc of
both sides of the contacts.
the contacts.
Where r = 1
TRANSFORMER
3.9
L = 12.8 mH
Conclusions:
A model is developed for the prediction of the VFTO phenomena in the circuit of
voltage and current transformers in GIS. The main advantage of such model is to enable the
transient analysis of GIS. A spark collapse time was correctly simulated by the variable
33
resistor. By this spark collapse time, resistance of the VFTO is extended, and the component
caused by short surge impedance discontinuities such as spacers, dis-connectors and short
bus branches were damped.
A GIS system comprising of spacers, bus bar and dis-connectors has been considered
for modeling into electric network. The inductance of the bus bar is calculated from
diameters of conductors and enclosure using standard formulae. Cone insulators used for
supporting inner conductor against outer enclosure are assumed to be disk type for
approximate calculation of spacer capacitance. The busduct capacitance is calculated using
formulae for concentric cylinders. The entire bus length is modeled as distributed pi-network.
CHAPTER-4
TRANSIENTS DUE TO SWITCHING & FAULTS WITH

FIXED ARC RESISTANCE
34
4.1
Introduction:
During the switching operation of the circuit, the transients are developed. By the
calculated values of the circuit parameters in previous chapter, the equivalent circuits are
constructed by using PSPICE software. By using the circuits the transients are calculated for
different lengths of Gas insulated substation. The transients are also calculated during the
faults with and without load at different distances.
Consider a circuit with the elements as shown in below figure 4.1.
Fig 4.1
Electric circuit for explaining Re-strikes
I1, I2 are Isolators and

CB is Circuit Breaker
In this chapter, the transients due to switching operations for 5mts and 10mts length
GIS are given in section 4.2. The transients due to faults for 5mts and 10mts length GIS
without load are presented in sections 4.3.1 & 4.3.2 respectively. The results of transients due
to faults for 5mts and 10mts length GIS with load are described in sections 4.3.3 & 4.3.4
respectively.
4.2
Transients due to switching operation:

4.2.1
Single - Phase equivalent circuit for 5mts length GIS:
The bus duct is divided into three sections of length 2.5mts, 1.5mts, and 1.0mts
respectively from load side. The GIS bushing is represented by a capacitance of 200pf. A
35
Fixed Resistance of 2ohms of the spark channel is connected in series with the circuit
breaker. The equivalent circuit is shown in figure 4.2.
Due to trapped charge some voltage remains on the floating section which can create
severe conditions because the first re-strike can occur at the peak of power frequency voltage
giving a voltage of 2. 0 p.u. On re-strike the voltages on each side will collapse initially zero
and hence creating two 1.0 p.u voltage steps of opposite polarities. In this, it is assumed that
re-striking is created at 1.0 p.u and -1.0p.u respectively on either side of dis-connector Switch
(DS). The transients due to different switching operations are observed.
Fig 4.2 Single - Phase equivalent circuit for 5mts length GIS due to Switching operation
Using the circuit given in Fig 4.2, transients due to closing of the circuit breaker are
calculated as given in Fig 4.3. Maximum voltage obtained is 3.02p.u with a rise time of 30ns.
The graphs are obtained from PSPICE simulations and software is given in Appendix-1.
In figure 4.2, the voltages before and after circuit breaker is taken to be 1.0 p. u and
- 1.0 p.u as the most onerous condition. But depending on the time of closing of C.B, the
magnitude of the voltage on the load side changes.
36
Fig 4.3
Transient voltage waveform during Closing operation of CB for 5mts GIS
36
For different values of voltages on the load side, the magnitudes and rise times of the
voltage waveform are calculated keeping source side voltages as constant at 1.0 p.u. The
values are tabulated as shown in Table 4.1.
Load Side Voltage
Magnitude of
Rise Time
(p.u)
Voltage (p.u)
(ns)
S. No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Table 4.1
-1.0
2.45
9
-0.9
2.33
12
-0.8
2.17
9
-0.7
2.14
10
-0.6
1.96
12
-0.5
1.87
10
-0.4
1.70
12
-0.3
1.60
12
-0.2
1.47
12
-0.1
1.38
10
Transients due to variation of voltage on load side
Similarly by changing the magnitudes of the voltage on the source side, keeping
voltage on load side constant at -1.0 p.u. Then the transients due to variation of voltage on
source side obtained. The values are tabulated as shown in Table 4.2.
S. No
Source Side Voltage
Magnitude of
Rise Time
(p.u)
Voltage (p.u)
(ns)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Table 4.2
1.0
2.45
9
0.9
2.38
11
0.8
2.26
11
0.7
2.09
12
0.6
2.02
11
0.5
1.84
12
0.4
1.73
10
0.3
1.63
11
0.2
1.50
10
0.1
1.38
10
Transients due to variation of voltage on source side
During closing operation, the current through the resistance of the circuit breaker is
shown in Fig 4.4. From the graph, it was found the maximum current is 30mA at a rise time
of 12ns.
37
To introduce current chopping, the circuit breaker is opened. Hence to calculate

transients due to opening operation the C.B is opened at 10ns (say). The transients are
obtained and as shown in Fig 4.5. From the graph, the maximum voltage obtained is 2.01p.u
with rise time of 18ns.
Assuming that there is a second re-strike, another switch is connected in parallel to
the circuit breaker for simulation in PSPICE modeling. Transients are calculated by closing
this switch when voltage difference across the contacts of the circuit breaker reaches
maximum value. Transients calculated due to second re-strike gives the peak voltage of
2.22p.u at a rise time of 16ns as shown in Fig 4.6. The values are tabulated as shown in
below Table 4.3.
Mode of Operation
During Closing
Operation
During Opening
Operation
During Second
Re-Strike
Table 4.3
Magnitude of
Rise Time
Voltage (p.u)
(nano seconds)
3.02
30
2.01
18
2.22
16
Transients due to switching operations for 5mts length GIS
38
Fig 4.4
Current waveform during Closing operation of CB for 5mts GIS
39
Fig 4.5
Transient voltage waveform during Opening operation of CB for 5mts GIS
40
Fig 4.6
Transient voltage waveform during Second Re-strike for 5mts GIS
41
4.2.2
The circuit is divided into three sections of 1mt, 4mt, and 5mts respectively from load
side and by using the below circuit shown figure 4.7. The transients due to closing of the
circuit breaker are calculated as shown in Fig 4.8. From this graph, the peak voltage obtained
is 2.45 p.u at a rise time of 71ns.
Fig 4.7 Single-Phase equivalent circuit for 10mts length GIS due to switching operation
To introduce current chopping, the circuit breaker is opened. The transients are
obtained during opening operation is shown in Fig 4.9. From the graph, the maximum
voltage obtained is 1.24 p.u at a rise time of 65ns.
Assuming a second re-strike transients are calculated by closing another switch at the
time maximum voltage difference occurs across the circuit breaker. The transient obtained
due to second re-strike is shown in Fig 4.10. From the graph, the maximum voltage obtained
is 2.51 p.u at a rise time of 127ns.
Mode of Operation
During Closing
Operation
During Opening
Operation
During Second
Magnitude of
Rise Time
Voltage (p.u)
(nano seconds)
2.45
71
1.24
65
2.51
127
Re-Strike
Table 4.4
Transients due to switching operations for 10mts length GIS
42
Fig 4.8
Transient voltage waveform during Closing operation of CB for 10mts GIS
43
Fig 4.9
Transient voltage waveform during Opening operation of CB for 10mts GIS
44
Fig 4.10
Transient voltage waveform during Second Re-strike for 10mts GIS
45
4.3
Transients due to Faults:

4.3.1
GIS of 5mts length to calculate transients due to faults:
Fig 4.11
GIS of 5mts length to calculate transients due to faults
The equivalent circuit of 5mts length GIS is shown in figure 4.11. This circuit is
divided into three sections of 1mt, 1.5mt and 2.5mts lengths respectively from the load side.
The transients are obtained without fault is shown in Fig 4.12. From this graph, the maximum
voltage is obtained at 2.0 p.u at rise time of 4300ns.
Fast transient over voltages are generated not only due to switching operations but
also due to single-line-to-ground faults. A fault at a particular point is equivalent to a shortcircuit at that location. This situation can be simulated by connecting a switch at a particular
point and closing it at the peak of the voltage.
Procedure for calculation of transients at different distances:

Case (i): (Distance of 2.5mts)
46
Fig 4.12
Transient voltage waveform for 5mts GIS without Fault, without Load
47
Fig 4.13
A fault occurs at a distance of 2.5mts length from load side
The circuit is shown in above figure 4.13. From this circuit, the maximum voltage
across the circuit breaker can be found. The transients that are obtained in this case is shown
in Fig 4.14. From this graph, the maximum voltage is obtained at 2.02p.u at a rise time of 23
ns.
Case (ii): (Distance of 4mts)
Fig 4.15
A fault occurs at a distance of 4mts length from load side
in Fig 4.16. From this graph, the peak voltage is obtained at 2.98p.u at a rise time of 52 ns.
48
Case (iii): (Distance for 5mts)
Fig 4.17
in Fig 4.18. From this graph, the peak voltage is obtained at 3.12 p.u at a rise time of 102 ns.
The magnitudes and rise times of 5mts length GIS due to faults are tabulated in the
Table 4.5.
Distance in
Magnitude of
Rise Time
(mts)
Voltage (p.u)
(nano sec)
0.0
2.5
2.02
23
4.0
2.98
52
5.0
3.12
102
S. No
Table 4.5
Transients due to faults for 5mts length GIS without Load
Form the above table, it is clear that as the length of the bus bar between faulted point
and load is increasing, higher degree of oscillations are obtained in the circuit.
49
Fig 4.14
Transient voltage waveform at a distance of 2.5mts from load side, for 5mts GIS, without Load
50
Fig 4.16
Transient voltage waveform at a distance of 4mts from load side, for 5mts GIS, without Load
51
Fig 4.18
52
4.3.2
Fig 4.19
GIS of 10mts length to calculate transients due to faults
The equivalent circuit for 10mts length GIS is shown in above figure 4.19. The above
circuit is divided into three sections of 5mt, 4mt and 1mts respectively from load side.
The transients are obtained without fault is shown in Fig 4.20. From this graph, the
maximum voltage is obtained at 1.99 p.u at a rise time of 5870 ns. The transients are
calculated at different distances by short circuiting at their respective distances are given
below.
Case (i): (Distance of 1mts)
Fig 4.21
53
Fig 4.20
Transient voltage waveform for 10mts GIS without Fault, without Load
54
in Fig 4.22. From this graph, the maximum voltage is obtained at 1.95 p.u at a rise time of 82
ns.
Case (ii) (Distance of 5mts)
Fig 4.23
across the circuit breaker can be found. The transients are obtained in this case is shown in
Fig 4.24. From this graph, the maximum voltage is obtained at 2.08 p.u at a rise time of 84
ns.
Case (iii): (Distance of 10mts)
Fig 4.25
in Fig 4.26. From this graph, the maximum voltage is obtained at 2.64p.u at a rise time of
122 ns.
55
Fig 4.22
56
Fig 4.24
57
Fig 4.26
58
The magnitudes and rise times of 10mts length GIS due to faults are tabulated in the
Table 4.6.
Distance in
Magnitude of
Rise Time
(mts)
Voltage (p.u)
(nano sec)
0.0
1.0
1.95
82
5.0
2.08
84
10
2.64
122
S. No
Table 4.6
4.3.3
Transients due to faults for 10mts length GIS without Load
GIS of 5mts length to calculate transients due to faults with Load:

In this analysis, it has been carried out by connecting a transformer as Load. The load
is represented as a capacitance and short-circuit inductance connected at the end of GIS.
Fig 4.27
GIS of 5mts length to calculate transients with Load due to fault
The equivalent circuit for 5mts length GIS with load is shown in above figure 4.27.
voltage is obtained at 1.39 p.u at a rise time of 5082ns. The transients are calculated at
different distances by short circuiting at their respective distances are given below.
59
Fig 4.28
Transient voltage waveform without fault for 5mts GIS, with Load
60

From the above circuit, the maximum voltage across the circuit breaker can be found.
The transients that are obtained in this case is shown in Fig 4.29. From this graph, the
maximum voltage is obtained at 1.74 p.u at a rise time of 66 ns.
The magnitudes and rise times of 5mts length GIS due to faults with load are
tabulated in the Table 4.7.
Distance in
Magnitude of
Rise Time
(mts)
Voltage (p.u)
(nano sec)
0.0
2.5
1.74
66
4.0
1.75
62
5.0
1.81
68
S. No
Table 4.7
Transients due to faults for 5mts length GIS with Load
61
Fig 4.29
Transient voltage waveform at a distance of 2.5mts from load side, for 5mts GIS with Load
62
Fig 4.30
Transient voltage waveform at a distance of 4mts from load side, for 5mts GIS with Load
63
Fig 4.31
64
4.3.4
Fig 4.32
GIS of 10mts length to calculate transients with Load due to fault
voltage is obtained at 1.4 p.u at a rise time of 6022ns. The transients are calculated at
different distances by short circuiting at their respective distances are given below.
65
Fig 4.33
Transient voltage waveform without fault for 10mts GIS, with Load
66
Fig 4.34
67
Fig 4.35
68
Fig 4.36
69
Distance in
Magnitude of
Rise Time
(mts)
Voltage (p.u)
(nano sec)
0.0
1.0
1.42
112
5.0
1.29
124
10.0
1.36
172
S. No
Table 4.8
4.4
Transients due to faults for 10mts length GIS with Load
Conclusions:
The transients due to switching operations and line to enclosure faults with fixed arc
resistance for different lengths of GIS was made. Transients are calculated along with load
also. It was observed that the transients obtained due to switching operations and faults in
5mts length GIS will affect the system more than that obtained in 10mts length GIS. It was
also found that during fault analysis, as the distance between the fault point and load
increases the magnitudes and rise times of the transients also increase. When load is
connected at the open end of GIS, the peak voltages and rise times that are obtained due to
short-circuit do not follow a definite pattern.
70
CHAPTER-5
TRANSIENTS DUE TO SWITCHING & FAULTS WITH

VARIABLE ARC RESISTANCE BY USING TOEPLERS
SPARK LAW
5.1
Introduction:
In previous chapter, transient over voltages calculated on the basis of fixed arc
resistance have been presented. It is however, known that the resistance of the spark channel
varies with current. At the instant of initiation of arc the resistance is very high. As the
current in the arc increases the value of resistance starts decreasing until it saturates at very
low value. In general, the arc resistance appears to be inversely proportional to some function
of current.
Several authors have given arc resistance equations which can be divided into two
groups as given below.
1. Inverse integral equation reported by Toepler et al. [12]
2. Inverse exponential equation reported by Demenik et al. [12]
These equations were numerically evaluated for a given arc current and then
normalized with the experimental arc resistance at t = 0.5s (approximate time of maximum
current). Of all these equations, one equation has been used for the analysis in this thesis.
Based on earlier studies in SF6 gas, Toeplers Sparks Law is valid for calculation of
variable arc resistance. The variable arc resistance due to Toeplers formulae [12] is
calculated as given below.
KT l
R (t) =
q 0 i (t )dt
0
Where
KT = Toeplers Constant
= 0.005 volt.sec/mt for SF 6 under Uniform Field conditions
71
L = Spark Length in meters

q0 = Initial Charge
t
= Spark Collapse Time in sec.
The value of time varying spark resistance R (t) is calculated until it reaches a value
of 1 ohm. Initial charge q0 is an important parameter while considering the non-uniform
fields. But the field between the dis-connector contacts is almost uniform. Therefore, initial
charge q0 is very small and can be neglected.
When a circuit breaker operates a conducting spark channel is established with time
lag of few nanoseconds after the breakdown channel is connected the electrodes. During this
time only the spark resistance changes from a very large value to very small value. For
homogeneous fields, this time is given by
KT
tz =13.3 * E
0
Where
E0 = Breakdown field strength

= 8.6 * 106 volt/mt for SF6
KT = Toeplers constant
= 0.005 volt.sec/mt
Here, Variable Arc Resistance is calculated upto this time only.

The transients due to switching operations for 5mts and 10mts length GIS with
variable arc resistance are given in section 5.2. The transients due to faults for 5mts and
10mts length GIS with variable arc resistance, without load are presented in sections 5.3.1
and 5.3.2. The transients due to faults for 5mts and 10mts length GIS with variable arc
resistance and with load are described in sections 5.3.3 and 5.3.4.
72
5.2
Transients due to switching operation:

5.2.1
Fig 5.1
5mts length GIS with Variable Arc resistance due to switching operation
Using the equivalent circuit of 5mts length GIS given in Fig 5.1, transients due to
closing operation of the circuit breaker are calculated as given in Fig 5.2. From this graph,
the maximum voltage obtained is 3.38p.u with a rise time of 47ns. The difference between
maximum value for Fixed and Variable Arc Resistance is found to be insignificant.
By using the above circuit, the transients due to opening operation of the circuit
breaker is shown in Fig 5.3. From this graph, the maximum voltage obtained is 1.38p.u at a
rise time of 31ns. The difference between maximum value for Fixed and Variable Arc
Resistance is found to be significant.
Assuming that there is a second re-strike, another switch is connected in parallel to
the circuit breaker for simulation in PSPICE modeling. Transients are calculated by closing
this switch when voltage difference across the contacts of the circuit breaker reaches
maximum value. Transients calculated due to second re-strike gives the peak voltage of
2.55p.u at a rise time of 13ns as shown in Fig 5.4.
73
Fig 5.2
Transient voltage waveform during Closing operation of CB for 5mts GIS, with Variable Arc Resistance
74
Fig 5.3
Transient voltage waveform during Opening operation of CB for 5mts GIS, with Variable Arc Resistance
75
Fig 5.4
Transient voltage waveform during Second Re-strike for 5mts GIS, with Variable Arc Resistance
76
The magnitudes and rise times of 5mts length GIS are tabulated in the Table 5.3.
Mode of Operation
During Closing
Operation
During Opening
Operation
During Second
Re-Strike
Table 5.1
5.2.2
Fig 5.5
Magnitude of Voltage
Rise Time
(p.u)
(nano sec)
3.38
47
1.38
31
2.55
13
Transients due to switching operation for 5mts length GIS with Variable
Arc Resistance
10mts length GIS with Variable Arc resistance due to switching operations
The equivalent circuit of 10mts length GIS is given in Fig 5.5, transients due to
closing operation of the circuit breaker are calculated as given in Fig 5.6. From this graph,
the maximum voltage obtained is 2.37p.u with a rise time of 76ns.
By using the above circuit, the transients due to opening operation of the circuit
breaker is shown in Fig 5.7. From this graph, the maximum voltage obtained is 1.08p.u at a
rise time of 72ns.
77
Fig 5.6
Transient voltage waveform during Closing operation of CB for 10mts GIS, with Variable Arc Resistance
78
Fig 5.7
Transient voltage waveform during Opening operation of CB for 10mts GIS, with Variable Arc Resistance
79
Fig 5.8
Transient voltage waveform during Second Re-strike for 10mts GIS, with Variable Arc Resistance
80
Assuming that there is a second re-strike, another switch is connected in parallel to the
circuit breaker for simulation in PSPICE modeling. Transients calculated due to second restrike gives the peak voltage of 1.86p.u at a rise time of 50ns as shown in Fig 5.8. The
magnitudes and rise times are tabulated as shown in below Table 5.2.
Mode of Operation
Magnitude of
Rise Time
Voltage (p.u)
(nano sec)
2.37
76
1.08
72
1.86
50
During Closing
Operation
During Opening
Operation
During Second
Re-Strike
Table 5.2
5.3
Transients due to switching operation for 10mts length GIS with Variable
Arc Resistance
Transients due to fault:

5.3.1
Fig 5.9
GIS of 5mts length to calculate transients with Variable Arc Resistance

due to faults
81

The equivalent circuit is shown in above figure 5.9. From this circuit, the maximum
voltage across the circuit breaker can be found. The transients that are obtained in this case is
shown in Fig 5.10. From this graph, the maximum voltage is obtained at 1.84 p.u at a rise
time of 112 ns.
From the above circuit shown in fig 5.9, the maximum voltage across the circuit
breaker can be found. The transients that are obtained in this case is shown in Fig 5.11. From
this graph, the maximum voltage is obtained at 2.52 p.u at a rise time of 62 ns.
From the above circuit shown in fig 5.9, the maximum voltage across the circuit
breaker can be found. The transients that are obtained in this case is shown in Fig 5.12. From
this graph, the peak voltage is obtained at 2.82 p.u at a rise time of 56 ns.
The magnitudes and rise times of 5mts length GIS due to faults with variable arc
resistance are tabulated in the Table 5.3.
Distance in
Magnitude of
Rise Time
(mts)
Voltage (p.u)
(nano sec)
0.0
2.5
1.84
112
4.0
2.52
62
5.0
2.82
56
S. No
Table 5.3
Transients due to faults for 5mts length GIS with variable arc resistance,
without Load
82
Fig 5.10
Transient voltage waveform at a distance of 2.5mts from load side for 5mts GIS, without Load
83
Fig 5.11
Transient voltage waveform at a distance of 4mts from load side for 5mts GIS, without Load
84
Fig 5.12
85
5.3.2
The equivalent circuit of 10mts length GIS with variable arc resistance is shown in
below figure 5.13.
Fig 5.13

due to fault

From this circuit, the maximum voltage across the circuit breaker can be found. The
transients that are obtained in this case is shown in Fig 5.14. From this graph, the maximum
voltage is obtained at 1.83 p.u at a rise time of 91 ns.
86

The transients that are obtained in this case is shown in Fig 5.16. From this graph, the peak
voltage is obtained at 2.83 p.u at a rise time of 132 ns.
87
Fig 5.14
Transient voltage waveform at a distance of 1mt from load side for 10mts GIS, without Load
88
Fig 5.15
89
Fig 5.16
90
The magnitudes and rise times of 10mts length GIS due to faults with variable arc
resistance are tabulated in the Table 5.4.
Distance in
Magnitude of
Rise Time
(mts)
Voltage (p.u)
(nano sec)
0.0
1.0
1.83
91
5.0
2.45
133
10
2.83
132
S. No
Table 5.4
5.3.3
Fig 5.17
without Load

due to fault
The transients are calculated at different distances by short circuiting at their respective
distances are given below.
91

Distance in
Magnitude of
Rise Time
(mts)
Voltage (p.u)
(nano sec)
0.0
2.5
1.40
73
4.0
1.23
63
5.0
1.34
79
S. No
Table 5.5
with Load
92
Fig 5.18
Transient voltage waveform at a distance of 2.5mts from load side for 5mts GIS, with Load
93
Fig 5.19
Transient voltage waveform at a distance of 4mts from load side for 5mts GIS, with Load
94
Fig 5.20
95
5.3.4
Fig 5.21

due to fault
The transients are calculated at different distances by short circuiting at their respective
distances are given below.
96
Fig 5.22
Transient voltage waveform at a distance of 1mt from load side for 10mts GIS, with Load
97
Fig 5.23
98
Fig 5.24
99
Distance in
Magnitude of Voltage
Rise Time
(mts)
(p.u)
(nano sec)
0.0
1.0
1.40
113
5.0
1.29
124
10.0
1.42
170
S. No
Table 5.6
5.4
with Load
Conclusions:
The variable arc resistance is calculated by Toeplers formulae. Transients are
calculated due to switching operations and faults with variable arc resistance along with load.
For any length of GIS it was found that transients due to variable arc resistance give lower
value of peak voltages than that obtained with fixed arc resistance. When load is connected at
the open end of GIS, the peak voltages that are obtained due to faults do not follow a definite
pattern.
100
CHAPTER-6
SUPPRESSION OF OVERVOLTAGES
AND COMPARISIONS
6.1
Introduction:
The fast transient over voltages during switching operation and faults can cause
damage to the system equipment. Hence it is advisable to suppress these over voltages for
protection of equipments. One of the methods of suppressing these over voltages is by
insertion of resistance during switching. Generally a Resistor of 500 is used for this
purpose [10].
In this analysis, a resistor of 500 is connected in parallel with the circuit breaker and
a switch is connected in series with the resistor. The transient over voltages are suppressed
only if the current during contact operation flows through the resistor. The switch connected
in series with the resistor is closed at the time maximum voltage is obtained during second
re-strike / pre-strike at the load end.
In this chapter, Suppression of over voltages for 5mts length GIS, with Fixed and
Variable Arc Resistance are described in sections 6.1.1 and 6.1.2. Suppression of over
voltages for 10mts length GIS, with Fixed and Variable Arc Resistance are described in
sections 6.1.3 and 6.1.4.
101
6.1.1
GIS of 5mts length with Fixed Arc Resistance due to switching operation:
Fig 6.1
GIS of 5mts length with Fixed Arc Resistance during suppression
The equivalent circuit of 5mts length GIS with fixed arc resistance is shown in above
figure 6.1. The transients are calculated across the circuit breaker is shown in Fig 6.2. From
this graph, we can obtain that the maximum voltage is 2.05p.u at a rise time of 43ns.
i.e. The over voltages is reduced from 2.22p.u to 2.05p.u.
6.1.2
GIS of 5mts length with Variable Arc Resistance due to switching operation:
Fig 6.3
GIS of 5mts length with Variable Arc Resistance during suppression

102
Fig 6.2
Suppression of over voltages for 5mts GIS, with Fixed Arc Resistance
103
Fig 6.4
Suppression of over voltages for 5mts GIS, with Variable Arc Resistance
104
above figure 6.3. The transients are calculated across the circuit breaker is shown in Fig 6.4.
From this graph, we can obtain that the maximum voltage is 1.49p.u at a rise time of 12ns.
6.1.3
GIS of 10mts length with Fixed Arc Resistance due to switching operation:
The equivalent circuit of 10mts length GIS with fixed arc resistance is shown in
above figure 6.5.
Fig 6.5
GIS of 10mts length with Fixed Arc Resistance during suppression
The transients are calculated across the circuit breaker is shown in Fig 6.6. From this
graph, we can obtain that the maximum voltage is 2.19p.u at a rise time of 125ns.
105
Fig 6.6
Suppression of over voltages for 10mts GIS, with Fixed Arc Resistance
106
6.1.4
GIS of 10mts length with Variable Arc Resistance due to switching operation:
Fig 6.7
GIS of 10mts length with Variable Arc Resistance during suppression
above figure 6.7. The transients are calculated across the circuit breaker is shown in Fig 6.8.
From this graph, we can obtain that the maximum voltage is 1.69p.u at a rise time of 50ns.
6.2
Conclusions:
The transient over voltage caused by a dis-connector switching operations for
different lengths of GIS was suppressed by insertion of an appropriate Resistor connected in

series with the switch. Therefore these fast transient over voltages can be reduced by about
17%, by choosing appropriate value of resistance.
107
Fig 6.8
Suppression of over voltages for 10mts GIS, with Variable Arc Resistance
108
CHAPTER-7
RESULTS AND SUMMARY
7.1
Summary:
By the switching operations and line-to-enclosure faults in a Gas Insulated Substation
(GIS) leads to Very Fast Transient Over voltages (VFTO), these VFTOs stress the
equipments in GIS and reduces the reliability of the switchgear equipment.
For knowing the maximum values of VFTO, the PSPICE software is used and a
simulation is carried out by designing suitable equivalent circuits and its models are
developed. The main advantage of such models is used to enable the transient analysis in
GIS.
The variable arc resistance is calculated by using the Toeplers formula. The
inductance of the bus bar is found out from the diameters of conductors and enclosure. The
bus capacitance is calculated using formula for concentric cylinders. The entire bus length is
modeled as distributed pi-network.
The transients due to switching operations and line to enclosure faults with fixed arc
resistance for different lengths of GIS are found. Transients are calculated along with load
and it was observed that the transients obtained in 5mts length GIS will effect the system
more than that obtained in 10mts length GIS. As the distance between the fault point and load
increases during fault analysis the magnitudes and rise times of the transients also increases.
Transients are also calculated due to switching operations and faults with variable arc
resistance for different lengths of GIS were found. It was observed that the transients due to
variable arc resistance give lower value of peak voltages than that obtained in with fixed arc
resistance. The transient over voltages caused by a switching operation for different lengths
of GIS was suppressed by choosing appropriate value of resistance connected in series with
the switch.
109
7.2
Comparison:
Comparison is made between the transients that are obtained due to Switching
Operations for 5mts length GIS with Fixed Arc Resistance and Variable Arc Resistance is
shown in Table 7.2.1. Comparison is made between the transients that are obtained due to
Switching Operations for 10mts length GIS with Fixed Arc Resistance and Variable Arc
Resistance is shown in Table 7.2.2.
Comparison is made between the transients that are obtained due to faults for 5mts
length GIS with Fixed and Variable arc resistance, without load is given in Table 7.2.3.
Comparison is made between the transients that are obtained due to faults for 10mts length
GIS with Fixed and Variable arc resistance, without load is given in Table 7.2.4.
length GIS with Fixed arc resistance, with load and without load is given in Table 7.2.5.
GIS with Variable arc resistance, with load and without load is given in Table 7.2.6.
length GIS with Fixed arc resistance, with load and without load is given in Table 7.2.7.
GIS with Variable arc resistance, with load and without load is given in Table 7.2.8.
110
Table 7.2.1
Comparison of transients due to switching operations for 5mts length GIS

with Fixed and Variable Arc Resistance
With Fixed Arc Resistance
Mode of
Operation
Voltage (p.u)
Rise time (ns)
Voltage (p.u)
Rise time (ns)
3.02
30
3.38
47
2.01
18
1.38
31
2.22
16
2.55
13
2.05
43
1.49
12
During closing operation

During opening
operation
During second
re-strike
During suppression
Table 7.2.2
With Variable Arc Resistance
Comparison of transients due to switching operations for 10mts length

GIS with Fixed and Variable Arc Resistance
With Fixed Arc
With Variable Arc
Resistance
Resistance
Voltage
Rise time
Mode of
Operation
During closing
operation
During opening
operation
During second
re-strike
During suppression
Table 7.2.3
Voltage (p.u)
Rise time (ns)
2.45
(p.u)
(ns)
71
2.37
76
1.24
65
1.08
72
2.51
127
1.86
50
2.19
125
1.69
50
Comparison of transients due to Faults for 5mts length GIS with
111
Fixed and Variable Arc Resistance
Distance from
load end
(mts)
Table 7.2.4
With Fixed Arc

Resistance
Rise time
Voltage (p.u)
(ns)
With Variable Arc

Resistance
Rise time
Voltage (p.u)
(ns)
0.0
2.5
2.02
23
1.84
112
4.0
2.98
52
2.52
62
5.0
3.12
102
2.82
56

Fixed and Variable Arc Resistance
Distance from
load end
(mts)
Table 7.2.5
With Fixed Arc

Resistance
Rise time
Voltage (p.u)
(ns)
With Variable Arc

Resistance
Rise time
Voltage (p.u)
(ns)
0.0
1.0
1.95
82
1.83
91
5.0
2.08
84
2.45
133
10.0
2.64
122
2.83
132

Fixed Arc Resistance, with Load and without Load
112
Distance from
Without Load
load end
Table 7.2.6
Rise time
With Load
Voltage (p.u)
0.0
2.5
2.02
23
1.74
66
4.0
2.98
52
1.75
62
5.0
3.12
102
1.81
68
(ns)
Voltage (p.u)
Rise time
(mts)
(ns)

Variable Arc Resistance, with Load and without Load
Distance from
Without Load
load end
Table 7.2.7
Rise time
With Load
Voltage (p.u)
0.0
2.5
1.84
112
1.40
73
4.0
2.52
62
1.23
63
5.0
2.82
56
1.34
79
(ns)
Voltage (p.u)
Rise time
(mts)
(ns)

Fixed Arc Resistance, with Load and without Load
113
Distance from
Without Load
load end
Table 7.2.8
Rise time
With Load
Voltage (p.u)
0.0
1.0
1.95
82
1.42
112
5.0
2.08
84
1.29
124
10.0
2.64
122
1.36
172
(ns)
Voltage (p.u)
Rise time
(mts)
(ns)

Variable Arc Resistance, with Load and without Load
Distance from
Without Load
load end
7.3
Rise time
With Load
Voltage (p.u)
0.0
1.0
1.83
91
1.40
113
5.0
2.45
133
1.29
124
10.0
2.83
132
1.42
170
(ns)
CONCLUSIONS:
114
Voltage (p.u)
Rise time
(mts)
(ns)
The fast transient over voltages are obtained due to switching operations and shortcircuit faults are studied. The transients are calculated initially with fixed arc resistance and
then variable arc resistance. The variable arc resistance is calculated by using Toeplers
formulae. Transients along with load and without load are also estimated. Transients due to
short-circuit are obtained by creating fault at different lengths of GIS from load side.
At the end, these transients over voltages are reduced by connecting suitable resistor
during switching operation. From the above studies the following observations are made.
1)
It was observed that the transients obtained due to switching operations and faults in
5mts length GIS will affect the system more than that obtained in 10mts length GIS.
2)
It was also found that during fault analysis, as the distance increases, the magnitude
of transients also increases. However, when load is connected, these do not follow a
definite pattern.
3)
When load is connected at the open end of GIS, the peak voltages and rise times that
are obtained due to short-circuit do not follow a particular pattern. This may be due to
variation in damping due to combined effect of circuit and load parameters.
4)
For any length of GIS it was found that transients due to variable arc resistance give
lower value of peak voltages than that obtained with fixed arc resistance.
5)
In case of 5mt and 10mt length GIS, the transients obtained due to short-circuit are
more severe than the switching operation.
6)
The transients obtained during opening operation of the circuit breaker with fixed and
variable arc resistance are calculated and found that the difference between peak
values in both the cases is significant and that higher peaks are obtained when fixed
arc resistance is used.
Transients obtained during closing operation of the circuit breaker, have no
significant change in magnitude of voltages.
7)
Discretization of the parameters of the bus duct can give accurate over voltage results.
For each it is recommended that total bus duct length should be divided into smaller
sections.
115
8)
These fast transients over voltages can be reduced by about 17% with the use of
resistor in parallel to the circuit breaker.
7.4
Scope for further work:

In this thesis transients are calculated for only single line-to-ground fault. This can
be extended for any other faults like double line-to-ground faults, line-to-line
faults etc.
As discussed in this thesis, the analysis has been carried out with a single GIS
system. It may be necessary to carry out similar analysis with a number of GIS
assemblies as is found in practice.
The calculated results can be experimentally verified on actual GIS, with various
simulations as described in this thesis.
Simulations can be carried out to estimate the effect of these transient over
voltages on various equipments like transformer, dis-connectors and circuit
breakers, enclosure etc.
The variable arc resistance can be calculated by various formulae [12] and the
results can be compared.
REFERENCES
116
[1]
Working Group 33/13-09 (1988), Very Fast Transient Phenomenon

Associated with Gas Insulated Substations, CIGRE.
[2]
B.P. Singh, G.B.D. Varaprasad, K. Uday Kumar, EMTP simulation of Fast

Transients in Gas Insulated Switchgear.
[3]
K. Diederich, K. Feser (SM), Very Fast Transients in GIS, IEEE Trans. on

PD, Vol. 4, No. 1, January 1989, pp. 223-233.
[4]
Yanabu .S (1990), Estimation of Fast Transient Over Voltage in Gas

Insulated Substation, IEEE Trans. on PD, Vol. 5, No. 4, November 1990,
pp. 1875-1882.
[5]
S.A. Boggs, F.Y. Chu, N. Fujimoto, Disconnect Switch Induced Transients

and Trapped Charge in Gas Insulated Substations, IEEE Trans. on PAS,
Vol. PAS-101, No. 10, October 1982, pp. 3593-3601.
[6]
S. Ogawa, E. Haginomori, S. Nishiwaki, T. Yoshida, K. Terasaka,

Estimation of Re-Striking Transient Over Voltage on Disconnecting
Switch for GIS, IEEE Trans. on PS, Vol.PWRD-1, No. 2, April 1986, pp.95101.
[7]
Z. Haznadar, S. Carsimamovic, R. Mahmutcehajic, More Accurate

Modelling
of Gas
Insulated
Substation
Components
in
Digital
Simulations of Very Fast Electromagnetic Transients, IEEE Trans. on PD,

Vol. 7, No. 1, January 1992, pp. 434-441.
[8]
D. Povh, H. Schmitt, O. Volcker, R. Witzmann, Modelling and Analysis

Guidelines for Very Fast Transients, IEEE Trans. on PD, Vol. 11, No. 4,
October 1996, pp. 2028-2035.
[9]
Amir Mansour Miri and Zlatan Stojkovk, Transient Electromagnetic

Phenomena
in
the
Secondary
Circuits
of
Voltage-and-Current
Transformers in GIS (Measurements and Calculations), IEEE Trans. on

PD, Vol. 16, No. 4, October 2001, pp. 571-575.
[10]
Nobuhiro Shimoda, Kazuo Taguchi, Suppression of Very Fast Transients

Over Voltages Across Insulating Flange of 1000KV GIS, High Voltage
Engineering Symposium, 22-27 August 1999, Conference Publication No.
467, IEE, 1999, pp. 2.415.P1-2.418.P1.
117
[11]
J. Ozawa, T. Yamagiwa, M. Hosokawa, S. Takeuchi, H. Kozawa,

Suppression of Fast Transient Over Voltage during Gas Disconnector
Switching in GIS, IEEE Trans. on PD, Vol.PWRD-1, No. 4, October 1986,
pp. 194-201.
[12]
T. G. Engel, Anthiny L. Donaldson and Magne Kristiansen, The Pulsed

Discharge Arc Resistance and its Functional Behavior, IEEE Trans. on
Plasma Science, Vol. 17, No. 2, April 1989, pp. 323-329.
[13]
G. Ecklin, D. Schlicht, A. Plessl, Over voltages in GIS Caused by the

Operation of Isolators, pp. 115-128.
[14]
Susuma Matsumura, Tohei Nitta, Surge Propagation in Gas Insulated

Substation, IEEE Trans. on PAS, Vol. PAS-100, No. 6, June 1981, pp. 30473054.
[15]
Internal Report, BHEL (R & D), Hyderabad.
[16]
P. Osmokrovic and S. Krstic, Influence of GIS Parameters on the Topler

Constant, IEEE Transactions on Electrical Insulation, Vol. 27, No. 2, April
1992, pp.214-219
[17]
Grover Frederic W. (1992), Inductance Calculations, Dover Publications,

New York.
118

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CHAPTER 1

What is Gas Insulated Switchgear:

Cable and boxes

Gas supplying and gas monitoring equipment

Advantages of GIS over the Conventional, Open Air Substations:

Switching operations generate Very Fast Transient Over voltages (VFTO).

Field non-uniformities reduce withstanding levels of a GIS.

Prolonged arcing may produce corrosive / toxic by-products.

The main Problems Associated with the VFTO are as follows:

Aim and Scope of the Present Study:

Gas Insulated Substations:

Urban and Industrial areas (space, pollution)

Mountain areas (site preparation, altitude, snow and ice)

Coastal areas (salt-associated problems)

Underground substations (site preparation)

Areas where aesthetics are a major concern (Landscaping etc.)

Generation of Very Fast Transient Over voltages (VFTO) in a GIS:

Dis-connector switch operation

Faults between Bus bar and Enclosure

Principle of FTO Generation:

Electric Circuit for explaining re-strikes

Voltage of the open-ended GIS side of the Isolator

Secondary Breakdown in a GIS:

Secondary Breakdowns within Gas Insulated Substations.

Re-Strikes and Pre-Strikes in GIS:

results in numerous discharges during operation. For example, a floating section of

Trapped Charge in GIS:

Load side voltage waveform during opening of disconnect switch

waveform of over voltage with current chopping

MODELLING OF GIS COMPONENT FOR

Schematic diagram of a typical Gas Insulated Substation

equivalent circuit of GIS is shown in below figures 3.2 & 3.3.

Equivalent circuit of GIS

Equivalent circuit of GIS

Cross section of typical GIS System

Cylindrical. Capacitance is calculated by using the standard formulae given below:

b = Outer Cylinder Radius

Calculation of Capacitance due to Spacer:

Calculation of Short Circuit Inductance & Resistance:

Inductance and Resistance are calculated as follows:

And it is assumed that R = XL

Calculation of Inductance due to Load (Transformer):

Calculation of Variable Arc Resistance:

= Spark Collapse Time in sec.

Experimental Apparatus (Modelling details):

shown in below figure 3.5.

Sketch of Experimental Apparatus

Single-Line Diagram of 245 KV Substation:

Single-line diagram of 245kv GIS

Dimensions of a 245 KV Gas Insulated Substation:

1. Overhead Transmission Line

3. Cable to Lightening Arrester (LA)

4. Cable to Voltage Transformer (VT)

5. VT to Current Transformer (CT)

6. CT to Earthing Switch (ES)

7. ES to Dis-connector Switch (DS1)

10. BUS-II to DS3

11. DS3 to Earthing Switch (ES1)

12. ES1 to Circuit Breaker (CB3)

14. CB3 to CB5

15. DS5 to Power Transformer (PT)

17. DS6 to Earthing Switch (ES2)