33 KV Substation

Need of 33kv substation:

1. A 33kV substation is required to transfer electrical energy from a higher voltage

system to a lower voltage system in order to provide electricity to consumers.
2. The substation typically has power transformers, circuit breakers, and other switching
and protection equipment to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient transfer of power.
3. Additionally, ancillary equipment such as voltage and current transformers, relays,
metering, and communication devices are also installed.
4. For long distance system that the power want to be transferred, a higher voltage is to
used reduce the transmission line losses.

Accessories used in 33 kV substation:

1. Power transformers:
These are essential for stepping down the secondary transmission level voltage to
primary distribution level voltage and distribute energy / power among feeders.

2. Bus-bars:
A bus-bar in electrical power distribution refers to busbar formed by using line
conductors or thick strips of copper or aluminium in control panel within the
substation.

3. Circuit breakers (33 kV and 11 kV):

It is a switching device used to interrupt / make not only the load current but also
the much larger fault current, which may occur on a circuit.

4. Isolators or isolating switches (33 kV and 11 kV):

These are mechanical switching devices capable of opening or closing a circuit:
1. When a negligible current is to be interrupted / made or
2. Only a small charging current is to be interrupted or
3. When no significant voltage difference exists across the terminals of each pole.
5. Earthing switches:
Earthing switches are provided at various locations to facilitate maintenance. Main
blades and earth blades are interlocked with both electrical and mechanical means.
The earthing switch must be capable of withstanding short circuit current for short
duration as applicable to the isolator.

6. Insulators:
It provides adequate insulation for live parts, which is of prime importance for
obvious reasons of reliability of supply, safety of personnel and equipment.

7. Power and control cables:

Power and control cables of adequate current carrying capacity and voltage rating
are provided at the substation. Power cables are used for 33kV, 11 kV or LT system
to carry load current. The control cables are required for operating and protection
system connections.

8. Control panel:
Control panels installed within the building which provide mounting for mimic bus,
relays, meters, indicating instruments, indicating lights, control switches, test
switches and other control devices. The panel contains compartments for incoming
lines, outgoing lines, and busbars with provision for sectionalizing, relays,
measuring instruments, etc.

9. Lightning protection:
Surge arrestors - Large over voltages that develop suddenly on electric transmission
and distribution system are referred to as “surges” or “transients”. These are caused
by lightning strikes or by circuit switching operations. Surge arrestor is a protective
device for limiting surge voltages on equipment by discharging or bypassing surge
current. The surge arrestor which responds to over-voltages without any time delay
is installed for protection of 33 kV switchgear, transformers, associated equipment
and 11 kV and 33 kV lines.
10. Instrument transformers (CTs and PTs):
The substations have current and voltage transformers designed to isolate
electrically the high voltage primary circuit from the low voltage measurement and
protection circuit and thus, provide a safe means of supply for indicating
instruments, meters and relays.

11. Earthing arrangements:

Earthing must be provided for –
− Safety of personnel,
− Prevention of and minimizing damage to equipment because of flow of heavy
fault currents, and − improved reliability of power supply

12. Reactive compensation:

It is always a good idea to ensure a power factor correction for transformers. When
they are operating on low load (e.g. during the night) they absorb reactive power,
which must be compensated to avoid unnecessary loadings and losses.

13. DC supply arrangement:

Station batteries supply energy to operate protection equipment such as breakers
and other control, alarm and indicating equipment. The station batteries are a source
for operating DC control system equipment during system disturbances and
outages. During normal conditions the rectifier provides the required DC supply.
However, to take care of rectifier failure, a storage battery of adequate capacity is
provided to meet the DC requirements.

14. Auxiliary supply transformer:

An Auxiliary Supply Transformer of adequate capacity is required to be provided
for internal use for lighting loads, battery charging, oil filtration plant, etc. The
supply should be reliable. In a substation it is normally provided from a station
transformer connected on 33 or 11 kV bus bar.
15. Fire-fighting system:
In view of the presence of oil filled equipment in a substation, it is important that
proper attention is given to isolation; limitation and extinguishing of fire so as to
avoid damage to costly equipment and reduce chances of serious dislocation of
power supply as well as ensure safety of personnel.

16. Capacitor bank:

 Capacitor Bank nothing but a set of many identical capacitors which are
connected either in series of parallel inside an enclose and one utilised for the
correction of power factor as well as protection of circuitry of the substation.
 These are acting like the reactive power source and this reducing the phase
different among current and voltage.
 These are increasing the capacity of ripal current of supply and avoid unwanted
selves (self) in the substation system.
 The utilization of capacitor bank in an efficient method for power factor
maintenance and for correction of problem linked to the power leg
 Large capacity transmission capacitor bank would be protected by a higher range
circuit breaker and linked with protective relay.
 capacitor bank will sectional design containing single phase capacitor units
including internal fuses
 Each you need to will involve a number of series group of parallel connected
pack.
 All capacitor unit will have and connected with discharge device which will
minimise the residual voltage from peak value of the rated voltage to 50 volt or
less within 5 unit after disconnection from the source of supply.

17. Battery and charger:

 The size of battery is depending on the voltage necessary for operation of DC
circuit correspondingly.
 The storage of two basic type lead acid batteries and acid alkaline batteries.
 The lead acid batteries are the maximum collective type and used in substation
in profusion as these delivery high voltage and are cheaper in cost.
 A station battery charger confirms all the crucial electrical system in a substation
continuously to operate in the occasion of power outage.
  Absence of an electrical supply could result in damaged equipment and
personal.
 In substation DC Supply in following figure of panel
 Tripping and closing circuit of circuit breaker, isolator, control circuit, indication
lamp, alarm, PLCC panel, emergency lamps, and protection relay in control
room.
 All of the overhead are minutest necessity is and supply to the above circuit
should we offered in any condition.
 Supposing the station Transformer in fail to operate, that case supply would be
available for the Power Transformer and panel of line service, bus bar protection
etc. is still in service.
 Hence battery set is providing for back up protection purpose.

Single line diagram of 33Kv substation:

Method of improving earth resistance:

How to low resistance of earth

1. To get satisfactory low earth resistance a number of earthing electrode are injected in
the earth to enough.
2. These are allied together to form a mesh.
3. The resistance to earth would be less than 0.5 ohm for EHV substation earthing.
4. Earth resistance is minimised by means of substation substance like sodium chloride
(NACL), calcium chloride (Cacl2), sodium carbonate (Na2Co3), copper sulphate
(CuSO4) charcoal soft cake by action of salt solution the soil resistance can be
minimised.
5. In exceptional cases the earth pits would be specially irrigated during summer.
6. Poring the water into earth pit.
7. Using beuntonite component. It decrease the earth resistance value by 1/4th times.
8. By using copper coated Nickel electrode.

Earth electrode:

1. Earth electrode is a metal plate or metal pipe or metal conductor electrically

connected to earth copper aluminium mild steel and galvanized iron are the materials
generally used for earthing electrodes.
2. Due to more cost of copper aluminium will be favoured in upcoming years.
3. Galvanized steel and punched pipe of accepted length of diameter is placed vertically
in the soil in this kind of system of earthing it is the most common system of earthing.
4. The size of pipe is used a depends on the magnitude of current and the type of soil
the dimension of pipe is typically 40 mm in diameter and 2.75 m in length for
ordinary soil or large for dry rocky land.
5. The moisture of soil will govern the length of pipe to be suppressed but usually it
should be 4.75m.
6. The depth at which pipe electrode be suppressed, depends upon condition of soil and
moisture.
7. A water pouring preparation is providing by tunnel or chamber with wire mesh at the
top
Enhancing material used for earthing of Rocky land

 BEUTONITE is a natural clay where it is generally used as ground enhancement

material (GEM). This is material is prepared due to its ability to observe moisture while
maintain the humidity in soil.
 Hence make it the best solution to the applied in the grounding system in high soil
resistivity are like a rocky soil.

How do you earthing in rocky soil:

to install or feet in rocky soil we have to make a drill about 6 to 9 inches up to the length of
the electrode due to dug in rocky stones from the ground level then keep the electrode at the
centre of the whole than mix the ground improvement material and black muddy soil with
water materials for Rocky land.

 Beutonite clay
 Coke powder.
 Conductor cement.
Circuit breaker maintenance (Oil):

1. Circle breaker typical need more common and more continuous maintenance.
2. Under ordinary operating conditions regular check of falling instruction should be
done.
 The contacts would be checked for proper alignment.
 The oil level would be check and maintenance.
 Oil conditions should be tested if dielectric strength is lower than identified. Oil
should be filtered while taking oil sample normal provision should be followed. It
water is found and Exploration of cause should done and correct the action would
be taken.
 All insulating parts would be systematically cleaned to illuminate all traces of
carbon which make keep on after the oil has been drained from the tank.
 Check the working of the breaker through device which will have to function on
fault or overload.
 Check indicating devices such as mechanically ON and OFF of signal, as an
incorrect signal may at some times prime to total accident.
 Check supplementary switches for cleanliness and accurate making.
 if a circuit breaker work and fault condition to disturb a fault then maintenance
after such existence would be carried out given specific care to the following item:
i. Current carrying parts: all contacts with isolator contact should be
examined, robed or replaced if necessary.
ii. If installation would be cleaned to remove carbon deposits examination to
the mode of cracks tracking or other damages
iii. Arc control device would be check and dis mental if any carbon or metallic
deposits are found there would be removed.
iv. all joints and Seal would be inspected for tightness
v. oil would be tested in case of oil circuit breaker
Capacitor bank maintenance:

1. Clearance and grounding

 After capacitor bank is reenergised as a there will be residual charge in the unit.
 Wait at least 5 minute before approaching into allow enough time for the internal
discharge register in each capacity in it to scatter the Stored capacitor.
 Even after grounding it is suggested that individual capacity unit be sorted and
grounded before individual come into contact with them to ensure that no store
energy is present.

2. bulged capacitor units:

 One of the failure mode of capacity unit is bulging.
 Excessively budget unit so excessive internal pressure cause by overheating, this
unit should be handled carefully.

3. Leaking from capacitor units:

 Another mode of failure in the capacity bank is leaking due to the failure of the cans
when handling the leaking fluid, avoid contact with the skin and take measures to
prevent entry into sensitive area such as Eyes.

4. Energization of capacitor Bank:

 When habitual to serve, verify that all connections that were installed for
maintenance for purpose are removed.
 Allow a minimum of 5 minute between the de-energization of capacitor bank and
re-energization of capacitor Bank to permit enough time for stored energy to
dissipate.

5. Initial inspection measurement and initiation procedure:

 Validate proper mechanical assemblage of capacity unit, clearance as per the
electrical code and reliability of structure of all capacitor banks.
 It may be beneficial to measure capacitor of the bank and keep the measurement at
Standard data for upcoming evaluation.
  Checked the electrical connections for appropriate installation and good electrical
contact.
 Confirm that all terminal connections are tighten correctly check the individual fuse
connection to confirm that they are tight and more good contact.
 Clean all insulator fuse bushings to prevent probability of dirty porcelain or heating
a flash or danger Inspector insulators for crack or beaks.
 Test the action of all control load break disconnect and grounding switches prior to
energizing the capacitor Bank.
 Prior to developing the bank, verify the capacitor values of each face and related
them with the conservation values used in the relay setting.

6. Periodic inspection measurement and maintenance:

 The substation and distribution capacitor bank should be inspected and electrical
measurement to mode periodic.
 The frequency of the inspection should be determined by local condition such as
environmental factor and type of controller used to switch the capacity on and off.

7. visual instruction:
 Visual check of capacitor bank must be conducted for blown capacitor, capacity
fuses, capacitor unit leaks, bulged units and broken case.
 As infrared cameras is very beneficial for inspective the substitution equipment.

8. physical inspection and Measurement:

 physical infection and Measurement would include connections or heated lead wire
faulty fuse would be checked for evidence of over health or other such be Inspector
for evidence of overheating or other such as damage.
Maintenance of vacuum circuit breaker:

 vacuum is checked by one of following:

 Disconnect moving contact stem. It vacuum is last contact can be simply moved up and
down.
 Open the breaker apply 50 KV RMP across dismiss of interrupter it vacuum is a last
interrupter will be breakdown.
 Following step should be done:
 Check the operation
 Cleaning the contacts.
 Check operating device.
 Check installation.
 Check main contacts.
 Check circuit breaker enclosures.
 Check mechanism.
 Check circuit mechanism devices and interlocks.
 Check shutter.
 Check operating of vacuum interrupter.
 Check earth connection.
 Check overload device and protection system.
 check control relay or contacts
Maintenance of air blast circuit breaker:

1. The circuit breaker usage fresh compacted air for our quenching and does not want
maintenance of medium only the dryness of air would be insured.
2. The compressor air system need routine inspection.
3. After specified number of operation contact and nozzle in interrupter need check the
diameter of nozzle about 5% call of replacement.
4. The maintenance suggested for Air blast circuit breaker is précised in below.

Cleaning

 all the dirt would be brushed off and any joint or gasket will be clean the prior to
beginning any dismantling to avoid increases of Dirt into any internal portion of
breaker
 this is mainly important in the case of pranematic valve later moderately small
practices of dirt can be cause this proportional amount of damage leakage or
malfunction

Maintenance of compressed air plant:

Compressed air plant should be inspected as part of regular substitution instruction it is

good practice to carry out periodic start/stop test on plants:-

a. Check operation.
b. Check air conditioning.
c. General inspection.
d. Do cleaning.
e. Check insulation.
f. Check load control kiosk.
g. Check pressure gauge.
h. Check pressure switch.
i. Check interrupters.
j. Check isolating arcing switches.
k. Check earth connection.
l. Check enclosure.
m. Check overload device and protective Transformers.
n. Check control relay or contractors.
Breakdown Voltage test on Power Xmer Oil:

What is Breakdown Voltage test in transformer oil?

 Breakdown voltage is an important test for transformer oil. During the time of
transformer operation, the oil will become degradation which may be the main cause f
or loss of function, decreasing the cooling capacity of the transformer, and etc.
 BDV test is used to test or check the quality of transformer oil.
 Depending upon the result of BDV test the oil will be refined or purified again.
 This test will be repeated in 6 months

Voltage breakdown test on transformer oil:

Procedure: -

1. The sample of oil is taken from near the top & bottom of the transformer.
2. In this kit, there are two electrodes separated by small gap of 2.5 mm or 4mm between
them.
3. The cup (test cell) is filled with sample of oil to be tested up to about 1 cm above the
electrodes.
4. The cup top is covered with clean glass plate.
5. Now slowly raise the voltage between the electrodes till breakdown of oil occurs or
sparking starts between the electrodes. And note down voltage reading.
6. Repeat the procedure by taking same sample of oil 3 to 6 times & Calculate average of
all results to finalize the breakdown voltage of oil sample

Or
The procedure of Breakdown Voltage test:

1. Take a vessel of glass, plastic or transparent with 300 to 400ml of transformer oil for
testing and the temperature of the oil should be 27°C at the testing time.
2. Take two copper/brass/bronze or stainless electrodes of 12.5 mm
13mm size and dipped these electrodes into the vessel. The electrodes must be polish
ed in a spherical shape. And the distance between two the electrodes should be 2.5m
m.
3. Before the testing, the vessel may be disturbed due to the homogeneous distribution of
impurities and air bubbles to escape.
4. Apply the alternating current voltage to the electrodes frequently from zero up to the a
ppearance of breakdown, at the rate of 2kV/Sec.
5. After getting the breakdown voltage, the test kit will switch off automatically o
f the supply voltage of within 0.02 Sec.
6. The transformer oil testing device will measure the value of breakdown voltage (BD
V)

Fire fighting equipment for different situation in the substation:

1. Fire and explosion of oil filled equipment like power transformer reactor are not
unusual in electrical substation.
2. Fire causes extensive damaged to the equipment civil work, control and protection
cabling.
3. The objective of modern fire fighting system is to quench the fire very speedily and
avoid to scattering of Fire.
4. The fire fighting system would be automatically and acceptable.
5. system is designed such that the fire is identified by detectors and the water spray in
that zone are instantaneously actuated
6. the fire fighting system is premeditated and designed alongside with the civil work
of the substation this system is about 30 minute
Necessity of fire fighting system:

1. The fire fighting system in the substation is very necessary.

2. Save equipment from damage.
3. loss of life and loss of equipment can be prevented
4. Regular trail operation of system in necessary to detect any fault deficiency in the
system.
5. Avoid pollution and contamination of the environment.
6. Maintain supply during the fire; or if not possible, then restore the supply as early as
possible after the fire

Fire detection:

Play very vital role as it enable in destroying the fire by means of the fire equipment’s and
prevent it from developing into major fire.

 Visual (presence of personal in essential to communicate to the concern experts.)

 Automatic (with the uses of electrodes.)

Equipment for the different situation in the substation:

A. Hydrant system:
 Hydrant System of fire protection essentially consists of a large network of pipe,
combination of underground and over ground fed with pressurized water to a number
of hydrant valves inside the switchyard as well as outside switchyard.
 These hydrant valves are to be located at strategic locations near buildings,
Transformers, and Reactors and other electrical equipment’s.
 Hose Pipe of suitable length and fitted with standard accessories like branch pipes,
nozzles etc. are to be kept in Hose Boxes.
 In case of emergency these hoses are to be coupled to the respective hydrant valves
through instantaneous coupling and jet of water is to be directed to the equipment under
fire hydrant protection including Control room building
(a) All Pump House, Stores.
(b) All switchyard equipment area including all power transformer and reactors.
(c) D.G. Set Building
B. HIGH VELOCITY WATER SPRAY (HVWS) SYSTEM :
 HVWS type fire protection essentially consists of a network of projectors and an array
of heat detectors around 400 KV Power Transformer and 400 KV Bus Reactor to be
protected from fire.
 On operation of one or more heat detectors, water under pressure is to be directed to
the projector network through a Deluge Valve from the pipe network laid for this
automatic operation system.
 Wet detection initiation system shall be employed for automatic operation.

C. Pumps and motors:

 Electrical driven HVWS pumps 110 km/hour, motor 125 KW.
 Diesel engine driven HVWS pumps 410 cm/hour, engine, 166 BHP.
 Electrical driven hydrant pump 96 cum/ hour, motor 30 KW.

D. Emulsification process:
 Special type nozzle projectors discharge a cone of water in the form of every
distributed broken streams of high velocity and high momentum.
E.