Special Problems in Gas Insulated Substations

(GIS) and their effects on Indian Power System.

Vaibhav Aaradhi, Student Member, IEEE, and Ketaki Gaidhani, Student Member, IEEE

Abstract-- The increase in demand for electricity
growing energy density in the metropolitan areas have made it
necessary to extend the high voltage network right up to the
consumer. Gas insulated substations provide a best solution to
the above problem and have been functioning for more than 30
years around the world. SF6 gas used in GIS has excellent
dielectric properties, current interruption properties and also
high heat transfer capacity. Considering the
population and increasing power demand across the globe, a
complete study of the various problems in the GIS systems has to
be completed so as to ensure an un-interrupted electric power
supply to the customers and increasing the GIS applications.
This paper brings to light the various special problems involved
in GIS like Particle infusion in GIS, Insulating spacers and their
reliability, SF6 gas decomposition in GIS, VFTs. The paper also
discusses the significance of these problems, analysis based upon
a graphical approach and the effect of these problems on the
Indian power system.
Index Terms-- Insulating spacer reliability, Particle infusion, SF6
gas properties SF6 gas decomposition in GIS, VFTs.
I. INTRODUCTION
the weakest insulating link (weak link) and they can fail
and the due to the presence of corona or metallic particles.
The presence of metallic particles inside the GIS
gives rise to fIeld non-uniformities, which considerably
reduce the breakdown strength. Dust proof environment
and extreme quality control is the prime requirement to
minimise the intensity of corona, surface tracking and
increasing
treeing of the spacers.
The change in SF6 gas properties in presence of
arcing and corona is another cause of concern. The gaseous
byproducts formed are highly toxic and corrosive.
Furthermore, during the disconnector switch and combined
disconnector-earthing switch operation very fast transient
over voltages are generated [3]. The magnitude of these
over voltages seldom exceeds the basic insulation level but
the frequency of their occurrence is high and therefore,
their effects play a signifIcant role in the insulation
coordination of the GIS. The problems are discussed in the
following sections.
I. PARTICLE INFUSION IN GIS
A. Effects ofparticles in SF6 gas and their control
A limitation to the application of SF6 gas to GIS is

G
IS (Gas Insulated substationS) have been functioning for
more than 30 years around . the globe (In maintenance
free condition) and several units are now being put in
service. Almost 80% of the SF6 gas manufactured in the
world is used in GIS and circuit breakers. SF6 gas has
excellent dielectric strength, arc interruption properties and
high thermal capacity. Depending upon the complexity and
site locations GIS have many economic advantages such as
a minimum space requirement of only 10- 15% of the space
required by a conventional AIS (Air Insulated Substations).
The low risk of fIre or explosion or contamination due to
leakage of oil is an added advantage as compared to
conventional substations. They generate no noise and have
negligible radio interference.
A. Areas of Concern
GIS have been giving a good performance for years
but there are areas that cause problems and therefore are
being investigated. Insulating spacers used in the GIS are
V.D.Aaradhi has a experience of GIS development with Crompton
Greaves Ltd.,Nashik India, He is presently a masters student with power
systems as a specialization at KKWlEER, Nashik, University of Pune (e-mail:
vaibhav aaradhi2006@yahoo.co.in).
_
K.R.Gaidhani is presently a masters student with power systems as a
specialization at KKWlEER, Nashik, University of Pune
ketaki.gaidhani@gmail.com).
imposed due to the presence of dust and metallic particles
in the gas. It is observed that, the insulation strength of
compressed SF6 is greatly reduced by the contamination in
the form of conducting particles. The metallic particles and
dust in SF6 gas can not be removed out completely but
should be controlled by some means. Electrical insulation
performance of GIS systems is adversely affected by
metallic particle contamination. The mechanical load
changes on the conductors and the movement of various
modules during transport and commissioning is a major
cause of metallic particles. Dust ingress may occur in the
modules if the assemblies are opened onsite for
maintenance. Even though good design and quality control
would minimize such contamination, some particle
contamination is unavoidable in practice.
It is observed that under an applied electric fIeld in
a horizontal coaxial GIS system, a conducting particle
resting on the enclosure base acquires a charge and lifts
against the gravitational force when the electrostatic force
due to the central conductor is suffIciently high.
When a 50 Hz a.c. voltage is applied, these particles
may cross the gaseous gap from the low fIeld region near
the enclosure to the high fIeld region near the central
conductor. The particles rebound after they come in near
(e-mail:
the central conductor. After rebound, the particle receives a

978-1-4673-2868-5/12/$31.00 ©2012 IEEE


lateral velocity component due to the unevenness of
surfaces and acquires an axial velocity [3].
The contaminating metallic particle may reach a
support spacer or insulating discs in some time. If these
particle attaches to the epoxy insulator surface, the
insulation might be weakened severely.
The sharp edges, burrs due to machining and uneven
enclosure and conductor surfaces also lead to gradual
failure of the GIS modules. These defects are often of less
importance under normal power frequency voltages. The
impulse voltages such as lightning, switching impulse or
very fast transients can significantly reduce the dielectric
strength of a GIS assembly in the presence of sharp edges
leading to high corona activity [4].
It is observed that though the particle effects in
GIS is very small, it still does exist, which is why research
is in progress to develop diagnostic and analytical methods
for detecting and localizing them [ 1].
B. Dynamics ofparticles under electric field
The GIS assemblies consist of variety of conductor
configurations, a close analysis of these in context of
particle dynamics have shown the following results.
1. Electrodes (Bare)
A conducting particle lying on a bare electrode will
stand up when the electrostatic force resulting from the
applied field and the particle charge exceeds the
gravitational force. This effect is observed as the particle
comes in direct contact with aluminum or copper
conductor. The charge attained by the particle depends on
the local electric field, shape, orientation and size [2].
2. Electrodes coated with dielectric materials
When the conductors are coated with a dielectric
material like epoxy or varnish, a particle can be charged
either by conduction through the coating or by micro­
discharges. The acquired charge is therefore dependent on
the conductivity of the coating and the gas pressure, and is
less than that for bare electrodes. [2].
C. Breakdown Due to free Particles
A particle usually leads to breakdown when it
comes in vicinity of the charged central conductor. The gap
between the free particle and conductor gets bridged by
streamer. The streamer phenomenon considerably reduces
the overall dielectric strength of the gas with ageing.
Breakdown voltage in particle contaminated SF6
can be as low as 10% of the values in clean gas as
prescribed by IEC 376. The breakdown voltage depends on
the particle shape, size material, location and motion, the
gas pressure and the nature of the applied field. The value
of breakdown voltage increases with increase in particle
size.
D. Control ofparticle infusion
Certain conditioning procedures in the field have to
be adopted to move particles to harmless locations. The
particles can be easily detected by partial discharge
detection techniques. Particles on spacers are difficult to
2
detect. The PD detection techniques like UHF techniques
help to overcome this concern.
The following methods are in use to reduce the
particle related effects [2].
• Conditioning by Particle Movement and Trapping
• Electrostatic Particle Traps
Maintenance of dust proof environment facilities during
GIS assembly, proper transport and erection facility and use
of conditioned gas are preliminary requirement to reduce
the particle related effects.
II. INSULATING SPACERS AND THEIR
RELIABILITY
Insulating spacers are used to isolate the different
sections in GIS. Spacers are of either cone shape or disc
shape. Alumina filled epoxy is used to manufacture
majority of spacers. Conical spacers are used generally to
support and isolate the vertical assemblies whereas the
horizontal assemblies are isolated by conical insulators.
Spacers acquire charge from protrusions, ionization
in the gas, discharges from metallic particles and particles
in contact with the spacers. The spacers used in GIS have to
be highly reliable and several critical restrictions do apply
in the manufacture of these spacers. In the manufacture of
these spacers an emphasis on the detection of small voids
and retention of dielectric integrity of the spacers under
repeated long-term exposure to fast transient over voltages
is usually laid.
A. Tracking on spacers
The spacer material must be such that it should not
track in the event of a flashover resulting due to
routine/type testing in the factory or on-site. It is absolutely
essential as SF6 systems are to be considered self restoring.
Cycloaliphatic resins have a superior track resistance
compared to biphenyl resins that have lower mechanical
strength and higher permittivity.
Alumina based fillers along with epoxy resin and
hardener in a fixed proportion are used to improve the
overall track resistance; although they suffer from the
disadvantage of higher permittivity and a higher thermal
expansion coefficient compared to materials with quartz or
silica filler.
As the conductor is present centrally on the spacer
any defects, voids, cracks and poor adhesion to the
electrodes can reduce the spacer life. [2].
III. SF6GAS AND ITS RELIABILITY
SF6 gas decomposes in the presence of an electric arc,
spark or corona, SF6 to a wide variety of chemically active
products which possess completely different properties from
SF6• The accumulation of these decomposition products in
the equipment has caused concerns regarding personnel
safety and material compatibility problems.
 3

A. Electrical discharge and thermal characteristics: mechanisms in the presence of moisture are as follows.SF6
In gas-insulated equipment, decomposition of SF6 gas first splits into
by an electrical discharge is the most common mode of SF6 � SF, + F, ( 1)
dissociation. The discharges can be broadly divided into In presence of H20 further reactions occur as
three types according to the energy dissipated in the SF. + Hp � SOF, + 2HF
(2)
process (viz. Power arc, sparks and corona discharge).The
SOF, + Hp � SO, + 2HF
table below enlists the values of currents, the discharge (3)
time and amounts of energy liberated[3] . The amount of In addition, in presence of silica
discharge and currents has a detrimental effect upon the SiF4 + 2HF + H,O � H,SiF4 + H,O (4)
SF6 which is main insulating component of GIS. Silica or alumina is filled inside the epoxy used in making
the spacers. The presence of HF and its absorption into the
Table I: Discharge in SF6 equipments
epoxy resin will greatly modify the spacer surface
resistance and will ultimately lead to a drop in the impulse
Type of Discharge Discharge Characteristics flashover voltage of the spacers. Corrosion of the electrode
materials within the apparatus occurs in two ways. First,
Power Arc
3-100 kA, 50-150ms due to formation of metal fluorides and secondly by the
(current interruption ,in
_105 - 10 J HF that gets condensed on the materials. Fluorine reacts
Service fault)
with aluminum and copper as
Spark Al +3F � AIF3 . . . (5)
High current
(Capacitive discharge, fault
Durations micro sec Cu + 2F � CuF, . . . (6)
During testing,
10-2_102 J
disconnector switching) Although the gaseous byproducts have little effect
on the insulating strength, the gas can chemically attack
Partial discharge or corona
discharge
solid insulating materials, which may eventually lead to a
10-105 pC reduction of the dielectric strength. Flashover on the
(stress enhancement,
10-2_10-3 J per pulse surface of support insulators or spacers is a common cause
electrically floating
102-104 Hz
components, free of GIS in-service failure [ 1].
conducting particles)
V. VERY FAST TRANSIENTS IN GIS
The function of high-voltage disconnector is to
IV. PRESENCE OF IMPURITIES IN SF6 GAS provide electrical isolation between different pats of GIS.
According to disconnector standards, they are able to open
In industrial grade SF6 the typical impurities are
CF4, N2, O2, and H20. In practical GIS environments, the or close a circuit only when a negligible current «0. 5 A) is
presence of impurities in the 100 to 1000 ppm range is switched or if no significant change occurs in the voltage
unavoidable [ 1]. IEC 376 prescribes the limits of various between the disconnector contacts. These values of
impurities in SF6 gas which are represented below [6]. currents consists of capacitive charging currents of high­
voltage busbars, bushings, connectors, very short lengths
Table IT: Permissible impurities in SF6 gas of cables and the current of voltage transformers.
During closing and opening operation, contacts of
disconnector move slowly. This causes numerous strikes
and restrikes between the contacts. When contacts are
Impurity Limit
closed, the capacitive charging current flowing through the
contacts ranges from 0.0 17xlO-3 to 1. 1xlO-3 Aew'm form
Carbon tetra fluoride (CF4) 0.03 % voltage levels 72. 5-500 kV in AIS and from 0.3 to 1 Aeff in
GIS, depending on the rated voltage and length of high
Oxygen + nitrogen (air) 0.03 % voltage busbar which is being switched. Strikes and
restrikes occur as soon as the dielectric strength of the air
Water 15 ppm AIS or SF6 gas under pressure GIS between the
disconnector contacts is exceeded by over voltages [5].
CO2 traces
Every strike causes high-frequency currents tending
to equalize potentials at the contacts. When the current is
HF 0.3 ppm
interrupted, the voltages at the source side and the loading
A. Decomposition in the presence ofMoisture side will oscillate independently. The source side will
As already mentioned, the moisture content inside follow the power frequency while the loading side will
the equipment can be much higher in the tropical remain at the trapped voltage. As soon as the voltage
environments than the limit set in the standards. SF6 gas between the disconnector contacts exceeds the dielectric
decomposition, in presence of moisture, leads to the strength of the SF6 gas or the air, at that distance between
formation of S02F2, HFm(hydrofluoric acid) and the highly the contacts the restrike will occur, and so on.
toxic S2FIO and S202FIO. Some of the decomposition Successive strikes occurring during the closing and
opening operations of the off-loaded busbar by the
 4

disconnector in GIS are shown in Fig. 1 (a) and (b),

respectively. Observed failures in Indian GIS
When the disconnector is closing, the fIrst strike
will occur at the maximwn value of the source voltages. Its
values can be positive or negative. As the time passes a Loose particles
5%
series of successive strikes will keep occurring at reduced
amplitudes, until the contacts touch. The highest transient
3%
overvoltage therefore occurs during the initial pre-arc, 1
(a), When the disconnector is opening, restrikes occur
because of the very small initial clearance between the
disconnector contacts. At the transient beginning, the
intervals between particular strikes are of the order of a
millisecond, while just before the last strike occurs, the
interval can reach about one half of cycle at power
frequency, l(b) [5].
7%

Fig 2: Observed failures in GIS substations in India

A survey of Indian GIS shows that the maximum

failure rate observed is due to material failures, improper
material substitutions and wrong material selection.
Several other reasons like corrosion of the studs and
hardware, loose parts in subassemblies add up to the
overall failures in the GIS. Natural occurrences like
K
V
o
L
lightning strokes are also of high importance in this
T

observation. The data collected and analyzed is shown in

the pi chart representation above.

Fig 1: a) Practical values of GIS disconnector closing operation

Failure of modules in GIS
b) Practical values of GIS disconnector opening operation

VI. ANALYSIS OF OVERALL PROBLEMS AND ITS EFFECTS Others

ON INDIAN POWER SYSTEM
Circuit breakers
GIS based substations are now gaining a gradual
breakthrough in the Indian power scenario due to a variety Disconnectors
of reasons like lack of land for substations, aesthetic
requirements. But a study of the above discussed problems Insulators
in GIS limits the satisfactory approval and acceptance of
Bushing/Cable End
the GIS based systems. • % failures
terminations
The end conswners always demand a continuous
Busbar
uninterrupted and high quality power supply, but any of a
minor weak link in the GIS can lead to a major power
CTIVT
outage affecting the overall system stability and reliability.
Earthing switch

o 10 20 30 40 50

Fig 3: Module-wise failure rates in GIS

Majority of the module failures observed worldwide is in

the circuit breakers followed by GIS to Air bushings and the
Earthing switches. The above bar chart representation shows
the analysis carried out upon the same.
 5

VII. EFFECT ON THE POWER SYSTEM DUE TO THE

FAILURES IN GIS

There as been the large nwnber of 145-kV GIS

installed worldwide since the early 1990s have proven
very reliable. The demand for GIS is bound to rise keeping
in view the overall land availability in the metropolitan
cities. The substations are bound to be grid connected as a
result of which any small problem discussed above can
always elevate to become a major problem and lead to
severe failures and blackout in the power system.
A complete study of the special problems in the
GIS systems shows that the problems like SF 6 gas and its
reliability, VFTs which cause nuisance tripping of the
protective relays, insulating spacers faults are required to
be considered and handled out immediately. The above
considerations are required to be handled very effectively
in order to improve the overall efficiency of the power
system.

VIII. CONCLUSION

The GIS technology application is gammg huge

momentum in Indian power market gradually. High
precautions are thus needed to be taken during the material
selection, assembly, testing and erection of the GIS. The
failures discussed in the paper are very important from the
reliability aspect of the power system.
It can be concluded that each case of failures needs
to be handled separately and analyzed and diagnosed in
order to improve power system reliability.

IX. REFERENCES
[I] F.Y. Chu "SF6 decomposition in gas insulated equipments", IEEE
transactions on electrical insulation volume.E-21 No. 5,October 1986
[2] Maren Istad, Magne Runde " Thirty six of service experience with a
national population of Gas insulated substations" IEEE transactions on
power delivery 2010
[3] M.S.Naidu, Gas insulated Substations, IK International, 2008
[4] M.M. Marcos, SAWard, H.Anis "Particle initiated breakdown with
spacer involvement in compressed gas and its mixtures." IEEE
conference on electrical insulation and dielectric phenomena 1999
[5] Salih Carsimamovic, Zizad Bajramovic,Miroslav Ljevak, Meludin
Veledar "Very fast electromagnetic transients in Air insulated
substations and gas insulated substations due to disconnector switching",
IEEE paper nO.0-7803-9380-5/05
[6] lEC 600375. Specification of technical grade sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)
for use in electrical equipment