50  Application

High voltage from

the socket outlet
On-site insulation testing of gas-insulated switchgear systems (GIS)
SIEMENS Transmission & Distribution (T&D) from Grenoble in France, has many years of experience
in constructing gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) systems. However, remaining successful in the face
of ever shorter project times, in a market with strong competition using high-level solutions, re-
quires constant improvements to project processes and use of the latest technology. SIEMENS T&D
has been using OMICRON testing devices for years to ensure efficient testing of its primary and
secondary equipment. Experts from SIEMENS T&D and OMICRON recently got together to try out a
new method for optimizing the high-voltage insulation testing of GIS. Following successful tests in
the Grenoble factory, the multifunctional CPC 100 primary testing system and the new CP RC reso-
nance circuit are now proven for use throughout the world.

By Marina Pajak and Renaud Verjus, Siemens T&D France

Till Welfonder, OMICRON

Time-consuming: To date, a high-voltage
generator and a special coupling mechanism
(filled with SF6 gas and connected to the respec-
tive busbar) have typically been used for on-site
testing of a gas-insulated switchgear system.
High-voltage testing of GIS systems
Gas-insulated switchgear systems are
made up of many encapsulated elements.
The internal high-voltage conductor is
insulated from the metallic wall of the
capsule, which is at ground potential,
using pressurized SF6 gas. The dielectric
strength of the system is optimally dimen-
sioned based on the respective voltage
level, as the size of the system has a direct
influence on its costs. Sharp edges, metal
shavings, or impurities which find their
way into the system during installation
can lead to electrical breakdown of the
insulation at high voltages. GIS bays which
are prefabricated as a unit, are already
provisionally filled with gas and subjected
to a dielectric strength test in the factory.
They are then sealed and transported to
the construction site. However, impurities
can also get into the system during on-site
assembly. As such, an on-site insulation
test needs to be performed. For this "stress
test", a voltage higher than 1.5 times the
nominal voltage is applied.
Previous method of testing
To date, a high-voltage generator and a
special coupling mechanism (filled with
SF6 gas and connected to the respective
busbar) have typically been used for on-
site testing. The equipment in this set-up
weighs around 2.5 tons and needs to be
transported from one construction site
to the next in a 15 cubic meter container,
often via a cargo flight, frequently hav-
ing to take into account the often strict
customs regulations. This has always
required precise logistics and often cre-
ated considerable costs. Once on-site, the

OMICRON  Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 2 2011


»Our on-site engineer was particularly impressed by the
simplicity of the approach and its ease of use.«
assembly of the system takes up a lot of
valuable space, and is both difficult and
time-consuming – requiring a crane and
the careful precautions which are essential
when working with gas.
The new OMICRON CPC 100 + CP RC system
The CP RC resonance system is coupled
to the GIS via a specially designed volt-
age transformer for secondary injection,
together they form a parallel resonant cir-
cuit. Controlled by the CPC 100, this circuit
can be excited at its resonant frequency.
Operating from the low-voltage supply of
the CPC 100, this allows a high voltage of
Application  51
First project assignment in Peru: A new 72.5 kV type 8DN8-4 GIS is tested with
the CPC 100 primary testing system and the new CP RC resonance circuit.
up to 200 kV to be generated on the GIS
side. The system is portable and, depend-
ing on capacity, can be ideally matched to
the GIS using one or more CP RC units.
Marina Pajak
Specially adapted voltage transformers Project manager,
Unlike a regular voltage transformers (VT), Siemens T&D France
this one is not only used for measure-
ment purposes, it also serves as a test
transformer. The VT must be specifically
designed for this, as the power required
for the high-voltage test is supplied on
the low-voltage side. SIEMENS T&D now
integrates these special power VTs in to its
new GIS systems in the factory. This allows
OMICRON  Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 2 2011
52  Application

the systems to be tested by simply con-

necting the CPC 100 and the CP RC. Since
the transformers remain a permanent part Renaud Verjus
of the system, it is also easy to repeat the
Expert for dielectrical GIS testing
tests for maintenance purposes. and commissioning,
Siemens T&D France

Initial testing at the

SIEMENS T&D facility
Experts from SIEMENS and OMICRON
got together in March 2011 to perform
successful tests in SIEMENS T&D's high-
voltage laboratory. Once completed, these
proved the suitability of the equipment for
on-site application.
First project deployment
The first deployment took place at the be-
ginning of April 2011 for a project in Peru.
A new 72.5 kV type 8DN8-4 GIS from
SIEMENS was tested with 120 kV. It was
possible to successfully test the system,
which is made up of three panels (1.2 nF
per panel) and a single busbar, in under
two days – including the preparations
and the customer acceptance tests. Using
standard systems, these tests used to take
more than twice as long.
OMICRON Product Manager Lutz Hulka
accompanied French testing engineer
Renaud Verjus from SIEMENS T&D for this
first project. The goal here was to gain
some on-site experience under real-world
conditions.
The material was dispatched on time and
there were no issues with customs. The
test set-up was soon ready for use, the
resonance point was found, and all tests
were accepted by the end customer. Just
a few hours after completion, the project
leader Marina Pajak called us to confirm:
"The application was a resounding success.
The tests were all performed quickly and
with no problems. Our on-site engineer
was particularly impressed by the simplicity
of the approach and its ease of use."
Comparison of the methods from a
testing engineer's perspective
"For a comparable system, we used to
require twice as much time and more than
twice the staff. This system allows not
only that one person alone can now do
this test, but the whole process is signifi-
cantly faster," was the conclusion drawn
by Renaud Verjus. He also considers the
new method superior in terms of safety,
environmental friendliness, and the risks
involved: "Modification work is no longer
needed just to perform the tests. And we
no longer need a crane. Yet perhaps the
most important benefit is that the system
remains sealed, as the transformers are
already pre-installed in the factory. This
eliminates the risk of dust getting into the
system and the need for gas work."
The slightly higher costs of the transformer
are easily compensated by the many
advantages it offers. The old method
also required a great deal of space to be
allocated for the test equipment during
construction of the building, which also
had an effect on costs. "None of this is
necessary with the new approach, as we
can simply position the testing device
directly in front of the busbar," confirms
Renaud Verjus.
Looking ahead
SIEMENS has purchased two of the new
systems and is already planning further
applications in other countries. To make
the modular system even more versatile,
collaborative work has also begun on
further improvements. Consideration
has even been given to a business idea
in a completely different field; using the
CPC 100 + CP RC in the service business
to maintain worldwide parks with aging
systems installed.

With the multifunctional primary testing

system CPC 100 and the new CP RC resonance
circuit, it is possible to test high-voltage gas
insulated switchgear systems with a maximum
test voltage of 235 kV suitable for equipment
rated at 132 kV.
OMICRON  Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 2 2011