Investigation of Transient and Safety Issues in Gas Insulated Systems

Lead Research Organisation: CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
Department Name: Sch of Engineering

Abstract

The project will involve the study of Gas insulated substation to gain in-depth understanding of phenomena appearing in gas insulated systems. These will include discharge activity, transient over outages during disconnect or switching and line closing when connecting to overhead line circuits. Furthermore earthing scenarios will be investigated to determine the need and requirements for high frequency earthing in such systems, safety aspects of such configurations will be evaluated.

The models generated within the modelling and simulation task will be compared and verified with controlled experiments and onsite testing. For the purpose of advanced measurements, new fast voltage transducers will be designed, built and tested to allow measurement of the fast transient over outages.

The project will identify the most promising applications for graphine and other 2D materials in electrical transmission systems and examine the feasibility of using these materials on the transmission system. The project will consider the likely financial benefits, likely time to market, specific application issues, and recommend the pathway to deployment.

Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
EP/P510452/1 30/09/2016 29/09/2021
1809397 Studentship EP/P510452/1 30/09/2016 29/09/2020 Jonathon James
 
Description While the project is still ongoing, we have made a number of findings that will benefit high voltage Gas insulated Substations (GIS). Our main findings are in the form of new modelling practices and measurement techniques. We have identified the potential risks of applying standard modelling practices to GIS, based on numerous assumptions and analytical calculations only. Our proposed method requires detailed knowledge of equipment geometries and material characteristics but provides more accurate results. Our modelling activities highlighted that application of standard modelling practices may even underestimate the worst case transient conditions and could threaten system insulation. The ongoing development of new sensors provide an alternative method of measuring these high-voltage, high-frequency transients and could potentially lead to a patent. The aim is to develop sensors and modelling techniques that compliment each other and provide data validation both ways. Through our wide encompassing research, we have discovered that this project is truly a multidisciplinary field, incorporating elements of High Voltage engineering, Radio Frequency engineering and Electromagnetic Compatibility engineering, a concept that doesn't appear to have been explored in the past.
Exploitation Route Our findings can be used to compliment modelling practices by anyone in the high voltage industry. Sensors and measurement techniques could be used for model and system validation, or as confirmation of system serviceability.
Sectors Aerospace

Defence and Marine

Electronics

Energy

Transport
 
Description My findings to date have been shared with the National Grid through technical reports and presentations. It has given them a far greater awareness of the characteristics and risks of transients generated within GIS, in addition to the potential safety implications. These transients have in the past caused insulation failure which led to large financial implications and regularly cause interference issues which also threatens the stability of the power system. Following guidance they are better informed to make decisions about possible mitigation techniques where required and switching procedures.
First Year Of Impact 2016
Sector Energy
Impact Types Cultural

Economic

Policy & public services
 
Title Gas Insulated Substation - Finite Element and circuit based models 
Description Finite Element and circuit-based models have been created for a number of components and power system circuits. Models have been shared with the National Grid as they were created, based upon National Grid assets. Modelling techniques have been shared with the international community via conferences. 
Type Of Material Computer model/algorithm 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Used a concept developed for RF engineering and applied it to the modelling of GIS. I am confident that this process will be used in the future and developed further by others. 
 
Description National Grid 
Organisation National Grid UK
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Research carried out under ICASE award between Cardiff University, the National Grid and EPSRC. Cardiff University provide the facilities necessary for undertaking experiments that are vital to the success of the project.
Collaborator Contribution The National Grid are providing the financial support required to purchase equipment not already owned by Cardiff University. Some of this equipment will be used directly at National Grid substations to carry out measurements. In addition, the financial support provided will contribute to various software licenses required for my research. Financial support also allows for travel and subsistence when undertaking research that is relevant to National Grids interests in the project and also for the short secondments at the National Grid headquarters. Aside from financial support, the National Grid is providing expertise in various areas and facilities for testing out measurement devices, all of which positively impact the research project.
Impact Investigation of transient issues at National Grid sites. Conference proceedings. Development of new sensors and measurement systems.
Start Year 2016
 
Description ICHVE 2018 Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Attended ICHVE 2018 conference in Athens, Greece. The conference was attended by a large international audience, comprising of students, researchers and industry representatives. There were approximately 400 research works presented in various formats. I presented my paper contribution in the form of an oral presentation. The information was well received and initiated in-depth questions and discussions. There were researchers present at the time who were interested in the same field therefore the discussions could lead to future collaborations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014,2018
URL http://ichve2018.ece.ntua.gr/