From the Presidents Desk

Dear Friends,
35 years is a long period. The IEEMA journal has evolved to be the leading
electrical & electronics industry journal. The content has undergone many
changes and the readership has grown. I must thank all those who over the
years have contributed to make the publication add greater value. My special
thanks to Mr. RG Keswani, who has inspired many like me in the industry.
IEEMAs continued dialogue with the policy makers is showing some results.
The government has taken our feedbacks positively and we see support
coming to help Make in India for Indian markets as well as for exports.
IEEMA had significant presence in recently concluded AUW2016 show in Cape
Town. We also signed a MoU with SAEEC ( South African Electro technical
Export Council) to foster partnerships between member companies.
In our effort to improve membership connect we have held a few regional meetings and will
follow it up with regular interaction to address both local and national industry wide issues.
The installed base of electricity generation has touched the 300GW mark in India.
The EHV transmission lines have grown to around 365,000 ckt. Kms. The total substation
capacity has touched 692,500 MVA. With additional availability of coal and growth in
renewables the generation side has seen remarkable improvement.
We do see renewed activity in the T&D sector as well.
UDAY program has been well received by most around the country. 10 states have already
signed up to it. This program will go a long way in addressing the financial burden of the
Discoms and help reduce the AT&C losses.
IEEMA in past months had a series of meetings with the UP discoms and has offered help
to address the key challenges faced in the state. Similar efforts are on in other states as
well. While the inter-regional transmission capacity has improved in the past few years a lot
more is being done. With new power evacuation provision for the large renewable plants
and augmentation of the distribution system the T&D sector is looking at major addition. As
I mentioned in earlier issue, we are cautiously optimistic. The T&D industry after years of
under utilisation of manufacturing capacity is looking at the future with hope.
It is important for the country to buy, supply and install high quality reliable electrical
infrastructure through Made in India equipment and expertise. We have all the required
expertise and equipment. Efforts of the industry and GoI to build a true Smart Grid are
growing with our smart grid and metering division regularly interacting with concerned
officials of the MoP.
We need a grid suitable for Indian needs of today and tomorrow.A grid which helps us deliver
24X7 affordable power to all citizens along with the 240 million Indians who today do not
have access today.
The governments village electrification program is running ahead of schedule and demonstrates
what we are capable of achieving. The mind set all around has seen positive changes. The
can do approach all around will yield positive results.
Together we can.

Babu Babel

June 2016

Samvaad...

Dear members
One of the fundamental objectives of an industry Association is to create
a conducive environment for Industry to operate through Policy Advocacy.
This is a continuous process and requires substantial effort, thought and
investment of time to achieve desirable results. Many a times the subject
is contentious and may have implications that are not only far reaching
but impact a number of direct and indirect stake holders.
Sometimes members question why in spite of agreeing and sympathizing
with their view point the government does not take any action? The
reason perhaps is they have to bear the pulls and pressures of various
constituencies and stakeholders before something concrete is visible - more
so in a democracy likes ours.
When Prime Minister Modi announced the Make in India campaign and a
meeting of Secretaries to Government of India from various Ministries was
held at Vigyan Bhavan on 25th September 2014, IEEMA was also invited.
The then President of IEEMA, Shri Vishnu Agarwal put forth IEEMAs 4 point
Agenda in which the first point was regarding procurement from domestic
manufactures. The 4 point Agenda was appreciated and accepted by then
Secretary Power Shri PK Sinha. Ironically nothing substantial came out
except series of unending meetings in Ministry of Power and Department of
Heavy Industry where we kept pushing the subject. After attending few such
meetings, a young member expressed his doubt about the seriousness,
intent of the government and also the effectiveness of IEEMA! It is difficult
to explain the role of persistence and grit in such matters.
Today after nearly two years of dogged efforts by the office bearers of
IEEMA along with the secretariat, a small yet a decision of paramount
importance has emerged on the horizon in the form of CEA communication
to all State Utilities and CPSUs for procurement of equipment/ material to
be made from domestic / local manufacturing through local competitive
bidding only, for domestically funded projects. If international competitive
bidding is restored, subsequently the quoted price shall invariably be in
Indian rupees only.
This decision will have far reaching implications.
I would request you to kindly go through this CEA communication No:
CEA/PSETD/205/218-296 dated 19th May 2016 and do let us know of your
suggestions / comments if any.
The membership in their respective States along with IEEMA Secretariat
should now push for the implementation of this valuable decision with State
Utilities for achieving the final outcome.

Sunil Misra

June 2016

Contents

the leading electrical & electronics monthly

Volume 7 Issue No. 10 June 2016 CIN U99999MH970GAP014629

Official Organ of Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers Association
Member: Audit Bureau of Circulation & The Indian Newspaper Society

From the Presidents

Desk
7

Samvaad
18

Appointments
This new space in the IEEMA Journal
will incorporate recent important
appointments in the power and
related sectors.

20

Special Report
Page No 20

26

SunEdisons bankruptcy wouldnt

have a huge impact on the overall
solar industry: Mr Hitesh Doshi

Face to Face
Smart Grids will be the key to
sustainable development of power
sector : Mr Prabhu Singh

22

Cover Story

30

UDAY: Outlier of Electricity

Reforms

Interview

For long Indian Electricity reforms is

made up of a cacophony of catchy
slogans without any coherent vision,
strategy and implementation plan.
Policymakers have an uncanny
knack to repackage, rebrand and
rename the old wine in the new
bottles when they realize that the
intended outcome of the plans are
difficult to materialize on the ground.

10

APEPDCL aims to bring down the

losses to 4 per cent by 2019: Mr
Revu Mutyala

34

Special Feature

trade exhibition for African power

and water utility professionals.
IEEMA delegation was led by Mr
Sanjeev Sardana Vice President,
IEEMA and Mr Anil Saboo Chairman
International Div, other members
companies who participated as
exhibitors under the auspices of
IEEMA were C& S Electric, MEHRU,
Technical
Associates,
Deccan
Enterprises, Genus Electricals and
Anvil.

38

IEEMA Event
SURGEPROTECH

IEEMA signs MoU with

SAEEC at African Utility Week

2nd International Conference

cum Tutorials on Surge
Arresters

IEEMA participated in the 16th

annual African Utility Week, a global
meeting place of conference and

IEEMA Surge Arrester division

jointly with CPRI and POWERGRID,
organised the 2nd edition of

June 2016

Contents

SURGEPROTECHInternational
Conference cum Tutorials on HV
Surge Arresters on 28th & 29th April
2016 at New Delhi.

48

SME Talk
We have the capabilities to grow
three folds in the next couple of
years: Mr Harpreet Singh

50

View Point
Focus on Transmission &
Distribution Network and the
role IEEMA can play

64

80

In Depth

Industry Focus

Competition in Power
Transmission SectorChallenges

Microgrid distribution line

capacity optimization

Power utilities have historically been

government-owned
monopolies
because of the essential nature
of services they provide and the
massive capital investment they
require. With the evolution of
markets, nations around the world
are recognizing the role played by
regulated, well functioning markets
in providing user choice and good
quality service through provider
competition.

70

52

In Focus

Expert Speak

Reliable demagnetization of
transformer cores

Evolution of FACTS Devices

on the Indian Power Network
The Indian electrical power network
is one of the largest in the world,
handling more than 200 GW of
power and expected to double by
year 2022. It has evolved from a
collection of asynchronous systems,
connected over DC links, to a single
synchronous system. Such a large
system definitely requires means to
improve transmission capabilities
and adopt measures to enhance
stability to ensure trouble free
operation of the large system.

Whenever a power or distribution

transformer is isolated from the
power system, it is very probable that
residual magnetism remains in the
core due to the phase shift. However,
residual magnetism also occurs
when performing winding resistance
tests. Since manufacturers use
these measurements in their routine
testing and these tests are typically
performed for on-site condition
assessment, transformers can be
regularly influenced by the effect of
residual magnetism.

75
60

Industry matters

Guest Article

A matter of conventions in
metering

Paradigm shift: From

Electrification to Energization
With growing population and the
associated resource requirements,
shrinking resources and degrading
environment,
sustainable
development has become a key
word. The challenge is to have a
growth, which is at the same time
sustainable considering a time scale
spanning a few centuries.

June 2016

Conventions need to be defined

and followed uniformly across the
entire power sector. Sign convention
(positive or negative) for import
and export of energy, both active
and reactive, is one of them. While
there are no right and wrong in
conventions, they are a means of
avoiding mathematical confusion
and bring everyone to a common
understanding.

Rural electrification involves high

initial capital investments per capita
due to its stumpy energy demand
and scattered population density.
These factors effect in a higher cost
of electricity than that for urban
consumers. In this context, the
optimization plays a vital role in the
broad geographical distribution of
electrical power.

86

Tech Space
Comparison of SPWM and
SVPWM techniques for Solar
PV integration into Smart Grid

94

Tech Space
Parallel Operation of
Transformers with Large Nonidentical Taps for Reactive
Power Compensation

100

Case study
CESC Strides in Distribution
CESC Limited, an RP-Sanjiv Goenka
Group Company is engaged in
the generation and distribution of
electricity in Kolkata and Howrah
spread across 567 sq kms of
licensed area. Its history goes back
to 1897 with the advent of electricity
distribution in India and registration
of The Calcutta Electric Supply
Corporation Limited in London.

108

International News
Gamesa plans to complete
Phase I of Nellore plant by
September

11

Contents

Kokam deploys NMC Energy

Storage Systems at South
Korean electric grid

IEEMA activities

112

126

National News

Power Scenario

UDAY will cover private discoms

soon: Piyush Goyal
International
Solar
Alliance
summit in New Delhi next year

116

Corporate News
Alstom T&D Indias Q4FY16
standalone net profit declines
44.72% yoy to Rs.29.87 crore
BSES discoms reach amicable
settlement with NTPC

Editorial Board

124

Global Scenario
Indian Scenario

128

IEEMA Database
Basic Prices & Indices
Production Statistics

130

CPRI News

120

132

Product Showcase

ERDA News

122

137

Seminars & Fairs

Index to Advertisers

Advisory Committee
Founder Chairman
Mr R G Keswani

Chairman
Mr Babu Babel

Members
Mr Sunil Misra
Mr Naveen Kumar
Mr Mustafa Wajid
Mr Vikram Gandotra
Mr Vijay Karia

Sub Editor
Ms Shalini Singh

Advertisements
Incharge
Ms Vidya Chikhale

Circulation
Incharge
Ms Chitra Tamhankar

Statistics & Data

Incharge
Mr Ninad Ranade

Designed by:
Reflections
Processed at:
India Printing Works

Regd Office - Mumbai

501, Kakad Chambers, 132, Dr A Besant Road,
Worli, Mumbai 400 018.
Phones: +91(0) 22 24930532 / 6528
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Email: mumbai@ieema.org
Corporate Office - New Delhi
Rishyamook Building, First floor,
85 A, Panchkuian Road, New Delhi 110001.
Phones: +91 (0) 11-23363013, 14, 16
Fax: +91 (0) 11-23363015
Email: delhi@ieema.org
Branch Office - Bengaluru
204, Swiss Complex, 33, Race Course Road,
Bengaluru 560 001.
Phones: +91 (0) 80 2220 1316 / 1318
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Email: bangalore@ieema.org
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503 A, Oswal Chambers,
2, Church Lane, Kolkata 700 001.
Phones: +91 (0) 33 2213 1326
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Email: kolkata@ieema.org
Website: www.ieema.in
Articles: Technical data presented and views expressed by authors of articles are their own and
IEEMA does not assume any responsibility for the
same. IEEMA Journal owns copyright for original
articles published in IEEMA Journal.
Representatives:
Guwahati (Assam) - Nilankha Chaliha
Email: nilankha.chaliha@ieema.org
Mobile: +91 9706389965
Raipur (Chhattisgarh) - Rakesh Ojha
Email: rakesh.ojha@ieema.org
Mobile:+91 9826855666
Lucknow (U.P. and Uttarakhand) Ajuj Kumar Chaturvedi
Email: anuj.chaturvedi@ieema.org
Mobile: +91 9839603195
Chandigarh (Punjab & Haryana)
Bharti Bisht
Email: bharti.bisht@ieema.org
Mobile: +91 9888208880
Jaipur (Rajasthan)
Devesh Vyas
Email: devesh.vyas@ieema.org
Mobile: +91 8955093854
Bhubaneshwar (Odisha)
Smruti Ranjan Samantaray
Email: smrutiranjan.samantaray@ieema.org
Mobile: +91 9437189920
Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh)
Jesse A Inaparthi
Email: jesse.inaparthi@ieema.org
Mobile: +91 9949235153
Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir)
Mohammad Irfan Parray
Email: irfan.parray@ieema.org
Mobile: +91 9858455509

Agreement of Cooperation between IEEMA and SAEEC at African Utility Week

IEEMA Members
Helpline No. 022-66605754

Edited, Printed and published by Mr Sunil Kumar Misra on behalf of Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association, and Printed at India Printing Works,
India Printing House, 42, G. D. Ambekar Road, Wadala, Mumbai 400 031 and Published at 501, Kakad Chambers,132, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 018.

12

June 2016

APPOINTMENTS
Mr SS Roy appointed Directort (Technical-LWR),
NPCIL
Distinguished Scientist S Singha Roy has been appointed
as Director (Technical-LWR) of the Nuclear Power
Corporation of India Limited. He will be holding the post
till the date of his superannuation, or until further orders.

Mr SK Jha appointed Director (P & M), MIDHANI

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has
approved the proposal of the Department of Defence
Production for appointment of Mr S K Jha to the post of
Director (Production & Marketing) in Mishra Dhatu Nigam
Limited (MIDHANI), Hyderabad for a period of five years.

Mr UC Muktibodh appointed Director (Technical),

NPCIL
Distinguished Scientist UC Muktibodh has been
appointed as Director (Technical) of the Nuclear Power
Corporation of India Limited.

Mr Chinmoy Gangopadhyay selected as Director

(Project), PFC
Chinmoy Gangopadhyay has been selected for the post
of Director (Project) in the Power Finance Corporation
Limited (PFC) by the Public Enterprises Selection Board
(PESB).

Arno Harris joins Azure Powers Board of

Directors
Azure Power, Indias leading solar power company,
announced the appointment of Arno Harris, Former
Founder, CEO and Chairman of Recurrent Energy, one
of North Americas leading utility-scale solar project
developers, as an independent director.

Govt. announces several Additional Secretarylevel appointments

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)
has approved several Additional Secretary-level
appointments, including that of Ms. Shalini Prasad as
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power.
Ms. Prasad, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
officer of the 1985 batch (Uttar Pradesh cadre), presently
in her cadre, will succeed Mr. Badri Narain Sharma, IAS
(RJ:1985) on his appointment as Additional Secretary,
Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
An official press release said that Ms. Madhulika P
Sukul, IDAS (1982), presently in her cadre, has been
appointed as Additional Secretary, Department of

18

Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food

and Public Distribution vice Mr. G. Gurucharan, IAS
(KN:1982) on his appointment as Secretary (Performance
Management), Cabinet Secretariat.
Mr. Rajani Ranjan Rashmi, IAS (MN:1983), Additional
Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of
Commerce and Industry has been appointed as
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest
and Climate Change vice Mr. Hem Kumar Pande, IAS
(WB:1982) on his appointment as Secretary, Department
of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs.
Mr. Girish Chandra Murmu, IAS (GJ:1985), Additional
Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of
Finance has been appointed as Additional Secretary,
Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance
vice Ms. Snehlata Shrivastava, IAS (MP:1982) on
her appointment as Secretary, Department of Justice,
Ministry of Law and Justice.
Ms. Amita Prasad, IAS (KN:1985), Joint Secretary,
Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and
Ganga Rejuvenation has been appointed as Additional
Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change vice Mr. Susheel Kumar, IAS (UP:1982) on
his appointment as Secretary (Border Management),
Ministry of Home Affairs.
Mr. Nikhilesh Jha, IAS (MN:1984), Additional Secretary,
Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and
Ganga Rejuvenation has been appointed as Additional
Secretary and Financial Adviser, Department of Food and
Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food
and Public Distribution vice Mr. Prabhas Kumar Jha, IAS
(UP:1982) on his appointment as Secretary, Ministry of
Parliamentary Affairs.
Mr. U P Singh, IAS (OR:1985), Additional Secretary,
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas as Additional
Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development
and Ganga Rejuvenation vice Mr. Nikhilesh Jha.

VACANCIES
Bureau of Energy Efficiency
Post: Secretary
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is a statutory body
under the Ministry of Power has invited applications from
the officers of Central or State Governments holding a post
not below the rank of Deputy Secretary to the Government
of India in the parent cadre for the post of Secretary in
Bureau of Energy Efficiency on deputation basis

June 2016

SpecialReport

SunEdisons bankruptcy wouldnt have a huge impact on

the overall solar industry: Mr Hitesh Doshi
unEdison filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
on April 21, 2016. This includes voluntary filing by
some of the companys subsidiaries in the United States
and abroad. However, SunEdisons publicly traded
yieldcos, TerraForm Power (TERP) and TerraForm Global
(GLBL), are not part of the filing. The company said it
secured up to $300 million in new financing from its
first-lien and second-lien lenders, which is subject to
court approval. The money will be used to support
SunEdisons operations during its bankruptcy, such
as paying wages and vendors, and proceeding with
ongoing projects.

SunEdisons bankruptcy filing is likely

to impact India the most, according
to EYs Renewable Energy Country
Attractiveness Index. Trouble in the USbased energy company has already
triggered a whirlwind of merger
and acquisition activity, with more
undoubtedly to follow.

strong. SunEdisons bankruptcy wouldnt have a huge

impact on the overall solar industry. SunEdisons case
should be treated as an isolated one with the cause of
bankruptcy attributable to overambitious growth plans on
borrowed money through which it tried to expand way
too fast and in too many directions.

How could SunEdisons bankruptcy affect its

peers and future projects?
Ideally, the SunEdisons bankruptcy should not affect its
peers or future projects as the reasons
for its bankruptcy are not due to any
flaws in the Solar Power business model
or its fundamentals.

Tottering SunEdison has made

Indian lenders extremely wary
and tight fisted. Your comments
please.

We feel that there is no reason for the

Indian lenders to become wary or tight
fisted for funding Solar Energy Projects.
SunEdisons bankruptcy
The fundamentals of the industry are
should not affect its
very strong and Solar has already
peers or future projects
as the reasons for its
reached grid parity. India is now the
bankruptcy are not due
third largest and most attractive market
to any flaws in the Solar
for Solar in the world. With excellent
Power business model
commitments and ongoing support from
or its fundamentals.
Government of India to meet its targeted
goals of 100 GW, we see no reason for
IEEMA Journal speaks to Waaree Energy,
the
Indian
lenders
to become tight fisted.
CMD, Mr Hitesh Doshi on the reason of SunEdisons
Bankruptcy and its impact on the Indian solar industry
SunEdison has around 700 megawatt
(Mw) of solar capacity commissioned
in India, and a further 1.7 gigawatt (Gw)
under development. However, with the
countrys total solar capacity currently
around 6.7 Gw, this represents a sizeable
portion, and there are concerns that so
much capacity being released in the
market could push down prices and make
lenders reluctant to finance, said RECAI.

What are the major factors that led to

SunEdisons bankruptcy?
Over the past few years, SunEdison has aggressively
scaled up its acquisitions in various parts of the world
in order to expand its market share. What appears to
have gone wrong is that SunEdison tried to grow too fast
and in too many directions. All this led to skyrocketing
amount of debt without the ability to show investors
its value. They took on billions in debt and went on an
acquisition spree on the assumption that their stock price
will keep going up, which didnt happen.

What does SunEdison bankruptcy means for

the overall solar industry
The renewable energy industry in general and the Solar
Industry in particular is healthy and the fundamentals are

20

The SunEdison misadventures should act

as an eye-opener. It will not derail the entire
industry for sure but gives an immense
opportunity to all stakeholders - government,
lenders and developers - to step back and
evaluate the entire eco-system. Will low tariffs
be sustainable? Please share your concern
Yes, I do agree that the entire eco system should be
evaluated. In fact, instead of evaluating it due to the
SunEdison episode, evaluation should be a regular
process to ensure that we as a country meet the ambitious
growth plans for Solar and any potential roadblocks are
identified well ahead in time. While its important to have
competitive pricing for Solar Power, its important to
ensure that an decent IRR is possible on the tariffs and
lenders are comfortable with the same.
- Shalini Singh, IEEMA

June 2016

CoverStory

or long Indian Electricity reforms is made up of a

cacophony of catchy slogans without any coherent
vision, strategy and implementation plan. Policymakers
have an uncanny knack to repackage, rebrand and
rename the old wine in the new bottles when they realize
that the intended outcome of the plans are difficult to
materialize on the ground. From APDRP (Accelerated
Power Development and Reforms Program) to RAPDRP
(Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Program),
from RAPDRP to IPDS (Integrated Power Development
Scheme, RGGVY (Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran
Yojna) to DDUGJY (Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti
Yojana), 24X7 Power by 2012 to 24X7 Power by 2019,
20000 MW of Solar energy by 2022 under Jawahar Lal
Nehru Urban Solar Mission (JNUSM) to 100 GW by 2022
architects of our power policy kept on moving the
milestones further or giving it a different color without any
perceptible success and the story goes on.
DISCOMs (Distribution Companies), the crucial but
weakest link in the electricity supply chain in India have
been crying for reforms for decades as they are often
characterized by inefficiency, plethora of people who are
more liability than asset, frequent interruption in supply,
poor voltage, low metering levels, low cost recovery etc.
However, all efforts to bring them under control have been

able to produce news rather than any tangible outcome.

The primary reason for this was the wrong diagnosis of
the issues involved. Number of initiatives was undertaken
in the distribution sector through APDRP and RAPDRP
for urban areas tenth plan onwards but they emphasized
more on system improvement and automation part to
bring down the AT &C losses. RGGVY was also initiated
for rural areas and to provide access of electricity to
all. The concept of privatization of Distribution was also
introduced through private licensees (Delhi and Orissa)
and through Distribution Franchisees (Maharashtra,
Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and several others).
But these schemes failed miserably and the primary
reason was the short sightedness of the policy makers
coupled with faulty execution. Consultants who learnt on
the job cooked lots of money in the process by framing
DPR (Detailed Project Report) based on mere cut/
paste exercise rather than field surveys. Also how come
policy makers plan to invest huge amount of money in
automation and system improvement without doing
financial restructuring of DISCOMs which are currently
sitting on a huge debt of about Rs 4.3 Lakh Crore and
most of them are on the verge of bankruptcy. The irony is
that the they are adding 60 65000Cr of losses each year.
As a result of their financial mess, DISCOMs had stopped

States shall take over the future losses of DISCOMs in a graded manner and shall fund them as follows:
Year

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

Previous Years DISCOM

loss to be taken over by
State

0% of the
loss of
2014-15

0% of the
loss of
2015-16

5% of the
loss of
2016-17

10% of the
loss of
2017-18

25% of the
loss of
2018-19

50% of the
previous
year loss

22

June 2016

CoverStory

contracting for power from generators and handed

over unscheduled power cuts to consumers. Diesel
generators were used extensively as a back up power
driving up the consumption of imported oil straining the
finances of the country.
Then the indefatigable power minister and his persistent
staff unveiled one scheme in late 2015 with peculiar
acronym called the Ujjwal DISCOM Assurance Scheme
(UDAY) which hit the nail right on the head with direct
attack on improving the balance sheets of DISCOMs. It
ensures the financial turnaround and revival of DISCOMs
and guarantees a permanent solution to their financial
mess getting rid of decades of losses and subsidies.

Modus operandi

According to this scheme the Union government

allowed state governments to take 75% of the debt (as
of September 30 2015) of the DISCOMs owned by them
over two years and pay back the lenders by selling
government bonds. In 2015-16, they could take over
50% and in 2016-17 25% of the outstanding debt on their
books. For the remaining 25%, the concerned DISCOMs
will be issuing the bonds.
The bonds issued by the state government are offered
at a coupon of 8-9% and the rest will be priced at the
minimum lending rate of bank base rate plus 0.1 percent.
These state government bonds cannot be counted
against banks statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) requirements.
While this will classify these bonds as state development
loans (SDLs) available for sale in the bank books,
over time, they can create a tradable market in these
securities. This can be a good template for future, with a
degree of market tempering built into what the DISCOMs
can borrow. Thus the cost of servicing DISCOM debt
will come down from about 12% to about 8% for threefourth of the loans taken over by the state, and to about
9% on the remaining loans for which state-guaranteed
DISCOM bonds will be issued. The savings could be
about Rs. 33,000 crores a year. Government of India
will not include this incremental debt in the calculation
of fiscal deficit of respective States in the financial years
2015-16 and 2016-17.
UDAY also compels the DISCOMs to improve operational
efficiency. The financial restructuring package is based
on a loss trajectory agreement where the DISCOMs sign
up for ensuring their cost of operations reduction and
their revenue from operations is sufficient to cover their
cost of supplies. The UDAY package will need the states
to bring their AT&C losses to 10% or 15% (customized for
each state) by 2018-19. The central government will be
monitoring the progress on this parameter regularly a
clause built in the UDAY MOU.
UDAY brings back focus again on Renewables Purchase
Obligations (RPO) which is outstanding from 1st April
2012. States accepting UDAY and performing as per
operational milestones will be given additional / priority
funding through DDUGJY (Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram
Jyoti Yojana), IPDS (Integrated Power Development

June 2016

Scheme), PSDF (Power Sector Development Fund) or

other such schemes of Ministry of Power and Ministry of
New and Renewable Energy. Such States shall also be
supported with additional coal at notified prices and, in
case of availability through higher capacity utilization, low
cost power from NTPC and other Central Public Sector
Undertakings (CPSUs). States not meeting operational
milestones will be liable to forfeit their claim on IPDS and
DDUGJY grants.

Current Status

The scheme has quietly made several important

advances. So far, 10 states, including those with heavily
indebted DISCOMs like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and
Rajasthan, have signed the MoUs and several others
have agreed in principal to join the scheme. The
Government is contemplating to extend the deadline of
UDAY scheme by one year to enable those states that
havent come on board yet to sign up. However, states
like Kerala, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh were likely
to join UDAY only for operational efficiency and related
incentives as these DISCOMs have comfortable debt
position. Separately, some states with strong financial
and low DISCOM debt such as Gujarat may not issue
bonds, but have joined the scheme of other incentives
from the Centre.

(Source: Financial Express)

The list includes several states ruled by non-NDA

governments who resort to oppose all the policies of
the ruling government without going into the merits of it.
Tripartite MoUs are being finalized between the centre,
state and Ministry of Power. As of early March 2016, Rs
1.94 lakh crore debt or 45% of total outstanding debt of
DISCOMs in the country is expected to be covered under
the UDAY scheme.

Reform with a difference

Electricity reforms have traditionally been marred by the

centre knows best approach but UDAY is a voluntary
scheme and the states make an explicit choice to
participate. It creates enabling provisions across the
power value chain for states to choose and do what

23

CoverStory

fits them, with the view of reaching the committed

operational goals.
The scheme is all about Financial Restructuring with
incentives for the states to bring de facto commitment
back to their balance sheets and not a bailout where the
government gives cash to DISCOMs and states without
accountability.
Theres a specific roadmap for debt restructuring
and there are hard budget constraints imposed for
participating in the program. Once on board, the states
will not be able to back out and the only prudent course
of action for them will be to keep their side of the bargain
which is around driving operational efficiencies.
UDAY attempts to enforce fiscal discipline on States
as it requires them to absorb a part of future losses of
the DISCOMs. It attempts to buffer the finances of the
DISCOMs, from the subsidies that state governments
may want to provide for power. The states will now have
to directly bear on their budgets the entire cost of the
subsidies. Now state politicians will have to think twice
before promising generous subsidies in the future since
that will have to be financed within the 3% state-level
budget deficit on the long run. It is the duty of state
and DISCOM to invest in technology and collection to
minimize the electricity pilferages
UDAY ensures that the DISCOM reforms are not just
distribution centric, but positively impact various inputs
and outputs to the distribution function, even those which
are not owned by the centre directly. It provides for easier
transferring coal linkages from old to more modern
plants, and incentives for creating large plants running
at an economy of scale rather than operating small sub
200 MW plants. Allocating coal linkage to a generating
company, rather than to a specific plant gives companies
the freedom to use the fuel in the most efficient way. Use
of energy efficient LEDs, pumps, fans and air-conditioners
will save power consumption and reduces the peak load.
This is a big positive vis--vis the past DISCOM reform
packages and will result in huge savings.
The Ministry of Power estimates that a combination of
financial efficiency, technical / collection efficiency (AT&C
loss reduction to 15%), better coal linkages (supply of
domestic coal and coal swapping), energy efficiency
initiatives and demand side management (eg: LEDs,
appliances, pumps) and industrial efficiency savings (eg:
perform-achieve-trade PAT for energy conservation in
industry) totaling projected savings of Rs. 1.8 lakh crores.

Future of UDAY

While there is nothing certain in a democracy laced with

electoral populism and constantly edgy centre-state
relations, this plan may well be the now or never stage for
DISCOM revival. Time will tell whether the DISCOMs take
responsibilities towards improving operational efficiency
to reduce AT&C losses, strongly stop malpractices by
employees, 100% metering, billing & collection, including
recovering of arrears and many more. At the same time
state governments need to ensure financial prudence

24

and realize that doling out cash for political mileage

will only worsen the situation. The scheme has been
designed with wide spread stakeholder consultation
irrespective of their political affiliations and has the merit
of a pan India rollout for DISCOMs in order to come out
of the red in their financial books. Business processes
in DISCOMs need extensive automation for spot billing,
call centers, remote meter reading, automated billing,
efficient O&M and metering from grid to DT (Distribution
Transformer). Energy auditing and accounting, fault
reporting, substation operations, enterprise solutions
involving employees and commerce, consumer servicing
through the Internet and telephones (call centres), and
management information systems (MIS) involving
Data Analytic shall be transparent and available to all
authorities online and on real time basis.
This is indeed a fact that the whole nation is eagerly
waiting for UDAY to have unprecedented success and
being seen as a last resort for DISCOMs to come out
of their financial turmoil. Initial vibes have been very
encouraging and the program seems to be well designed
from the point of view of incentives using all the carrots
and sticks in the arsenal of the central government.
However efficient execution and strict vigilant approach
looks to be the key success factors in the scheme.

Conclusion

A turnaround of distribution segment is critical to make

the power sector commercially viable and to deliver
reliable power supply at reasonable cost. UDAY will bring
an increased focus on bringing in financial, operational
and technical/collection efficiency. These measures
corroborated with better coal linkages, energy efficiency
initiatives and demand side management will prove
to be elixir to the nation which loses one third of their
legal revenue through AT&C losses and the ultimate
victim is the honest consumer that pay their bills on time.
However, sustained long term efforts will be required on
the part of all stakeholders like the central government,
state government, ministries, commercial banks,
utilities, government regulators, and end users to lead to
permanent changes lending huge credibility to the 24 x 7
power promised by the government by 2019.
Purnendu Kumar Chaubey

Vice President
Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd.

June 2016

Face2Face

Smart Grids will be the key to sustainable

development of power sector: Mr Prabhu Singh
Mr Prabhu N Singh, Director, National Smart Grid Mission talks to
IEEMA Journal on the challenges on implementation of targets under
NSGM and providing stable and quality 24x7 power to all.

Please share the details of

initiatives being undertaken
under the National Smart
Grid Mission?
As you are aware, National Smart
Grid Mission (NSGM) was established
by the Government of India to plan
and monitor implementation of
policies and programmes related
to Smart Grid activities in India.
Project Management Unit of NSGM
(NPMU) housed at POWERGRID
will be the implementing agency
for operationalizing the Smart Grid
activities in the country.
NSGM has the mandate to develop
Smart Grids in the Smart cities
announced by Govt of India, to begin
with. 1st Meeting of Empowered
Committee for implementation of
National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM)
was held on 29th March, 2016 under
the Chairmanship of Secretary
(Power). Empowered Committee
has sanctioned the DPRs for Smart
Grid Project at Chandigarh for Rs.
28.58 crores (around 30 thousand
consumers) and at Amrawati,
Maharashtra for Rs. 90.05 crores
(around 1.48 lakhs consumers).
We are interacting with the state
authorities for setting up of
State Level Missions and State
Level Project Management Units
(SLPMUs). SLPMUs are required to
be established urgently as the DPRs
for smart grid projects shall have to
be approved by it before submission
to NPMU.
We are also engaging with the
various stakeholders like the industry,
standardization bodies, funding
agencies etc and holding periodic
discussion session Manthan
wherein the stakeholders can voice
their concerns, make suggestions

26

and make this transition to smart

grids a collective effort.
Going 5 years down the line, post
implementation of schemes like IPDS
and DDUGVY the Distribution sector
shall be sufficiently robust and IT
enabled and the mass deployment
of Smart grid technologies shall
become imperative. Smart Grids
shall be the key to sustainable
development of power sector and
achievement of the goal of 24X7
Power for All.
Recognizing the need to build a pool
of employees conversant with IT
technologies for distribution sector,
NSGM has put in place a plan to
provide support for training and
Capacity building to States/DISCOMs
for smart grid technologies. A module
for Capacity Building on Smart Grids
for the DISCOM personnel has
already been prepared. The process
of training shall be started very soon
and the First session is likely to be
held in Mid June.
Skill upgradation shall be a
continuous process and to maintain
continuity in this endeavour
and ensure that the training and
capacity building exercise provides
maximum benefits to DISCOMs,
we are trying to ensure that the
employees posted in SLPMU and
Smart Grid Cells have at least ten
years of service left and they should
be dedicatedly deployed for this
work for minimum 5 years period.

What are the challenges you

foresee in implementing the
NSGM?
The challenges on implementation
of targets under NSGM are centered
on affordability of technology,
choice of technology suitable for

our conditions and acceptability of

technology by the consumers. It is
not necessary that the technology
that works in US or in European
countries may also work for us.
Challenges
are
especially
around choice of communication
technologies. Whereas RF mesh
network is likely to work at most
places but in some scenarios PLCC
may also be required. In RF there
is challenge of limited availability of
bandwidth in free frequency band of
865-867 MHz.
We are treading with caution and not
going for sudden full blown rollout.
We are undertaking smart grid pilot
projects with the utilities across
the country to test the suitability
of technologies for our conditions.
Two projects are under advanced
stage of implementation and upon
completion will help us chalk out our
strategy in a more focused manner.
However, the learnings from the
Proof of Concept pilots undertaken
at UGVCL, Gujarat and Puducherry
have given us the confidence in smart
grid technologies and accordingly
we are sanctioning projects under
NSGM also.
Affordability is impacted by
various factors such as technology
being vendor neutral so as to
boost competition, indigenous
development, allow for future
scale up etc. Though we have
standards for smart meters and data
communication protocol but still
Other challenge is around non
availability of skilled manpower
with requisite IT skills to operate
and maintain such advanced
systems and NSGM is taking a lead
role in addressing this problem
through focused capacity building

June 2015

Face2Face

The outlay of NSGM has been re-rationalised / recast. The total estimated cost for all the projects and NSGM activities
for 12th Plan is Rs 980 crore including a budgetary support of Rs 338 crore. Details are as follows:
Sl
A.
B.
C

D.
E.

Activity
Development of smart
grid in Smart Cities
Development of micro
grids
Training & Capacity
Building (Funding for
SGKC etc)
Consumer
Engagement++
(Funding to State
owned Discoms ~60)
NSGM Establishment,
O&M etc
Total Outlay

Estimated Cost

Budgetary support for 12th Plan

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

Rs 890 crore

267 (30%)

155

111

Rs 27 crore

8 (30%)

Rs 8 crore

8 (100%)

Rs 30 crore (20
lakhs p.a. for each
Discom)

30 (100%)

13

15

Rs 25 crore

25 (100%)

10

10

Rs 980 crore

338

10

186

142

programs. GoI is providing funding

for development of Smart grid
Knowledge Centre by POWERGRID
under NSGM.
Consumer is set to become
the biggest beneficiary through
implementation of smart grid
with reduced power cost through
efficiency, increased reliability and
quality of power. Smart Grid shall
enable the consumer to become a
prosumer by facilitating large scale
integration of Distributed roof Top
solar resources. However, Consumer
will have to be properly educated
regarding the deployment of these
schemes/programs and their benefits
so that they appreciate the scheme
and accept it.

The pilot project of new

transformer carriage system
was conceptualized by you
in the State of Uttar Pradesh.
Please share the details of
that project.
We conceptualized and piloted a new
transformer carriage system which
replaced old system of transformer
damage and replacement. All subdivisions were provided with one
vehicle, one driver and one skilled
and unskilled labour. This new
system empowered the SDOs to
replace the damaged transformers
on time as infrastructure was at
their disposal and they were held
accountable for timely replacement.
The advantages were many folds.
CCTV cameras were installed at all
DTC centres across the distribution
company to ensure that old

28

Proposed
Budgetary
support

practice of people arranging for

transformer replacement logistics
was completely abandoned thereby
reducing opportunities for corruption.
The new system not only improved
turnaround time significantly but also
proved cost effective as compared to
the old system. The pilot was hugely
appreciated and later on pan-UP
rollout was implemented by Honble
Chief Minister in the presence
of Chief Secretary and Principal
Secretary Power. With this, a sound
system of transformer damage and
replacement was implemented in
Uttar Pradesh.
A sound system of transformer
damage and replacement was
made. All stores and workshop was
made online and linked to know real
time requirement. Enough capacity
was created at stores. Guarantee
period of transformers were tracked.
Special emphasis in house repair of
damaged transformers was paid by
adding necessary infrastructure. This
cost about 8 crore but resulted in per
month saving to the tune of Rs 2.5
to 3 crore.

During your tenure as MD,

DVVNL, you played a pivotal
role in getting more than 24
lakhs new connection in just
2 months. Can you please
share with us the challenges
you faced and how were you
able to achieve the same?
Based on our analysis of total
consumer base vs household census
figure we realised that increasing the
number of new connections should

be the key lever to dive revenues

of the discom. In April 2014 DVVNL
connection vis census household
figure was just 40.1%. We planned
and initiated a massive Abhiyan
against power theft from maximum
loss area of discom i.e. district
Etawah. The steps in the program:
We engaged media extensively to
convey about anti-theft drive of the
department and sought their support.
We gave our consumers 15 days time
to get the valid connections from the
department. After the notice period,
we created more than 100 teams
to review the illegal connections
and initiated strong actions against
the defaulters. After the success
if the Abhiyan in Etawah, this was
launched in whole UP which resulted
in new connections to the tune of
24.6 lakhs in just two months. DVVNL
was able to surpass its target of
496,491 connections and achieved
524,112 new connections. Through
this drive, total consumer base
for DVVNL increased by more
than 10% in just 5 months.
Additionally, this helped DVVNL to
reduce AT&C loss by more than 6%
and increase realisation rate by 24
paise(highest of rest discom of UP)
in one financial year
With proper planning and hard work
we submitted our rural electrification
plan (covered under RGGVY 12th
plan) of more than 100 population
villages/habitation of all 21 districts.
DVVNL became first discom in the
country to finalise all the 21 districts
tenders within given time frame.

June 2015

Interview

APEPDCL aims to bring down the

losses to 4 per cent by 2019:

Mr Revu Mutyala

ndhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company

Limited (APEPDCL) has broken its own record to
top the chart for the lowest transmission and distribution
losses in the country for the third second consecutive
year. The discom recorded T and D losses of 5.48 per
cent in this year bettering its previous record of 6.32 per
cent for the year 2014-15. In 2013-14 it recorded a figure
of 6.33 per cent. APEPDCL, tops the chart among 48
discoms in the country.

As a result of various initiatives that were taken:

hh All 11 KV feeders in EPDCL were fixed with DLMS
meters along with GPRS Modems.

Its Chairman and Managing Director Mr Revu Mutyala

Naidu speaks to IEEMA Journal about the Discom aims
to bring down the losses to 4 per cent by 2019.

Interruptions on all feeders can be tracked

online.

hh

Load survey data from all feeders can be tracked

online.

Meter tamper reports, Exception reports can be

tracked.

Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution

Company Limited (APEPDCL) has recorded
lowest transmission and distribution
losses in the country for the third second
consecutive year. Please let us know the
steps being taken to achieve this?

Monitoring the duration of interruptions based

on time limits.
Since all the feeders are provided with modem
communications, the energy drawn on daily
basis can also be monitored.
Loading of the feeders can be monitored
and alerts can be incorporated if the feeder is
over loaded.

The Company has achieved T&D losses of 5.48 % during

the FY 2015-16 and which is lowest since formation of
the company. The Company has also achieved metered
sales of 81.67% during FY 2015-16 and which is highest.
The Power sector is a critical infrastructure element
required for the smooth functioning of the economy.
The availability of reliable, quality and affordable power
helps in the rapid agriculture, industrial and overall
economic development of the state. Honble Prime
Minister and Honble Union Minister of State for Power,
selected Andhra Pradesh to implement the Power
for All programme. Andhra Pradesh was one of the
pioneer states in the country to initiate the power sector
reforms. Significant amount of investments were made for
building up of generation capacity, strengthening of the
transmission and distribution networks, industrial feeder
segregation, loss reduction and improving quality of the
power supply. Power for All programme plays a pivotal
role and conceived with the objective of providing 24x7
quality, reliable and affordable power for all.

30

Based on the Modems data, EPDCL has developed

the Load Monitoring Cell-Dash board which is a web
based Application capable of generating meaningful
reports, for the following parameters:

Since all the DTRs in the R-APDRP towns are

provided with modems, DTR loading can also
be tracked.
Feeder wise power factor can be monitored.
Reasons for all 11KV Feeder interruptions are
captured and the reason wise analysis reports
can be generated online.
System Average Interruption Duration Index and
System Average Interruption Frequency Index
(SAIDI and SAIFI) can be monitored on day to
day basis.
If sales is linked with the drawls, effective Energy
Audit can be done.
hh

LMC Power Supply Monitoring Application can

provide the detailed view of the Number of Hours
Power supplied in 3-Phase and 1-Phase by 11kv
Feeder wise across all districts of APEPDCL of A.P

June 2016

Interview

in graphical view.
hh

hh

This Dash Board gives the Managerial Information

about Daily DISCOM/ District wise Power
Consumption, Power Demand, Surplus/Deficit
Power.
By using this Load Monitoring Cell IT application
during Godavari Pushkarams we have been able to
give uninterrupted power supply without any single
incident. By using this application daily those 12 days
all the 11kv feeders and Distribution Transformers
loads are monitored 24/7 and necessary overload
DTRs are changed with higher capacity DTRs for
meeting the load requirements. Actually it was
a great challenge that as per the instructions of
Honble CM of AP has instructed EPDCL to put
decorative lightning to Rajahmundry town the load
has increased on DTRs and we were able to identify
the overloaded DTRs using this application and
were replaced.

The new IT initiatives for improving performance of

company and to give quality power supply have been
taken up in 2015-16 and are:

Mobile APP for Consumers

As part of providing better customer services, APEPDCL
has decided to develop a mobile app Eastern Power
App for customers on 14-Aug-2015. The app has been
developed In-house and tested thoroughly for hassle-free
experience. The app has been launched on 03-Nov-15 by
the honble CMD/EPDCL. So far, 55,034 Nos. customers
have downloaded the app and about an amount of
Rs.4.31 Crores has been paid through this app towards
electricity bills.
The Eastern Power app is simple, fast, intuitive and easy
to use. The customer has to install this app and sign
with his/ her mail id and register the services using 16
digit service number. Once registered and logging into

June 2016

the app, they can stay connected with APEPDCL for a

seamless service experience.
They can:
View & pay your electricity bills from their mobile

Get Bill reminders

Get the power supply position of their area

Analyze their consumption pattern over the last 12

months

Get payment history of the last 10 transactions

Register complaints through their mobile

Get updates on their complaint & new service

application status

Give feedback to help APEPDCL to improve the

services

DTR Replacement using Vehicle Tracking

System
Replacement of sick DTRs with healthy DTRs within time
as per standards of performance is one of the important
objectives for the DISCOM. In reality several slips are
taking place which are leading to receipt of complaints
such as
1. Delay in replacement of failed DTRs.
2. Transportation of sick and healthy DTRs by the
consumers.
An IT enabled system was developed and implemented
on 07.12.2015 to streamline the process of DTR failure
replacements which eliminates the above slippages. The
features of this application are:
Avoid delay in replacement of failed DTRs.

Avoid transportation of sick and healthy DTRs by the

consumers.

Ensuring a high level of consumer satisfaction.

Online vehicle tracking (running movement) on

Google maps. GPS (Global Positioning System, is
a satellite navigation system that receives datavia
satellites in space) tracking uses elements of both
time and location to provide data points for the user.

Event based auto messaging to concern engineers

and management while complaint is ON.

Real time integration and validation with SAP and

CCC applications.

Field inspection officers can view online exception

reports on their mobile or tablet devices while they
are on move.

Automatic capturing of uploaded photographs

parameters such as. GPS coordinates (latitude,
longitude), full address, date and time

Automatic mapping of DTR locations on very first

time upload of photographical proofs from mobile
device.

Automatic complaint closure on successful

upload of photographical proofs from mobile

31

Interview

device eliminating manual intervention in closure

of complaint.

Proof of complaint close report with photographs

and location parameters.

Keep track of complete life cycle of a complaint.

Mobile Applications for Department

Mobile applications for department personnel have
been targeted to be developed for increasing ease of
operation. As part of this, APEPDCL have developed the
following mobile applications for utilization in day-to-day
Operations:
1) Operation of Defaulters List: This app has been
developed for operation of the defaulters list by the
O&M staff. The features are:
a. Group-wise defaulters list will be shown
b. The staff can select the data transformer-wise or
date-wise
c. Automatic updation of the collections
d. Simple updation of the disconnection details in
the tab.
2) Release of services under RE component: This
app has been developed for tracking the release of
services under RE component (captures the GIS coordinates of the service also).
3) Statutory Inspection of Sub-stations: This app
enables immediate updation of the inspections made
by the field officers for rectification of the defects
noticed by the respective wings viz Operations/
MRT. This will eliminate the paper correspondence
among the wings and maintains historical data.The
total assets of the Sub-station are digitized along
with the GIS co-ordinates.
4)

Asset Surveying: This app enables the field officers

to capture the details of the assets viz DTRs,

LT network, 11KV and 33KV network. Besides

capturing the present status along with the defects,
if any, observed during the inspection and the action
taken for rectification will be maintained historically.
As a first step, this app is now being used for the
Pre-Monsoon Inspections 2016.

Online registration for Solar roof top

(Net metering)
As part of new IT initiatives and providing better services
to the customers, APEPDCL has launched a new option
for registering ONLINE for Solar roof top (Net metering)
in the APEPDCL website i.e. www.apeasternpower.com.

SMS Alerts
APEPDCL has started sending the bill details to the
respective consumers through SMS immediately after
recording the meter reading. Consumers will get the SMS
on bill payment also. The consumers can update their
mobile numbers in the APEPDCL website i.e. http://www.
apeasternpower.com

Erection of Sub-Stations
The Company has achieved 100% progress against the
target of 62 Nos 33/11 KV Sub-Stations and which is
highest since formation of the company and surpassed
the previous record of 59 Nos. in 2009-10.
Electrification of all Rural Households: The Govt. of AP
has given the task of Electrification of all Households by
31st May 2016.
hh

Rural Electrification Component under DDUGJY

Scheme was sanctioned for Intensification of
Villages, Electrification of un-electrified Habitations
and Release of Services to Rural Households.

hh

The RE Component works were awarded in the

month of December 2015 and so far achieved
92% of progress within 4 months in all 5 Districts of
APEPDCL.

Initiatives taken by APEPDCL for Electrification of

all Un-electrified Households

32

hh

Survey of Un-Electrified Households alongwith

infrastructure required: In order to achieve the
target before 31.05.2016, the field staff (SLI/LI/LM/
ALM) were nominated for the villages existing in the
Mandal for survey for identification of Un-Electrified
Households along with infrastructure required
like DTRs, 6.3KV line & LT lines for intensification/
electrification of villages/habitations / Colonies
under RE component of DDUGJY in the respective
Mandals. Accordingly the surveyed data is being
uploaded in EPCCB Web Portal on daily basis by
the respective Section Officer.

hh

Creation of module in EPCCB (Eastern power

Customer Care & Billing): A new module in
the EPCCB Web Portal was created for online

June 2016

Interview

updation of data in respect of the surveyed Unelectrified Households and release of services to
the Households by the respective field officers till
the services are billed.
hh

Spot registration of applications: Applications are

being registered at the door steps of the applicant
by the field officers duly collecting Rs.125/- for BPL &
Rs.325/- for APL beneficiaries to facilitate to provide
electricity without any delay. Irrespective of payment
of charges, the BPL services are being released and
thereafter the amount of Rs.125/- is being included
in their CC bills.

hh

Appointing of Nodal officers to the ITDA

(Agency) areas: The officers in the cadre of Chief
General Manager/ General Manager from Corporate
Office were appointed to the ITDA areas for effective
implementation of the scheme and close monitoring
of the works.

hh

Seeking support from other departments

and public representatives: For effective
implementation of the scheme, support is being
taken from the District Administration, other
departments and Public Representatives. During
the following meetings, the modalities of the scheme
are being explained and their cooperation is being
sought.

i. Meetings conducted by the respective District

Collectors, Project Officers/ITDA, RDOs and Sub
collectors.
ii. Meetings of Zilla Parishad and Mandal Parishads
in the respective districts where the MPs,
MLAs, ZPTCs, MPTCs and other Local Public
representatives attend.
Mandal level Substation Committee meetings where the
MLAs and Local Public representatives attend
As per the instructions of the MoP, District Electricity
Committees were formed in all 5 Districts of APEPDCL
and the District collectors have conducted meetings
for reviewing and monitoring the implementation of all
Central Schemes in the Power Sector.
33kv Interlinking Lines: 10nos 33kv interlinking lines
charges in all five districts
DDG Projects: Electrification of 184 NOs un-electrfied
Tribal Habitations with SPV power plants with an amount
of Rs 33.8168 Crs in Visakhapatnam and srikakulam
districts was sanctioned. 115nos un-electrified Tribal
habitations were electrified with SPV power plants with
an expenditure of Rs 21crs and release of 2585 Nos new
services to households.

Do you think there is enough Investment being

infused in the T&D segment?
The downward trend in the T&D losses can be considered
is an indicator of the sufficiency of the investment in the
T&D segment. APEPDCL has the lowest AT&C Losses

June 2016

of DISCOMs in Q1 FY 15-16 as per the report published

by PFC. A lot of investment has happened already in the
state in the fields of network strengthening like HVDS
system, real time 11kV feeder monitoring which would
result in further reduction of T&D losses. APTRANSCO
and APDISCOMS have drawn up large investment plans
towards network strengthening. Having said that, there is
a lot of scope of improvement in T&D loss reduction to
come to international benchmarks of T&D losses which
is less than 4%. This would need substantial investment
in the T&D network and funding of such investment from
cheaper sources of funds.

What are the challenges if any the state power

sector is facing
The challenges the state power sector is facing is of
maintaining healthy financial status of the utilities is a key
challenge of the state power sector. UDAY scheme is a
step towards achieving this. Regular and commensurate
tariff increase in line with the increase in cost would help
achieve financial stability Timely implementation of the
projects is a key challenge to the T&D sector, which
would save cost overruns. Right of Way issues and other
policy gaps are leading to delay in implementation of the
network expansion plans. Grid management to support
significant renewable penetration would become one
of the major challenge in the near future. Another key
challenge in the T&D sector is to manage the customer
expectations. In the era of digitization, customers not
only expect to get power 24/7 but also expect to have
zero interruptions along with faster service in resolving
any complaints and interruptions.

How is the state government working on further

strengthening the T&D sector?
The state utilities with the support of the State Government
has come up with a clear roadmap for the next five years
as part of the Power for All initiative laying down the
network expansion plans of transmission and distribution
along with the required investment. Central schemes like
DDUGJY, IPDS schemes, funding from World Bank are
being utilized to further strengthen the T&D network.
The State Government has targeted to achieve less than
9% losses in the next 2 years. Regular energy audit visits
and follow up action on Energy audit observations would
help achieve this target. The government is focused to
improve the service quality in areas like metering, billing,
energy auditing and reliable and uninterrupted power with
technologies like FiberGrid, Mobile Applications, SCADA,
IT enabled systems. Increasing the transparency and
service quality, the utilities are using IT enabled systems
for real time online monitoring mechanism of feeder data,
tracking complaints / works using applications like SAP,
mobile apps. State Government is rolling out interruption
free power supply scheme in a phase wise manner to
the consumers to ensure zero interruption power supply
in the future.
- Shalini Singh, IEEMA

33

SpecialFeature

IEEMA signs MoU with SAEEC at

EEMA participated in the 16th

annual African Utility Week,
IEEMA delegation was led by
Mr Sanjeev Sardana Vice President,
IEEMA and Chairman Yamuna
Power and Mr Anil Saboo Chairman,
International Division. The members
companies who participated as
exhibitors under the auspices
of IEEMA were C& S Electric, MEHRU,
Technical Associates, Deccan
Enterprises, Genus Electricals
and Anvil International.
The three day exhibition began
with the inaugural of the IEEMA
Pavilion on 17th May, by Mr Puneet
R Kundal, Consul General of India in
Cape Town. Mr Kundal addressed
the participants and expressed
his happiness while he met and
interacted with the members of the
delegation and visited their stalls. He
said that more members should and
participate in such events so that the
strength of Indian power sector is
visible to the world.
On 17th May under the patronage
of Indian Consulate in Cape Town,
IEEMA along with SAAEC organized
an interactive session Electrifying
Africa which was followed by
networking over Wine & Cheese.
Special invites to the session were
Mr Puneet R Kundal, Consul General
of India in Cape Town along with
Mr Kandeh K Yumkella UN Under

34

Secretary General and Former

representative of the Secretary
General and CEO Sustainable
Energy for All with Ms Nthabiseng
Dube, Chairperson of SAAEC &
Govt. Relations, Director of ABB.

"I am happy that a special

session titled 'Energising Africa'
was organised by the IEEMA
in association with Consulate
General of India Capetown
attended by more than 100
invitees. I could use the event to
draw the attention of the guests
to the initiatives taken by the
Government of India especially
'Make in India' and could
inform all potential investors
and decision makers to look
at India as a secure, stable
and reliable partner for their
investments. The signing of the
MoU between the IEEMA and
SAEEC marks an important step
towards activating the potential
of co-operation that exists
between India and Africa. I hope
IEEMA would be able to bring a
larger delegation for the Africa
Utility week 2017!" Mr Puneet R
Kundal, Consul General of India
in Cape Town.

At the session Mr Anil Saboo

introduced IEEMA as the Association
of Indian Electrical Equipment
manufactures. Mr Sardana spoke
about India - Africa the way forward
connecting both the Countries for a
win win situation. He talked about
the focus areas on reinforcing the
key pillars of India-Africa partnership
as the vision of our Prime Minister
is
focused
on
Infrastructure
development and financing the
energy and power sector , new
initiatives for capacity building, skills
development and entrepreneurship
in Africa, and deeper cooperation in
areas of power sector.
Mr Kundal talked about the initiatives
taken by the Government of India
especially 'Make in India' and
informed all potential investors and
decision makers to look at India as a
secure, stable and reliable partner for
their investments. India is one of the
world's fastest-growing economies
and is the world's third biggest
economy in terms of purchasing
power parity (PPP). He said that
India stands as a bright spot among
the global economies registering 7.2
per cent growth in 2014-15 and 7.6

June 2016

SpecialFeature

and
benefits.
per cent in 2015Talking about his experience at the AUW Mr Vikas Jalan, Jt. Managing
They
both
16, thus becoming
Director, Deccan Enterprises Limited, he says, Today India power
emphasized
the fastest growing
and T&D sector is one of the fastest growing in the world and is also
that
South
major
economy
at the forefront of the latest technologies right up to UHV 1200kV.
Africa is the
in
the
world.
Having achieved market leadership in Composite Insulators for
2nd
largest
Internationally, the
Transmission and Distribution up to 765kV in India, we are now looking
economy
on
World
Economic
the
African
at expanding our export market. Africa, the market of the millennium
Prospects
2016
continent with
has been gaining immense attention from global manufacturers and
Report by United
a GDP of US$
Nations
pointed
exporters in the area of transmission & distribution, renewable energy
350 billion. It
out that India is
etc. African Utility Week 2016 is becoming one of the most important
is a diversified
expected to be the
exhibitions in Africa with visitors from many African countries.
economy with a
fastest
growing
Participating as Exhibitor in this Exhibition. Our main motive was to
similar makeup
large
economy
create awareness about the capabilities of the India industry in terms
as the Indian
in 2016-17. The
of technology that is most suited to similar working environments
economy.
International
and conditions in Africa, world class quality and competitive prices.
S e r v i c e s
Monetary
Fund
(63 %) and
(IMF) has retained
reliable partner for their ventures.
co m m o dities,
India's growth projections at 7.5 per
with
industrial
activity
comprising
cent for 2016-17 and 2017-18 each,
Mr Yumkella and Ms Nthabiseng
29% of GDP. SA is likely to grow
even as it cut its forecast for the
Dube also spoke on working
below 1.5% this year. However going
global economy by two percentage
collaborations
that
both
the
beyond economic growth, what
points for 2016 and 2017 calendar
Countries can look up in the areas of
makes SA a strategic destination for
years on depressed oil and
development and mutual cooperation
Indian companies is its potential to
commodity prices. Today the Indian
act as a platform for engagement
economy is over $ 2 Trillion and
The AUW proved the strength
with Africa at large.
is a strong, stable and diversified
of Indian electrical industry
economy with a large industrial
The Conferences held during
and Ieema by participation
base. The composition of the
AUW 2016 focussed on various
collectively
under
Ieema
economy is Services: 64%,Industry:
aspects of Power, Energy Efficiency,
Indian Pavilion as well as by
19%, Agriculture: 17% with forex
Water
where
topics
covered
presentation of papers in the
reserves of over US$ 350 billion. He
were
identification
of
ideal
base
Conference. The AUW show
emphasised that under the auspices
load mix for Africa, Gas to Power
opened the gate for Ieema
of IEEMA is a fine selection of Indian
opportunities in Africa in areas of
members for collaboration &
companies who represented the
Generation, Metering and Revenue
cooperation with South Africa
global face of the country. He said
Cycle Management, Efficiency and
including
other
AFRICAN
that these are companies who have
Renewable Technologies, Water. Mr
countries By MOU with SAEEC
ventured out of India and established
Sanjeev Sardana and Mr Anil Saboo
, our members shall be able to
worldwide presence including in a
spoke on the Transmission and
explore business opportunities
large number of countries in Africa.
Distribution of Power. Mr Sardana
in South Africa & African
He again strongly encouraged that
spoke on Regional T& D projects
countries, Mr Anil Saboo,
all investors, potential business
and infrastructure gaps in Africa
Chairman, IEEMA International
partners and decision makers to
covering the Economics of Regional
Business Division.
Transmission Corridors. Mr Sardana
look at India as a secure, stable and

Signing of MoU between IEEMA and SAEEC: Mr Sanjeev Sardana, Vice

President, IEEMA and Ms Nthabiseng Dube Chairperson of SAAEC &
Govt. Relations

June 2016

Mr Sanjeev Sardana welcoming Ms. Nthabiseng Dube, (Chairperson of

SAAEC & Govt. Relations, Director of ABB, and Ms. Chiboni Evas, CEO
of SAEEC at the IEEMA Pavillion

35

hich was followed by networking over

SpecialFeature

Mr Anil Saboo, Chairman, IEEMA International Business Division making a presentation on Accelerating renewable grid connectivity and improving
resilience at AUW 2016

spoke about the Africa energy

challenges , Sub-Saharan Africacurrent realities, Increasing Access
to electricity, Africa and its regional
transmission corridors, giving an
insight into India Power sector , its
landmark initiatives and successful
case studies undertaken in Africa by
Indian manufactures.

SAEEC believe that the signing of

this Memorandum of Understanding
allowed for the two organizations
to maintain and further mutual
co-operation and understanding
between the parties, through their
members, to identify business
opportunities in South Africa and
to assist promoting collaboration
including the transfer of skills and
technology between Indian and
South African companies.

Mr Anil Saboo spoke on accelerating

renewable grid connectivity and
improving resilience. He emphasized
In addition to fostering partnership
on Africas Renewable Energy
agreements
between
member
Prospects giving inputs on Africa;
companies other areas of
possible solution and how Micro
collaboration will include:
Grids are Economical & Viable.
"I
must
compliment
IEEMA
for
its
India and Africa partnership
hh Skills
and
knowledge
initiative/efforts put in together for
viability for future prospects.
transfer between IEEMA and
AUW show. I personally feel that such
SAEEC members.
The
overall
highlight
of
initiatives in future by our association
this
delegation
was
the
h
h Facilitation of technology
shall certainly help our industry get more
Memorandum of Understanding
transfer
agreements between
visibility globally. Signing of MoU for
which was signed on 19th May
IEEMA and SAEEC members.
joint cooperation technical export would
between SAAEC and IEEMA. The
certainly help further enhancement of
hh Identifying and partnering
MoU was signed by Mr Sanjeev
Bilateral
trade
especially
in
Electrical
in investment opportunities
Sardana, Vice President, IEEMA
engineering
sector
between
the
two
and sharing market intelligence
and Ms Nthabiseng Dube
continents. Once again thank exhibitors
for mutual benefit in both India
Chairperson of SAAEC & Govt.
who
came
forward
to
display
their
and Africa.
Relations; Director of ABB. Mr
products and technology."
Puneet R Kundal Consul General
Thus AUW 2016 acted as a
of India in Cape Town graced
platform to take the India Africa
Mr Sanjeev Sardana, Vice President,
this occasion by being present
bilateral relations to the next
IEEMA
at the MoU signing. IEEMA and
level of mutual cooperation.

IEEMA Delegation at IEEMA Pavilion in AUW 2016

36

June 2016

Inaugural session (from left to right) Mr. Babu Babel (president IEEMA), Mr. V. Sasikumar ( Rychem RPG), Mr. Padma Kumar
(Lamco), Dr. Volker Hinrichsen (Chairman IEC TC 37), Mr. R. P. Sasmal( Director, PGCIL), Mr. Sunil Misra, Director General, IEEMA

2nd International Conference cum Tutorials on Surge Arresters

EEMA Surge Arrester division jointly with CPRI

and POWERGRID, organised the 2nd edition of
SURGEPROTECH- International Conference cum
Tutorials on HV Surge Arresters on 28th & 29th April
2016 at New Delhi. The conference was planned
along with tutorials to take the benefit of the presence
of international/national experts invited for the event.
The Conference was first held in November 2012 and
this platform for Surge Arresters is unique in its own
kind. International Conference on Surge Arresters
is being held only in India and nowhere across the
globe. The theme for SURGEPROTECH 2016 was
Arresters for FAIL SAFE PROTECTION.
This conference was attended by about 200 delegates
from almost all sections of stakeholder groups such as
Utilities, testing and Research Institutes, Consultants,
Manufacturers, EPC contractors, policy makers etc.

38

Tutorials were held on 28th April 2016 with sessions

conducted by Prof. Dr. Volker Hinrichsen, Chairman
IEC TC 37, Mr. Johnnerfelt Bengt, TE Connectivity,
D r.
Va s u d e v a ,
CPRI and Mr. O.
Balagangadhar from
Oblum Industries.
In his session Prof.
Dr. Volker Hinrichsen
Chairman, IEC TC37
explained various
aspects of IEC 994, 99-5 and all the
guidelines on how to
consider application
of surge arresters for
different applications,
Dr. Volker Hinrichsen,
what should be the Chairman, IEC TC 37

June 2016

IEC and concluded

mentioning Silicone,
EP rubber and epoxy,
properly formulated
provide satisfactory
performance.
Mr. O. Balagangadhar
explained on the
t e c h n o l o g i c a l
developments
and
different aspects in
surge Arresters including
different tube designs.
The Conference held Mr. O. Balagangadhar, MD,
on 29th April was Oblum Industries Addressing the
inaugurated by Chief session
Guest of the day
Mr. R.P. Sasmal, Director Operations, POWERGRID, Chief
Guest of the day, Mr. S. K. Mahapatra, Chief Engineer,
CEA was the Guest of honour. The key note address
was delivered by Prof. Dr. Volker Hinrichsen, Chairman
IEC TC 37.

distance from the equipment, what should be the rating

of surge arresters etc
Mr. Johnnerfelt Bengt,
TE Connectivity based
his session on subject of
Exploring the Arrester
Jungle. He presented
on transmission line
surge arresters, general
guidance for best
selection of Arresters
where he emphasized
how the lot of misused
information leads to
misleading of customer.
How the various traps in

Mr. Padmakumar, Chairman, Surge Arrester Division,

IEEMA in his introductory address said India is
targeting a growth of almost 8-9 percent in the coming
years. To achieve this, we will have to add approximately
180 GW of power generation. With this demand, there
will be a robust augmentation of HV, EHV and the Ultra
High Voltage substation and transmission projects.
With constant changes in technologies, substantial and
reliable assets have become a necessity and surge
arresters play a very important role in managing this.
Surge arresters are equipment which protect the
electrical equipment from high voltage surges caused
by lightning or switching and temporary over voltages
due to system disturbances. In the last five years,
the Indian surge industry has kept pace with the
technology developments that are occurring globally.
And the installation and the commissioning of 1200 kV
National Test Station at Bina by M/s. PGCIL has been
a landmark achievement.

Mr. Bengt Johnnerfelt

T E Connectivity

manufacturers data and

catalogues, weaknesses
in various test parameters
etc. make the selection
of the product erroneous.

Dr. N Vasudeva Addressing the

inaugural session

Dr. N Vasudeva, CPRI

discussed on use of
polymer housing for
surge arresters to
avoid violent failures
of surge arresters He
explained different tests
according to ANSI/

June 2016

Mr. R K Tyagi, Additional

General
M a n a g e r,
PGCIL and Chairman,
Conference Organising
Committee delivered
the welcome address.
He said that last year,
when we constituted
this committee, we
discussed many things
and finalised the theme
of Arresters for Fail
Safe Protection of all
the equipment. Surge
arresters have a major Mr. R K Tyagi, Additional General
role to play in the power Manager, PGCIL and Chairman,
system,
insulation Conference Organising Committee

39

IEEMAEvent

coordination. As everybody knows, surge arresters help

in protecting major equipment from lightning, switching
and temporary overvoltages and this conference is a
good platform for everybody: manufacturers, utilities
to discuss various aspects of surge arresters. We have
failures of equipment, failures of surge arresters because
of many reasons. Those aspects will be discussed in
this conference. There are 16 technical papers an d the
topics that we are going to cover which are on : technical
and design aspects of surge arresters, application of
surge arresters, performance assessment and different
case studies. This is a platform for knowledge sharing
been created by IEEMA through Surgeprotech will be
very useful. This can really give value to the end user,
value to the nation and value to every one of us.

Mr. Babu Babel, President, IEEMA

Mr. Babu Babel,

President,
IEEMA
delivering
his
presidential address,
termed the subject
interesting as very close
to his heart. IEEMAs
effort is to organise these
kinds of interactions
between the utilities,
the manufacturers and
the people from the
academia so that we get
the best of the breed.

We all need 24x7electricity. We talk about 175 or 180

gigawatts of renewable and everybody should get
electricity. But what is happening around us is changing
the entire spectrum of power sector. The traditional
power sector is no more the traditional power sector.
We have far more transmission and distribution lines
being added and if you look at India, it is a very, very
different situation compared to the rest of the world.
We have hundreds and thousands of circuit kilometres
being added. We have several megawatts of generating
capacity being added. The load growth would happen,
not as rapidly as some of us would like or thought it
would but it is increasing. You talk about solar, you talk
about wind energy, you talk about adding transmission

Mr. Carl-Hendrik Stuckenholz

Haefely Test AG

40

Mr. N. S Sodha , Ex ED PGCIL and

Chairman BIS ET30 committee

lines, but this subject of surge, is neglected. That is

what is surge protection does, it sacrifices itself so that
the equipment keeps working. Do we really monitor
the condition of our surge protection equipment? What
condition they are in? Are they fit for the purpose? If
I look at another protection device which is relay; we
are paranoid about relays and the DC supply which
goes with it. Nobody would ever think about a relay not
working. But the same diligence probably is not given to
surge protection. Think about any device which has to
work 24x7, day after day, year after year without failing.
In electricity, we have got several examples where this
has to happen. Think about mega bucks being spent
on other technologies, very few devices have to work
the way electricity has to work because we take it for
granted. To me, surge protection should not.
Mr. S K Ray Mohapatra, Chief Engineer, Central
Electricity Authority, Government of India.
He said everybody
must understand the
importance of surge
arresters in the present
scenario. If you see
the power system you
will find that maximum
faults are occurring
or originating from
overhead lines or
underground cables
and the next come
transformers or reactors
along with generators Mr. S K Ray Mohapatra, Chief
and
t r a n s f o r m e r s . Engineer, Central Electricity
I understand that this Authority, Government of India.
is the finding of one of
CIGREs surveys. Lightning and single line-to-ground fault
are the two most frequent abnormal events happening
in the power system. Lightning is the major cause of
outage of most of the transmission and distribution lines.
For this, we have the protection. We are providing shield
wires or lightning masts or combination of both. Recently
new technology has come which is providing protection
against direct lightning strikes. Surge arresters provide
protection against over voltage like switching over
voltage or lightning over voltage. Shield wires can only
provide protection from direct lightning strikes but the
surge arrester plays a major role in substations as well as
in the lines. In India, we dont have line surge arrester but
I think Power Grid has plans to have line surge arresters
in the north-eastern part of the country. I think they
have gone ahead with this activity and for the first time
well have line surge arresters in the north-eastern part
of the country. But in most of the stations, you will find
that the surge arresters are in substations. I will say that
surge arrester is one of the least expensive items in the
substation but it protects most of the costly equipment
like transformers and reactors. The importance of the
presence of surge arrester in the substation is well
understood by everybody.

June 2016

IEEMAEvent

Mr. R P Sasmal, Director (Operations), Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. addressing Inaugural session

Development of metal oxide surge arrester has not

taken place recently. Since the last three decades,
metal oxide surge arresters are in operation because
of its nonlinear characteristics, low protection level and
high energy handling capabilities. These are the major
contributions of metal oxide surge arrester and why it
has been popular for the last 3 decades. This is one of
the reasons as to why we are going only for metal oxide
surge arrester and the earlier version of surge arrester
of silicon carbide is almost obsolete. Although in some
of the utilities, they are still in operation and I would
advise them replace all the arresters which are still in
operation with silicon carbide.
Because of the development of metal oxide surge
arresters, our insulation level of major equipment like
transformers and reactors has come down by one
level. At least in 400 kV, the insulation level is around
1425 but the insulation level of a transformer is 1300.
Similarly, for 800 kV we have 2100 for all equipment but
for transformer it is 1950. In 1200 kV, we have similar
thing at 2400 and 2100. This is only because of the
contribution of metal oxide surge arrester. Ultimately,
what are we getting? We are getting lot of benefits in
terms of cost of transformers and reactors.
If you see the present scenario in India, our installed
capacity has gone up to 300 gigawatt and more
than 3.5 circuit kilometre of transmission lines are in
operation in various parts of the country. How many
substations do we have? Can you imagine we have
more than 50 numbers of 765 kV substations which
is the highest number in the world and we have more
than 500, 400kv substations including generating
stations? They are in existence in our country. With
such a vast network, with such a number of substations

June 2016

and generating stations, you can imagine in a 400kv

station or a 765 kV station, you will have at least a 4
line base, 2 or 3 transformer base and 3 or 4 reactors.
Accordingly, you will have 30 surge arresters at each
voltage level. If you go further down, if it is a cooling
station, it is a different thing but if it is a load centre,
then you will have 220 kV level also. So you can
imagine how many surge arresters will be required in
the substation at each voltage level. If you go to the 220
kV level in the same substation, you will have at least 6
numbers of lines. Another 18 numbers of surge arresters
are required at 220 kV level. One can imagine the
population and the requirement of surge arresters. One
can easily assess how much would be the requirement
of surge arresters at different voltage levels of 220kV,
400kV or 765kV.
Although, it is the least expensive equipment, it plays a
major role for most of the equipment in the substation.
Not only transformers but other equipment are also
protected because of these. But we need proper location,
proper selection of the parameters of the surge arrester
and at the same time, you have to ensure that the
arrester is healthy. To take into account the healthiness
of arrester, I would like to bring to your notice that
CEA has a Standing Committee on Equipment Failures
for 220kV and above voltage levels. We get inputs
from various utilities. Unfortunately, we are not getting
inputs from all the utilities but I will give the figures from
whatever inputs I have. In the last three years, we have
received inputs from around 10-14 utilities particularly
in respect of surge arrester. From the inputs, around 32
surge arresters have failed at different voltage levels,
particularly 220 and above. In most of the cases, we
find that the surge arrester has blasted and in some
cases, surge arrester along with transformer has failed,

41

IEEMAEvent

that is, surge arrester has

are the diagnostic tools
Quality is a severe issue and standardisation is
blasted and the transformer
required for monitoring of
very important to fix or dont give any chance to
has failed at the same time.
some of the equipment.
bypass with firemens to use grey zones. I believe
The reason for such type of
Another input we got was
failure which has led to the
the shortage of experienced
that our arrester standardization is more or less
failure of the transformer
O&M staff. Unless they know
perfect. It really has very reasonable requirements.
is not understood by most
what has happened, unless
It is too difficult to make a type test on surge
of the utilities. I think these
they understand the reason
arresters but I can tell you that all that is found in
types of seminars and
of failure, they are not able
these standards is necessary to avoid problems in
conferences will definitely
to understand particularly
the surge arresters, Prof. Dr. Volker Hinrichsen,
help all the utilities who
functioning and other issues
Chairman IEC TC 37.
are participating and they
of the various equipment in
will action to minimise
the substations.
this type of failures. What
Another issue is the interpretation of test results. Because
I understand from the inputs from the experts is these
of lack of expertise, they are unable to interpret the test
types of blasting mostly may be because of the ingress
results. You get the results for the test conducted but
of moisture into the arresters. My request is that not only
they are unable to interpret. What does it mean and what
utilities but the manufacturers also have to take action
action they have to take? Although they want to go for
so that the sealing system is so perfect that the ingress
maintenance, the shutdown is not allowed. They are
of moisture does not happen and the surge arrester
deferring the shutdown and in the process it create more
performs satisfactorily throughout its life. Although it is
trouble for our equipment. Naturally, the equipment will
an inexpensive equipment, you can see how it helps
fail when you are not going for shutdown and carrying
and reduces the cost of our substation equipment also
out the maintenance activities.
the replacement of equipment.
As far as our manufacturers are concerned, I must
Another thing that we observe from the inputs received
proudly say that our manufacturers are capable of
from the utilities is that many of the utilities do not have
manufacturing surge arresters of all voltage levels
good maintenance practices. They still go by the timestarting from 11kV to 1100 or 1200kV. 1200kV test station
based maintenance practice. They are supposed to go
at Bina is a clear example. It is a matter of pride for all
for condition-based maintenance practices. In every
of us. They have already demonstrated 1200kV surge
seminar, we advise them to go for it but still people are
arresters with multi-columns and with more than 14m
following the same old conventional practices.
height. With structure, they can go up to 18m height.
The second thing that we observe is that most of the
The manufacturers have been able to manufacture this
stations do not have adequate modern diagnostic tools.
type of surge arresters and installed at Bina station. We
And even many of the utilities do not even know what
should appreciate our manufacturers. They are not only
( From left to right) Mr. Padma Kumar (LAMCO), Mr. R.K Tyagi (PGCIL),Mr. Babu Babel (President, IEEMA ),Mr. R. P. Sasmal( Director,
PGCIL), Dr. Volker Hinrichsen (Chairman IEC TC 37) , Mr. S K Ray Mohapatra (Chief Engineer, CEA), Mr Sunil Mishra (DG, IEEMA )

42

June 2016

IEEMAEvent

capable but they have demonstrated that it is working

since 2012 when the first transformer was energised.
And the second transformer has already been tested
but it will be energised very soon and power flow will
be there. All of us should appreciate our manufacturers
but at the same time, I request all the manufacturers to
advice the utilities on how to reduce the failure of the
surge arresters.
These are some of the things that I wanted to share with
all of you. I hope these two days seminar will give us lot
of inputs because of the presence of most of the experts
over here not only from India but outside India as well.
The special address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Volker
Hinrichsen ,Chairman IEC TC 37. He said, It was in 1977
that the first gapless metal oxide surge arresters were
installed and it was in Japan that these arresters were
made by Meidensha based on an accidental invention of
Matsushita. From that time on, all manufacturers started
the development of metal oxide arrester technology
because it was so convincing to have a gapless nonlinear
device connected to the overhead line in order to protect
the power equipment. In 1980, all manufacturers more or
less had started or had finalised the basic development
on gapless metal oxide arresters. I think maybe since
1990, the gapless metal oxide arresters have been stateof-the-art. That is our standard arrester technology today.
It is now quite interesting to look how this standardisation
developed. It took a lot of time to make the arrester
standard. In 1980 the development was started and in
1990, arresters were state-of-the-art and the first IEC
standard on gapless metal oxide arresters was published
in 1991 and that may show you how complex that
matter is. That was a totally new device in the market.
Its nonlinear behaviour, usually you had nonlinearities in
the system and the arrester is intentionally making use of
high degree of nonlinearity. It was a very complex matter
to develop the standard. There was no experience. Many
things in that very first standard were based on the
historical approach for gapless silicon carbide arresters.
We had a long development in standardisation but
standardisation always took more time than the technical
development of the surge arresters. The standard was

June 2016

always little bit behind the technical development

because the development was very fast. We had different
versions of the standards. We had editions 1.1, 1.2, 2.0,
2.1, 2.2. The latest edition of the standard is the famous
edition number 3 which many of you know as the new
standard but please beware it is nearly two years old
now. What is so important with that new standard? This
new standard has made a very important change in the
classification of surge arresters. We used to have Line
Discharge Classes for surge arresters and now we have
a totally new concept and then of course you need some
explanation where you need some time that everybody
understands this new concept and I hope that everybody
will be convinced in a certain time that this is a better
approach compared to the old approach.
Quality is a severe issue and standardisation is very
important to fix or dont give any chance to bypass
with firemens to use grey zones. I believe that our
arrester standardization is more or less perfect. It really
has very reasonable requirements. It is too difficult to
make a type test on surge arresters but I can tell you
that all that is found in these standards is necessary to
avoid problems in the surge arresters. For that reason,
the surge arresters are calmly working in the system,
protecting your power system and you are really not
aware of that. They have reached a very high degree
of reliability though sometimes, quality problems arise.
India might have one of the biggest 800kV systems
worldwide. Maybe, it is the biggest one. I learnt roughly
40 substations for 800kV. That is of course a big effort
that requires high technology efforts. There will be
hundreds and thousands of high voltage arresters out
there in the system and we have learnt that higher the
system voltage, the more important it is to apply surge
arresters. There is no system operation possible without
surge arresters because the surges, the overvoltages
that you will have in the system cannot be handled
by the equipment. Now in India the 1200kV system is
emerging. Believe, that does not make life easier. So
arresters for 1200kV, though they are just normal surge
arresters, are in for some more challenges.
The Chief Guest of SURGEPROTECH Mr. R P Sasmal,

43

IEEMAEvent

Dr. Volker Hinrichsen Presenting 1st Best paper award to

Ms. Archana Tripathi, Powergrid

Dr. Volker Hinrichsen Presenting 2nd Best paper award to Mr.

Nitin Jha, Crompton Greaves Ltd

Director (Operations), Power Grid Corporation of India

Ltd. shared the background for how 1200kV has come
and become a standard in IEC. He said in 2007, five
engineers in Power Grid attended a conference in Beijing.
More than 150 delegates were present internationally
and there was a discussion on what should be in the
standards in the IEC: 1100 or 1200kV. Except for the
five from Power Grid, all wanted 1100kV. We were the
five engineers to object 1100 kV with two logics behind.
Those who were going to 1100 kV were going from
500kv to 1100 KV.We have stabilized for 765kV and for
us it was not a gain so pleaded for 1200kV. With proper
insulation and coordination, it was possible to operate
the same equipment at 1100 kV and 1200 kV. This made
1200 kV a part of IEC standards.

May, the power flow will be in the 1200 kV. This is the
success of those manufacturers who have contributed
in making this R&D project.

After coming back to India, after lot of discussions each

and every manufacturer in India was called to make
them understand that now it was 400kv and 765kV and
in future, it will be 1200kV backed up by some HVDC
back to back stations because of the power handling
capacity. Maybe in the first week or the third week of

We have gone for right of way for 800 kV DC transmission.

In the DC transmission, there is no meaning of line
length. A multi terminal HVDC project near Agra is
commissioned and one pole of 200 megawatts is
operating. We can have the power flow from northeast
to Agra and Agra to north-eastern states. In generation,
we are close to 300 gigawatts and demand is about 159
or 160 gigawatts. The costly units are getting closed
down. With lot of transmission systems already built,
we can get the price of something like Rs 2.30 to Rs
3.50 and for total flat 24 hours, the price will be same.
My sincere request is that the product which is coming
out in the market must be military-bred which means it
is never going to fail. It has an impact because once
some part of the element goes out, whether it is a
transformer or transmission lines there is a market. You
can take that element into consideration NTC and ATC
get recalculated and the price goes up.

(From left to right) Mr. N. S. Sodha (Ex ED PGCIL), Dr. Volker

Hinrichsen( Chairman IEC TC 37) and Mr. Sunil Misra, DG, IEEMA

Mr. Y V Joshi GETCO interacting with Mr. Milind Zodage

(CGL)

44

June 2016

IEEMAEvent

(From left to right) Mr. Milind Zodage (CGL), Mr. Tritha Vishwakarma( ERDA), Mr. V.Sasikumar (RaychemRPG), Mr. Padma Kumar
(Lamco), Mr. R. K Tyagi (PGCIL), Mr. A. P. Gangadharan(PGCIL), Mr. O Balgangadhar (OBLUM), Mrs. Anita Gupta( IEEMA),
Dr. Volker Hinrichsen, (ChairmanIEC TC 37), Mr. Akeel Khan (IEEMA )

Make in India has come under Mr. Modis government.

If you look at 756kV substations we have more than
45 substations of 765kV and more than 30000 circuit
kilometres. All products going into the 765kV subsystems
are from the Indian manufacturers. Not a single nut
and bolt is from outside India. This means 765kV is
totally indigenous. Powergrid has certain qualifying
requirements. If you have a product, do the type test. We
will see as how best we can accommodate depending
on the criticality of that element. Without a type test,
coming and writing a letter here and there does not
mean anything to us.
First the technical issues must be resolved and then
commercial part should be looked. We are partners
and in Indian conditions partners remain together and
continue the operations.

Once it becomes polymer housing with ZnO inside it,

the CG changes because porcelain is quite heavy and
CG is perfect. The standard design has continued for
years where core conductors are there and all the four
core conductors are coming down connected to the
CVT and surge arresters. This is a shunt element and
why should you need all the four conductors coming
from such a height and terminating at CVT and surge
arresters. Most of the polymer surge arresters are now
inclined. We dont want inclined surge arresters. My
request is those who are supplying the equipment, must
visit the site.
Our life is going to be much more difficult in future
because of 175 gigawatts of renewable energy getting
integrated by 2022.

I dont know how many manufacturers take the feedback.

For example: Whenever any surge arrester blast, the best
thing is the porcelain is changed to polymer housing.

I think the equipment that we have; has a good future

for at least all the manufacturers. Our problem now is
the distribution sector. Almost all manufacturers look into
the distribution sectors because if that sector is healthy,

Participants are getting presents from Lucky draw of the feedback from

Participants are getting presents from Lucky draw of the feedback from

June 2016

45

IEEMAEvent

Dr. Vasudeva (CPRI) Presenting Momentos to Mr. Ramn Puyan (Lamco) for presenting the paper

Dr. Vasudeva (CPRI) Presenting Momentos to Mr Sascha.

Buechel(Wacker)

we are healthy. You dont get paid if we dont receive the

payments. All have to work together particularly in the
distribution sector Being a CTU, we are not there but if
there is a change and CTU is out from the Power Grid,
we will be very happy to be part of the distribution sector.

The sessions were:

As you know, Power Grid has already issued an NIT

for 50000 crores last year and out of that, 10000-12000
has already been ordered. That means that this year,
our order level will be about 40000 crores. It is a great
market in future. We have a new limitation of CAPEX.
We have kept a CAPEX of 22500 crores which is close
to 110000 crores for the 12th Plan. In the next 2-3 years,
our CAPEX level will be something like 22500 to 27000
crores. There are lots of opportunities.
The conference had three technical sessions and 16
technical papers were presented.

Development in Surge Arrester technology

Field experience case studies
Monitoring and field testing
Two papers were given the best paper and best
presenter award
1st Best paper award went to The Application and
Selection of Surge Arresters presented by Ms. Archana
Tripathi, Powergrid
2nd Best paper award went to Digital device for online
health Monitoring of Arresters and transients monitoring
on network presented by Mr. Nitin Jha, Crompton
Greaves Ltd.
The Conference ended with a very positive note that
this is a unique platform created by IEEMA and no other
such Conference on Surge Arresters is being organised
anywhere in the world.

Attendees of Conference

46

June 2016

SMETalks

We have the capabilities to grow three folds in the next couple

of years: Mr Harpreet Singh

stablished in 1998 Compaq

International (P) Limited forayed
into the business of low voltage &
medium voltage cable management
products. Mr Harpreet Singh, CEO,
Compaq International (P) Limited
Speaks to IEEMA Journal about his
vision to become a recognizable
global player in all aspects.
Compaq is an innovation hub driven
by technology for over 18 years.
Technology is one of the prime
pillars at Compaq International. Mr
Harpreet Singh, CEO, Compaq said,
We keep ourselves updated and
focused with latest technologies
and solutions for the industry. With
our dedicated team thriving for
constant innovation we provide
most comprehensive transmission

and distribution offering to Power

Industry. The updated technologies
which we offer help us to address
the challenge of growing demand
for power with increasing concern
for the environment. While the
global presence demands global
technology, we are shaping the grid
of the future by delivering power
solutions to more than 25 countries.
Compaq International (P) Limited
was established in 1998. Based in
Yamuna Nagar, Haryana, Compaq is
a name to reckon with in Low and
Medium Voltage Cable Management
Products and other Transmission
&
Distribution
Solutions.
He
further added, Maintaining world
class standards in Developing,
Manufacturing & Marketing of
Heat Shrink and Cold Shrink
Jointing System Upto 72.5 kV,
Composite Polymeric Insulators Up
to 220 kV, Polymer Surge Arrester for
Medium Voltage & other associated
electrical products for Power
Transmission & Distribution, we are
an ISO 9001:2008 & 14001:2004
certified organization.
For the dynamic market needs and
increase in power and infrastructural
projects in India and overseas, the
company is strenuously making
efforts in the area of innovation and
improvisation. Compaq is using the
latest technology to manufacturer
the best quality and versatile
products which can be used almost
in all sectors. Their product range
includes Heat Shrink Cable Jointing
Solutions Upto 72.5kV, Cold Shrink
Cable Jointing Solutions Upto 36kV,
Composite Silicone Insulators Upto
220kV, Polymer Surge Arresters Upto
36kV, Polymer Air Break Switches/
Isolators/Disconnectors & Polymer
Drop/Cut Out fuses Upto 36kV.
Talking about the challenges Mr
Singh opined, Electricity is one
of the most essential and major
assets for any country. Due to the
constraints of Transmission and

48

distribution (T&D), the generated

power is not distributed properly
throughout India. While India as a
nation is trying to generate more
power for its increasing demand,
the entire effort is in vain if electricity
cannot reach the end consumer.
The power supply is often shut
down in India and it takes several
seconds, minutes or hours to
restore it, while in Japan or the
USA that time is less than a blink.
This is because no proper
infrastructure or no redundancy
is in place. Once a failure
happens, it causes disruption
in T&D network and may cause
large-scale blackout if there is no
proper control of the network.
Some of the key challenges
the T&D industry is currently
facing are: deficiency in current
transmission
capacity
due
to losses from generation to
distribution; delays in future
transmission capacity addition,
poor operation and maintenance
in the existing system; insufficient
focus on innovation.
In the near future we expect
Compaq to grow exponentially. We
have the capabilities to grow three
folds in the next couple of years.
Considering our experience with
the local market, our success in the
International market is testament
to that. We have the required
capabilities for becoming a global
player. Our quality and production
are already International standard,
and our customer base is constantly
growing. We expect to become
a recognizable global player in
all aspects. Compaq has made
significant inroads in the International
market and has already crossed
the borders to become a very
recognizable brand in most parts of
World. We have our presence in the
Asia, Gulf region, and African Market
and we are also aiming to foray
into markets of Europe, concludes
Mr Harpreet Singh.

June 2016

ViewPoint

he increase in substantial allocation of funds in

the Union Budget in the Power Sector programmes
have opened up both immense opportunity and at the
same time new challenges in front of all engaged in
various activities concerning the Power Sector in general
within which the Transmission & Distribution segment is
a major focus. In this context, IEEMA definitely can play
a major role for facilitating the activities in this sector
both on behalf of the manufacturers and EPC
Contractors and as well as the Utilities / Government
for necessary streamlining the operations for meeting
the said targets and enhancing overall growth on
sustainable basis. IEEMA may probe further concentrating
in the following areas

in close co-ordination with the governmental initiative of

Skill Development can play a facilitating role. IEEMA
can deliver the expertise in facilitating in formulating this
training programme jointly with governmental institutions
/ initiatives and also implementation of same in close
co-ordination with the industry.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT

IEEMA has been historically playing a major role

as a bridge between the Central and State Utilities
/ Government and also the manufacturers and EPC
contractors in the Power Sector in general. IEEMA
role now calls for concentrated focus in this area for
the critical Transmission and Distribution segment in
our country which is poised for a massive growth in
the coming years. This pivotal role of IEEMA will call
for balancing the effectiveness of operation of the EPC
contractors and Manufacturers and the Utilities. IEEMA
can definitely facilitate the effectiveness of operation of
the EPC Contractors and existing manufacturers but

Keeping in view, the government declared programme

of 100% Rural Electrification of our villages by 1st May
2018 and operation and maintenance of the massive
Rural Electrification net work already build up across the
country, we need to develop local young entrepreneurs
at the village level who can take up the most critical
responsibility of effective operation and maintenance
of this massive net work built up. Keeping in view, the
intense interface required with the local population in Rural
Electrification programme and their maintenance, IEEMA,

50

Bridging the gap - effective representation

with both the central & state utilities /
government on behalf of the electrical
manufacturers and EPC contractors for
efficient and growth driven operation of the
T&D Segment in the Country

June 2016

ViewPoint

also gear them for enhanced capacity for execution

with governmental and other supports. In view of the
Make in India concept already put on the table by the
government, IEEMA can also facilitate the entrepreneurs
for ensuring full utilisation of this concept calling for
growth in the manufacturing segment in the T&D sector.
IEEMAs role in this regard as a bridge between the
government and the entrepreneurs in either enhancing
the capacity or facilitating setting up new manufacturing
units, can go a long way if the various bottlenecks in
the process are properly identified and addressed with
necessary efforts at both ends. Further this role of IEEMA
can go a long way in facilitating the manufacturing
segment in the T&D sector fuelling all-round growth for
the country.

Serve as an effective catalyst for

sustainable overall growth of the T&D sector
in the country and efficient operation for
the segment as a whole
From the sustainability point of view IEEMA can
further moderate its catalyst role in identification and
putting forward to the governmental authorities for
further expansion for the T&D Segment in close coordination with the capacity available in this segment
from both the manufacturers and the EPC Contractors
end. For sustainability, continued thrust on growth is
required and IEEMA in co-ordination at both ends can
really support the
government in taking forward
the mission in identifying the needs of the country at
one end and the available capacity at the other and the
probable enhancement at both ends for sustainable
growth and development.

IEEMAs role in enhancing exports in for the

T&D segment can be vital
For the real thrust to the flagging exports of our country,
T&D segment can become a major escalator. IEEMA
here also can play a vital role in facilitating same
through close governmental co-ordination and also
necessary operational inputs to the manufacturers and
EPC Contractors regarding the various government
policies both in India and the country being focused for
business growth.
The above probable roles of IEEMA matching with
the priority set up by the Union Government and the
growth projections and as elaborated in details, are in
conformity to all the concerned T&D Sector stakeholders
healthiness of operational efficiency requirement.
Mr Sumanta Chaudhuri

(President -BD)
Techno Electric & Engg. Co. Ltd.

June 2016

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51

ExpertSpeak

he Indian electrical power

network is one of the largest
in the world, handling more than
200 GW of power and expected to
double by year 2022. It has evolved
from a collection of asynchronous
systems, connected over DC links, to
a single synchronous system. Such
a large system definitely requires
means to improve transmission
capabilities and adopt measures to
enhance stability to ensure trouble
free operation of the large system.
Moreover, there is a gradual shift in
the power generation methods - from
the conventional fossil fuel based
(coal, oil, gas) power stations, large
hydro-power stations and nuclear
power stations to renewable sources
like wind and solar power (addition
of renewable sources by more than
100 GW by year 2020). Successful
integration of the renewable sources
requires use of FACTS devices to
enable power flow from these
energy sources and maintain the
reactive power balance. It is these
requirements that make the use of
FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission
Systems) devices relevant. FACTS
devices are expected to play a
dominant role in the Indian power
system in the times to come. This
paper discusses the different FACTS
devices that are being used in
the Indian power system or have
potential to be used, together with
their advantages and technologies.

52

Brief theory of FACTS

The following basic equation defines
the active power flow in an AC
system:

on the values of the impedance of

the interconnecting link between
two bus bars. i.e., the impedance of
the transmission line connecting two
sub-stations.

Where,

The impedance of a transmission

line consists of two components series inductive impedance and the
shunt capacitive impedance.

P = Active Power flowing from bus

1 towards bus 2
V1 = Voltage at bus 1
V2 = Voltage at bus 2
= impedance of the connection
between the two bus bars
= difference of the power angles
of the two bus bars
The above equation forms the basis
of the technology of FACTS.
As is evident, the independent
variables in this equation can be
segregated into two groups - first
is the numerator expression (V1V2)
and the second is the denominator
. The numerator expression is
the basis of shunt compensation
while the denominator expression
is the basis of series compensation
techniques.

Series Compensation
As mentioned above, the series
compensation techniques are relying

The shunt capacitive impedance

does not affect the flow of active
power, but for long transmission
lines it governs the consumption
of reactor power and the voltage
at receiving end of an unloaded or
lightly loaded transmission line. This
can be compensated by using shunt
reactors.
The series inductive compensation
affects the flow of active power. This
impedance, like the capacitive shunt
impedance, is dependent on the
geometry of the conductor bundles
of the three phases with respect to
each other and the grounded parts
like the transmission line tower
and the ground surface. Since
the geometry is dependent upon
electrical clearances, there are
least chances to reduce the series
impedance by a significant amount.
Thus the only way to reduce the
series impedance is by adding a
capacitor bank at the line potential
in series with the line, thereby
effectively reducing the series
impedance of the line. This technique

June 2016

ExpertSpeak

is called Series Compensation. This

increase in power transmission
capacity is limited to the thermal
capacity of the line.
A compensation of the series
impedance by 40% can result in
a power flow of 167% compared
to an uncompensated line. If there
are two transmission lines connecting
a pair of substations, compensation
of the series impedance in each
of the circuits by 40% will result in
the power transmission capability
increase from 2.0 p.u. to 3.33 p.u.
without adding any additional
transmission line. Thus, series
compensation technique is capable
of providing an environment friendly
solution of increasing power
transmission capability at zero
environmental damage.
The compensation employed can
be either a fixed quantum (Fixed
Series Compensation i.e. FSC) or
a variable and controlled quantum
(Controlled Series Compensation).
In the FSC, a fixed amount of
capacitance is inserted into the
transmission line by switching in or
out the capacitor bank by means
of a circuit breaker. In controlled
series compensation, an L-C parallel
combination is used, with a thyristor
in the L branch controlling the
current through the L branch, thus
effectively controlling the amount of
capacitance inserted into the circuit.
This is called Thyristor Controlled
Series Compensation (TCSC).
FSCs have been installed in
large numbers in the Indian grid,
primarily at 400KV levels creating
high capacity corridors of power
flow. Siemens has installed FSCs at
Gooty (2x), Kadapa (2x), Lucknow
(6x, of which 2x are relocated to
Sohawal), Barielly (2x), Unnao
(2x), Ballabhgarh (2x), Meerut (2x),
Balipara (2x), Rajgarh (2x) and Sami
(2x), with 2x under execution at
Kala Amb. The installation at SAMI
was for a private ISTS operator
(Adani Transmission while Kala
Amb is being delivered as part
of
Tariff
Based
Competitive
Bidding on BOOM basis. TCSCs
together with FSCs have been
installed at Gorakhpur (2x) and
Purnea (2x). The combined FSC
+ TCSC banks at Gorakhpur and
Purnea (40% fixed compensation
+ 5-15% variable compensation)

June 2016

Figure 1

are rated for 714 MVAR per phase

and are amongst the biggest series
compensators globally.
These compensated lines were
planned to provide alternate paths
for flow of power in the contingency
of the bulk power transmission
corridors of HVDC lines are not
available, e.g., FSCs in Northern
Region in parallel to Ballia - Bhiwadi
HVDC, FSCs in Southern region
in parallel to Talcher - Kolar HVDC
links. FSCs have also been provided
to enable flow of large block of
power along an intended path, e.g.,
FSCs at Sami of Adani Transmission
to facilitate flow of power from
Mundra power plant to Dehgam
substation. It also acts as a backup
in case of non-availability of capacity
in the Mundra - Mohindergarh HVDC
link. FSCs at Meerut on Meerut
Koteshwar double circuit line have
been designed for 765KV (currently
operated at 400KV).
A typical single line diagram of FSC
is shown in Figure 1 below.
TCSCs have been installed on two
major corridors - the East West
connection between Rourkella and
Raipur (now modified by shifting
from Raipur to Raigarh) and on
the Tala Transmission System at
Purnea and Gorakhpur stations. The
Tala Transmission System is a high
capacity link to wheel power from
Tala hydro-electric station in Bhutan
to the Delhi region through Siliguri,

Purnea, Muzaffarpur, Gorakhpur,

Lucknow, Bareilly and Mandola
stations. TCSC by virtue of having a
thyristor controlled capacitor is able
to modulate the line impedance very
fast, thus providing means to damp
out oscillations in case of grid faults.
The TCSCs have ably demonstrated
this and mitigated larger grid
outages on multiple occasions. A
typical waveform for POD damping
is shown in Figure 2 below.
A typical single line diagram of the
TCSC is shown in Figure 3 below.
Other
applications
Compensation

of

Series

Series compensation methods can

be used for creating Short Circuit
Current Limiters (SCCL). This device
is a combination of a series air core
reactor and a series capacitor. The
reactor is sized according to the
quantum of reduction required for
the fault current. The capacitor is
selected in a way that the
capacitive impedance of the
capacitor
and
the
inductive
impedance of the reactor nullify
each other,
thus
effectively
adding
zero
impedance in the system. A thyristor
switching arrangement is provided
across the capacitor bank. The
control system upon sensing an
increase in the fault current bypasses
the capacitor bank by turning on the

Figure 2

53

ExpertSpeak

Figure 3

thyristors, which can happen within

a couple of milli seconds. Thus,
only the reactors impedance is left
in the circuit resulting in increased
impedance of the system and so a
reduction in fault current is achieved.
Thyristors can also be used for
protection of the capacitors. This
reduces the requirement of MOV
and eliminates spark gap. This
arrangement is called Thyristor
Protected Series Capacitor (TPSC).

Control & Protection for

Series Compensation
Realizing protection functions in the
FSCs is different from conventional
sub-stations due to the fact that the
protected devices and the sensing
elements (e.g., current transformers)
are located on the insulated platform.
Thus it is difficult to use conventional
relays for this purpose.
Siemens uses ground based control
and protection systems realized
using SIMATIC TDC platform of
electronic hardware. SIMATIC TDC
is a fully programmable system and
is used in many applications like
drive controls, automation, etc. A
SIMATIC TDC system generally
comprises of processor modules,
communication modules, analog
and binary input and output modules
and also some special modules to
receive optical signals and transmit
optical signals. SIMATIC TDC uses
the industry standard PROFIBUS
communication protocol. External
interface
with
other
systems
(like the Substation Automation
System) is possible using IEC 61850,
IEC 60870-5-101 or IEC 60870-5-104
protocols.

54

Current transformers are provided on

the insulated platform and the current
signals are converted to optical form
on the platform and brought over
to the ground based control and
protection system through fibre
optic signal transmission system.
Also, the trigger and check back
signals of the triggered spark gap
are also transmitted over this fibre
optic system between the spark gap
mounted on the insulated platform
and the ground based system.
In the FSCs, the primary protected
object is the capacitor. Capacitor
overload and unbalance protections
are provided for this purpose. In
addition, the control and protection
system also monitors the number of
capacitor elements that may have
failed and generate alarm or bypass
action according to the set levels. To
protect the capacitor from through
fault currents, a Metal Oxide
Varistor (MOV) bank is provided
across the capacitor on the insulated
platform. This is a passive protection
arrangement. Arrangements are
also provided to monitor the MOVs.
A triggered spark gap is provided

across the capacitor bank on the

insulated platform. The Gap Trigger
Electronic (GTE) circuit is provided
with the spark gap on the platform.
The GTE is monitored and activated
by the ground based control and
protection system. The spark gap is
a very fast acting device and can act
in less than 5 milli seconds. Since
the MOV or the spark gap cannot
remain conducting for a continuous
duration, a bypass circuit breaker
is provided. The bypass circuit
breaker is the final bypass element
to be activated by the protection
system. The bypass breaker is
also used to put the capacitor
bank into service. In addition to
these protections, a platform fault
protection is also provided to detect
and faults between different parts
of the series compensation circuitry
and the platform.
A dedicated Transient Fault Recorder
(TFR) is provided for each FSC. The
signals (analog and binary) to TFR
are provided from both redundant
protection systems. Event logger
is also part of the control and
protection system.
As a general practice, Siemens
provides a fully redundant and
duplicated protection system.
The overall configuration of the
control and protection system is
provided in Figure 4 below.
Since, in FSCs, there is no dynamic
control required, the control system
is Open Loop type controlling the
bypass circuit breakers, various
disconnectors
and
grounding
switches. In case of TCSC, similar
system is used, also based on
SIMATIC TDC platform. An
additional Closed Loop Control
system using same SIMATIC TDC

Figure 4

June 2016

ExpertSpeak

is provided to control the thyristor

valve and provide dynamic variation
of impedance. This variation of
impedance should be very fast and
continuous especially whenever
power oscillation damping is
required.

The simplified single line diagram for SVC Ludhiana is shown in Figure 5
below.

Static VAR Compensation

(SVC)
As discussed with respect to the
power flow equation above, the
expression in the numerator that
depends upon the bus voltage also
can lay a major role in controlling the
flow of active power. Also, controlling
the voltage requires controlling the
reactive power on the bus bar. It is
common knowledge that reactive
power on a bus can be controlled
by switching in or out the shunt
capacitor banks or shunt reactors.
In SVCs, a controlling function
is realized by providing thyristor
switching for the capacitor and
thyristor controlling for the reactors.
The manipulation of the switching
of each type of bank can result in
achieving different values of reactive
powers, inductive or capacitive.

SVCs at Ludhiana, Kankroli

& Wanpoh Design
features

Figure 5

The below diagram shows the typical combination of operation to provide

different ranges of MVAr at 1.0 p.u. system voltage.

Figure 6

arrangements on primary and

secondary sides to connect it in
the eventuality of outage of any
one transformer.

The TCR and TSC branches are

connected in delta configuration
while the DTF and STF branches
are connected in star (neutral
ungrounded) configuration. Three
Single phase transformers are used
with secondary of the transformers
connected in delta. Grounding
The 400KV side primary of the
of the SVC medium voltage bus
transformer is connected in star
(the secondary of the transformer)
configuration with the neutral
is carried out through a zigzag
grounded. An additional single
connected grounding transformer.
phase spare transformer has
Each branch is connected to the
been provided with switching
medium voltage bus bar through
disconnectors. The DTF or STF
Bus
Coupling
Station
Rating
Configuration
Voltage
transformer
Siemens is presently building
SVCs at three locations in India
at Ludhiana, Kankroli and Wanpoh
substations of Powergrid in the
Northern Grid network. The salient
features of these SVCs are as
follows:

Ludhiana

+600/400 MVAr

3xTCRs, 2xTSCs,
2x DTFs

26 KV

600 MVA,
Z=22%

Kankroli

+400/300 MVAr

3xTCRs, 2xTSCs,
2x STFs

18.4 KV

400 MVA,
Z=21.5%

Wanpoh

+300/200 MVAr

2xTCRs, 1xTSC,
2xDTFs

23.5 KV

300 MVA,
Z=15%

TCR = Thyristor Controlled Reactor; TSC = Thyristor Switched Capacitor; DTF = Double Tuned
Filter (harmonic filter); STF = Single Tuned Filter (harmonic filter)

June 2016

branches apart from providing

harmonic filtering function also
provide capacitive MVAr. The
balance capacitive MVAr will be
provided by switching in or out the
TSC branches. Thyristors are chosen
for switching over circuit breakers
because thyristor switching is very
fast. The inductive MVAr is provided
by the TCR branches and their
combination with the permanently
connected DTF/STF branches and
the switchable TSC branches. The
most optimum design leads to
selection of the coupling transformer
impedance and medium voltage bus
voltage values.
The
typical
V/I
operating
characteristic on the primary side of
the coupling transformer of the SVC
is provided in Figure 7 below.
These SVCs are also equipped with
Power Oscillation Damping (POD)
feature to damp out oscillations
during transient conditions in
the power network. The Power
Oscillation Damping is achieved by
modulating the active power flow
and the impedance of the system.
The simplified strategy for the same

55

ExpertSpeak

Figure 7

Figure 8

is summarized in the Figure 8 below.

Simulation was done for all possible
cases for the three stations. A typical
waveform is reproduced in Figure 10
Construction features of the SVC
The operating currents through
the medium voltage bus bars can
reach up to 16.1 KA. This poses a
challenge of selection of bus bar
material from the available material
within the country.

Figure 10

The main bus bars have been

designed with aluminum channels
225x110x20 mm cross section
which is available locally. Two such
channels have been used together
in a box form. This box combination
had been successfully tested for
9.5 KA continuous current with
temperature rise limited to 35oC
above ambient of 50oC.
For the foundations of reactors, FRP
reinforcements have been used
to avoid the heating effect of eddy
currents due to the magnetic field
created by the reactors.
A typical arrangement of the bus bar
is shown in Figure 11.

Control & Protection System

of SVC
Since the SVC has dynamic
controls, there are two types of
control systems provided Open
Loop Control (OLC) system and
Closed Loop Control (CLC) system.
For both these systems, here also,
SIMATIC TDC platform is used.
The overview of the control and

Figure 11

protection system for Ludhiana is

reproduced in Figure 12 below.
The OLC system controls all the
switching devices (circuit breakers,
disconnectors,
and
grounding
switches). All control logics and
event logger are built into this
system. The OLC system primarily
consists a dedicated SIMATIC
TDC, bay control units, HMI and
Remote Control Interface (RCI). The
CLC system consists of SIMATIC
TDC, valve base electronics,
analog data acquisition units, binary
data input & output modules and
Digital Fault Data Recorder (DFDR).
The DFDR has its own analog and

binary data acquisition units. The

valve control, protection and POD
functions are realized in the CLC
system. Since all the equipments
are at medium voltage potential with
respect to the ground, conventional
numerical relays have been used for
branch protection. The protection
relays provide their data to the OLC
system for event logging.
Siemens conducts detailed factory
testing of the entire control and
protection system during which all
kind of simulation, including POD
are carried out and the design values
are verified. For conducting these
tests, Real Time Digital Simulator

The control structure to be used for the POD is shown in Figure 9.

Figure 9

56

June 2016

ExpertSpeak

Figure 12

(RTDS) is used along with a binary

simulator to create various network
conditions.
The SIMATIC TDC as mentioned
before communicates in the industry
standard PROFIBUS protocol with
its connected devices. The relays
also communicate over PROFIBUS
protocol. Redundant control and
protection systems are provided.
PROFIBUS network and process
LAN are also duplicated. Valve
cooling system has its own control
system using Siemens S7 PLC
which is integrated with the SVC
control and protection system.
RCI provides connectivity to station
gateway over IEC 60870-5-104

protocol to enable exchange of data

and operation from higher level
control system like the sub-station
automation system or the Load
Dispatch Centre or the NTAMC.
Static Synchronous Compensator
(STATCOM)
STATCOM, also called Voltage
Source Converter (VSC), is also a
type of shunt compensation an AC
waveform which is generated using
IGBT switches and fed to the bus.
The AC is generated by inverting the
DC voltage stored in the capacitor.
Use of IGBT has the advantage
of faster turn ON and OFF and
consumes minimal power for
commutation. Since the turn-off is

very fast, generation of harmonics is

low compared to thyristor switching.
Functions of SVC can be easily
realized using STATCOM which
offers certain advantages over SVC:
In SVC, the thyristor current
cannot be influenced in
one half cycle, whereas in
STATCOM, since the IGBT can
be switched off, the current can
be influenced in both the half
cycles
hh Lower losses
hh Lower harmonics
hh Lesser space requirement
hh The basic principle of STATCOM
can be effectively explained in
the following diagram.
Thus we see, depending upon the
direction of IL, the output can be
either capacitive MVAr or Inductive
MVAr.
hh

Compared to SVC, the V/I

characteristic of STATCOM (Figure
14) is more uniform and offers a
larger operating area.
The VSC technology has evolved
from GTOs and two level converters

Figure 13

June 2016

57

ExpertSpeak

SVCs, STATCOMs and TCSCs.

With integration of weak power
generating sources like wind power
or solar power, where generation of
reactive power is low, STATCOMs
will be most suitable to provide the
reactive power support and help
in power flow from these sources
into the main network. Series
compensation might also see
application in evacuation of wind
and solar power.

Other related applications

Figure 14

to IGBTs used in three level or

multi-level converters. In multi-level
converters, since the steps are very
small, the harmonic generation
is very low and the same can be
blocked by using a high frequency
blocking filter comprising mainly of
an inductive element.
The evolution of VSC is summarized
in the Figure 15 below.
As in FSC, TCSC and SVC, here also
Siemens uses control and protection
system based on SIMATIC TDC.
STATCOMs are also available from
Siemens in modular construction
design of various standard sizes (+/150 MVAr, +/100 MVAr, +/- 75 MVAr,
+/- 50 MVAr and +/- 25MVAr) built in
transportable containers.

Future use of FACTS in

Indian power network
With the Indian power system
acquiring mammoth size and advent
of independent transmission system
operators, topics of stability and

power flow will assume very high

importance in the times to come.
Also, with increasing consumer
awareness
and
consumer
requirements
advancing
from
availability of power to availability
of quality power, usage of devices
to improve power quality will
assume greater proportions. In this
scenario, the Indian power network
will see increased installation of
SVC and STATCOM devices. Also,
with lowering of availability of land
to lay power transmission lines, the
capacity
of existing lines has to be increased.
This can easily be done using FSCs.
With network becoming stronger,
fault current levels are rising and
older installations may not remain
suitable for higher fault levels. These
installations will see application of
Short Circuit Current Limiting (SCCL)
devices. Also, with larger networks
having more & more high capacity
lines, damping of power oscillations
will be required to maintain grid
stability. This calls for usage of

Voltage Source Converter based

HVDC
applications
will
find
increased applications to connect
large wind and solar farms to
the load centers, especially if the
distance between the wind and
solar farms and the load centers is
large. This technology is similar to
STATCOM.

Siemens and Make in

India
Keeping in view the call of
Honourable Prime Minister of India
to Make in India, Siemens has also
taken multiple initiatives to deliver
these technologies from India. Now,
Siemens delivers FSC projects
also entirely out of India with key
components like control & protection
systems. For SVC projects, Siemens
has started delivering control &
protection systems and thyristor
valve assemblies from India.
For SATCOM & VSC based HVDC
projects also, Siemens is ready to
deliver from India. With this, Siemens
intends to utilize the synergies
between these technologies to
realize mission Make in India.
Nileshwer, Sanjay Agrawal
Kaustuv Roy

Engineering team

Ashish Dua, Alok Sharma,

Sunil Lalla

Large Power Transmission Systems

(LTS) group of Energy Management
Division of Siemens Limited, India.

Ralph Nagel, Michael Baer

Engineering team while

Rudolf Muenchmeier

Execution team of LTS group of

Siemens AG, Germany.

German Kuhn

Figure 15

58

Product Lifecycle Management team of

LTS group of Siemens AG, Germany.

June 2016

GuestArticle

hen confronted with the question. Do I / we use

electrical energy. Most of us tend to answer in
affirmative. May be time has come to better understand
the role of electrical energy (electricity) in the entire chain
of production and consumption of energy.

It is clearly established that the linkage between energy &

economy is very strong. It is imperative that for the growth
(economy) we need a lot of energy inputs and the per
capita energy consumption in a developed nation and
their global trend is a clear indicator of this relationship.

Unfortunately for most of the 7 billion humans, the

secret of their energy does not lie in a cup of their
favourite morning drink! The societies to develop and
grow require more substantive and sustainable supply of
energy forms.

On the other hand the linkage between environment and

production & consumption of energy is much stronger
and increased energy production and consumption
leads to environmental degradation. The linkages among
the three Es are illustrated in figure 1.

With growing population and the associated resource

requirements, shrinking resources and degrading
environment, sustainable development has become a
key word. The challenge is to have a growth, which is
at the same time sustainable considering a time scale
spanning a few centuries.
One of the biggest challenges facing the administrators,
politicians, engineers, governments and NGOs is the
challenge of providing sustainable energy services to
over seven billion people.
The key is to understand the wants and needs of these
7 billion humans and provide appropriate solutions to
facilitate their growth and development in a sustainable
manner. In the context of sustainable development
the importance and role of electrical energy is to be
understood in the framework of Environment Energy
Economy linkage to design optimal / appropriate
solutions for providing energy services.

The 3 ES
The three important Es of immediate as well as long term
concern are
hh

Environment

hh

Energy

hh Economy
Not only are they individually important but are more so
as a linked single entity. The three Es are very strongly
linked and the impact on one had a very high degree of
impact on the other two.

60

Environmental degradation occurs not only due to

production of energy but also during consumption of
energy. The degradation is of two basic types, the first is
the depletion of natural resources due to the production
of energy and the second is the increasing pollution
levels due to consumption of energy. Aspects such as
global warming, ozone layer depletion are more due
to the consumption patterns whereas issues such as
decreasing forest cover are due to both production &
consumption, but primarily related to production patterns.

June 2016

GuestArticle

Elements of sustainable development

The two important elements of sustainable development
from the point of view of energy are the efficient production
and efficient consumption of energy, termed as supply
side management and demand side management as
illustrated in figure 2.

Efficient production (supply side management) of energy

encompasses various aspects such as renewable energy
sources, clean coal technologies, IGCC plants, R & M of
power plants, integrated energy systems etc.
Efficient consumption of energy (demand side
management) encompasses various aspects such
as use of energy efficient end use equipment, energy
conservation measures, distributed generation, power
quality improvement, loss reduction etc.
Most of both SSM and DSM have been based on the
assumption that all energy forms will be converted into
electrical energy to facilitate transmission and distribution
and again reconverted into useful energy form at the point
of end use. This necessitates a better understanding of
role of electrical energy in the entire chain.

Role of electrical energy

Most of us think that we use electrical energy in our daily
life, when one can prove that we do not. The electrical
energy is so prevalent that most of us think of only
electrical energy when discussing energy.

June 2016

It can be established that we do not need electrical energy

for end use applications. What we need is mechanical
energy, thermal (heat) energy and light energy for our end
use consumption. A motor converts electrical energy into
mechanical energy and it is this mechanical energy that
produces useful work. An incandescent bulb converts
electrical energy into heat energy and light energy is
actually a bye product (this is where CFL and LEDs score
over incandescent but as these convert electrical energy
into light energy and heat energy is a bye product).
There are a very few direct electrical energy end use
applications such as electroplating, electro-refining etc.
(one can argue that even in those cases at the point of
use electrical energy is converted into chemical energy).
In short for any useful work, what are actually used is all
energy forms, except electrical energy!!
It is also a known fact that the energy sources in nature
are not direct electrical energy (Baring may be a lightning
stroke and the electrical pulses humans generate in
their body!). Unfortunately there is no technology yet to
harness (capture, store and use) such naturally occurring
electrical energy! All other naturally occurring sources
of energy are of different energy form such as thermal
energy (coal, gas, solar), potential energy (Hydro),
Kinetic energy (wind) etc.
Irrespective of such naturally occurring energy sources,
all these energy forms are converted in electrical
energy and supplied (over T & D networks) for end use
consumption, wherein they are again converted into
some other energy form (such as mechanical, thermal,
light chemical etc.). Electrical energy neither exists in
nature (in any useful form) nor is used directly and it
appears that electrical energy exists only for the sole
purpose of transmission and distribution. Other energy
forms are also transported (such as a wagon carrying
coal is transporting thermal energy, a person moving
around with his mobile is carrying chemical energy), but
are not so popular.
The reason for the popularity of electrical energy seems
to stem from three basic facts:
hh

Speed of transportation (transmission): After all

these are electrons moving at the speed of light!

61

GuestArticle

hh

Ease of transportation: Electrical energy is the

most convenient form for bulk power transfer over
long distances.

The point for discussion is that natural energy sources

are not electrical but thermal, kinetic, potential etc. and
the end use energy requirement is also not electrical but
forms such as thermal, light, mechanical, chemical etc.
electrical energy is only an intermediate form of energy
used only for bulk power transmission. Due to this
the role of electrical energy is very critical in the entire
energy value chain. Also due to the losses taking place
at every transformation (from nature to end use), the
impact of energy conservation at end use assumes a
high significance.
Though electrical energy is the most convenient for
bulk power transfer, the use of electrical energy as an
intermediate energy form comes with a very high price:
that of very low overall system efficiency, as low as 15%.
This is illustrated in the figure 3.
As 60% of energy source is thermal (fossil fuels),
assuming a very efficient gas turbine with an efficiency
of 40%, for every 100 units of thermal energy input,
the turbine will produce 40 units of mechanical energy.
Assuming a generator efficiency of 95%, this represents a
electrical energy of 38 units at GT terminals ready for T &
D. (if one consider auxiliary consumption, which is in the
range of 1% to 10% depending upon the type of plant,
the net available electrical energy would be much lower!).
Assuming a 20% technical losses (transmission, subtransmission, primary and secondary distribution), the
energy available is just 30 units for end use conversion.
Assuming a typical value of end use energy conversion
efficiency of 60% (is in the range of 40% to 75%), what
is used as useful energy form for doing work is just 18
units!! The actual efficiency would depend upon energy
mix, type / efficiency of primary energy converters, T & D
loss and end use efficiency and is expected to be in the
range of 15% to 20%, which is a small fraction of primary
energy input!!

Importance of DSM
It is evident from the illustration in figure 3, that the
leverage factor is about 5 at the end use and this
implies that for every unit of energy saved / conserved
at end use (demand side) the effect on environment is 5
times. This makes DSM an essential element of energy
planning and planning, operation and maintenance of
electrical power system.

The paradigm shift: From supplying

electricity to providing energy services
While the foregoing illustration can be used as a good
argument for DSM initiatives, the purpose of the article is
not just to highlight the importance of DSM, but to create
a small paradigm shift in terms of energy production and
consumption.
If at end use one does not need electrical energy but other
forms of energy or energy services, then does it make
sense to deliver electricity (electrical energy) to every
household, however remote they are from main (thermal)

62

power plants, especially considering the capital cost of

electrification and the losses associated (not just the
T&D losses of 20%, but the overall loss of 80% considering
all energy transformations).
One cost effective, efficient and sustainable way to
meet the energy demands of communities would be
provide energy services and / or energy in a form which
is readily used. This could be more appropriate for rural
communities and remote villages. Considering the fact
that electricity penetration is only 70% and about 60
million households are yet to be electrified, it may not
make much sense to run conductors strung on insulators
mounted on poles, whereas the actual need of those
communities is energy services and not electricity per se.
Some of the aspects that could be considered include
wind energy operated machines, solar thermal water
heaters and cookers, biomass based gas generation for
heating and biogas plants for running generators, where
electricity is a preferred medium of energy. With adequate
institutional support innovative means of meeting local
energy needs could be established and maybe someday
REC would stand for Rural Energization Corporation!

Summary
The linkage among environment, energy and economy
is illustrated and the importance of demand side
management is demonstrated through a leverage
factor concept by which it is established that one unit
of energy saved at the end use level has a multiplying
effect in preserving the environment. Moving forward a
paradigm change in terms of should we electrify villages
or energize villages is presented to provoke innovative
thinking that is expected to meet the energy needs in a
sustainable manner.
Dr. Venkatesh Raghavan,

President, Power Quality Solutions, EPCOS India Pvt. Ltd.

The views expressed are those of the author and not that of the
IEEMA or EPCOS India Pvt. Ltd

June 2016

InDepth

ower utilities have historically

been
g o v e r n m e n t- o w n e d
monopolies because of the essential
nature of services they provide and
the massive capital investment
they require. With the evolution of
markets, nations around the world
are recognizing the role played
by regulated, well functioning
markets in providing user choice
and good quality service through
provider competition. Such markets
function within a set of rules
and under the monitoring of
regulatory bodies which ensure that
the competitive framework is able
to deliver user choice, operational
and cost efficiencies as well as
policy objectives.
The Indian power sector, since
independence, was dominated by
state and centrally owned vertically
integrated utilities with the prime
objective of making power available
to all. Indian power sector remained
closed to private investments till
1991. The opening up of Indian
economy in early 1990s and large
scale liberalization, urbanization
and industrialization led to a rapid
increase in demand for power. The

64

quantum of investment requirement

grew exponentially and Government
alone was no longer able to make
adequate investments in the sector.
As a result, power generation was
de-licensed and opened to private
investment in 1991 to provide a boost
to the sector. From 1996 onwards,
focus shifted to unbundling of State
Electricity Boards (SEBs) with the
broad aims of enhancing functionspecific efficiencies and ensuring
better returns to generation and
transmission businesses. Starting
with Orissa, five more states opted
for unbundling of their SEBs.
Soon after in 1998, the Electricity
Regulatory Commission Act was
notified, which laid down provisions
for
establishing
independent
regulatory commissions at state
and central level to regulate
electricity prices. This form of
market structure was considered
as a surrogate for competition in
monopoly markets wherein the
independent regulatory commission
protects the interest of consumers
and other market participants.
However, such a market structure is
only transitional till the establishment

of full scale competitive market.

Subsequently, the Electricity Act
2003 was formulated to address
the changing needs of the power
market. The Electricity Act 2003
focussed on two basic elements:
development of a competitive
power market with transparent
market-driven pricing mechanism
which
gives
the
consumers
enough options to choose from,
and providing the right policy,
legal and regulatory platform to
the consumers for exercising their
choice. Promoting competition in
electricity sector is one of the aim
of the Electricity Act, 2003. In the
spirit of encouraging competition,
various reform measures have
been initiated by the Central and
State Governments. State Electricity
Regulatory
Commissions
have
been given the mandate to monitor
and regulate state power utilities as
well as power markets with a view
to ensuring availability of power at
competitive rates to all consumers.
Ministry of Power came out with
competitive bidding guidelines were
put in place for enabling competition
in power transmission to enable

June 2016

InDepth

private sector investments in the

sector which allowed price discovery
through market based mechanism.
This
ensured
that
private
transmission companies are allowed
equal platform and opportunity to
access the market as the public
companies but most importantly
it ensured competitive prices to
benefit both, the consumers and the
market. The initiatives undertaken by
the Government of India and various
states have led to competition in
power transmission. However, the
spirit of competition and private
participation in the Indian electricity
transmission sector is still in the
nascent stages.

With the huge generation capacity

addition and improved generation
with fuel issues getting sorted out for
existing capacity, a corresponding
increase in Transmission capacity
is needed to ensure that power
generated
reaches
the
end
consumer. Major part of the
total investment required has to
come from private sector. Clearly,
successful PPP in transmission
would be vital to meet the huge
investment & capacity enhancement
target in transmission. In order
to meet the future generation
capacity addition, investment in
the transmission sector needs to
be increased.

Indias
Power
Transmission
networks constitute the vital role in
the entire power value chain. The
growth of power sector is contingent
without development of a robust
and a non collapsible transmission
network. Over the past decades, the
total power generation capacity has
witnessed commendable growth,
with more than 298 GW of generation
capacity currently installed in
India. However, Indias peak load
supply is approximately 50% of the
installed capacity and aggravating
this situation further is that some of
Indias power surplus regions do not
have adequate power evacuation
infrastructure which could alleviate
the recurring supply shortages in
other parts of the nation. While the
issues related to Generation and
Distribution sectors, rightfully, got
due focus from policy makers to
industry stakeholders, Transmission
which is the critical link of power
supply with no fall back option
got downplayed due to multiple
reasons. There is need of sensitizing
the policy makers on prevailing
problems which are hampering the
growth of Transmission sector.

Many transmission projects have

faced delays because of the
developers inability to acquire land
and get timely clearances from all
stakeholders. There have been
instances of transmission lines
being forced to take a different route
than planned, resulting in the entire
project budget going out of control.
Power transmission constraints
have also made it difficult to
evacuate excess power and channel
it to regions that face shortages.
Projects have had to purchase
power from costlier sources while
others remained under-utilized.
Hence, there is an urgent need
to timely address underlying
issues in the transmission sector to
ensure power demand is effectively
met in the future. India is one of
the
few
countries
where
Transmission Sector has been
opened up for private participation
& has garnered significant interest
from private players.

Sector

Present Status of
Transmission System in India
Electricity sector in India is growing
at rapid pace. During FY 2015-16,

the Peak Demand is observed about

153 GW and the Installed Capacity
is 298 GW as on 31.03.2016. The
natural resources for electricity
generation in India are unevenly
dispersed and concentrated in a
few pockets. Hydro resources are
located in the Himalayan foothills,
North Eastern Region. Coal reserves
are concentrated in Jharkhand,
Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh,
parts of Madhya Pradesh, whereas
lignite is located in Tamil Nadu and
Gujarat. Also lot of power station,
generating from Gas and renewable
energy sources like Solar, Wind etc.
have been installed in various parts
of country.
An extensive network of Transmission
lines has been developed over
the years for evacuating power
produced by different electricity
generating stations and distributing
the same to the consumers.
Depending upon the quantum of
power and the distance involved,
lines of appropriate voltages are
laid. The capacity of transmission
lines of different voltage levels
and transformation capacity of
Substations in the country as on
31st March 2016 are as follows:In view of the above, it is observed
that
the
private
participation
in
transmission
lines
and
transformation capacity as on 31st
March, 2016 is only 5.87% and 2.78%
respectively. It appears that neither
the government nor the regulators
take actions necessary to promote
private utilities and long-term sector
viability. The private energy utilities
are better managed more motivated
to raise revenue and less susceptible
to political pressure than govt.-run
enterprises. Therefore, there is need
to thrust for privatization in power
transmission sector. The details of
plan-wise progress of transmission
system in India are as given below:

Transmission Lines as on 31st March, 2016 in Ckt. KM

HVDC

765 kV

400 kV

220 kV

Total

Central

9,454

20,134

88,795

10,981

129,364

State

1,504

840

44,441

145359

192,144

JV/Private

1,980

3,271

13,894

898

20,043

Total

12,938

24,245

147,130

1,57,238

341,551

June 2016

65

InDepth

Statutory Provisions
Section 63 of the Electricity Act,
2003 states that Notwithstanding
anything contained in section 62,
the Appropriate Commission shall
adopt the tariff if such tariff has been
determined through transparent
process of bidding in accordance
with the guidelines issued by the
Central Government.

Sector

National Tariff Policy 2006 introduced

mandatory Tariff Based Competitive
Bidding for all transmission projects
with the objective of promoting
competitive
procurement
of
transmission services, encouraging
greater investment by private
players in the transmission sector
and increasing transparency &
fairness in the process. In addition,
the policy further pushed to make
the power sector not only financially
viable but investment worthy.

Transformation Capacity as on 31st March, 2016 in MVA

HVDC

765 kV

400 kV

220 kV

Total

Central

11,000

118500

104735

9,046

243,281

State

1,500

10,500

101137

284204

397,341

JV/Private

2,500

12,000

2,260

1,567

18,327

Total

15,000

1,41,000

2,08,132

2,94,817

658,949

The Govt. of India has notified

new tariff policy on 28th January,
2016. The new Tariff Policy make
competitive bidding compulsory
even for the central public sector
projects. In addition, as per the
new Tariff Policy, State Government
owned generation and transmission
companies shall continue to operate
power projects based on regulated
cost plus tariff regime as per Section
62 of the Electricity Act, 2003 for
Voltage
Level

6th plan

7th plan

8th plan

Status of Transmission line in Ckt. KM:

10th plan

12th Plan Upto

Mar-2016

11th plan

HVDC

1634

4738

5872

9432

12,938

765 kV

1160

2184

5250

24,245

400 kV

6029

19824

36142

49378

75722

106819

147,130

220 kV

46005

59631

79600

96993

114629

135980

157,238

Total

52034

79455

117376

152269

198407

257481

341551

Status of Transformation capacity in MVA:

HVDC

5200

8200

9750

15,000

765 kV

25000

141000

400 kV

9330

21580

40865

60380

92942

151027

208,132

220 kV

37291

53742

84177

116363

156497

223774

294,817

Total

66

9th plan

46621

75322

125042

181943

257639

409551

June 2016

658949

InDepth

transmission of power within that

particular state. The amendments
to the Policy also provide that
state transmission utilities must
endeavour
implement
larger
projects on the basis of competitive
bidding. According to the new Tariff
Policy the tariff-based competitive
bidding can be done away with in
case of exigencies. The new policy
therefore has not been able to make
the process completely competitive.

Need of Comptetion in
Transmission Sector
Despite having more than 298 GW
of installed generation capacity till
2015-16, some of the States in the
country continuously facing power
deficit. One of the major reasons
for this situation is the inadequate
transmission capacity, not matching
the generation capacities and
load
requirements.
Unlike
infrastructure sectors, no such
alternative to the transmission lines
exist in the power sector.
Power evacuation is turning out to
be a bigger problem than power
generation for the country. Plants
supplying
electricity
to
state
electricity boards under long term
power
purchase
agreements,
lost part of generation due to
transmission capacity bottlenecks.
Based on the current supply position,
the Southern region is anticipated

to face a peak-time shortage.

Whether other regions anticipated
surplus regions. However, the power
transmission constraints do not
allow for the Southern grids shortfall
to be met by the surplus in the
National grid. Resource rich states
like Chhattisgarh are also unable to
evacuate the excess power. With a
typical transmission project requiring
~4-5 years to get commissioned
& inordinate delays expected in
securing forest clearance in the
region, it seems that the number
of projects running below capacity,
owing to transmission bottlenecks,
will only increase in the near future.
Even within a state boundary,
choked
transmission
networks
are leading to underutilization of
generation capacity. Wind energy
generation in Tamil Nadu run
below capacity, as the transmission
capacity available was insufficient.
This under-utilization of the sites
meant an annual opportunity loss
of energy. In addition, the state had
a net deficit of electricity and had
to purchase power from costlier
sources. Going forward, the demand
side capacity is expected to further
increase with the industry moving
towards Open Access. Open access
will allow every end-user of electricity
in the country to choose from all
available transmission lines, thereby
increasing transmission load across
the country. If Indias transmission
capacity is not timely augmented,
this problem is expected to further
aggravate.
This makes it extremely important
to ensure PPP projects in the power
transmission sector are successful
in the long run. In spite of taking
significant steps to encourage
private players to invest in the sector,
the response has been relatively
lackluster. Projects have faced
various implementation challenges
with tariff setting and adjustments,
regulatory disputes, ambiguous
contracts, hasty allotment of
contracts leading to re-negotiations,
and unequal risk sharing. It is
therefore, the need of the hour to
learn from other sectors & countries
and reform policies so as to ensure
greater private participation in the
power transmission sector.

June 2016

Bidding Guidelines
Development of a transmission
system is essential both for
encouraging competition and for
creating electricity markets. The
government is aimed at facilitating
competition in this sector through
wider participation in providing
transmission services and tariff
determination through a process
of tariff based bidding. The bidding
guidelines have been framed by
the government under the section
63 of the Act and provision under
tariff policy. The specific objectives
of these bidding guidelines are
as follows:
hh

Promote competitive
procurement of transmission
services.

hh

Encourage private investment

in transmission lines.

hh

Facilitate transparency and

fairness in procurement
processes;

hh

Facilitate reduction of
information asymmetries for
various bidders;

hh

Protect consumer interests

by facilitating competitive
conditions in procurement of
transmission services
of electricity;

hh

Enhance standardization
and reduce ambiguity and
hence time for materialization
of projects;

hh

Ensure compliance with

standards, norms and codes
for transmission lines
while allowing flexibility in
operation to the transmission
service providers.

Challenges and
Recommendations
Key issues faced by transmission
project developers include delay in
land acquisition as well as obtaining
right-of-way and environmental
clearances. Inadequate investments
at the Intra-state level, which are
restricting the flow of power from
surplus to deficit areas, and the
ineffective
implementation
of
open access transactions, also

67

InDepth

pose serious challenges for the

transmission segment. There is an
urgent need to create liquidity in the
market to sustain private interest.
Issues such as the selection of a
bid process coordinator, who will
be responsible for renovation and
modernization of assets, need to
be addressed. State utilities also
need to ensure payment security to
make their projects as viable as the
central level projects. With the shift
to higher voltages and improved
technologies,
new
challenges
such
as
asset
management
hotline maintenance, emergency
restoration of towers, augmentation
of test facilities and transportation
of heavy equipments via roads also
need to be addressed. The key
challenges and recommendations
are as follows:
i.

Time taken for commissioning

is much longer than global
standards, and must be
optimized. The process needs
to be more efficient and the
process for award of projects
needs to be streamlined. At the
same time, incentives must be
given to a developer for faster
project execution.

ii. The level of innovation and

technology in the industry must
be upgraded considerably,
thereby upgrading quality,
speed and health & safety
standards.
iii.

Currently, no guidelines on use

of technology are mandated
and the focus is on lowest
price for competitive bidding.
This doesnt help incentivise
developers
to
innovate
and suggest new ways of
working as they will be at a
disadvantage compared to a
cheaper alternative.

iv. The policies be realigned to

focus on output parameters
rather than input factors in
order to extract maximum
results from projects.
v.

68

When new transmission

systems are conceptualised
by CTU and various standing
committees, they must exhaust
all possibilities to optimise

existing transmission corridors

by deploying best available
technologies, before embarking
on creating green-field lines
and substations which occupy
scarce agricultural and forest
land.
vi. Qualification
requirements
must be critically evaluated
and reformed so as to screen
out inexperienced players
from the bidding process. Due
to inadequate pre-bid due
diligence by inexperienced
players, projects have been
awarded at unviable prices.
When the developers later
realize the actual costs,
projects are often stalled.
Qualification
requirements
must be tailored to attract only
serious participants, which can
be achieved by placing higher
emphasis on prior transmission
experience.
vii. Current clearance and redressal
policies have not been able to
get private players to actively
participate in the power
transmission sector. Dealing
with the judiciary system in
India makes the process time
consuming and deters private
players from participating.
viii. Considering the number of
risks assumed by a developer
during project execution, robust
redressal mechanisms should
be available to developers in
case of unforeseen events. In
addition, an independent nodal
body should be formulated to
facilitate clearances, address
grievances, track project status
and enforce quality standards.
ix. In order to promote greater
private participation in the
power transmission sector,
it is important that private
players be given a level playing
field along with central/state
owned players. State entities
and private players should be
treated at par with similar norms
& processes for securing forest
clearance.
x. There is an urgent need
to synchronise the policy

framework with a new reality of

wider participation by private
players under competitive
bidding regime. PPPs are
a much needed catalyst in
reviving transmission sector
and in order to make this
successful, policy reforms are
necessary.
xi. Once PPPs are able to thrive
successfully, we will be able to
achieve the common objective
of building the grid, meeting
demand requirements and
optimally utilizing generation
capacity.

Conclusion
The investment required in the
power transmission sector become
the need to ensure much more
private participation in the sector.
Timely action is required from the
Government for reinvigorating the
transmission sector with the help of
both private and public participation.
The key areas that need action are
easing of the clearance process and
enforcement of adequate redressal
mechanisms. Private players need
to be treated at par with Govt. utilities
while awarding and executing
projects. Qualification requirements
be
framed
such
that
only
experienced players are allowed into
the bidding process. Efforts must be
made to streamline and optimize the
project commissioning process and
also, policies must be realigned to
focus on output parameters in order
to encourage technology usage
and innovation. Greater investment
and active participation from the
private sector is a much-needed
catalyst to achieve the objective of
building the grid, meeting demand
requirements, and optimally utilizing
generation capacity.
Ashok Upadhyay

BE (Electrical), M Tech. Hon. (Ind. Engg.)

M. Phil (Renewable Energy), PHD
Scholar
Dy. Director (Generation)
M.P. Electricity Regulatory Commission
Bhopal (M.P.)

June 2016

InFocus

henever a power or distribution transformer

is isolated from the power system, it is very
probable that residual magnetism remains in the core
due to the phase shift. However, residual magnetism
also occurs when performing winding resistance tests.
Since manufacturers use these measurements in their
routine testing and these tests are typically performed
for on-site condition assessment, transformers can be
regularly influenced by the effect of residual magnetism.

performing diagnostic measurements. Within the last few

years, the first testing devices have been launched which
allow practical demagnetization of transformers on-site.

Influence of residual magnetism on inrush current

Residual magnetism leads to high inrush currents, which

put a great and unnecessary load on the transformer.
Additionally, a large number of diagnostic measurements
are also affected by residual magnetism. Therefore, a
utility can have difficulties obtaining a reliable condition
assessment of transformers. Therefore, utilities should
demagnetize the transformer before re-energizing it or

When a transformer is re-energized, an inrush current

occurs that can greatly exceed the nominal current. If
the transformer core still contains residual magnetism,
the first peak current can even reach the level of the
short-circuit current. These high currents can cause
undesirable effects, such as mechanical deformation
of the windings, incorrect triggering of protection
equipment, increased stress for the installation, and
voltage dips in the grid. Only the ohmic components,
such as the winding resistance, are capable of attenuating
the high inrush currents to a stable level within just a few
cycles (figure 1).

Fig. 1: Attenuating the inrush current over time

Fig. 2: Effects of residual magnetism on inrush current

70

June 2016

InFocus

Fig. 3: Magnetizing current of a demagnetized transformer

Fig. 4: Magnetizing current with magnetized middle limb

The highest inrush current occurs when the voltage is

applied near the zero crossing and the polarity of the
voltage is applied in the same direction as the residual
magnetism in the core or the corresponding limb (figure
2, [formulas1-3). If the core reaches saturation, the
transformers inductance is greatly reduced. The current
is now only limited by the winding resistance on the
high-voltage side and the impedance of the connected
transmission line.

in the core. In the magnetic balance test, alternating

voltage is applied to a winding and the induced voltage
is measured on the two other phases.

Influence of residual magnetism on electrical routine

and diagnostic measurements
The residual magnetism can be as high as 90% of the
magnetic flux density (B) during operation. In the event of
a fault or during routine tests, various electrical diagnostic
techniques can be used for analyzing the condition of
a transformer. Residual magnetism influences certain
diagnostic measurements in such a way that a reliable
and meaningful analysis becomes nearly impossible.
Particularly,
when
performing
exciting
current
measurements, the magnetic balance test, or sweep
frequency response analysis for localization of faults in
the core, residual magnetism may have such a negative
effect that results become unsolvable.

Influence on exciting current measurements

Measuring the exciting current can provide evidence
for potential faults in the core. Faults in the core lead
to an increasing exciting current. If reference values for
the exciting current are available, these can be used for
the assessment. Since exciting currents do not have a
linear behavior to the applied voltage, measurements for
comparison with the reference values must be performed
at the same voltage. The assessment is performed
based on a typical pattern of a three-limb or five-limb
transformer or based on reference measurements if they
are available. The magnitude of the magnetization current
depends on the length of the magnetized path. This is
virtually identical for the windings on the outer limbs,
but lower for the winding on the middle limb (figure 3). If
there is, for example, residual magnetism on the middle
limb, this can easily lead to incorrect interpretations and
a reliable diagnosis becomes impossible (figure 4).

Influence on the magnetic balance test

The magnetic balance test, i.e. a test of the flux ratio, is
appropriate as a routine electrical field test and as an
additional diagnostic method when a fault is suspected

June 2016

The magnetic balance test should result in a typical

pattern: If, for example, a voltage of 100V is applied to
the winding on the middle limb, the measured voltages
on the other windings should each display a value of
approximately 50 volts. This can be explained by the
two magnetic paths with the same length. A different
pattern results when a voltage is applied to one of the
windings on the outer limbs as the magnetic paths have
different lengths. If the recorded pattern deviates from
the anticipated pattern, this can indicate either problems
in the core or can be related to undesirable effects of
residual magnetism.

Influence on sweep frequency response analysis

measurements
The sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA, or
FRA) uses frequency response analyses to describe the
dynamic characteristics of an oscillating network based
on its input and output signals. The SFRA measurement
method is described in two technical standards: IEC
60076-18: Power transformers - Part 18: Measurement
of frequency response, published by the International
Electrotechnical Commission, and IEEE C57.149:
Application and Interpretation of Frequency Response
Analysis for Oil-Immersed Transformers, published by
the IEEE Standards Association. The SFRA measurement
has become increasingly accepted as a diagnostic
method.
A transformer reflects such an oscillating system,
consisting of various series and parallel resonances with
corresponding inductances (L), capacitances (C) and
resistances (R). When one parameter is changed, for
example the main inductance due to a core problem or the
geometric shift of a winding, one or more characteristic
resonance points is/are also displaced or shifted.
Every electrical network has a unique frequency
response, its so-called fingerprint. Interpretation of
an SFRA measurement is based on a comparison of
measurements, for example with the initial fingerprint or
with other transformers of the same type. The plot of a
fingerprint should not change throughout the entire life
cycle of a transformer. Therefore, all influences that could
affect SFRA measurements must be avoided, as these
influences could lead to misinterpretation of the obtained
test results.

71

InFocus

Fig. 5: Typical resonance points of a three-limb transformers main inductance

Since residual magnetism influences the frequency

response particularly at lower frequencies where the
magnetization inductance dominates the response,
utilities must ensure that the transformer has been
demagnetized before performing the measurement.
Meanwhile, an SFRA measurement is effective in verifying
residual magnetism due to the pronounced and wellunderstood influence at lower frequencies.
The SFRA measurement reflects the main inductance
through the first resonance points. Figure 5 shows the
typical resonance points of a three-limb transformers
main inductance. Two significant parallel and series
resonance points can clearly be referred to on the outer
windings. These resonance points can be ascribed to the
two magnetic paths with different lengths. In comparison
with these points, the winding on the middle limb displays
only one characteristic single resonance point.
As previously explained for the inrush current, the
inductance changes depending on the degree of core
magnetization, whereby Ldemag (demagnetized) is
greater than Lmag (magnetized). A resonance point
comprises a network of capacitances and inductances,
and can be described using formula 4. The lower the
inductance becomes, as reflected by a state of higher
residual magnetism, the more the resonance points
move toward higher frequencies.

transformer, the electrical method becomes the sole

option. Manufacturers can apply nominal voltage at
nominal frequency on transformers. By gradually reducing
the voltage, the core is progressively demagnetized
(figure 6). To demagnetize transformer cores on-site, it is
often only possible to use reduced voltage and frequency
signals. In many cases, no adjustable voltage source,
which can provide the nominal voltage of the transformer,
can be used to demagnetize transformer cores. Only a
single-phase source can be used.
Demagnetization of single-phase and three-phase
transformers can be performed in a similar way.
Importantly, utilities should consider that magnetic
coupling takes place between the phases when working
on a three-phase transformer. Therefore, the phase or limb
used during the demagnetization procedure is extremely
important and deliberately chosen. Additionally, utilities
should use the high-voltage side for demagnetization,
as there are more turns associated with this winding
to generate the magnetic flux. Hence, the total time for
demagnetization can be reduced. Experiments have
shown that the middle limb is the most suitable for
demagnetization with a single-phase source. Thereby,
the flux is distributed symmetrically over the two outer
limbs. To determine which winding is associated with the

Demagnetization methods
Available methods for demagnetizing magnetic materials:
1. Demagnetization through vibration
2. Demagnetization through heating up to Curie
temperature
3. Electrical demagnetization.
Since the first two methods cannot be used for a

72

Fig. 6: Demagnetization using a sinusoidal signal

June 2016

InFocus

middle limb in a delta winding, the transformers vector

group is required.

The art of accurate demagnetization

There
are
various
approaches
for
electrical
demagnetization. One approach is to reduce the voltage
respectively the time in predetermined steps. Depending
on their type and size, small distribution transformers
or large power transformers can have very different
hysteresis parameters. The disadvantage of reducing the
voltage respectively the time in predetermined steps is
the lengthy amount of time required to ensure that both
types of transformers can be reliably demagnetized using
the same procedure.
To counteract this problem, the current can be additionally
triggered while the test is still running to start the next
hysteresis cycle. However, since the magnetization
current increases very rapidly when the transformer
core reaches saturation, this process is inaccurate.
Various experiments have shown that in particular small
transformers become re-magnetized by the final cycle,
which leads to high inrush currents in return.
Demagnetization based on the measurement of the
magnetic flux has proven as the safest and most
efficient approach, as it works reliably with both small
and large transformers. However, this approach
places very strict measuring requirements on the used
equipment, as the voltage needs to be continuously
measured over time and the integral has to be derived
from this [Formula 5]. Importantly, testers should avoid
any secondary hysteresis during demagnetization. The
occurring residual magnetism can lead to an apparentdemagnetization.

Demagnetization measurement procedure

Since the voltage, and thereby also the magnetic flux of
the main inductance LH cannot be measured directly,
this voltage needs to be calculated (figure 7, [formula 6]).
Therefore, the winding resistance R must be measured in
advance and the voltage drop of the winding resistance
then subtracted from the measured voltage. Formula 7
shows the calculation of the magnetic flux on the main
inductance. Thereby the equation R(0) represents the
initial flux, which corresponds to the residual magnetism.

a test device to demagnetize the core and an accessory

(that is, a switchbox) to simplify the measurement. A
primary benefit of the aforementioned switchbox is
that rewiring is no longer necessary after measuring
transformers ratio or winding resistance. After entering
the transformers vector group and the test current in the
Demag test card, the test device initiates the procedure
and the residual magnetism is reduced to virtually zero.
The core can be saturated in both directions using the
test device. Subsequently, the tester determines the
specific hysteresis parameters per transformer are
calculates the initial flux. Based on these parameters,
an iterative algorithm is then used to change both the
voltage and the frequency. While this is taking place,
the test device is constantly measuring the magnetic
flux () in the core. Using multiple iterations, the core
is demagnetized to below 1% of its maximum value.
Following the demagnetization procedure, several
magnetic domains revert into their preferred orientation.
This procedure is also referred to as magnetic viscosity.
The effect can be determined when repeating the
demagnetization procedure. However, repeating the
procedure is negligible and not important in practice. The
appropriate test device can offer a practical and reliable
solution to demagnetize small distribution transformers
and large power transformers quickly.

Example based on a 350 MVA transformer

Tests were performed on a 350 MVA-YNyn0 power
transformer manufactured in 1971 and rated at 400/30 kV.
For verification of state purposes, sweep frequency
response analysis measurements were conducted
using a frequency response analyzer. The transformers
condition was recorded immediately after removing it from
service with an initial SFRA measurement. Subsequently,
a direct current (DC) winding resistance measurement
was carried out on phase B (which was wound on the
middle core limb), and another SFRA measurement was
then taken. Lastly, the transformer was demagnetized
using the previously described method and then checked
by performing a final sweep frequency response analysis
measurement.
The results after the demagnetization procedure are
shown in table 1:

Vendors offer a variety of different testing devices

to simplify measurements of three-phase power
transformers. The test set up for demagnetization with
OMICRONs testing solution requires two components:

Table 1: Results following demagnetization of the 350 MVA transformer

Fig. 7: Simplified equivalent electric circuit for the measurement procedure

June 2016

When comparing the SFRA results of the individual

phases, it becomes apparent that the transformer
displays residual magnetism after being isolated from
the power system (figure 8). After the demagnetization

73

InFocus

PHASE A

PHASE B

PHASE C

Fig. 8: Phase comparison of the SFRA results with different remanence

conditions

procedure, all resonance points moved towards lower

frequencies as expected, and the typical SFRA pattern
of a three-limb transformer can be used as a reference.
Therefore, the transformer is demagnetized.
This article highlights the importance and the effect
of residual magnetism. It should also increase the
awareness of the associated risks with re-energizing
transformers after an outage.

Literature
[1] On
the
ringdown
transient
on
transformers
(N. Chiesa, A. Avendano, H. K. Hidalen, B. A. Mork, D.
Ishchenko and A. P. Kunze)
[2] Investigation on the Behavior of the Remanence Level of
Protective Current Transformers (J. Dickert, R. Luxenburger,
P. Schegner)

Fig.: OMICRONs CPC 100 testing solution with the CP SB1 switchbox

[3] Mitigation of Inrush Currents in Network Transformers by

Reducing the Residual Flux with an Ultra-Low-Frequency
Power (Baris Kovan, Francisco de Len, Dariusz
Czarkowski, Zivan Zabar und Leo Birenbaum)
[4] Remanent Flux Measurement and Optimal Energization
Instant Determination of Power Transformer (Goran
Petrovi, Tomislav Kili, Stanko Milun)

Mr Markus Ptter,
Mr Michael Rdler, Mr Boris Unterer,
OMICRON electronics GmbH

1800/-

1000/1800/2400/-

74

2400/-

Rs.____________ / US $ 120 or payment advice to our

Account No.11751 Bank of India, Worli Branch, Pankaj
Mansion, Dr A.B.Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 018 is enclosed

June 2016

IndustryMatters

onventions need to be defined and followed uniformly

across the entire power sector. Sign convention
(positive or negative) for import and export of energy,
both active and reactive, is one of them. While there are
no right and wrong in conventions, they are a means
of avoiding mathematical confusion and bring everyone
to a common understanding. It is necessary to have a
closer look at them and restate or redefine conventions if
needed. Once related issues and the resulting confusions
are fully understood, conventions can be standardised
and enforced uniformly across all metering applications.
To enable this a revision of the Indian Grid Code is
needed too.

These are very simple questions. The answers are so

obvious that many metering engineers perhaps take
them for granted. If we probe a little deeper, we may come
across subjectivity, difference of opinion, and arguments
of right and wrong. Quite often, whatever is presumed
may not have a reference to standards or to a document
of standard practices. Even when a document is found,
there may be conflicts between the standards.

Subjectivity

hh

What is activity energy import?

hh

What is active energy export?

hh

What is reactive energy import?

hh

What is reactive energy export?

hh

Should import active energy be considered as

positive energy or negative energy?

hh

Should export active energy be considered as

positive energy or negative energy?

hh

Should import reactive energy be considered as

positive energy or negative energy?

Specify a particular power flow direction and ask a

metering engineer, whether the meter will record it as
positive energy or negative energy? A common answer
will be, it depends on how a meter is wired. Engineers
will go into details, explain P1 and P2, S1 and S2, and
how a meter should be wired, and how depending on
the connections the meter will record the energy in
either its import or export register. If further questioned
on how the meter should be wired and connected, what
is the correct way to connect it, the answers may be
divided. Some engineers may also go on to explain that
it will depend upon whether the meter is connected to
a load or whether it is a grid meter. They will delve into
peculiarities: whether we are looking at the power flow
into a distribution system, from the transmission system,
or between two utilities. Subjectivity again! The reason is,
there are no standards, or at least no uniformity across
different standards. For example, some code of practices,
like CoP1 of UK, states under the definition of Import
/Export Energy Flow Convention for the labelling of
Meters that Energy flows between Distribution Systems
is by bilateral agreement. Conventions, then become a
matter of convenience or a subjective matter, a bilateral
issue, and without uniformity across all agencies, and not
based on the right way to connect meters.

hh

Should export reactive energy be considered as

positive energy or negative energy?

This small decision becomes an issue when the import

and export of energy is compiled across a number of

Conventions
Just two simple conventions are discussed and covered
in this paper. They are, (a) what is the definition of import
and export of energy, and (b) what should be the sign
convention, positive or negative, for import and export
of active and reactive energy. If we elaborate them, the
questions that need to be answered are:

June 2016

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IndustryMatters

utilities. It leads to accounting errors unless the imports

and exports have been used consistently and uniformly
by all the participating utilities.
There can be many more examples of subjectivity. In the
examples given below, let us assume that the meters can
log both import and export energies in separate registers:
hh

There is a power flow from the transmission system

to the distribution system. Should it be considered
as import or export?

hh

There is a load, say an industry, connected to the

distribution system. The energy drawn by the
industry should be considered as import or export?

hh

There is a radial distribution feeder, say a 11 kV

feeder. The energy delivered by the radial feeder
should be logged in the export register or import
register of the feeder meter?

hh

There is a step down transformer in the transmission

(or distribution) system.

hh

The energy measured by a meter connected to the

high voltage side of transformer will log the energy
in the export register or import register?

hh

What would happen for a meter connected to the

low voltage side of transformer? Will it log the energy
in the export or import register?

hh

There is a meter connected to the bushing CTs at

the high voltage side of transformer. Will this meter
log the energy in the export or import register?

hh

There is a meter connected to the CTs at the bus

bars of a generator, between the generator and the
generators step-up transformer. Will the meter log
energy in the export or import register?

hh

There is a meter connected in the EHV switchyard

in the generator bay. Will the meter log the energy in
the export or import register?

To define point of metering, it is essential to introduce the

concept of a domain.

Domain
A domain is a black box with boundary busbars for which
energy accounting is needed or for which accounting is
done. It can be an area (electrical or geographic area),
a generating station, a transmission utility, a distribution
utility, or even a consumer (domestic, commercial,
industrial etc.). A domain can also be a single line or
transformer for which accounting is needed. A domain
necessarily contains boundary busbars or electrical
nodes, as the accounting is done by computing the
algebraic sum of energies entering into the domain.
As a domain can be any electrical area, it can as well be
a single element, that is a line or a transformer. Domains
are illustrated below. The illustrations are self-explanatory,
with the domain shown as dotted boundary:

There is a transmission line connecting two substations

A and B. Energy is flowing from substation A to
substation B. Will the meter at A register the energy in
its import or export energy register? Will the meter at B
register the energy in its import or export energy register?
There can be many more such situations, where the
answers can be subjective unless a convention for what
is import and what is export has been clearly defined
and followed meticulously. Any meter, once connected
correctly will either register the energy in its import
register or export register. The question is, what is correct
connection of a meter, and if the meter is connected
correctly whether it will log energy in the import or
export register for a particular power flow direction?

Point of metering
As may be seen, there are only two factors that will
determine whether a meter should register the energy in
its import or export register. They are
hh

76

What is the point of metering? What is import, what

is export?

It may be noted that a busbar can also be treated

as a stand-alone domain, as it is a node with multiple
connections. The accounting for a busbar is done by
computing the algebraic sum of energies entering into
the busbar, which theoretically should be zero.
It is also interesting to note that a grid is not be a
domain. A grid is an interconnection of transmission and
generating utilities, and therefore an interconnection of
different domains. We may group a number of domains
together (virtual grouping) and define them as yet another
domain, but a domain whether grouped or not, must
have boundary busbars. That is how a domain needs to
be defined to apply conventions.

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For any domain, even if it is a standalone domain with a

single busbar, it is not necessary that there are meters on
all the points of metering. That is, all the incoming lines or
connections may or may not have meters. In such case,
the energy measured at the remote end of a line should
be considered, and by reversing the registers (i.e. if the
remote end meter registers export, the same should be
considered as import at local end). Necessary correction
for line loss may also be considered.

As everything has been generalised, the domain can be

a load (consumption), generation, transmission system,
distribution system, even a single busbar. As we have
used the principle for looking at energy exchanges from
inside the domain, import means increase of energy (as
we are bringing something into it), and export means
reduction of energy (as we are sending something out).
Import can therefore stand to mean a condition where
the domain draws energy, or energy is added. Export
can mean a condition where a domain is depleted of
energy, or energy is subtracted. This may be seen to
be consistent for all types of domains. For a stand-alone
domain like a single busbar, the sum of import and export
is always zero in theory.

Convention for import and export energy

registers in meters

Having defined element and domain, in general, the

definition of domains can also be as illustrated below.
After this generalisation, we can ascertain whether
energy flows into the domain, or it flows out of the
domain. Thereafter, we can define whether energy flowing
into a domain should be called export or import (and
vice versa).

If the above reasoning is agreed upon, energy import

happens when energy is added to a domain, and energy
export happens when energy is removed or subtracted
from a domain.
The correct connection for meters should therefore
imply a type of connection or wiring of meter so that
the meter registers import energy in import register,
and export energy in export register. This convention
can be considered to be correct, as meters are always
connected to a busbar, and busbars form the boundaries
of domains. And, all accounting is done by looking
at what is happening to the power flow to or from the
domain when looking at it from inside the domain.
This convention is valid for reactive energy as well.
Drawal or consumption of reactive energy (VARs) into
a domain can be considered as reactive import and
delivery of reactive energy from a domain as reactive
export. Here, reactive drawal is characterised by lagging
power factor loads inside a domain, while delivery of
reactive energy is characterised by leading power factor
loads inside the domain. That is, it is in line with what is
generally understood in electrical engineering for lagging
and leading power factors.

Sign convention for import and export

Convention for energy flow for a domain
It is now a simple matter to define and generalise energy
import and export, so that the definitions hold good
for domains. This is irrespective of whether they are
independent domains or inter-connected domains and
irrespective of the nature of the domain (transmission
utility or distribution utility, generating station or
consumer); the definition must be applied uniformly.
It may be said that energy entering into a domain is
import, and energy leaving a domain is export. It is
irrelevant from where (from which domain) the energy has
come from, or to which domain the energy is heading.
What is relevant for defining the convention is, what is
happening within the domain is energy entering it or
leaving it. If it is entering, it should be import, and if it is
leaving, it should be export. This follows from a principle
for conventions. The principle is, always look at it from
inside the domain..

June 2016

Having understood the concept of import and export, that

import means addition and export means subtraction,
when looking from within the domain, the sign normally
associated with addition and subtraction in arithmetic
can be followed. Thus, the correct sign convention for
any import should be positive, and for any export should
be negative. This should be applied uniformly and
consistently for all metered energy, for both active as well
as reactive energy.

Agreement of conventions with financial

accounting
It may be seen that if above conventions for import and
export and the positive and negative signs can be applied
to all cases, to every domain and without any subjectivity,
as these are defined as looking from inside the domain.
The sign convention suggested here (import as positive,
and export as negative) fits into financial accounting

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IndustryMatters

principles as well. In financial accounting, for any

commodity supplied to an individual or company or
utility (which in our case is domain) for which money is
due, is treated as credit and considered as negative, and
payments made for the commodity consumed or money
paid is debit and considered as positive. Commodity and
money must flow in opposite directions. In our case, the
commodity is energy. So energy import into the domain,
as seen from inside the domain, should be treated as
positive, and energy export from the domain, as seen
from inside the domain, should be treated as negative
energy. Only then it will fit into financial accounting
conventions as well.

Need for correction of Indian Grid Code

While the convention and definition suggested above for
import and export energy is perfectly logical and can be
uniformly applied for all electrical domains. Moreover, the
positive and negative signs are in harmony with financial
accounting conventions, the conventions stipulated in
the Indian Grid Code state just the opposite. There is
a need for the entire metering industry to understand
the implications and confusion arising because of the
conventions stipulated in the Indian Grid Code, and take
steps to correct and revise the Grid Code accordingly.
The Indian Grid Code is derived historically from the
sign convention originally specified by Powergrid when
frequency-linked metering was introduced. The following
is quoted from Powergrids specification (original
standard meter specifications of 1991), which states that
all export (Wh, VArh and VAr) from a substation busbar
is to be recorded as positive, and all import as negative.
The meter shall compute the net active energy (Wh) sent
out from the substation busbars during each successive
15-minutes block, and store it in its memory along with
plus/minus sign. It shall also display on demand the net
Wh sent out during the previous 15-minute block, with
a minus sign if there is a net Wh receipt. and
Positive VAR display and VARh memory storage shall
indicate that lagging reactive power and net (algebraic
sum of) lagging reactive energy is being sent out from
substation busbars.
When the above convention was suggested by
Powergrid, I was an engineer with Powergrid and a
party
to
the
definition
of
the
convention.
Subsequent experience over the last 25 years
shows that the Indian Grid Code needs to be
revised, by reversing the stated convention and
revising it to make the convention compatible with
financial accounting too, based on the reasoning put
up in this paper.

Suggested correction for Indian Grid Code

Conclusion
There is a need to take a fresh look at the conventions
used for defining import and export of energy (active
and reactive) and what the meters need to log in its
import and export registers when correctly connected.
In defining the sign convention, the principle is that
conventions must always refer to conditions as seen
from inside an electrical area (domain, or utility) and as
metered at the boundaries. The suggested convention
states that, all energy flowing into any busbar or into a
utility at its boundaries (as seen from within the utility)
must be recorded in the import energy registers of meters
connected at boundary busbars, and treated as positive
energy. All energy flowing out from a busbar or away
from a utility at its boundaries (as seen from within the
utility) must be recorded in the export energy registers of
meters connected at boundary busbars, and treated as
negative energy. Lagging reactive energy (lagging VARs)
may be considered with a positive sign when flowing into
the system, and with a negative sign when flowing out of
the system. Leading reactive energy (leading VARs) may
be considered with a negative sign when flowing into
the system, and with a positive sign when flowing out of
the system.

Highlights of the paper

1
2

The following incorporations are suggested for Indian

Grid Code:
The following conventions must be followed for any
electrical area, characterised by an electrical boundary
and boundary metering, for which accounting may be
needed, including energy scheduling and accounting for
unscheduled interchanges or for deviation settlement.

78

Energy must be deemed as import when it enters

into the utility and export when it leaves the utility,
as seen from within the utility. All imports must be
considered with a positive sign and all exports with a
negative sign.
Lagging reactive energy (lagging VARs) drawn by
a utility from the grid or leading VARs injected by
a utility to the grid at any boundary busbar, must
be considered as positive reactive energy or
positive VARs.
Leading reactive energy (leading VARs) drawn by
a utility from the grid or lagging VARs injected by
a utility to the grid at any boundary busbar, must
be considered as negative reactive energy or
negative VARs.

Conventions defined in the Indian Grid Code need

correction and revision.
An electrical area or utility is defined by the electrical
boundary, and conventions need to be defined by
looking at energy flows from inside the electrical area
or utility.
All energy (active or reactive) entering an utility or
busbar must be treated as import and registered in
the import energy registers of meters connected at the
boundary of utilities, and treated as positive energy.
All energy (active or reactive) leaving an utility or
busbar must be treated as export and registered
in the export energy registers of meters connected
at the boundary of utilities, and treated as negative
energy.
Lagging VARs when drawn are treated as positive
reactive energy, and leading VARs when drawn treated
as negative reactive energy.
Shuvendu Patnaik,

Chief Research Officer, Secure Meters Limited

June 2016

IndustryFocus

ural electrification involves high initial capital

investments per capita due to its stumpy energy
demand and scattered population density. These factors
effect in a higher cost of electricity than that for urban
consumers. In this context, the optimization plays a vital
role in the broad geographical distribution of electrical
power. Finding the optimum solution for the operation
and design of microgrid distribution systems have
become a prerequisite with the escalating cost of
raw materials, exhausting energy resources and
continuously growing demand for electricity. Microgrid
consist distributed power generations, energy storage
facilities, protective switchgear accessories, monitoring
& control devices and sparse loads. This study presents
optimization of distribution line connected with microgrid
distributed generations.

Microgrid is mainly used for supplying power to

hh

Remote rural area with no utility grid.

hh

Peri-urban region with supply deficit.

hh

Providing resilience to important facilities like

hospitals and airports.

Microgrid overview

Microgrid distribution system is composed of low voltage

(LV) or medium voltage (MV) lines primarily. Off grid
microgrid systems are independent of conventional
grid and their standards, but many microgrid project
developers follow grid specifications, keeping in mind the
future compatibility with the grid. Distribution lines can be
categorized into two voltage ratings LV (<= 1.1 kV) and
MV (1.1 kV to 33 kV). LV lines are directly tapped and
used by the consumer, while MV lines may be required to
step down to LV level for further distribution or directly fed
to the industrial consumer.

The off grid type microgrid is one of the emerging

solutions for stable power demand required at location,
where either grid connectivity is not available or the
supply is intermittent. Microgrid is also an example of
infrastructure leapfrog for sparsely populated regions
where grid penetration requires huge infrastructure
cost. In many areas, these are found to be superior over
grid expansion. Distribution systems cost needs to
be reduced but at the same time power transmission
at the micro and mini-grid should be able to minimize
the AT&C losses. Since this type of grid is of kW level
capacity and power theft or the ohmic losses attribute
significant decrease in efficiency of the grid. There
are also challenges in transmitting the power, prone
to those losses. So special mechanisms should be
adopted to prevent and reduce aforementioned losses.
The preferred medium to transfer the power is in
non-traditional (i.e., non-directly consumable) voltage, to
eliminate the possibility of power theft.

As per CIGRE the microgrid is defined as, Emergence

of clusters of small largely self-contained distribution
networks, which will include decentralized local
generation, energy storage and active customer
participation, intelligently managed so that they are
operated as active networks providing local active and
reactive power support .

Microgrid gives us the flexibility to supply AC as well

as DC power. Hence in todays scenario, where there
are so many types of generation sources available
for power and utilization of DC systems can avoid
conversion losses, offering high reliability, redundancy
and optimize the cost. As energy storage is typically
DC based, it provides great flexibility for DC microgrid.

80

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IndustryFocus

Hence it is very important to transmit and distribute

power safely and economically. Generally transmitting
power at higher voltages reduces the overall cost and
size of the distribution system. Sometimes in these grids,
the capacity of the power required is so low that the
mechanical challenges outweigh electrical challenges.

Requirements of Microgrid
In the present work, an overview on various requirements
of microgrid along with distribution systems optimization
have been conducted under several sections and
subsections are as follows:

Basic layout of mi crogrid

Most of the contemporary grids are built in the
radial fashion with only one possible line for specific
consumption and generation connected to the grid. This
layout (as depicted in Fig. 1) represents the microgrid,
where generation is done at the center and the power is
distributed to throughout the village. Since, the generating
station is at the middle of the grid and the loads are
geographically distributed around the generation center
without interconnecting individual lines (Line 1, Line 2 &
Line 3). If there are any terminations of lines occur near
to the other line, then they can be merged to form a ring
topology (RMU). In case, generating station is near by the
termination of any line then, they can be connected with
the help of directional relay. However, the short circuit
currents are larger and protection is more complicated
in ring - shaped distribution lines due to two power flow
directions. Mesh grid is an electrical network with multiple
alternative connections between nodes.

modes are presented in Table 1.

Table 1 Common generating mode
Technology

Microturbines These are a relatively new distributed

generation technology being used for
stationary energy generation applicatio
ns. They are a type of combustion
turbine that produces both heat and
electricity on a relatively small scale.
Fuel cells

A fuel cell produces electricity through

a chemical reaction, but without
combustion. It converts hydrogen and
oxygen into water and in the process
also creates electricity. Its an electrochemical energy conversion device
that produces electricity, water, and
heat. Fuel cells operate much like
a battery, except they dont require
electrical
recharging.
A
battery
stores all of its chemicals inside and
coverts the chemicals into electricity.
Once those chemicals run out, the
battery dies. A fuel cell, on the other
hand, receives the chemicals it uses
from the outside; therefore, it wont
run out. Fuel cells can generate power
almost indefinitely, as long as they have
fuel to use.

Solar PV

Solar PV is one of the most viable

sources of power generation because
of its modular nature and ease in
installation and maintenance. Solar
cells convert sunlight directly into
electricity. Photovoltaic (PV) gets its
name from the course of converting
light (photons) to electricity (voltage),
which is called the PV effect. Solar cells
are typically combined into modules.
These flat plate PV arrays can be
mounted at a fixed angle facing sunlight,
or they can be mounted on a tracking
device that follows the sun, allowing
them to capture the most sunlight over
the course of a day. Several connected
PV arrays can provide enough power
for utility. Thin film solar cells use layers
of semiconductor materials only a
few micrometers thick in an efficient
manner.

Wind turbine

Wind as another form of renewable

energy can be used for various size
of microgrid, but it must be used with
storage setup, due to wide variation in
the power generation. Wind turbines
are mounted on a tower to capture
the most of the available wind kinetic
energy. The combination of lift and drag
causes the rotor to spin like a propeller,
and the turning shaft spins a generator
to make electricity.

Microgrid components: Most common components

are based on power generation modes & its storage,
monitoring & control and the same time distribution of
generated power up to the consumer ends. All these
points are briefly described as under in various subsections:
Generation and storage: Microgrid distributed energy
resources are harvested from nature, based on availability
& affordability of the consumer. Most profuse generation

Fig. 1 Basic layout of ring type microgrid

June 2016

Description

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IndustryFocus

Biomass

Biomass fuel can be easily obtained

near vegetation. This form of energy
can be used for 24x7 services, if
required. It can curtail huge storage
device required by the solar or wind
generation to meet dynamic load
demand and backup.

Power distribution: Distribution systems can be of

overhead and underground type. Overhead lines are
mostly used due lesser infrastructure cost and easy to
diagnosis. Since Microgrid deals with very small power
segment compared to grid. The capacity and spread
of the distribution system is low compared to grid. This
enables microgrid developer to opt for optimized solution
for distribution of power to households. Unarmoured
cable can be used for overhead lines, whereas armoured
cables are preferred for underground lines. Hardware
accessories to string the cables over head can be of
tension and suspension type. Protection is achieved in
lines by appropriate earthing and using surge protection
device (SPD), lightning arrester, fuse, relay and circuit
breaker.
Monitoring & control: Monitoring and control plays vital
role to increase the efficiency of the grid by reducing
downtime and improving the power quality. A microgrid
system can be controlled through either centralized
control or decentralized control. A solely centralized
control relies on the data gathered in a devoted central
controller and involves extensive communication in
between the controller and other units. In a completely
decentralized control, each unit is controlled by its local
controller that is not responsive of the system-wide.

Fig. 2 Triangle bracket wall mount

Fig. 3 Expanding anchor bolt

Suspension assembly arrangement: This suspension

assembly is used to support the cable in between to carry
and distribute the load evenly. A helical wire is required
to grip the messenger (GI) wire with direct mounting from
a wall bracket. The whole arrangement is shown in the
Fig. 4 below. D-shackle is fitted with the thimble, which
supports the helical grip used to grip the GI wire. Dropout
lines for distribution box (DB) can also be drawn from the
line as it will take the load of the cable.

Distribution line hardware accessory: These hardware

accessories were developed to achieve robust, reliable
and low cost distribution system for relatively small
power capacity compared to conventional grid. The
optimization aspects of significant components are
illustrated as under:
Triangle bracket: It is an assembly arrangement used
for cable mounting in distribution lines. It is used for
the places where, pole & its hardware accessories
mounting are difficult task due to right of way issue and
cost constraint. This triangular bracket is mounted on
the walls with help of anchor bolts and can use for carry
the load of anchor bolts as depicted in Fig. 2 and Fig.
3. These are used for lateral hanging of cables along
with the arrangement designed to isolates the cables
from touching the walls and can be easily used for 10-50
meters span length depending on the walls mechanical
capacity and cables weight. These are designed to carry
tension as well as suspension assembly. Fittings are
changed for suspension and tension type. GI wire carries
the load of the electrical cables.

82

Fig. 4 Suspension assembly arrangement

Tension assembly arrangement with wall bracket:

This assembly is mainly used at the terminating points
or at the places, where tension is required to carry the
cable and maintain the sag. The thimble is attached to
the wall bracket by means of nut and bolt to support the
messenger wire. This arrangement is given in the Fig. 5.

June 2016

IndustryFocus

Fig. 5 Tension assembly arrangement

Corner Bracket: These brackets are used at the corner of
the houses or buildings to bend the line at 900. It is also
used to eliminate a pole to mount a wire at that point. This
process curtails the cost of a pole and simultaneously
supports the wire mounting. The Fig. 6 alongside shows
a corner bracket. This bracket support tension assembly
and is used for 900 bend of line. This bracket is fitted on
the wall with the help of anchor bolt. It can also be used
for dead end fittings.
Fig. 8 Cable lashing clip

Road cross wall bracket: Road cross wall bracket is a

simple design and arrangement made from angle, eye
bolt and stringing accessories to carry the cable along
with the walls and then raise to a height of 2-3 meters
in order cross the road and transfer cable on other side
of the road. It can be used where the roads are narrow
and mounting of poles is extremely difficult. It is also a
cheaper solution to pole for micro grid. These can be
fitted with the anchor bolts to the walls where there is not
roof protruding out as shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 6 Corner wall bracket

Cable lashing rod: The cable lashing rod is used to bind

GI messenger wire which act as a strength member and
electrical cable together. As lashing clips are suitable for
the cables with bigger cross section. Lashing rod can bind
multiple cables with thinner gauge together. Lashing rod
covers wider section of the cable hence distributing the
load on the cable and GI wire; hence it can be used easily
over a span of 5-10 meters. Both lashing clip and rod are
hot dip galvanized to provide corrosion resistance and
its arrangement is shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8.In lashing
clips, all steel clamps securely attaches two lashing wires
or a ground wire on strand and two grooved plates fit on
opposite sides of the strand. Helical shape lashing rods
accommodate different cable sizes.

Fig. 7 Cable lashing rod

June 2016

Fig. 9 Road cross wall bracket

Sectional pole and its assembly: Microgrid deployment

is feasible, where the reach of conventional grid is
either very difficult or extremely expensive. To
overcome site transportation issues no of poles can be
reduced, still they are important part of overhead lines.
Options such as:

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IndustryFocus

hh

Bamboo - Durability and load carrying capacity is low.

hh

PSC Poles - Handling and transportation expensive as

well as difficult for interior region when requirements
are low.

hh

Steel Pole - Expensive transportation and handling.

Sectional GI poles overcome those issues for length

of 6-10 meters; can be divided into 2-3 section as per
requirements. These poles can be easily fabricated from
tubular pipes of different diameter welded with flange to
fix two different sections together with nut & bolts. Base
of steel poles can be fixed with the concrete mixture as
well can be rooted deeply gripped with the help of TMT
bars drawn into the bore through the holes in the poles.
Poles accessories can be mounted easily on the poles to
string the distribution line cables, and stays can be fixed
on it as portrayed in Fig. 10.

It helps to isolate the grid with group of users which also

eases the maintenance. Ferruling makes it very effective
to debug fault. DB also makes it very convenient for new
service connection. It can accommodate resettable fuses
/ CB for protection of connected equipment from fault at
either ends. It can be designed as per grids requirement
but at-least need IP 52. Design should be such it can be
mounted on poles as well as on walls.
Wall clamps & service lines: These are brought to
households with the help of anchor wall plug which can
draw more than one service connection for households
nearby. Service lines can travels on the Distribution
line path and can be drawn perpendicularly where the
Households are on the distribution line path but away
from the DB. Since the messenger wire can withstand the
load of more than require load of the distribution cables.

Practical Experiences
Distribution of power from a microgrid, where the current
ratings are too low gauge aluminum cables can be used
along with the GI wire, to increase the overall ultimate
tensile strength (UTS) of the distribution line. These GI
wires support the power cables for longer span. Since
microgrid is considered as very compact system the
developers overlook the protection device needed for the
reliability of the system. Hence it is much recommended
to use relays, MCBs/ resettable fuses at distribution
point to isolate the faulty section in case of fault in spite of
grid shutdown. Power factor correction equipment needs
to be installed to avoid any major fault and equipment
damage. Since microgrid is very closely monitored,
developers understand the individual load type & pattern
of the users to regulate the voltage and currents. If any
large motors are used in the grid with respect to the
generation capacity they should be driven by variable
frequency drive (VFD) to suppress transient load and
to improve efficiency. The use of ferrite core filter at the
input of the motors suppresses the noise. Reactors are
also installed to improve the power factors, to filter out
harmonics and also suppresses voltage wave & surges.
Since microgrid does not replicate as infinite source as
regional grid, it should also take special care to minimize
neutral current and balances the phases current.
This can be achieved by use of monitoring power of
individual node and shifting the unbalanced phase load
to another phase.

Conclusion

Fig. 10 Pole mounting arrangement

Distribution box: Distribution boxes (DBs) are majorly

required for microgrid since the households are densely
spread near the distribution lines and the power
requirement is quite high as results higher current
rating cables are required. These boxes generally
accommodate bus bars and allow in catering service
connection to bunch of houses as depicted in Fig. 10.

84

Microgrid with DERs is becoming inevitable parts of

present distribution systems. With the developments in
power electronics based converters, such resources will
have the potential to effectively resolve voltage/current
control issues in multi-microgrid distribution systems.
In this work, basic design optimization and technocommercial aspects analysis have been carried out using
AutoCAD and enterprise resource planning software,
respectively. This optimization initiative encourages
renewable generation investors to focus on profitable
grid tied power systems tailored for large utility scale

June 2016

IndustryFocus

and smaller peri-urban implementations. It addresses the

challenges faced in selection & installation of hardware
accessories required in microgrid. The system provides
very high degree of reliability in terms of safety to linemen and consumers and freedom from outages.
REFERENCES
1 21st Century Technologies Promises and Perils of a Dynamic
Future by OECD, France, 1998.
2 N. Dey, B. Basak. A Report on Relevance of Micro grid
for Developing Countries with Specific Reference to India,
IJAREEIE, Vol. 4(6) , 2015.
3 R. K. Verma, S.N. Singh. A review of mini-grid used for
electrification in rural area, Indian Institute of Technology
Roorkee, India.
4 D. Palit, G. K. Sarangi. A critical review on the mini-grid
experience from India, Vol 1, 1995.
5 Line loss reduction in primary and secondary distributioncost benefit aspects of the remedial measures, CBIP
Publication, 1976.
6 S. Frank, E. Bonnema, J. Scheib, E.Wilson. A comparative
study of DC and AC Microgrids in commercial buildings
across different climates and operating profiles, National
Renewable Energy Laboratory Golden, USA.
7 D. Schnitzer, D. S. Lounsbury, J. P. Carvallo, R. Deshmukh,
J. Apt, M. Kammen. A critical review of best practices based
on seven case studies, Published by the United Nations
Foundation, February 2014.
8 A. S. Pabla, Electric Power Distribution, Tata McGraw Hill
Publishing Company, 2004.

9 H. K. Agarwal, P. Barua. Insulated and covered conductor

systems for Low and medium voltage overhead distribution
lines, IEEMA Journal, 2009.
10 N.K. Jangwala, Modern Trends and Practices in Power
Sub-transmission and Distribution Systems, Vol.-I and II,
CBIP Publication, 2010.

Dharmbir Prasad

Energy Management & Research Consultant, Supreme & Co. Pvt. Ltd.

Md Irfan Khan

Sr. Technical Team Lead in Supreme Gridtech Pvt Ltd (Supreme & Co).

Gautam Agarwal

Director, Business Development at Supreme & Co. Pvt. Ltd.

1800/-

1000/1800/2400/-

June 2016

2400/-

Rs.____________ / US $ 120 or payment advice to our

Account No.11751 Bank of India, Worli Branch, Pankaj
Mansion, Dr A.B.Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 018 is enclosed

85

Techspace

he growing population and energy demands are

inspiring mankind to search for alternate sources of
energy. Many alternative sources are being explored by
scientists and engineers all around the world to reduce
the burden on the conventional sources of energy like
fossil fuels. Renewable sources like the solar PV systems
are one of the most effective solutions to mitigate the
energy crisis situation. However, such alternative sources
require an inverter stage that converts DC to AC. The
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is one of the techniques
used at this stage to obtain AC outputs. This output
is filtered and conditioned to remove the ripples and
harmonics before it is fed to the consumers. Simulations
and comparison between Sinusoidal PWM and Space
Vector PWM are carried out using MATLAB/SIMULINK
in this paper.

India has been recognized as the fastest growing

economy, surpassing China for the second consecutive
year [1]. This rapid spurt in economy implies an increase in
per capita energy consumption. Energy Statistics-2013
by Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation[2]
shows increase in gross generation of electricity in
utilities and non-utilities in India. It also depicts the energy
production in Giga Watt-hour contributed by thermal,
hydro and nuclear power stations. In spite of tremendous
increase in production of electricity, 600 million Indians
do not have access to electricity and about 700 million
Indians use biomass as their primary energy resource
for cooking[3]. Thus, the problem of energy shortage is a
serious issue all over India.
Indias policy makers now face a challenge to provide
necessary energy to continue their extraordinary
economic growth. The conventional energy sources
already supply 70% of total energy consumption[4].

86

Power utilities offer many incentives to its consumers

for reducing energy consumption and its corresponding
expenses. Alternately, non- conventional sources of
energy such as wind farms and solar farms are being
developed to supplement the conventional sources of
energy.
The existing Indian transmission and distribution
network is old and use of digital communication and
control techniques are limited. Implementation of
Smart Grid (SG) or intelligent grid is necessary for the
advancement of existing power system for secure
integrated communication, reliable and economic power
delivery model, empowerment of the consumer, better
power quality, and inclusion of renewable energy and
optimization of existing assets[5].
As per the reports from Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy (MNRE), India has targeted creation of 20,000
MW solar power generation capacities, including 20
million solar lights by year 2022. In addition to this, the
Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) also
aims at installation of 20 million square meters of solar
thermal collector area in the same time[6]. For effective
utilization of solar energy, it is required to study various
techniques available for converting DC output of solar
PV into AC for consumers. The paper presents the
comparison between two most widely used Pulse Width
Modulation (PWM) techniques namely Sinusoidal Pulse
Width Modulation (SPWM) and Space Vector Pulse Width
Modulation (SVPWM) to be used for Solar PV conversion.
The block diagram for solar PV integration for consumer
use is illustrated in Fig. 1.

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this leads to corresponding increase in magnitudes

of higher order harmonics. This trade off is acceptable
since higher order harmonics can be easily eliminated
using filter parameters like capacitors and inductors of
lower ratings[7].
Various multilevel inverter topologies are reported in the
literature and the most common ones are Diode Clamped
Multilevel Inverter (DC-MLI), Flying Capacitor Multilevel
Inverter (FC-MLI) and Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel
Inverter(CHB-MLI) [8].Among all these techniques,
Sinusoidal PWM and Space Vector PWM are dealt in
detail in this paper.

Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM)

Fig.1. Flow diagram of Solar PV usage

The first section of the paper consists of a brief introduction

about Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). This section
further elaborates on Sinusoidal PWM and Space Vector
PWM along with simulations carried out on MATLAB/
SIMULINK. Further, comparison is done between the
outputs obtained from both the PWM techniques in
section II. In Section III of the paper, suitable conclusions
are drawn based on the observations derived from
Section II.

Pulse width modulation

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) techniques is one of
the most preferred techniques to control analog circuits
using signals originating from a digital devices like Digital
Signal Processor (DSP) or a microprocessor. The output
parameters of the analog circuit are controlled by varying
the duty cycle of the pulse modulated signal. Increasing
the duty cycle of the pulses implies an increase in the ON
time of the pulses. This correspondingly increases the
output of the analog voltage.
There are various schemes to obtain the pulse modulated
wave at the output. These schemes mainly aim to
reduce the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), minimize
voltage drop across the various elements of the circuit
like switches (IGBTs or MOSFETs) and to increase the
efficiency of the inverter. The switches are either in its
ON state or OFF state. Voltage and current through the
switches are negligible in ON and OFF state respectively.
Power loss being a product of Voltage and Current is
found to be negligible in either case. Reduction in losses
increases the efficiency of the inverter configuration.
One of the advantages of PWM techniques is that the
PWM inverters can be used to obtain outputs of variable
voltage and frequency[7]. Yet, in all the techniques that
works under the principle of PWM, the main motto is to
generate an output voltage, which after some filtering,
would result in a good quality sinusoidal voltage waveform
of desired fundamental frequency and magnitude.
Voltage distortion due to harmonics forms an
indispensible part of the output. However, by
implementing proper triggering control, the magnitude
of lower order harmonics can be minimized. However,

June 2016

Multi level Sinusoidal PWM (SPWM) is also called as multicarrier PWM. Multi-carrier PWM technique is popular
because of its simplicity, and its capability to generate
good quality output power with less computational
efforts[9]. Single modulating wave is used for analysis of
a 2 level inverter.
In Sinusoidal PWM, a low frequency sinusoidally varying
modulating wave is compared with a high frequency
triangular carrier wave. The duration, for which the
modulating wave is greater than the carrier wave,
the output of the comparator is HIGH and it is LOW
otherwise[10]. This is illustrated in Fig.2. The output of
the comparator gives the pulse modulated waveform
whose duty cycle varies according to the magnitude of
the sinusoidal modulating signal as illustrated in Fig.3.
The switching frequency can be varied by varying the
frequency of the triangular carrier wave[10].

Fig. 2: Principle of Sinusoidal PWM

a .Modulating index=0.3

b. Modulating index=0.9
Fig.3. Duty Cycle for different values of modulating signal

87

Techspace

The magnitude of the modulating signal is kept lower

than that of the carrier signal to prevent over modulation.
In case of an over modulated signal, there exists some
portion of the time period where there are no intersection
of the between the carrier wave and the modulating
signal as shown in Fig.4.

Fig.4. Sinusoidal PWM for overmodulated signals.

Depending on the nature of the gate triggering pulses,

they are divided into unipolar and bipolar Sinusoidal
PWM
hh

Bipolar PWM

In this scheme, the output of the comparator (modulating

signal as input and carrier wave as reference) is fed to
the two out of four switches placed diagonally opposite
in the H-bridge configuration and the complement of
that output is fed to the remaining two switches of the
inverter[11].
The triggering circuit used in MATLAB/SIMULINK platform
is shown in Fig.5. The DC input to the inverter is from
a solar module consisting of 90 cells each contributing
0.5V assuming an ambient temperature of 250 C.

Fig.6: Gate triggering circuit for unipolar PWM

Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM)

Space vector PWM (SVPWM) was originally developed
as a vector approach to pulse-width modulation (PWM)
for three-phase inverters. It is a PWM technique that uses
space-vectors to generate these gating durations[12].
The Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM)
method is an advanced, computation-intensive PWM
method and possibly the best among all the PWM
techniques. For three phase DC/AC power converters,
SPWM faces issues such as large noise peaks at the
multiple numbers of carrier frequencies. Moreover, space
vector modulation techniques can be easily implemented
using digital processors. Additionally, Space vector PWM
can produce about 15 percent higher output voltage than
standard Sinusoidal PWM. Hence, SVPWM is generally
preferred over SPWM for multiphase power converters[13].
For a two level inverters, there are 23= 8 possible states.
Two of them are (000 and 111) zero voltage vectors and
others are active voltage vectors. 1 switching state
represents +VDC/2 and 0 switching state represents
-VDC/2. It is shown in Fig.7.

Fig.5: Triggering circuit for bipolar SPWM

hh

Unipolar PWM

In this scheme, the positive and the negative modulating

signal are compared with the triangular carrier signal and
the output of each comparator is given to the switches of
the single leg of inverter. The complement of this pulse
is given to the other remaining two switches of the other
inverter leg[11].
The triggering circuit used to implement the above
method in MATLAB/SIMULINK is shown in Fig.6.The
input conditions are taken to the same as in case of
bipolar PWM.

88

Fig.7: Eight switching states (6 active and 2 zero) for a 2 level inverter.

To obtain the switching pulse for the 6 switches of the

inverter (two in each leg of a three phase inverter), the
simulations consist of 4 stages. Parameters like the

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reference voltage vector, position of the reference vector

in terms of the sector, time period for the active vectors
and the zero vectors and the triggering pulse duration for
each semiconductor switch is calculated in stage I, II, III
and IV respectively[14].
hh

Stage I: Reference Voltage Vector

The reference voltage is located on a 2-D plane called

the plane. The 3-D plane containing three phase
voltage is transformed into a 2-D plane using the Clarkes
transformation, also called as the transformation as
shown in Fig.8.

The reference voltage vector Vref rotates in space with

angular velocity =2f. The selection of 2 active vectors
and 1 zero vector depends on the positioning of the
reference vector in a particular sector at any given instant.
Hence, sector determination is necessary for proper
sequencing of the triggering pulse to the switches[13]. The
sector can be determined using the Table I given below:
Sr. No

Angle ()

Sector of

060

Sector A

60120

Sector B

120180

Sector C

180240

Sector D

240300

Sector E

300360

Sector F

Table 1: Look up table for Sector Determination

Stage III: Switching time

Fig. 8: Reference Vector in 2-D space

The parameters in plane in orthogonal coordinates

are given by Eq. (1) and Eq. (2)

Vref is calculated by using two active voltage vector and

one zero voltage vector. If Vref is located in Sector A,
Vref is synthesized by V1, V2 and V0. According to this
approach T1, T2 and T0 can be calculated. Similarly, if
the reference voltage vector is located in the kth sector
(1k6), the respective time is given as Eq. (3) and Eq.

Where Van, Vbn, Vcn are phase to neutral voltages of the

reference voltage in 3-D space. This reference voltage
vector rotates in space with frequency same as that of
the phase to neutral voltage vectors[13].
Based on the position of the reference voltage in space,
the corresponding active vectors and a zero vector are
switched.

Where 0 600 and Ts is Switching time period

Stage II: Sector determination

On the basis of positioning of the reference voltage

vector in each sector, active states are selected for the
corresponding time periods. It is tabulated in Table II.

The plane is divided equally into 6 sectors each with

a central angle of. A sector contains 2 active vectors and
1 zero vector to minimize switching losses. This is shown
in fig.8.

Stage IV: Switching states:

Sectors

Switching States

Sector A

V0 V1 V2 V7 V7 V2 V1 V0

Sector B

V0 V3 V2 V7 V7 V2 V3 V0

Sector C

V0 V3 V4 V7 V7 V4 V3 V0

Sector D

V0 V5 V4 V7 V7 V4 V5 V0

Sector E

V0 V5V6 V7 V7 V6 V5 V0

Sector F

V0 V1 V6 V7 V7 V6 V1 V0

Table II: Switching states for corresponding sectors

Fig. 8: Sector Diagram for 2-level inverter.

June 2016

The MATLAB/SIMULINK block diagram of space vector

PWM is shown below in Fig. 9

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Fig. 11. Gate triggering pulse

a.

Fig. 12. Output voltage across the load (unfiltered)

b
Fig. 9: Block Diagram (a) and gate triggering circuit (b) for Space Vector
PWM

Fig. 13. Output Voltage across the load (after filtering action)

Bipolar PWM

Matlab/simulink simulation results

hh

Sinusoidal PWM

Fig.14. Shows the block diagram used in MATLAB/

SIMULINK. The pulse width modulated signal is used
to trigger the switches (IGBTs/MOSFETs). It is shown in
Fig.15. The output voltage across the load is measured
and illustrated in Fig.16 (unfiltered) and Fig.17 (filtered).

hh

Unipolar PWM

Fig.10. Shows the block diagram used in MATLAB/

SIMULINK. The pulse width modulated signal is used
to trigger the switches (IGBTs/MOSFETs). It is shown in
Fig.11. The output voltage across the load is measured
and illustrated in Fig.12 (unfiltered) and Fig.13 (filtered).

Fig. 10: Block Diagram in MATLAB/SIMULINK

90

Fig. 14. Block Diagram in MATLAB/SIMULINK

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Techspace

Fig. 15: Gate triggering pulse

Fig. 17: Phase Voltage across the load

Fig. 14: Output Voltage across the load (unfiltered)

Fig. 18: THD for space vector PWM

Fig. 15: Output Voltage across the load (after filtering action)

Space Vector PWM

The line voltage obtained for a three phase inverter
configuration is as shown in Fig.16. The phase to neutral
voltage for the same circuit is illustrated in Fig.17.

Fig. 19: THD for sinusoidal PWM

Comparison between Spwm and Svpwm

Space Vector PWM (SVPWM) and Sinusoidal PWM
(SPWM) are compared on the basis of Total Harmonic
Distortion (THD) and its DC bus utilization. The DC bus
utilization between the above mentioned methods is
done theoretically[15]. The Total Harmonic Distortion is
compared using simulation.

Fig. 16: Line Voltage across the load

June 2016

Thus, we can observe that the DC bus utilization using

SVPWM is 1.1547 times greater than the DC bus
utilization using SPWM. Due to higher DC bus utilization,

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Techspace

the magnitude of AC voltage obtained is greater for

SVPWM than SPWM for the same DC input voltage.
Moreover, the THD for space vector PWM is 15.0461
times lower than sinusoidal PWM. The THD values of
space vector PWM and sinusoidal PWM is 93.52% and
1407.12% respectively as shown in Fig. 18 and Fig.19.
Thus, space vector PWM is a better method, in comparison
to Sinusoidal PWM, to convert the power obtained from
solar panel (DC) for domestic and industrial use (AC) due
to lower THD and higher DC bus utilization.

Conclusion
According to new challenge taken up by the Union
Government, 100 cities around India will be transformed
into a Smart City with amenities ranging from renewable
energy sources, smart energy meters etc. Additionally,
India plans to install 100,000MW of solar power capacity
by 2022. Therefore, along with development of efficient
solar panels, developments of converter and inverter
techniques also play a vital role in extracting energy from
green fuels.
Space Vector PWM can be one such method that can
be used to provide energy from solar PV cells to the
end users. Moreover, it is done by minimizing THD and
increasing the efficiency of the inverter. These techniques
can ameliorate the current energy crisis and provide
some respite to the growing pressure on fossil fuels.
REFERENCES
1 The Hindu. July 9, 2015. Indias economic growth to beat
China in 2015: IMF.
2 Available:
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/
imf-predicts-indias-economic-growth-to-beat-china-in-2016/
article7404159.ece
3 Central Statistics Office, National Statistical Organization,
Energy Statistics-2013, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, New Delhi, India, 2013, Twentieth
Issue.
4 Planning commission Of India, September 18, 2014. Power
and Energy.
5 Available:http://planningcommission.nic.in/sectors/index.
php?sectors=energy
6 Sinha, Arup, S. Neogi, R. N. Lahiri, S. Chowdhury, S. P.
Chowdhury, and N. Chakraborty. Role of Demand Side
Management for power distribution utility in India. In Power and Energy Society General Meeting, 2011 IEEE, pp. 1-8.
IEEE, 2011.
7 Acharjee, P., and Jagadeesh Gunda. Development prospect of smart grid in India. In Power and Energy (PECon),
2010 IEEE International Conference on, pp. 953-957. IEEE,
2010.
8 Mukhopadhyay, Subrata, Sushil K. Soonee, Ravindra Joshi,
and Ashok K. Rajput. On the progress of renewable energy
integration into smart grids in India. In Power and Energy
Society General Meeting, 2012 IEEE, pp. 1-6. IEEE, 2012.
9 EE IIT, Kharagpur, DC to AC Converters Lesson 36,3-Phase
Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) Inverter.
10 Available:www.nptel.ac.in/courses/.../PDF/L-36(DP)
(PE)%20((EE)NPTEL).pdf
11 Sarkar, Indrajit, and B. G. Fernandes. Modified hybrid mul-

92

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

ti-carrier PWM technique for cascaded H-Bridge multilevel

inverter. In Industrial Electronics Society, IECON 2014-40th
Annual Conference of the IEEE, pp. 4318-4324. IEEE, 2014.
Liu, Congwei, Bin Wu, Navid R. Zargari, DeweiXu, and Jiacheng Wang. A novel three-phase three-leg ac/ac converter using nine IGBTs. Power Electronics, IEEE Transactions
on 24, no. 5 (2009): 1151-1160.
Hussin, H., A. Saparon, M. Muhamad, and M. D. Risin. Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) design and implementation by focusing on reducing harmonic content. In
Mathematical/Analytical Modelling and Computer Simulation
(AMS), 2010 Fourth Asia International Conference on, pp.
620-623. IEEE, 2010.
Al-Kandari, Ahmad M., and Tamer H. Abdelhamid. A sinusoidal PWM control for four-quadrant single-phase drive
system. In Electrotechnical Conference, 2002. MELECON
2002. 11th Mediterranean, pp. 147-151. IEEE, 2002.
Kelly, John W., Elias G. Strangas, and John M. Miller. Multiphase space vector pulse width modulation. Energy Conversion, IEEE Transactions on 18, no. 2 (2003): 259-264.
Omar, Rosli, and N. A. Rahim. Implementation and control
of a dynamic voltage restorer using Space Vector Pulse
Width Modulation (SVPWM) for voltage sag mitigation. In
Technical Postgraduates (TECHPOS), 2009 International
Conference for, pp. 1-6. IEEE, 2009.
Tolunay, Bengi. Space Vector Pulse Width Modulationfor Three-Level Converters: a LabVIEW Implementation.
(2012).
EE IIT, Kharagpur, DC to AC Converters Lesson 38,Other
Popular Pulse Width Modulated (P WM) techniques.
Available:www.nptel.ac.in/courses/.../PDF/L-36(DP)
(PE)%20((EE) NPTEL).pdf

Priya Raghuraman

Department of Electrical Engineering

V.J.T.I. Mumbai, India
priyaraghuraman26@gmail.com

Vinayak Kamble

Department of Electronics Engineering

V.I.T. Mumbai, India
vinayak.kamble10@gmail.com

Shantam Chavan

Department of Electrical Engineering

V.J.T.I. Mumbai, India
shantanchavan@gmail.com

June 2016

Techspace

PV solar plant of 40MW capacity is established

in Dhursar, Rajasthan, India. The DC output from
individual solar panels is converted to AC through
inverters. Inverter outputs are summed up and the
consolidated output is stepped to 33kV with 380V /
33kV transformers. The transformers feed 33kV bus of
switchyard through over head lines. In the switchyard,
33kV voltage is further stepped up using two numbers
220/33 kV Step UP Transformers (SUTs). A 32KM
overhead line, owned by Power Plant Operator, connects
Dhursar 220kV substation to Deechu substation of State
utility (Grid). The power evacuation scheme is shown in
Fig 1. Circuit breaker positions are omitted to simplify
the network details. Details of CSP (Concentrated Solar
Plant), installed at the same location, are omitted as this is
not directly relevant to present analysis and discussions.

Fig 1

94

During night time, when the PV plant is down, small

auxiliary power to the extent of 500KW is drawn over
the Deechu Dhursar EHV line. In the vicinity of plant,
MV or LV lines are not present that could have supplied
the auxiliary power. Tariff meter at Deechu substation is
used for billing purpose towards import of power from
grid to plant. The lightly loaded EHV line generates not
so insignificant capacitive charging MVAR. In the present
case, assuming 0.14MVAR/KM for line charging, the
32KM long line will generate about 4.5MVAR. Depending
on the actual voltage at which EHV line operates,
charging VAR will vary (proportional to V2). Though the
active power drawn on the line is (maximum) 0.5MW,
because of charging VAR of line, the tariff meter at grid
station registers maximum demand of about 5MVA.
Assuming demand charges of Rs 160/KVA/month, fixed
charges work out Rs 8 lacs per month.
It is desirable to reduce the contract demand to a minimum
so that high fixed charges are not paid for drawing just
500KW during night time. One straight forward and well
known solution is to install a shunt reactor of 4 to 5 MVAR
at 33kV to nullify the capacitive charging current from
line. The reactor can be switched in during night time and
switched off during day time. This will directly reduce the
demand within 1 MVA.
Another (unconventional) alternative is to operate the
two 220/33kV transformers in parallel and deliberately
keep the taps of transformers very different (say one
at+5% and the other at -5%). This results in circulating
current between the two transformers. The circulating
current produces reactive loss and thus acts like a shunt
reactor. The reactive loss in transformer compensates the
capacitive generation from line. This results in reduced
demand from grid station.
This article presents the results obtained from tests done
at site operating the transformer in parallel with nonidentical taps.

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Analysis prior to site testing

Before attempting this novel exercise at site, extensive
analytical and simulation studies were done for parallel
operation with different taps to estimate the differential
voltage to be kept to reduce the demand at grid substation
to less than 1 MVA.
Parameters of Step Up Transformer (SUT) are given
below:
Rating: 50 / 60 / 75 MVA (ONAN / ONAF / OFAF)
Voltage: 220 / 33 kV
Tap Range: 10% in steps of 1.25%
Tap 1 242 / 33 kV

of abundant caution, it was decided to restrict operating

flux density to below 1.85T. This corresponds to a tap
12. Hence the tap range available is 1(+10%) for one
transformer and 12(-3.75%) for other transformer. Studies
were done varying the taps within this permissible range.

Approximate differential voltage estimation

Assume reactive compensation
requirement = Q = 5MVAR
Q = 5 / 75 = 0.0667pu
XT = 11.8% = 0.118pu
Let differential voltage when taps of the two transformers
are non-identical = V
Refer Fig 2. When switch S is closed, circulating current
flows. Refer Cl 6.2 [2].

Tap 9(N) 220 / 33 kV

Tap 17 198 / 33 kV
Rated Impedance on 75 MVA: 11. 6% on Tap 9 (Nominal)
: 12.08% on Tap 1
: 11.70% on Tap 17
For simulation purposes, transformer impedance is
considered as 11.8%.
Base current IB = 75 / (1.732 x 33) = 1.312 kA

Permissible tap range to avoid overfluxing

During the testing, transformers should not be subjected
to over fluxing condition[1]. The design flux density is 1.7T
at all taps. Testing was planned after 7PM when the PV
plant shuts down. Based on recent records of 220kV
grid voltage profile after 7PM, the maximum grid voltage
expected during testing was 230kV. For applied voltage
of 230kV, the operating flux density at different taps is
shown in Table 1.
Tap No

10

-2.5 -3.75

-6.25

-10

Circulating current IC = V / 2XT

Calculated Reactive Loss = IC2 x 2XT = V2 / 2XT = Q
V = Sqrt(Q x 2XT) = 0.1255pu
The approximate voltage difference required is 12.55%.
This will create circulating current that will produce
reactive loss of 5 MVAR.
This is verified by detailed load flow simulation described
in next section.

1.82 1.85

1.90

1.97

Load flow studies

11

12

14

17

HV Vol kV 242 231 220 217.25 214.5 211.75 206.25 198

HV Vol % +10 +5
BOPE T

-1.25

1.62 1.69 1.78 1.80

LV Vol kV

Fig 2

33

Table 1

Refer Fig 3 for base case when both transformers are at

nominal tap. The circulating current is zero. The demand
from grid is 5.041 MVA.

For example
Operating flux density at Tap 1 = (230/242) x 1.7 = 1.62T
Operating flux density at Tap 9(N)=(230/220)x1.7= 1.78T
Operating flux density at Tap 17=(230/198) x 1.7 = 1.97T
The above gives a clue that initially keep the tap of one
transformer at 9 and progressively change the tap of
other transformer towards 1(positive maximum). In this
way, there is no danger of over fluxing. If the demand from
Deechu to Dhursar does not fall below 1MVA, even after
keeping the tap at 1 on one transformer, change the tap of
other transformer towards 17 (negative maximum). But in
this case we must ensure that operating flux density does
not exceed saturation flux density of 1.9T. As a measure

June 2016

Fig 3

95

Techspace

Tap No (%)

SUT1

SUT2

9 (0)

9 (0)

8
(+1.25)

Differential
Voltage
(%)

Demand from Grid

Reactive Compensation
MVAR

ICIR Amps

MVA

Calculated

Measured

Calculated

Measured

Calculated

Measured

5.041

4.855

9 (0)

1.25

69.0

69.92

0.048

0.040

4.993

4.815

7
(+2.50)

9 (0)

2.50

135.5

140.17

0.189

0.125

4.853

4.730

6
(+3.75)

9 (0)

3.75

201.0

205.07

0.415

0.265

4.628

4.590

5
(+5.00)

9 (0)

5.00

265.0

269.60

0.721

0.570

4.324

4.285

4
(+6.25)

9 (0)

6.25

327.5

332.37

1.101

0.945

3.947

3.910

3
(+7.50)

9 (0)

7.50

388.0

392.33

1.548

1.353

3.504

3.505

2
(+8.75)

9 (0)

8.75

447.5

453.52

2.059

1.833

2.999

3.025

1
(+10.0)

9 (0)

10.00

505.5

509.83

2.628

2.376

2.440

2.485

11.25

575.5

581.70

3.410

3.266

1.682

1.605

12.50

647.5

647.10

4.318

4.152

0.859

0.715

1
(+10.0)
1
(+10.0)

10
(-1.25)
11
(-2.50)

Table - 2

Next, tap of SUT1 is kept at 8 (+1.25%) while that of

SUT2 is unchanged at 9. Refer Table 2 and Fig 4. The
circulating current between the transformers is 69A which
produces reactive loss. The demand from grid reduces to
4.993MVA.

Fig 5
Fig 4
In Fig 5, tap of SUT1 is at 1 (+10%) while that of SUT2 is
at 9. The circulating current is 505.5A. The demand from
grid reduces to 2.44 MVA.

96

In Fig 6, tap of SUT1 is at 1 (+10%) while that of SUT2 is at

11(-2.5%). The circulating current is 647.5A. The demand
from grid reduces to 0.859MVA. Thus with a differential
voltage of 12.5%, the demand from grid reduces below
1MVA which is the desired objective.

June 2016

Techspace

Measurement of reactive compensation achieved

Reactive power on tariff meter at Deechu end is measured.
hh

With both transformers on nominal tap (Tap 9),

Measured reactive power = Q0

hh

With non-identical taps, measured reactive power = QK

Measured reactive compensation achieved = Q0 - QK

Measurement of MVA
The MVA demand is a direct measurement read from
tariff meter at Deechu end.

Comparison between measured and calculated

values
Refer Table 2.

(i) Testing started with taps of SUT1 and SUT2 kept at

nominal values (Tap 9). The measured values are:

Circulating current @ 0

Demand = 4.855MVA

Power factor = 0.043

Testing at site

MVAR = 4.8505

The above theoretical analysis gave us confidence to

go ahead with testing at site. Before starting the test, all
the existing switchyard protections and schemes were
checked and corrective actions where ever required were
ensured to prevent inadvertent tripping during testing. A
template was made to note down the following for each
set of taps:

(ii) Tap of SUT1 is changed to 8(+1.25%) while tap of

SUT2 tap is unchanged.at 9. The measured values
are:

Fig 6

yy Tap numbers of SUT1 and SUT2

yy Grid Voltage

Circulating current = 69.92A

Demand = 4.815MVA

Power factor = 0.044

MVAR = 4.8103

Reactive compensation realized = 4.8505 4.8103

= 0.0402MVAR

yy MVA and pf from grid as registered in tariff meter

at Deechu

yy Currents on 33kV side of transformers

(iii) Tap of SUT1 is changed to 7(+2.5%) while tap of

SUT2 is unchanged.at 9. The measured values are:

yy OTI and WTI readings

Circulating current = 140.17A

yy Operating current and restraining current as

Demand = 4.73MVA

Power factor = 0.043

MVAR = 4.7256

Reactive compensation realized = 4.8505 4.7256

= 0.1249MVAR

registered by differential protection for each

transformer.

Automatic control of OLTC was disabled. Tap changing

was done locally. Since this type of testing is one of a kind
and rarely attempted before, engineers were stationed
locally near the transformers to notice any abnormal
increase in vibration or noise during testing.

Measurement of circulating current

On 33kV side, phase currents (magnitude) for both
transformers are measured. The circulating current is
derived as follows:
Three phase currents from SUT1: IR1, IY1, IB1
Three phase currents from SUT2: IR2, IY2, IB2
Measured Circulating current IC = (IR1 + IY1 + IB1 + IR2 +
IY2 + IB2) / 6

June 2016

(iv)
Similar measurements were taken till SUT1 tap
is at 1(+10%) with tap of SUT2 is unchanged at 9. The
demand has come down to 2.485MVA (Refer Table 2).
Next, the tap of SUT2 was raised to 10 and then to 11
(-2.5%) with tap of SUT1 at 1. The measured values are:

Circulating current = 647.1A (49% of IRAT)

Demand = 0.715MVA

Power factor = 0.214

MVAR = 0.6984

Reactive compensation realized = 4.8505 0.6984

= 4.1521MVAR

97

Techspace

v) Measured reactive compensation for differential

voltage of 1.25% is 0.0402 MVAR {Refer Cl(ii) above}.
When differential voltage is increased ten times
(12.5%), {Refer Cl(iv) above} the measured reactive
compensation increases by almost 100 times to
4.1521 MVAR. This exponential increase in reactive
compensation (proportional to IC2) with increase in
differential voltage can be seen from Fig 7.
(vi) Further increase in tap of SUT2 to Tap 12 will make
the drawl from grid reactive but the demand will be almost
the same with tap of SUT2 at Tap 11. Hence the testing
was terminated with taps of SUT1 and SUT2 at Tap 1 and
Tap 11 respectively.
(vii) With tap of SUT1 at 1 and tap of SUT2 at 11, the
goal to get the demand at Deechu below 1MVA is
achieved. This corresponds to a differential voltage
of 12.5% and is in line with analytical predictions.
(viii) Comparisons between calculated values (from load
flow studies) and values obtained from test at site
are shown in Fig 7, Fig 8 and Fig 9. The calculated
and test values are in close agreement.

Fig 8

Minor errors could be attributed to following:

hh

Calculated values assume constant voltage on EHV

side. During measurement at site, grid voltage is not
steady and varies when readings are taken at different
instances of time. Grid voltage varied between
225.6kV and 227.4 kV during the testing period.

hh

Calculated values assume constant impedance

at all taps. In practice, there is a small variation in
impedance at different taps.

hh

Since the quantity measured is low (less than 5 MVA

at 220kV), inherent meter error cant be avoided.

(vii) During the entire testing duration transformers were

operated under ONAN conditions. WTI and OTI readings
of both the transformers were monitored. The maximum
recorded values were 45C and 42C for WTI and OTI.
These are much below the alarm and trip settings which
are in the range of 90C to 100C.

Fig 7

The conventional wisdom during parallel operation of

transformers is to keep the taps of both transformers
identical. Specific master follower control schemes
have been developed for OLTC operation to achieve
this golden rule. The main reason is to avoid circulating
current between transformers which only adds to heating
of transformer. In the present case, the golden rule has
been deliberately broken. The taps of both transformers
are kept widely different to circulate substantial current
between the transformers. The circulating current
produces reactive power loss and the effect of shunt
reactor is achieved without a physical reactor being
present. The reactive loss in transformer compensates
capacitive VARs produced in EHV system. This has
been successfully demonstrated at site at 220kV level.
In India, this may be one of the few instances where
parallel operation with such large deviation in taps at
EHV level has been attempted. The same idea could be
extended by system control operators for mitigating over
voltage problems even at grid levels. Another interesting
application could be for testing Differential / REF schemes
passing substantially large primary currents.
REFERENCES
[1] Transformer engineering Design and practice, S V Kulkarni
and S A Khaparde, Marcel Dekker, 2004.
[2] Power transformers - Application guide, IEC 60076-8, 1997

K Rajamani
Abhijit Mandal

Fig 8

98

Reliance Infrastructure Ltd

June 2016

CaseStudy

The Company
CESC Limited, an RP-Sanjiv Goenka
Group Company is engaged in the
generation and distribution of electricity
in
Kolkata
and
Howrah
spread
across 567 sq kms of licensed area.
Its history goes back to 1897 with
the advent of electricity distribution in India
and registration of The Calcutta Electric
Supply Corporation Limited in London.
Commencing with small DC Dynamos and
DC 3-wire distribution and going on to AC
Generation and distribution with conversion
to DC through Mercury Arc Rectifiers and
Motor Converters and then gradually to higher voltages
of AC distribution, larger Thermal Power Plants, large HT
consumers such as Jute Mills and growing consumer
base and end-usages such as for electric street lamps
replacing gas-lit lamps, electric tram cars in lieu of
horse-driven trams, powering the Raj and the populace,
the Company grew in size rapidly. Post-Independence
the Company continued to grow and in 1970 the control
of the Company was transferred to India with the
new name The Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation
(India) Limited. From the mid 70s, load-shedding
became a bane.
Association with the RPG Group commenced in 1989
with new generating stations and expansion to EHT.
Load-shedding soon became a thing of the past. Late
Dr R.P.Goenka, Chairman of CESC Limited passed away
in April 2013, while his son Sanjiv Goenka took over
as the Chairman of CESC Ltd after his fathers demise.
The Company thereafter stepped onto the fast track
with focus on service and delivery backed up by smart
technologies.

100

Today, CESC has 3 Thermal Power

Plants within its Licensed Area with
aggregate installed capacity of 1125
MW. Power is also imported from
Haldia Energy Limited, a subsidiary
of CESC Limited, through dedicated
transmission lines as well as from other
Agencies as needed, through multiple
network connectivity to STU and CTU.
The key voltage levels in the Distribution
Network are 220 kV, 132 kV, 33 kV, 11
kV, 6 kV and MVAC.
In 2016 summer the peak demand
was 2059 MW and in the last FY,
9201 MU of energy was sold about
32% to 1750 HT consumers and the balance 68% to 3
Million LT consumers. Overall, the Domestic, Industrial,
Commercial & `Other sales were about 46%, 23%,
21%, and 10% respectively. The HT to LT ratio of sales
continues to decline.
Various initiatives have been taken to enhance the T&D
Network in recent years to improve reliability, use less
space, reduce losses further, be more consumer-centric
and usher in a Smart Grid.

Load Growth
At present, CESC annual load growth is about 4%. It is
interesting to note the rise in use of Air-conditioners in
recent years is being offset by increasing usage of LED
lights in homes and offices. This summer, CESC saw a 4
fold increase in new applications for AC loads compared
to last summer! With more and more energy-efficient
appliances and rapid climate change, it is not easy to
forecast load growth accurately. Rooftop solar is also
picking up in the city. Then there is also an inundation
of Battery-powered auto-rickshaws whose charging also
influence the load curve.

June 2016

CaseStudy

T&D Assets
CESC strives to enhance reliability by ensuring N-1
redundancy. This has already been achieved fully at the
EHT level and is largely available at lower voltages.
The T&D assets end March-16 include 3877 MVA
of Substation capacity comprising 220/132/33 kV
Transformers (160 MVA, Auto Star-Delta) and 132/33
kV Transformers (75 and 50 MVA, Star-Delta) across
22 Substations and 3642 MVA of Distribution Station
capacity with 33/11-6 kV Transformers (now mostly 20
MVA, Delta-Star) at 113 locations. Earthing Transformers
are used in the 33 kV network. Adequate fire-protection
measures such as use of NIDS (Nitrogen Injection, Drain
and Stir) and HVWS (High Velocity Water Spray) systems
are adopted.
To save on space, CESC has also commissioned multiwinding Transformers a case in point are the 75 MVA
Transformers at Patuli which have windings at 4 voltages
132, 33, 11 and 6 kV !
Modern CESC Substations invariably use compact 220
kV, 132 kV and 33 kV GIS switchboards, mostly Double
Busbar type. AIS switchboards are used at 11 kV and 6
kV. There are over 800 Nos 33 kV GIS/AIS breakers and
1900 Nos 11kV & 6 kV breakers.
With decades of experience in in-house Substation
design, CESC has designed and commissioned an
integrated GIS Substation at New Cossipore which
houses 220kV, 132kV and 33 kV GIS switchboards and
Relay and Control Panels in the same compact building.
There are 2 Nos 220 kV Substations today and more
are planned in the years ahead. Detailed load flow,
contingency and other studies have been done to arrive
at optimum network expansion plans over the next
decade and this would entail a 220 kV ring in the city and
additional power import lines from STU/CTU which may
be at 400 kV.
The design of CESC Distribution Stations have been
modified and standardized to typically have 2x20 MVA,
33/11-6 kV Transformers. The incoming 33 kV cables
are now standardized to 40 MVA so that any one
cable can take the load of both Transformers in case
of a cable fault. Accordingly, a DBB 33 kV GIS board
is also commissioned at such Stations to afford such
flexibility there are typically 2 Incomers, 2 circuits for
the Transformers, a Bus-Coupler and 1 or 2 extra 33 kV
outlets to enable formation of 33 kV `Cluster network
in the vicinity for redundancy and reliability. The Station
usually has 2 downstream switchboards one at 11 kV
and the other at 6 kV each with a Capacitor Bank.
The Company uses predominantly Underground XLPE
cables current assets end March-16 are: 40 ckm at 220
kV (800 sq mm Cu, single core), 284 ckm at 132 kV (800
sq mm Cu, single core), 1435 ckm at 33 kV (mostly 1000
sq mm, single core Al now) and 6394 ckm at 11 & 6 kV
(mostly 300 sq mm, 3-core Al now).
LT distribution network, end March-16, has 7546 ckm of
3-1/2 core UG cable (240 sq mm Al for distributors and 70

June 2016

and 25 sq mm Al for services) and 5280 ckm of Overhead

lines. LT overhead lines are strung across 1.4 lakh M.S.
poles using `Racoon phase wires (including an additional
wire for Street lighting) and `Ferret neutral wire. These
lines are either in Delta or Vertical formation and have
Gap spacers and Safety Devices. Regular maintenance
is carried out. The Company is endeavouring to reduce
LT lines but this is very difficult in view of constraints in
extending HT lines due to space constraints in the city to
put up DTs deep inside localities with very narrow lanes.
There are over 30,000 LT Pillar Boxes with 4 or 6
distributors each these have wire fuses which often lead
to spurious fusing because of loose connections. About
15,000 of these Pillar Boxes have been replaced by a
`Modified Pillar Box using HRC fuses and the problem
of nuisance fusing has been eliminated at these places.
Such replacements are continuing at a fast pace.
EHT Joints and Terminations (Cable Sealing Ends, GIS
terminations, Transformer cable box terminations) use
imported kits this is an area, relating to EHT accessories,
where indigenous manufacturers may explore entering.
For Joints and Terminations in the 6kV 33kV range, heat
shrinkable kits are the mainstay with good indigenous
availability. In LT, polyurethane filled joints and heatshrinkable termination kits are mainly used.
CESC also has EHT and HT Overhead towers and lines
end March-16 the lengths of such lines were: 221 ckm
at 220 kV, 81 ckm at 132 kV, 92 ckm at 33 kV and 87
ckm at 11 and 6 kV. The EHT lines are D/C Moose but
Multi-circuit towers are also used at places. At one place
in the Budge Budge-EM Substation 220 kV line, due
to non- availability of overhead corridor, for conversion
from overhead to underground, an innovative Gantry
arrangement was done on a narrow embankment
between two canals and the underground cable was laid
on a suspension bridge to cross the 70m wide canal.
The EHT lines are mostly cross-country and used for
evacuating power from Budge Budge Generating Station
and for river crossings at 2 stretches at Titagarh-Rishra
and Belur-New Cossipore.
Apart from these, there is a dedicated 90 km (route
length) long 400 kV Overhead D/C line from Haldia
Energy Limited to PGCIL Substation at Subhasgram
and at 220 kV from there to CESCs East Metropolitan
Substation. The latter line has special HTLS
GTACSR (High Temperature Low Sag Gap Type ACSR)
conductor and ACSS (Aluminium Conductor Steel
Supported) conductor to enable evacuation of 500 MW
power at 220 kV.

Underground 132 kV Substation

Availability of land and road frontage for laying cables
is a problem in Kolkata which has only 6% road area as
compared to 25% in Delhi and about 18% in Mumbai.
Several initiatives have therefore been taken to save on
space one such example is the 132/33 kV Substation at
Park Circus where the 132 kV and 33 kV GIS Switchgear
have been commissioned underground below the `Quest
Shopping Mall. There are 2 levels below the ground

101

CaseStudy

one for the 132 kV DBB GIS 7-panel switchboard and

the other for the 33 kV DBB 15-panel GIS switchboard.
The building goes 12 metres below ground level. The
GIS switchboards also have their corresponding Relay
Control Panels. Each underground floor has an area of
only 480 sq metres.

transferring outdoor EHT/HT AIS to Indoor GIS, taking

care to re-route Power and control cables without
causing damage and ensuring changeover with virtually
no interruption of supply to consumers.

As on date, the Substation has been commissioned

with 1x75 MVA, 132/33 kV Power Transformer located at
ground level with space for a second similar Transformer
in the near future.
To the best of our knowledge, this is the countrys
first underground Substation in a Discom housing an
EHT switchboard.

Integrated 220 kV/132 kV/33 kV GIS Substation at New Cossipore

Underground 132 kV Substation at Park Circus

Space Consolidation Conversion of EHT Outdoor Yard to GIS
Substation in progress

Use of Power Transformers with Unit Cooling

Underground 132 kV Substation at Park Circus another view

Space Consolidation Conversion of Outdoor

EHT Switchyards to Indoor GIS
As a policy, the Company now commissions Gas Insulated
Substations at 220 kV, 132 kV and 33 kV levels which
occupy less space vis--vis conventional Air-Insulated
Switchgear. With several AIS Outdoor Yards already
commissioned in the city earlier, CESC is progressively
converting these to Indoor GIS thereby freeing space
for further expansion within the same premises. It is
estimated that 325 MVA may be augmented in existing
premises in this way.
Such conversion work comes with its own set of
challenges construction of GIS building in phases,

102

Another measure to reduce space requirements is using

Unit Cooled Power Transformers. These use compact
fins with high-speed fans to cool the oil in place of
conventional radiators. CESC has commissioned such
a 100 MVA, 132/33 kV Transformer successfully. The
Transformer footprint is almost 35% smaller than a
conventionally cooled Transformer. Again, to the best of
our knowledge, CESC is the first Discom to have used
such a Transformer. The potential for saving on space
at Stations is substantial. For example, CESC intends to
upgrade the 2x75 MVA, 132/33 kV Transformers at the
city centre at BBD Bag (where no land for expansion is
available) with such Unit- cooled Transformers thereby
adding about 50 MVA capacity in the same space.

Crossing the River Hoogly Past and Present

Marvels
Since the Licensed area of CESC is on both banks of
the River Hoogly, it is necessary to criss-cross the river
at several points both with overhead lines across towers
and through submarine cables.
There is also a unique Tunnel constructed below the bed
of the Hoogly near Garden Reach-Botanical Garden way
back in 1931. The tunnel is 631 metres long, 1.8 metres in
diameter and 27.5 metres below the ground level. It was
and still is truly an engineering feat. The tunnel today has

June 2016

CaseStudy

132 kV and 33 kV cables passing through it. Maintenance

crew can work easily inside.
A recent feat of Engineering in crossing the Hoogly is
at Kukrahati-Raichak, which is wide and navigable, by
installing two River Crossing Towers (one in River bed
and the other on the River bank) of height 236 M and
weight 1800 MT each, with a span of 1572 M, which is the
highest Transmission Line Tower in India. It is a part of the
400 kV Overhead D/C line from Haldia Energy Limited to
PGCIL Subhasgram.

T&D Loss Reduction

T&D Loss in CESC which is about 11.6% include losses
of EHT network (220 kV, 132 kV) and increased losses
due to use of legacy 6 kV Distribution network. Had the
Distribution network been at 11 kV and if only losses
at and below 33 kV are considered for a matching
comparison with most other Discoms the losses would
be comfortably in the single digit.
Though almost a third of the 6 kV lines have been
upgraded to 11 kV, the costs are increasingly prohibitive
for continued conversion.
Apart from usual practices adopted to reduce technical
and non-technical losses, measures include use of
cutout-less services (using MCBs), Analytics to help
identify high-loss areas and investigate consumptiondrops, rationalization of LT lines, extending HVDS where
feasible, use of HTABC and LTABC, replacement of
Electro-mechanical Meters by Static meters and use of
Capacitor Banks and APFCs .

Use of Ring Main Units and their Automation

CESC has installed more than 5000 Nos Ring Main Units
(RMUs) in the 11 kV and 6 kV Network over a number
of years. These RMUs are SF6-Gas enclosed 3-way
and 4-way units with Busbar and load-break, faultmake Isolators. Each ``leg of every RMU has a phasesegregated Fault Passage Indicator (FPI) which operate
whenever fault current passes through the corresponding
Isolator. The fault is cleared by the upstream Feeder
Breaker at the Distribution Station. Engineers simply
have to inspect and check for the section in the network
where upstream FPIs have operated and downstream
FPIs have not to rapidly locate the faulty section.
Thereafter the section is isolated and power restored
from adjacent lines in the Ring Main system by closing
`Normally Open Isolators.

Cable Tunnel beneath Hoogly

A few RMUs also have a Circuit Breaker unit typically

used at feeder bifurcations and at HT consumer premises.
The use of RMUs, densely dispersed across the HT
network, has reduced the restoration time in the event
of faults by 75% - from about 4 hours earlier to about an
hour today. This again is often cited as a benchmark by
Discoms in the country.
400 kV River crossing across Hoogly tallest transmission towers in India

Protection
CESC has over 30,000 protective relays, mostly numeric
and static, from several well-known manufacturers. For
EHT networks at and above 132 kV, the Companys
philosophy is to use 2 Main and 1 Backup protection
system. At and below 33 kV, 1 Main and 1 Backup
protection system is used. Unit protection is used for all
elements from EHT down to 11 kV and 6 kV Busbars.
For EHT lines, Distance and Line Differential protection
is used. CESC uses its own Optical Fibre cable for
inter-relay communication. For Transformers, standard
protection relays including Differential, REF etc are used.

June 2016

All RMUs installed can also be monitored and operated

from remote. This entails retro-fitting Motor Drives to
operate the Isolators and use of communicable FRTUs for
interface with SCADA systems. Earlier trials, using data
communication over GPRS and CDMA networks, yielded
very low throughputs on the IEC-60870-5-104 protocol
used often less than 60%. CESC is therefore using end
to end optical fibre network for RMU Automation with
appropriate optical Ethernet switches. Over 400 RMUs
controlling sensitive installations such as Government
Hospitals, Pumping Stations, Public Buildings etc have
been Automated till date. Pending successful rollout of
a Field Area Network such as RF Mesh for last mile
communication, CESC will continue to use full fibre for
the time being for further RMU Automation.

103

CaseStudy

DTs, consumer indexed databases, GIS-mapped vehicle

tracking systems to name a few.
As regards LT Automation, CESC is already deploying
different types of automation products (some developed
in-house) for various applications in LT network like Fuse
failure indication, Automatic LT changeover, Supply fail
SMS alert etc
These are now on GPRS but once RF Mesh or other Field
Area Network is established, such `Internet of Things
devices will grow exponentially.

Fault Prevention & Restoration practices

Automated RMUs with of communications

National Benchmarks New Connections in a

Day and Lowest DT Failure Rate
CESC now offers new connections with over 90%
applicants getting supply within a day! This is possible
because of streamlined IT support and Business
Process Re-Engineering. In a metropolis like Kolkata,
service lines of 40-70 kW capacity are invariably in
place to almost all existing premises. New connections/
additional loads are mostly required in flats/ dwellingunits within such premises (growth is mostly vertical in
cities today) and so only a new meter has to be looped
in. With online applications, pre-inspected premises and
instant payment processing, the meters are fixed the
same day. In cases where a new service line is needed,
Overhead services have no ROW (Right of Way) issues.
For Underground service cables, small cuttings, laying
of cables deep inside lanes and bye lanes and in city
outskirts usually pose no major ROW issues. Increasing
use of Micro-Tunnelling also obviates ROW issues.
CESC has over 8000 Distribution Transformers (8039
Nos aggregating 2704 MVA as on end March-16) with
the lowest failure rate (< 0.5%) in the country. The DTs
are mostly 400 kVA, 6/0.4 kV or 11/0.4 kV though dualratio 11-6/0.4 kV DTs are being increasingly used. Drytype DTs are used in crowded localities and those inside
residential buildings. DTs in CESC have several fittings
not found in most Discoms HRC fuses are used both on
the HT and LT sides. The LT side has a Combination fuseswitch. Side-entry cable boxes and Isolators are also
used on the HT side. All these measures particularly
the use of HRC fuses, protect the DT from damage due
to external faults. Assiduous loading of DTs by constant
monitoring of DT loads through AMR ensures that they
are not overloaded. All these measures add up to help
keep the DT failure rate to < 0.5% per annum, which is a
National benchmark.

LT Control Centres & LT Innovations

CESC has a hierarchical system of attending to LT fuse
calls and faults. Field Force with vehicles and mobiles
carry out fault location and repairs, monitored and
controlled by Regional Control Centres. In turn, there is
an apex LT Control Centre manned 24/7 by Engineers
to tightly track all activities and any delays. A rich array
of IT-enabled tools are available to them loading of

104

Aggressive measures have been taken in recent years

to bring down occurrences of faults in the T&D network.
These include network reinforcement, load management,
enhanced equipment specifications and use of IT-based
planning tools.
Condition monitoring and condition based maintenance
are a focus area with an entire Department devoted
for the program. Thermal imaging, measurement of
partial discharges and Dissolved Gas Analysis are some
of the tools used. Such proactive measures are paying a
rich dividend.
Innovative solutions such as Modified Pillar Boxes also
have bought down fusing calls significantly.
The net result of all these practices is that in CESC, HT
faults have reduced by 60% and LT faults are down by
50% compared to 5 years ago.
For rapid restoration of supply in the event of faults,
standard operating procedures are in place. Additional
measures include Field Force Automation, shift
operations, LT Control Centre, RMUs and Automated
RMUs, SCADA/DMS, Vehicle Tracking etc. CESC also
has a fleet of mobile Diesel Gensets (`Power on Wheels)
to rapidly restore power to affected areas.
Here again, the net result is that average supply
restoration times for HT faults (1.13 hrs) and LT faults
(48 minutes) have come down to less than half the time
required just 5 years ago.

Customer Centricity and Digitization

CESC offers a complete virtual office experience for its 3
million consumers through Web Services, SMS Services,
Mobile Apps, Online Chats, Call Centre (both Fuse call
and Commercial enquiry) and Social Media.
The impact is encouraging about half the applications
for new connections, name-changes and higher AC loads
are now online. About a fifth of CESC LT consumers are
already paying online.
Regular meets with HT consumers and Technical
presentations are arranged. The Company also has
dedicated staff to handle customer queries and a web
portal with rich content.
Those who physically visit our Offices are extended
prompt and courteous service in a comfortable ambience.
A recent order has been placed with a leading firm
for customer engagement with personalized, timely,
targeted, multi-channel communication to increase

June 2016

CaseStudy

participation of consumers through online services and

enhance their awareness.

Optical Fibre Backbone

Technology Partner who would be a reputed OEM with

the technological excellence to implement CESCs Smart
Grid deployment. A tender to identify and select such a
Partner has been floated and Bids are being evaluated.

CESC has been laying Optical Fibre (OF) cables along

with underground HT Power cables for many years now.
Some OF lines are also strung aerially across poles.
CESC also uses OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) on EHT
Towers. Together, there is more than 1400 kms of OF
routes today. Of late, OF cables are being laid selectively
with LT cables and also through micro-tunnelling.
The main advantage of laying OF cables along with Power
cables is to save on the high cost of Road Restoration.
Different communication technologies are used on these
OF cables: SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) system
at STM-4 currently, Gigabit Ethernet system and several
data links using optical switches and media converters.
OF network serves as backbone of communications
in CESC for Distribution Automation (SCADA, RMU
Automation etc) and a host of IT applications like ERP,
Billnet, Cashnet etc under the generic umbrella of CESC
Net. Even protective relays use dedicated fibres for interrelay communications. Then there are contact transfer
applications over OF for unit lock-out to trip matching
load when a Generator at Budge Budge trips.
In the years ahead this rich OF backbone will also serve
as backhaul for Smart Meter and Distribution Automation
rollout over Field Area Networks.
Various initiatives are being taken to enrich the OF
network further, reach out more and reduce repair times
in the event of faults.

SCADA/ EMS/ADMS New `Smart Grid

Control Centre
Many years ago CESC purchased twin SCADA/EMS/DMS
systems now connected to 140 odd RTUs and several
hundred FRTUs to monitor and control the T&D network.
Apart from a MCC (Master Control Centre), there is also
a BCC (Backup Control Centre). The systems have
performed very well but now the hardware and software
at the Control Centres need to be replaced because of
obsolescence and to transform from a Network Control
Centre to a `Smart Grid-ready Control Centre.
The plan is to commission new MCC, BCC in phases
in Phase 1, SCADA/ EMS functions with existing RTUs/
FRTUs would be transferred to the new system.
Subsequently, CESC would commission more ADMS
(Advanced Distribution Management Systems) like
Distribution Load Flow, Volt-VAR control etc. in phases.
The plans also call for integration of Operational
Technologies (like SCADA, RMU Automation, Smart
Meters through Meter Data Management System, Solar
PV, DER, Storage, E-Vehicles, Demand Response etc)
and Information Technologies (like GIS with Consumer
Indexing, Outage Management System, CIS etc). An
Enterprise Service Bus would also be in place.
Considering that the project would evolve over the
years and many technologies and standards are yet
to firm up CESC is keen to identify and work with a

June 2016

Proposed Smart Grid Control Centre

Demand Response
A 1.5 MW Pilot project involving several HT consumers
who have volunteered to participate, is underway using
hardware and systems from a reputed US firm.
In this pilot, ADSM (Advanced Demand Side Management)
features are being tested by adjusting thermostats of
central ACs, switching off some lights etc trials have
commenced and are showing promising results.
The other trial in the pilot rollout is DER (Distributed
Energy Resources) with the Diesel Genset of one HT
consumer to be synchronised remotely with CESCs
11 kV Distribution Network. The Connectivity Agreements
have been signed as per Statutes, the synchronizing
relay tested and trials are to start soon once all
protection circuits are ready. Demand Response has
good potential for reducing peak demand temporarily
and deferring Capex.

Meters, AMR (Automatic Meter Readings),

Street Lighting
With over 31 Lakh meters in service, CESC has upgraded
the greater part to static meters and the process is
continuing fast, though leap-frogging to Smart Meters
(AMI) maybe more prudent if certified meters and
infrastructure at affordable costs are available soon.
CESC also has over 31,000 meters on AMR both over
GPRS and GSM. These include all HT consumers, LTCT
consumers and Distribution Transformers as well as
14,000 metered Street Light services. There are 2 MDAS
(Meter Data Acquisition System) in use for AMR.
The Street Light meters also have associated electronics
and contactors for switching the lights off and on
automatically at dawn and dusk as well as through
manual interventions if needed. The Street Light services
are provided by CESC across 34 Municipalities, Public
Bodies and Gram Panchayats. These power normal
incandescent and tube lights as well as the increasing
number of sodium vapour and metal halide lamps, LED
lamps and the heavy-wattage units atop high masts.

105

CaseStudy

Smart Meters and AMI (Advanced Metering

Infrastructure)
Several pilot studies have been done for deployment of
Smart Meters over PLC, RF Mesh, Point to Point RF etc
with various Vendors. In the radio trials, both GHz and
sub-GHz trials have been conducted. The results range
from reasonable to good. In some, DA (Distribution
Automation) trials were done concurrently.
CESC is now planning to roll-out a larger trial on RF
Mesh with a reputed US-based Company. The plan is
to use a common sub-GHz RF Mesh `Canopy for both
AMI and DA (for applications like RMU Automation, solar
integration, Demand Response, LT Automation etc). The
Canopy would connect to CESCs Optical Fibre backbone
at multiple locations for backhaul communications.
Smart Meters with BIS 16444 certification are yet to be
available in India. The price-discovery of the Meters,
NIC cards and end-point infrastructure costs is going on
and hopefully a rapid and affordable convergence will
happen soon. Opex model for Smart Meter deployment
can also be an alternative. Regulatory directives need to
be followed.
In the meanwhile, CESC has installed more than
1700 whole-current meters on trial with many `Smart
features but certified to BIS 13779 and using GPRS
communications (using SIM card) with its own MDAS.
Two-way communication, supply-failure alerts and
remote connect/ disconnect features are available.
Consumers with such meters can also view their hourly
consumption on CESCs web portal. Scale-up of such
meters with associated monthly data charges to be paid
to Telecom Service Provider is not viable. A private Utilityowned FAN (Field Area Network) over say, RF Mesh or
a hybrid network is the practical way to move forward
provided costs are reasonable, the throughputs are high
and the spectrum allocated adequate for bulk rollout.
Standardization and Interoperability of components and
systems among products and services from different
Vendors would also be crucial for scale-up.

IT enablement
CESC has a wide range of IT systems and software suites
required for efficient functioning of the T&D network and
allied services purchased suites include ERP, GIS etc
and in-house programs include over a hundred systems
including Billing, CRM, Treasury Management System,
New Application Processing, Asset Register etc.
To enable smooth data exchange across disparate
platforms & devices, programming languages and data
formats, an Enterprise Service Bus is planned shortly in a
service-oriented architecture.
SMAC Stack Services are already in use to blend Social,
Mobile, data Analytics and Cloud technologies to improve
business competitiveness.
The multitude of IT applications are hosted on Servers for
which CESC has a world-class Level 3 Data Centre with
2 additional Disaster Recovery Centres interconnected
over a secure CESC Net which is a Gigabit Ethernet
service over the Companys own optical fibres.
Meter readings are also IT-enabled with Meter Readers
carrying Tablets in place of Meter Books. Readings are
validated and directly sent to IT over GPRS for Billing.
SMS alerts are sent to consumers alerting them of
imminent meter reading and the actual advance when
the reading has been taken.
Business Intelligence is also being increasingly used
to analyse data and present information for informed
business decisions.

GIS
CESC has a Geographical Information System with
the complete HT network and part of the LT network
mapped so far. Consumer indexing by conventional
methods is partly done but CESC has built up an
exhaustive database of consumers and their feeding
DTs/ Feeders using historical records
of Call Centre transactions from
outage reporting to supply restoration.
This virtual Indexing covers over
70% of our consumers with a high
degree of accuracy and is constantly
growing and self-correcting. This will
supplement the physical verification
process of Consumer Indexing.

Conclusion
CESC Limited has come a long way
since it generated Indias first thermal
power in 1899. 'Growing Legacies
is the motto of the Group and true to
this spirit, CESC with a rich heritage,
is modernizing and growing rapidly
to meet the rising expectations of
consumers by keeping pace with
technology and distributing quality
power at a competitive price.

106

June 2016

InternationalNews

INTERNATIONALNEWS
Gamesa plans to complete Phase I of
Nellore plant by September
Chennai-based Gamesa India, the country subsidiary of
Spanish wind power developer Gamesa, is building an
integrated factory in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, going for
the southern state for uninterrupted power and ease of
doing business.
The Nellore facility is part of the 100-Euro investment plan
announced earlier. Gamesa will manufacture rotor blades
for starters, and has plans of developing the factory for
export. It currently runs two factories in Tamil Nadu and
two in Gujarat. Gamesa will manufacture the 2MW, 114m diameter rotor blade from the Nellore factory, a kind
of rotor blade its India Chief Ramesh Kymal believes is
just at the optimum level and any more bigger machines
could impact cost of energy metrics for its investors. The
new factory will have an employment generation capacity
of close to 1,000 people in three years.
We chose Andhra Pradesh because we wanted to set up
the new plant south of the Vindhyas, and AP has been
showing great potential, said Ramesh Kymal, Chairman
and Managing Director of Gamesa India. He added that
uninterrupted power and a supportive bureaucracy for
setting up the plant were pluses. Gamesa India is hoping to
commission the rotor blade set up in Nellore by September.
the factory will also manufacture solar inverters for India, to
aid Gamesas entry into solar last year.
In a press release, the company said it holds 34% in the
Indian wind market with the commissioning of 1003 MW
last fiscal to take up its total projects to over 3,000 MW.
Kymal said the companys order book for 2016-17 has
seen 750 MW of booked projects so far. He said there has
been a shift in growth of wind power from the traditional
set of states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat towards newer
states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. However, he
added that states like Tamil Nadu cannot be written off
owing to their natural advantages in wind speed and land
availability.

Kokam deploys NMC Energy Storage

Systems at South Korean electric grid
Kokam, a provider of innovative battery solutions, has
successfully deployed two Lithium Nickel Manganese

108

Cobalt (NMC) Oxide Energy Storage Systems (ESSs)a

24-megawatt (MW) system / 9-megawatt hour (MWh) and
a 16 MW / 6 MWh systemfor frequency regulation on
the South Korean electricity grid.
The 24-MW system is the largest capacity Lithium NMC
ESS used for frequency regulation in the world, Kokam
claims. Operational since January 2016, the two new
systems, along with a Kokam 16MW / 5MWh Lithium
Titanate Oxide (LTO) ESS system deployed in August
2015, provide South Koreas largest utility, Korea Electric
Power Corporation (KEPCO) with 56 MW of energy
storage capacity for frequency regulation.
These three systems are part of the worlds largest ESS
frequency regulation project, which is scheduled to have
deployed 500 MW of battery-based energy storage when
it is completed in 2017, the company said. In addition
to improving grid reliability, the Kokam ESSs will enable
KEPCO to improve its operation efficiency by reducing
its need for spinning power generation reserves. This will
allow KEPCO to shift energy generation to lower cost,
more efficient power plants and decrease wear and
tear on all its power plants.
According to Kokam, the three Kokam ESSs will deliver
an estimated annual savings of US$13 million in fuel
costs, providing fuel cost savings three times larger than
the ESSs purchase price over the systems lifetimes. In
addition, by reducing the amount of fossil fuels burnt for
frequency regulation, the Kokam ESSs will help reduce
KEPCOs greenhouse gas emissions.
The new 24 MW and 16 MW Lithium NMC ESSs utilize
Kokams innovative Ultra High Power NMC battery
technology. Designed for high-power energy storage
applications, such as frequency regulation, wind or large
solar power system ramp rate control, Uninterrupted
Power Supply (UPS) and voltage support, Kokams
Ultra High Power NMC battery technology higher
energy density; higher power cycle life; better charge,
discharge and max power rates; and improved heat
dissipation capabilities.
The systems also use Kokams KCE 40-foot container,
which features a direct cooling design, in which the
containers Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning
(HVAC) system only regulates temperatures inside the

June 2016

InternationalNews

systems racks rather than the entire container. This

results in 70 percent less air conditioning auxiliary load
than standard containers, the company claims.

Reliance Power bags $1.3 bn project in

Bangladesh
Anil Ambani-led Reliance Power has bagged a 750 MW
natural gas-based project in Bangladesh, with a potential
investment of around $1.3 billion, touted as the largest for
the South Asian country.

said: This partnership enables both companies to

gain traction on the attractive Turkish PV market, while
also demonstrating our technology and competitive
advantages.

Siemens extends contract with Keenan II

wind farm in Oklahoma
Siemens announced it has extended the service and
maintenance contract with 152-megawatt (MW) Keenan II
wind farm in Oklahoma to include Balance of Plant (BoP).

Under the approval, the first phase of 750 MW plant

will be set up at Meghnaghat in Narayanganj district,
some 40 km south-east of Dhaka, with a floating storage
and regasification terminal at Maheshkhali Island in the
Coxs Bazar district of Bangladesh, a Reliance Power
statement said.

The contract, extended for another 15 years, marks the

first long-term BoP wind service agreement in the U.S.
for Siemens.

The first phase will be commissioned in 24 months from

the zero date, in 2018-19, and can power the countrys
rising demand for electricity and will provide clean and
green power contributing to the Bangladeshs goal of
energy security, the companmy added.

Siemens will provide an additional 15 years of service and

maintenance for the 66 SWT-2.3-101 turbines installed at
the Keenan II wind farm, located near Woodward, OK.

This will be the largest FDI in Bangladesh with a potential

investment of over $1.3 billion. According to company
officials, Reliance Power proposes to install the same
equipment that was procured globally for the combined
cycle power project at Samalkot in Andhra Pradesh,
including those supplied by General Electric.
This will help set up the project on a fast-track
basis.During a visit to Dhaka in June last year, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi had assured Indias help to
Bangladesh in achieving 21,000 MW of power generation
capacity by 2021 and asked the Sheikh Hasina
government to facilitate the entry of Indian companies in
the sector.
Reliance Power had signed an memorandum of
understanding with the Bangladesh government then,
for developing 3,000 MW of capacity in phases with a
potential investment of $3 billion.

ReneSola in pact with UCK for solar

projects in Turkey
ReneSola announced a deal with UCK Group, a Turkish
solar energy solution provider to develop solar power
projects in Turkey with a total installed capacity of 116
MW. All of the projects are unlicensed thus qualifying for
the Feed-in-Tariff of $134/Mwh.
As per the deal, UCK Groups Berak Enerji will construct
the solar power plants, while ReneSola will design the
plants and supply solar modules and inverters.
With the start of operation, the projects will be transferred
into a new joint venture in which Renesola and UCK
Group will each hold 50 percent. The joint venture
intends to own 70 MW of the operating projects by early
2017. Xianshou Li, chief executive officer of ReneSola,

110

The customer is CPV Keenan II Renewable Energy

Company (CPV Keenan II), headquartered in Silver
Spring, Maryland.

The new agreements add BoP to the scope with Siemens

performing or coordinating the performance by others of
certain service and maintenance activities throughout the
wind plant, including the collector system, substation,
transformers, transmission lines, switchgear, equipment,
machinery, fiber optic cables for the supervisory control
and data acquisition (SCADA) system, control systems,
communication systems, foundations, towers, and
access roads.
As the wind energy industry in the U.S. continues to
mature, more and more of our customers are looking
to Siemens for a fully integrated lifecycle approach to
support their long-term operational goals and to help
reduce costs, said Mark Albenze, CEO of Siemens
Power Generation Services, Wind Power and Renewables
business unit.
The service and maintenance will be supported by
Siemens Digital Services, including advanced remote
monitoring and diagnostics services. Select data-driven
services will utilize Sinalytics, the platform architecture
and technology foundation for Siemens Digital Services,
as well as tailored industry-specific applications.
The Keenan II wind farm went into commercial operation
in December 2010. Keenan II generates enough electricity
to power approximately 45,000 average Oklahoma
homes and avoid approximately 413,000 tons a year
in greenhouse gas emissions-the equivalent of taking
nearly 72,000 cars off the road.
The project has a 20-year power purchase agreement
with Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company.
Siemens has been providing service and maintenance
on the 66 SWT-2.3 wind turbines at the project since it
began operations in 2010. In 2012, Siemens opened a
64,000-square-foot wind service distribution center in
nearby Woodward, OK, citing the areas proximity to
wind projects throughout the wind belt.

June 2016

NationalNews

NATIONALNEWS
UDAY will cover private discoms soon:
Piyush Goyal
Increasing the ambit of National Democratic Alliance
(NDA) governments flagship scheme Ujwal Discoms
Assurance Yojana (UDAY), the ministry of power would
soon approach the Cabinet to incorporate private power
distribution companies (discoms) in it.
The government is looking at bringing in some
amendments in the UDAY scheme to accommodate
those states which have privatised discoms, said Piyush
Goyal, Union minister of state for coal, power, and
renewable energy.
Goyal was responding to a question on power distribution
in the states where privatisation did not yield desired
results. The minister cited the example of Odisha, which
has approached the Centre to join UDAY. I am going
back to the Cabinet to see how we can support states like
Odisha which privatised (discoms) but are going through
problems, the minister added.
Odisha was a pioneer in privatisation of discoms but
possibly did not handle the process well and because of
which it failed, said the minister. When asked about the
ambit of the scheme, he said, It will be a policy decision.
Any state which wants to join for operational benefits
would be able to join. He clarified the private discoms that
join the scheme would only benefit in terms of operational
efficiency and there will not be any financial bailout.

The previous summit in India -- called RE Invest and

held in February 2015 -- netted commitments from 14
companies across seven countries to install 58,000 MW
of renewable energy in India in five years till 2020. Among
local companies, 22 public sector undertakings (PSUs)
pledged to set up 18,000 MW, while 257 private ones
promised 190,000 MW. Banks and NBFCs committed Rs
3.94 lakh crore to finance these projects, of which, by
February 2016, Rs 71,201.54 crore (18.63%) had been
sanctioned and Rs 29,529.57 crore (7.5%) disbursed.
The ISA, set up jointly by India and France on the sidelines
of the COP21 climate conference in Paris last year, has
been steadily building its organisation and establishing
linkages. Keen on developing synergies with agencies
already engaged in promoting solar power, the ISA in April
also entered into a partnership with the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP). It will supplement
UNDPs existing programmes on solar energy, putting
in complementary effort, facilitating technology transfers
between ISA member countries and other UN countries,
helping in capacity building, and more.
A key function of the ISA will be arranging easier finance
for the solar projects of member countries. Were trying
to get multilateral banks to set up trusts to finance solar
projects. We want them to earmark 15% of the funds
they disburse for solar, said Tripathy. India will provide
financial assistance of around $10 billion over the next
five years to select African nations. We are requesting
them to use around 15% of this for solar, he said.

International Solar Alliance summit in New

Delhi next year

India ranks 3rd in Renewable Energy

Country Attractiveness Index

The International Solar Alliance, led by France and India,

is bringing together investors and financers in highprofile events in New Delhi, Kenya, Peru and Indonesia
- countries with high solar potential in three different
continents.

Indias renewable energy sector has been ranked third

in the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index
(RECAI) with China at second and the US on top.

The next investment summit is scheduled for February

2017 in New Delhi, Upendra Tripathy , secretary, ministry
of new and renewable energy, told. We have sent letters
to these countries and they have almost agreed, said
Tripathy, who is also the chairperson of the interim
administrative cell of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

112

The so-called emerging markets now represent half the

countries in the 40-strong index, including four African
markets featuring in the top 30. Just a decade ago, only
China and India were attractive enough to compete with
more developed markets for investment, EY said in the
report. While the top three countries maintained their
ranking, Chile, Brazil and Mexico climbed higher in the
index to be ranked in the top 10 at the fourth, sixth and

June 2016

NationalNews

seventh, respectively. Germany at fifth and France at

eighth fell in the latest ranking.
Kuljit Singh, partner (infrastructure practice) at EY, said:
The report demonstrates that low solar bids are not a
phenomenon restricted to India, but countries such as
Mexico and Dubai have also been reporting very low
solar bids. As is the case with India, wind continues to be
at a pricing premium to solar in the rest of the world, but
both these technologies are racing towards grid parity,
which may lead to not-so-desirable consequences for
traditional utility business models.

Govt to unveil new policy for solar

manufacturing units
Aiming to encourage companies for setting up integrated
solar manufacturing units in the country under Make In
India programme, the Centre is working on a new policy
to extend subsidy and business assurances to them.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has set
up a committee headed by Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI
Aayog, and it suggested extending subsidy and business
assurances to attract solar manufacturers. Soon the
proposal will be sent to the Ministry of Finance for approval
said Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (Independent
Charge) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy.
Integrated solar manufacturing units make everything
from solar cells, solar photovoltaic modules, ingots and
wafers. The subsidy support will be given on the basis of
a reverse bidding process so those interested in setting
up such plants can bid for the least amount of subsidy
required to be competitive in the market, he said.
As per the promoting green energy, the government has
also started working on transparent bidding for setting
up wind power projects on the line of solar. Besides,
the ministry is also preparing a plan to revive sick hydro
power projects.
In hydro, Rural Electrification Corporation, Power
Finance Corporation are also working on some kind of
mechanism maybe a take-out financing model to restart
all the projects that have got stalled across several
years, the minister said.
The primary move would be to increase the ambit of
small hydro projects to 100 MW from current 25 MW.
This would help achieve the renewable energy targets of
states and also bring a large number of projects under
the net of government subsidy and other tax benefits,
said an official from the Ministry of Power.
The installed capacity of hydro power projects has
remained 40,000 MW for the past three years, while that
of the renewable energy sector has increased about
20% in the same period. In the past decade, RE (solar
and wind power) has grown by 89%, while hydro has
staggered at 28%.

114

CCI finds no violations by REC Power

Distribution Company
CCI has rejected allegations of anti-competitive practices
against REC Power Distribution Company even as it said
that state-owned REC should have adequate safeguards
to remove perceived or actual conflicts of interest caused
by its association with the firm.
REC Power Distribution Company Ltd (RECPDCL) is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of REC, a leading lender for
rural electrification works. Among others, it was alleged
that RECPDCL has been leveraging its association with
REC for securing work related to consultancy services in
relation to proposed rural electrification projects, mainly
preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
In a 52-page order the regulator said, No customer of
RECPDCL complained of its conduct, hence, making
it clear that neither the informant, nor any competitor,
provided any evidence of establishing that the relationship
between RECPDCL and REC had resulted in additional
works being allocated to RCPDCL on nomination basis.
Since the decision as to whether a DPR is to be prepared
in-house or outsourced to a consultant is taken by the PIA
(Project Implementing Agency), no adverse conclusions
could be drawn against REC or RECPDCL for such
decision making process, CCI noted.

World Bank approves $625-million aid for

Indias solar programme
The World Banks Board has approved $625 million
loan to support Indias grid connected rooftop solar
programme to generate clean energy. The Board
also approved a co-financing loan of $120 million on
concessional terms and a $5 million grant from Climate
Investment Funds (CIF) Clean Technology Fund.
The project will finance the installation of at least 400
MW of grid connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (GRPV)
across India, the World Bank said in a statement.
These solar PV installations, it said, will provide clean,
renewable energy, and reduce GHG emissions by
displacing thermal generation.
The project will be implemented by the State Bank of
India, which will on-lend funds to solar PV developers/
aggregators and end-users, who wish to Invest in mainly
commercial and industrial rooftop PV systems.
Financing will be provided to those with sound technical
capacity, relevant experience, and creditworthiness as per
SBI standards. India is endowed with huge solar energy
potential, and the World Bank is strongly supportive of
the governments plans to harness this potential and
increase Indias solar PV capacity to 100 GW.
This project will support this target, by providing
financing to some of the 40 GW of solar PV which will
be placed on rooftops, said Onno Ruhl, World Bank
Country Director in India.

June 2016

CorporateNews

CORPORATENEWS
Alstom T&D Indias Q4FY16 standalone
net profit declines 44.72% yoy to Rs.29.87
crore
Alstom T&D India , transmission and distribution major,
reported standalone net profit of Rs.29.87 crore for the
quarter ended March 31, 2016, registering growth of
44.72% yoy. However, the company had reported net
loss of Rs. 18.21 crore in the preceding quarter. The
companys standalone revenue stood at Rs. 977.80
crore, down 28.54% yoy but up 29.46% qoq.
Its standalone core operating profit of Rs. 91.33 crore for
the quarter, declined by 17.85% yoy but clocked growth of
791.02% qoq. Operating profit margin for the current quarter
at 9.34% expanded by 121 bps yoy and 798 bps qoq.
For the year ended March 31, 2016, the company reported
standalone net profit of Rs. 77.51 crore, declining by
35.71% yoy. Its standalone revenue for the period stood
at Rs. 3,449.90 crore, registering decline of 7.29% yoy.
Alstom T&D Indias core operating profit stood at Rs.
268.90 crore, recording decline of 16.49% yoy. Operating
margin for the current period at 8.14% contracted by 51
bps yoy.

BSES discoms reach amicable settlement

with NTPC
The two BSES distribution companies in the national
capital have reached an amicable settlement with staterun generator NTPC on regulating of power to private
discoms. In a letter written to NTPC a copy of which
has been sourced by IANS, the BSES discoms said:
In view of the amicable settlement arrived at BRPL
(BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd) and NTP, we understand
that the Regulation Notice dated May 4, 2016, which was
deferred by NTPCs communication dated May 9, 2016,
stands withdrawn.
Consequent to the Regulation Notice issued by NTPC,
Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) had
convened a meeting and directed the parties to amicably
resolve and decide a payment schedule enabling NTPC
to withdraw Regulation Notice, it said.Thereafter
BRPL had proposed a payment schedule liquidating
outstanding dues to NTPC till September 2016. During

116

the meeting, NTPC informed DERC about the settlement

reached regarding payment schedule and BRPL
confirmed the same, the leter added.
The BSES discoms had written to the regulator last week
that the money due to them is more than what they owe
to NTPC.The private discoms pointed out that since the
undisputed regulatory assets due to them amounted
Rs.16,000 crore, it will be more than enough to clear the
power purchase dues of NTPC.
As brought out in the meeting, the total approved
and undisputed regulatory assets of BSES Discoms
(distribution companies) amount to over Rs.16,000 crore,
as against total overdues of about Rs.12,000 crore as on
March 31, 2016, the letter said.
It also said that due to lack of a cost-reflective tariff, these
assets have been growing -- from Rs.2,186 crore in 200910 to Rs.8,156 crore in 2013-14, which is more around
Rs.5,970 crore.
It sought the watchdogs intervention to: Provide a
concrete and credible amortisation plan (principal and
interest) for the admitted amount of regulatory asset of
approximately Rs.16,000 crore, which will help BSES
Discoms in raising finances.

Tata Power Renewable completes

acquisition of 30 MW wind farm in
Maharashtra
Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a 100%
subsidiary of Tata Power, Indias largest integrated
power company, has completed acquisition of 100%
shareholding in Indo Rama Renewables Jath Limited
(IRRJL), which is a 100% subsidiary of Indo Rama
Renewables Limited (IRRL). IRRJL has a 30 MW operating
wind farm in Sangli District of Maharashtra.
The wind farm, which is fully operational since July
2013, has a long-term power purchase agreement with
Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Limited and is
registered under the Generation Based Incentive scheme
of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.
With this acquisition, Tata Powers total generation
capacity now becomes 9213 MW and current operating
non-fossil based capacity at 1704 MW. The Company has
operating WIND capacity of 647 MW spread across six

June 2016

CorporateNews

states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil

Nadu, Karnataka and Rajasthan. Further, TPREL has
an additional 500 MW of wind and solar capacity under
development in the states of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh,
Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana.
Speaking on achieving this milestone, Mr. Rahul Shah,
CEO, TPREL, said, Tata Power has set an aggressive
target of 20,000 MW of total capacity by 2025 and have
recently revised the share of non-fossil based capacity
up to 30-40% of its total generation capacity.
This acquisition of the 30 MW operational wind farm will
increase its clean energy footprint. As a Company, we
are seeking similar opportunities to acquire operating
wind and solar plants, apart from our own organic growth
pipeline, to rapidly grow our generation portfolio.

Rays Power Infra forays into north India

with Opex Model-Rays Solar Kart
Propagating Renewable Energy usage and roof top Solar
PV, Ray Power Infra, one of the leading solar energy
company, forays in to north India with its Opex ModelRays Solar Kart. Supplementing the transformation in
the solar energy segment, the brand endorses Roof Top
Solar PV in Delhi and Jaipur region to begin with.
Inspired by its initiatives and success in the southern
region, the company now undertakes the responsibility
of inculcating the significance of roof top solar PV as
an intelligent and the most viable option to accelerate
the growth of solar power sector and fulfill the growing
demand and supply gap in the power sector in India.
Elaborating on Rays Solar Kart, Ketan Mehta, CEO, Rays
Power Infra commented, The renewable energy sector
in India is undergoing major transformation with primary
focus on solar power. Considering the surging electricity
tariffs and growing demand-supply gap, we believe that
solar is the most feasible option.
Furthermore, all this while the industry has been
mostly focusing on the large-scale ground mounted
PV power plants; we aim at changing this pattern and
simultaneously concentrate on roof top solar PV too.
Enthusing masses with its tag line If you have a roof top,
why keep it vacant when you can earn money from it,
Rays Solar Kart is part of an ISO- 9001 and ISO-14001
certified, energy services provider in India founded by
IIT alumni. It is the 3rd largest solar services company in
India and pioneer in development of GREEN Technology
solutions for Roof Top Solar Power Plants, which are
environmental friendly, energy efficient, cost effective and
are need of the hour. It has gained the reputation of being
the pioneer in the field of solar power generation also.

in Maharashtra due to acute water shortage. The

companys wholly-owned subsidiary Adani Power
Maharashtra Ltd has shut down its 4 units of 660 mw each
out of total 5 units of 660 mw each, situated at Tiroda
Plant in Maharashtra due to acute water shortage, Adani
Power Ltd informed BSE today.
According to statement Tiroda Power Plant gets water
under a long-term arrangement from Dhapewada Project
of Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation .
The company said due to drought condition in
Maharashtra, the water dam has dried up and is unable to
supply water to Tiroda Power Plant. The production from
these four units will resume once the water is available,
it added.

Push for `MAKE IN INDIA - Local sourcing

must for govt power projects
Domestic power equipment manufacturers have received
a shot in the arm, with the Central Electricity Authority
(CEA) making domestic sourcing of equipment mandatory
for all central and state-funded projects in a bid to promote
the governments `Make in India campaign.
The CEA has also said that equipment for power projects
being implemented by the central government or its
entities, state utilities or funded by central power sector
lenders such as Rural Electrification Corporation and
Power Finance Corporation have to be made through
domestic competitive bidding only.
But in case an international tendering process has to
be followed, the price has to be quoted in rupee by all
contenders. This will provide a level field to domestic
players, the CEA instructed all stakeholders in a
letter dated May 19. Indian Electrical and Electronics
Manufacturers Association director-general Sunil Misra
said, Domestic manufacturers have invested heavily
in technology transfer from their principals or have
developed technology indigenous for creating and
expanding manufacturing capacities, manpower and skill
development to meet the growing demand. This decision
will address concerns over under-utilisation of capacity
and largescale penetration of foreign manufacturers.
There is an opinion that the norms may be seen as trade
barriers and lead to India being dragged to the WTO. India
recently lost to the US, which had taken it to the WTO
over the domestic content clause in its solar power plan.
India was also dragged to the WTO over procurement of
telecom equipment.

Adani Power shuts 2,640-mw units at

Tiroda plant in Maharashtra
Adani Power said it has shut down four units of 660
mw capacity each out of five units at the Tiroda plant

118

June 2016

ProductShowcase

FLIR T640
High performance
thermal imaging
with on-board 5MP
visual camera,
interchangeable
lens options with
autofocus, and large
4.3" touchscreen LCD
This thermal camera combine excellent ergonomics
with superior image quality, providing the ultimate image
clarity and accuracy plus extensive communication
possibilities which makes it useful tool for predictive
maintenance in power industry.

MECO 1 Phase Multifunction Appliance

Meter
MECO offers a Single Phase Multifunction Appliance
Meter TRMS, Model EM09 (1A, 5A and 20A). It
measures 10 parameters on 10 display pages on a large
LCD display (20mm). It is equipped with 5 keys to view
all the parameters and for programming of the meter.
The meter is ideal for HVAC industry.

Features
XX

Measures V, A, PF, Hz, KW, KVA, KVar, KWh, KVAh,

KVarh

XX

TRMS Measurement

XX

Can be used for Continuous Monitoring

XX

Auto / Manual Scroll Display (User Selectable)

XX

State of Art Microcontroller Design

XX

Portable, Easy to Carry and Simple to Use

XX

LCD Display with Backlight

XX

S-485 Port (5kV Isolated) with MODBUS RTU

R
Protocol (Optional)

XX

POWER MASTER Software for MIS Reports (Optional)

XX

Highest IR Resolution of 640 x 480 pixels

XX

Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging adds visible

spectrum definition to IR images in real time for
excellent thermal detail to help you instantly
recognize the problem locations

XX

Field of View of 45 x 34

XX

GPS and Compass

XX

Programmable Button

XX

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Kusam-Meco Function Generator

KUSAM-MECO FUNCTIO
MODEL KM 2002
MODEL KM 20

The
f r e q u e n c y,
KUSAM-MECO
amplitude
and
Generator Mod
duty cycle can be
frequency disp
adjusted continuously.
synchronously.
Frequency range is
instrument havi
0.2-2MHz. Signal
wave, square w
Frequency stability
is <0.1% / minute.
and triangle w
Amplitude is (2Vp-p
Triangle wave
~ 20Vp-p) 20%.
edge times / Fall
Attenuation is 20dB /
The frequency, amplitude and duty cycle can be adju
40dB. Output signal impedance is 50W. Duty cycle is
0.2-2MHz. Signal
Frequency
stability is <0.1% / minute
20% ~ 80% ( 10%). Measurement
error
is 0.5%.
Attenuation
is 50Hz/60Hz
20dB / 40dB. Output
Its operates on 220V / 110V
10%,
5%, signal impedance
Power 15W. Dimension
is
270(W)
x
215(L)
x
100(H)
10%). Measurement error is  0.5%. Its operates on
mm. Weight is Approx. 1.6kg. KUSAM-MECO has
Power  15W. Dimension is 270(W) x 215(L) x 100(H)mm
introduced a New Function Generator Model KM 2002.
It has 5 digit LED
Frequency display, 3 digit
LED amplitude display
For More Details Contact :
synchronously. This instrument is an accurate testing
instrument having different output function wave : sine

Bharat Industrial
Estate, T. J. Road, Sewree
wave, square wave, rectangle wave, G-17,
sawtooth
wave and
Sales Direct : 022- 24156638,
triangle wave. Sine wave distortion
is < 2%, Triangle Tel.: 022 - 24124540
Email : kusam_meco@vsnl.net, sales
wave linearity is > 99% & square wave rise edge times
Website : www.kusam-meco.co.in, www
/ Fall edge times is < 100ns.

120

June 2016

Seminars&Fairs

energy policy will take place, with stakeholders debating

new policy developments, best practices and sustainable
energy ideas. A second component of EUSEW is the
Networking Village, where an exhibition and networking
area gives attendees the opportunity to meet. In addition,
a number of Energy Days organized by local public and
private organizations will raise awareness about energy
efficiency and renewable, such as through workshops,
competitions or tours of power plants.

G20 Energy Sustainability Working

Group Meeting
28 June 2016
Beijing, China

Asia Clean Energy Forum 2016

6-10 June 2016
ADB headquarters, Manila, Philippines
The 11th Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF) will provide
the opportunity to: share best practices in policy,
technology and finance to meet the regions climate and
energy security challenges, and knowledge exchange
through discussions about clean energy. The ACEF aims
to: facilitate knowledge sharing among clean energy
practitioners in Asia; highlight innovative approaches
to packaging and scaling up clean energy initiatives;
and take stock of progress made in advancing the
clean energy agenda in Asia. Participants will include
representatives from governments, national and
multinational banks, carbon and clean energy investment
funds, academia, civil society, and development partners
and other international organizations, as well as project
developers and service providers, and environmental
regulators. The event is being organized by the Asian
Development Bank (ADB), the US Agency for International
Development (USAID) and the Korea Energy Agency.

EU Sustainable Energy Week 2016

14-16 June 2016
European Commissions Charlemagne Building & the
Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi location: Brussels,
Belgium
During the month of June 2016, the European
Commission will be hosting the EU Sustainable Energy
Week (EUSEW) 2016, which will promote energy-saving
initiatives and the generation of power from clean, secure,
efficient and renewable sources. The event includes a
Policy Conference, to be held from 14-16 June 2016,
during which approximately 60 sessions on sustainable

122

The third meeting of the Energy Sustainability Working

Group under the Group of 20 (G20) Chinese Presidency
will take place on 28 June, in Beijing, China. Sustainable
energy issues on the Chinese Presidencys agenda
include advancing the implementation of the G20
Principles of Energy Collaboration and strengthening
cooperation on energy access, renewable energy and
energy efficiency. The G20 is an international forum for
the governments and central bank governors from 20
major economies. It includes the European Union (EU),
which is represented by the European Commission and
the European Central Bank, and 19 countries: Argentina,
Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India,
Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Russian Federation,
Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the UK
and the US.

Expo 2017: Future Energy

1 June 2017
Astana, Kazakhstan
The international Expo 2017 will take place in Astana,
Kazakhstan, and will aim to promote the most appropriate
and viable sustainability-driven action plans to address
the possibilities of future energy. The Expo, organized
under the theme Future Energy and the sub-theme
Solutions for Tackling Humankinds Greatest Challenge,
will address future energy from several perspectives,
including: exploration of stategies, programmes and
technologies for sustainable energy development;
promotion of energy security and efficiency; and the
encouragement of renewable energy use. Venues for the
Worlds Fairs and their themes are determined by taking
into account political, economic, geographical and
cultural contexts. The history of Worlds Fairs extends
back to the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry
of all Nations, which took place in London in 1851.

June 2016

IEEMAActivities

Delegation from Reed Tradex,

Thailand visited IEEMA

IEEMA Activities

A Delegation from Reed Tradex, Thailand

visited IEEMA office on May 18, 2016
for the promotion of their exhibition
NEPCON, Thiland 2016 which is an
exhibition on Assembly, Measurement
and testing Technologies for Electronics
Manufacturing. The delegation met Mr.
Sunil Mishra DG, IEEMA and briefed him
about the conference and requested
to encourage IEEMA members to visit
NEPCON. While IEEMA requested M/s
Reed Tradex to promote Intelect-2017.

Meeting with delegation from

Yunnan International Co Ltd.
of China Southern Power Grid
A high level member delegation from
Yunnan International Co. Ltd. from China
visited IEEMA Kolkata and Delhi on 17th
and 18th May, 2016 respectively. The list
of delegation members is given below
for information:

}} Mr. SI Shuming - Chairman of Yunnan

International Co. Ltd of China Southern
Power Grid Vice President of Yunnan
Power Grid

}} Mr. TANG Jin - Director of Department

for International Trade of Yunnan

International Co. Ltd of China
Southern Power Grid

}} Mr. XU Yuxiao - Director of Department

for Plan and Development of Yunnan

International Co. Ltd of China Southern
Power Grid

}} Ms. TANG Jialing - Director of

Department for International Trade of

Yunnan International Co. Ltd of China
Southern Power Grid

}} Mr. AI Di

- Chief of Section for

Information and Intellectual Property
of Department of Finance of Yunnan
International Co. Ltd of China Southern
Power Grid

}}

Mr. ZHOU Yuzhong - Chief of

International Information Division of
Institute of Power Grid Sciences of
China Southern Power Grid

Yunnan International Co., Ltd (YNIC)

of China Southern Power Grid was
established in 2013 for strengthening
power cooperation between the
neighboring countries and China Southern

Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CSG). YNIC delegates Yunnan

Power Grid Co., Ltd (YNPG) to carry out electric power
cooperation with Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and other
neighboring countries since 2004. With the integration
of CSGs advantageous resources,
The senior delegation of YNIC, China had come India
with the purpose of exploratory study of Indian Power
System. The delegates from China deliberated the
purpose of their visit is to expand their business in
India. They tried to understand the Indian Power system
and its functioning. Key objectives of this meeting with
IEEMA were mutually beneficial dialogues and possible
business tie-ups between India and China.
Members from IEEMA provided a brief introduction of
Indian Power system and discussed various scenarios
in the system where China can collaborate and help in
neutralizing the current challenges of the Power Sector.
IEEMA members enquired about the possibilities with
YNIC in establishing their business alliances in India in
the form of Joint Venture (JV). YNIC showed its optimism
in such business alliances initiated between India and
China especially in the Power Industry. The benefits of
such collaboration to both the countries will be further
explored and analyzed.
YNIC informed that they are procuring equipment
through International Competitive Bidding. Hence, Indian
companies can participate in YNIC projects in China
or in any other third country. YNIC also assured that
if YNIC does any project in India, they will be happy
to buy equipment from Indian companies as per YNIC
quality standards.
It was further discussed that with such business tieups, inefficiencies in the system can be mitigated by
combining skills and resources of both the countries to
perform operations. Also, accessibility to eachs skills and
capabilities shall help in delivering the markets demand.
The session ended with a Vote of thanks to all the
delegates from China. Further, YNIC thanked IEEMA for
organizing such interactive sessions at Kolkata and Delhi.

First meeting of IEEMA Industry

Academia Cell
The first Meeting of Industry Academia Cell was held
on 11th May 2016 in Delhi. Mr Mustafa Wajid, MHM
Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Mr AS Subramaniyan, Siemens Ltd,
Dr. Himanshu Bahirat, IIT Mumbai, Mr. Dhanasekaran,

Readers are requested to send their feedback about content of the Journal at
editor@ieema.org
124

June 2016

IEEMAActivities

Chitkara University and Ms. Dipti Lodha, Poornima Group

of Colleges and IEEMA officials attended meeting . The
members discussed to form a bridge between Industry
and Academia (a) exploring options for developing new
age curriculum pertaining to core engineering combined
with digitalization with IoT, (b) exploring options to make
research scholars studying in the academic institutes
get opportunity to do their R&D in the industry, (c)
exploring options of how to enhance the skill sets and
competencies of both academicians and students by
the industry

Meeting with Mr. Rajeev Mital, IAS, CMD,

Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission
Company Ltd (MSETCL)
A meeting was held with Mr. Rajeev Mital, IAS, CMD,
Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Ltd
(MSETCL) to discuss possible long term engagement
with the associations. The CMD, was extremely
forthcoming and urged IEEMA to engage in conduct
of workshop for the staff at implementation level. He
suggested a two pronged approach:(a) Educate the engineers (especially those who have
spent long years) on new technology (fields such as
conductors and cables, switchgears, surge arrestors
and power transformers)
(b) Allay fears of change over to new technology and the
advantages
(c) Behavioural aspects such as apprehension of
accidents during monsoons (tap changers, etc) and
resultant reluctance towards rectification
(d) He was keen that element of neutrality (to ensure
acceptance of proposals at all levels) could be
ensured through representation by technical institutes,
standards organisation in the interaction forum

Interface with Government and Agencies

On 22nd April 2016, Shri Chaitanya Desai, former
Chairman, Conductor Division and Shri Sunil Misra,
Director General, IEEMA along with a few other
members of conductor and cable manufacturing industry,
had a meeting with Shri Vinay Chhabra, Director
General, Director General of Safeguards, Government
of India, on proposed safeguards duty on Imports of
Unwrought Aluminium (Aluminium not alloyed and
Aluminium alloys) into India.
On the same date and subject, the above group also
met Shri Anup Wadhawan, Director General, Directorate
General of Foreign Trade, Government of India.
On 27th April 2016, Shri Kalpesh Shah, Vice-Chairman
and Shri Chaitanya Desai, former Chairman Conductor
Division, along with a few other members of conductor
and cable manufacturing industry, had a meeting with
Shri Balvinder Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Mines,
Government of India, on proposed safeguards duty on
Imports of Unwrought Aluminum (Aluminium not alloyed
and Aluminium alloys) into India.
On the same date and subject, the above group also
called on Shri Aniruddha Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry
of Power, Government of India.

June 2016

On 29th April 2016, Shri Chaitanya Desai, former

Chairman Conductor Division, along with a few other
members of conductor and cable manufacturing industry,
had a meeting with Dr. Krishan Kumar Jalan, Secretary,
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,
Government of India, on proposed safeguards duty on
Imports of Unwrought Aluminum (Aluminium not alloyed
and Aluminium alloys) into India.
On the same date and subject, the above group also met
Shri S N Tripathy, Additional Secretary and Development
Commissioner, and Shri S K Sahoo, Deputy Director,
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,
Government of India.
On 23rd May 2016, Shri Sunil Misra, Director General,
IEEMA, had a meeting with Shri B N Sharma, Additional
Secretary, Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of
India, on inverted duty and other issues of the industry.
On 23rd May 2016, Shri Chaitanya Desai, former
Chairman Conductor Division, along with a few other
members of conductor and cable manufacturing
industry, had a meeting with Shri S N Tripathy, Additional
Secretary and Development Commissioner, and Shri S
K Sahoo, Deputy Director, Ministry of Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises, Government of India, on proposed
safeguards duty on Imports of Unwrought Aluminum
(Aluminium not alloyed and Aluminium alloys) into India.
On the same date and subject, the above group along
with Shri Sunil Misra, Director General, IEEMA, also
called on Shri Balvinder Kumar, Secretary, and Shri
Nikunja Bihari Dhal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines,
Government of India.
Later during the day, the same group met Shri Rajiv
Arora, Director, Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and
Allied Duties, on the same issue.
On 24th May 2016, Shri J Pande, Sr. Director and
Shri Sudeep Sarkar, Deputy Director, IEEMA, had a
meeting with Shri Zakharia Khan, Senior Development
Officer, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion,
Government of India, on mandatory BIS standards
on cables.

IEEMA Representations
IEEMA submitted a representation on 25th April 2016, to
Directorate General of Safeguards, opposing safeguards
duty petition on Imports of Unwrought Aluminium
(Aluminium not alloyed and Aluminium alloys).
IEEMA submitted a representation on 27th April 2016,
to Ministry of Mines, Government of India, opposing
safeguards duty petition on Imports of Unwrought
Aluminium (Aluminium not alloyed and Aluminium alloys).
IEEMA submitted a representation on 18th May 2016,
to Directorate General of Safeguards, Government of
India, opposing safeguards duty petition on Imports
of Unwrought Aluminium (Aluminium not alloyed and
Aluminium alloys).
IEEMA submitted a representation on 23rd May 2016,
to Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,
Government of India, opposing safeguards duty petition
on Imports of Unwrought Aluminium (Aluminium not
alloyed and Aluminium alloys).

125

PowerStatistics

Energy Outlook 2035

Source - BP energy outlook 2035

126

June 2016

PowerStatistics

12th plan Target Vs Achievements

Transmission voltage
range

Acc. Unit

Achieved up to
March 16

% Achievements

Target for 2012-2017

HVDC

CKM

3506

34%

10340

765 KV

CKM

18995

70%

27000

400 KV

CKM

40311

106%

38000

220 KV

CKM

21258

61%

35000

Region

Requirement

Availability

Transmission voltage range

Acc. Unit

Achieved up to

% Achievements

Target for 2012-2017

HVDC

MW

5250

27%

19250

765 KV

MVA

116000

78%

149000

400 KV

MVA

58440

130%

45000

220 KV

MVA

69708

92%

76000

Transmission

Sub-station

Addition in CKM during 12th Plan Up to March 2016

Addition in MVA/ MW during 12th Plan Up to March 2016

40311

12th Plan
(2012-17)
Targets

12th Plan
(2012-17)
Targets

116000

21258

18995

3506

58440

69708

5250

HVDC

765 KV

400 KV

220 KV

10340

27000

38000

35000

A hiAchievement
t A As on
31 31.03.2016
03 2016

Installed Power Generation Capacity:

298,060 MW
(Thermal 71%, Hydro 14%,
Nuclear 2%, RES 13%)
AC Transmission Lines: 328,613 ckm
HVDC: 12,938 ckm

AC Substation Transformation Capacity:

643,949 MVA
HVDC: 15,000 MW
Inter-Regional Transmission Capacity:
58,050 MW

HVDC
19250

765 KV
149000

400 KV
45000

220 KV
76000

Target
f for3131.03.2017
03 201
Installed Power Generation
Capacity: 318,414 MW
AC Transmission Lines:
348,049 ckm
HVDC: 16,872 ckm
AC Substation Transformation
Capacity: 669,801 MVA
HVDC: 22,500 MW

Inter-Regional Transmission
Capacity: 65,550 MW

Source CEA

June 2016

127

IEEMADatabase

Rs/MT

BASIC PRICES AND INDEX NUMBERS

Unit

as on
01.03.16

IRON, STEEL & STEEL PRODUCTS

OTHER RAW MATERIALS

BLOOMS(SBL)
150mmX150mm

`/MT

25985

BILLETS(SBI) 100MM

`/MT

26253

CRNGO Electrical Steel

Sheets M-45, C-6 (Ex-Rsp)

`/MT

54000

CRGO ELECTRICAL STEEL SHEETS

a) For Transformers of rating
up to 10MVA and voltage up
to 33 KV

`/MT

b) For Transformers of rating

above 10MVA or voltage
above 33 KV

`/MT

as on
01.03.16

Unit

Epoxy Resin CT - 5900

`/Kg

380

Phenolic Moulding Powder

`/Kg

101

PVC Compound - Grade

CW - 22

`/MT

125000

PVC Compound Grade

HR - 11

`/MT

126000

`/KLitre

48550

Transformer Oil Base Stock

(TOBS)

247500

OTHER IEEMA INDEX NUMBERS

316500

IN-BUSDUCTS (Base June

2000=100) for the month
January 2016

200.13

IN - BTR - CHRG (Base June

2000=100)

281.16

NON-FERROUS METALS
Electrolytic High Grade Zinc

`/MT

143900

IN - WT (Base June
2000=100

210.83

Lead (99.97%)

`/MT

143200

IN-INSLR (Base:
Jan 2003 = 100)

218.40

Copper Wire Bars

`/MT

360347

Copper Wire Rods

`/MT

371791

Aluminium Ingots - EC Grade

(IS 4026-1987)

`/MT

135972

Aluminuium Properzi Rods EC Grade (IS5484 1978)

`/MT

142396

Aluminium Busbar
(IS 5082 1998)

`/MT

193300

Wholesale price index

number for Ferrous Metals
(Base 2004-05 = 100) for the
month January 2016
Wholesale price index
number for Fuel & Power
(Base 2004-05 = 100) for the
month January 2016

135.70

170.30

All India Average Consumer

Price Index Number for
Industrial Workers (Base
2001=100) January 2016

269.00

# Estimated, NA: Not available

Aluminium Busbar (IS 5082 1998) (Rs./MT)

240000
220000

180000
160000

(Rs./MT)

200000

140000
120000

The basic prices and indices are calculated on the basis of raw material prices, exclusive of excise/C.V.
duty wherever manufactures are eligible to obtain MODVAT benefit.
These basic prices and indices are for operation of IEEMAs Price Variation Clauses for various products.
Basic Price Variation Clauses, explanation of nomenclature can be obtained from IEEMA office.
Every care has been taken to ensure correctness of reported prices and indices. However, no
responsibility is assured for correctness. Authenticated prices and indices are separately circulated
by IEEMA every month. We recommend using authenticated prices and indices only for claiming
price variation.

128

June 2016

03-16

02-16

01-16

12-15

11-15

`09-15

10-15

`08-15

`07-15

`06-15

`05-15

`04-15

`03-15

`02-15

`01-15

`12-14

`11-14

`10-14

`09-14

`08-14

`07-14

`06-14

`05-14

`04-14

Apr 2014 - Mar 2016

IEEMADatabase

8000

H.T. Circuit Breakers

Nos.

7000
6000
5000
4000
April 10 - Feb 16

3000

4 7 10 1 4 7 10 1 4 7 10 1 4 7 10 1 4 7 10 1 4 7 10 1

Name of Product

Accounting
Unit

Production
For the Month From Feb 15 to Highest Annual
February 2016

Feb 16

Production

Electric Motors*
AC Motors - LT

000' KW

803

9863

11217

AC Motors - HT

000' KW

272

3673

4647

DC Motors

000' KW

28

391

618

000' KVA

969

11250

10676

Contactors

000' Nos.

799

8389

8527

Motor Starters

000' Nos.

145

1648

1909

Nos.

57228

604051

947878

000' Poles

11180

133048

116151

Circuit Breakers - LT

Nos.

206837

1827605

1825044

Circuit Breakers - HT

Nos.

6403

71357

72155

Custom-Build Products

Rs. Lakhs

15831

202120

265267

HRC Fuses & Overload Relays

000' Nos.

1301

14568

16875

KM

45242

516797

464826

000' KVAR

4119

49073

53417

Distribution Transformers

000' KVA

3539

47430

43346

Power Transformers

000' KVA

14168

169516

178782

Current Transformers

000' Nos.

64

712

660

Voltage Transformers

Nos.

8432

103324

114488

000' Nos.

2841

28943

26390

000' MT

91

991

1250

AC Generators
Switchgears*

Switch Fuse & Fuse Switch Units

Miniature Circuit Breakers

Power Cables*
Power Capacitors - LT & HT*
Transformers

Instrument Transformers

Energy Meters*
Transmission Line Towers*
* Weighted Production

June 2016

129

CPRINews

voltage flash over tests, front of wave spark over tests

on lightning arresters of voltage rating up to 120kV.

Liquid Dielectric
Laboratory
Test Facilities for testing
transformer oils as per IS: 1866.
uu Dissolved gas Analysis,
Specific
resistance
,
dissipation factor bridge
uu Moisture meter, Automatic
interface tensiometer
uu Flash point apparatus, Break-down voltage tester
uu Pour Point Apparatus, Auto Titrator
Regional Testing Laboratory, which was originally
situated at Muradnagar, was shifted from Muradnagar
to Noida during the year 2009 in order to provide better
services to customers.
The laboratory was set up with a view to cater to the
testing, certification and evaluation needs of electrical
power equipment manufacturing industry. This unit
acts as a liaison unit of CPRI with various customers in
northern region and coordinate their test requirements
which are beyond the scope of the Regional Laboratory
but within the capabilities of Bangalore and other units.

Laboratories
uu High Voltage Laboratory
uu Liquid
laboratory

Dielectric

uu Cables laboratory
uu Diagnostics laboratory

High Voltage
Laboratory
Test Facilities
uu Impulse Voltage
generator,1000kV,100kJ
uu Power Frequency Testing Transformer,200kV,20
KVA
uu Wet Test Arrangement
uu Porosity testing Machine
uu Temperature Rise Test Set up to 6kA
uu Universal Testing Machine 600kN
Equipment that can be tested
Standard lightning impulse voltage withstand test on :
Power/Distribution transformer up to 25MVA, Instrument
transformers up to 132kV, HV switch gears, Bus ducts,
fuse units up to 132kV.
Insulators up to 66kV
Dry and wet power frequency voltage withstand tests on
insulator up to a test voltage level of 200kV(rms). Dry,
wet power frequency and standard lightning impulse

130

uu Multi extraction unit

Cables Laboratory
uu Test Facilities
uu DC Test facility up
to 5kV DC, 50mA
uu AC power
frequency test
facility up to
60kV,150mA
uu Thermal stability
test
uu Universal testing machine up to 50kN
uu Capacitance and tan delta measurement
uu Partial discharge test up to test voltage of
100kV(rms)
uu Loading Coils up to 2000A at 5volts
All type tests on Cables and accessories can be tested
as per the relevant Indian /International standards
(IS, IEC, BS). XLPE cables up to 33kV, PVC insulated,
PVC sheathed cables up to 11kV, Paper Insulated,
lead cover cables up to 33kVCables accessories like
termination and joints up to 11kV Type test on insulation
mat as per IS :15652-2006

FRLS Tests on Cables and Insulating

Materials
Smoke Density test as per ASTM D-2843, Oxygen Index
test as per ASTM D-2863, Temperature Index test as per
ASTM D2863, Halogen Acid Generation Test as per
IEC 754-1,Flammability test (Swedist Chimney method),
Flame Retardence test for Bunched Cables.

Diagnostic Laboratory
Various diagnostic tests in lab as well as in field can
be carried out
uu Capacitance and tan delta measurements (Megger/
Doble make), Sweep frequency response analysis
(Doble make), Automatic Recovery Voltage meter
(Tettex make), Thermo Vision Camera (FLIR Make),
Very low Frequency Tan delta/Partial Discharge

June 2016

CPRINews

Forthcoming CPRI Technical Programmes

http://www.cpri.in/events.html
Sl No

on cables, Leakage current monitoring on LAs.

(Beacon make), Electro magnetic Core imperfection/
Wedge Tightness Detector on generators, On power
equipments, substation equipments and generating
equipments.

Name of the Event

1)

One Day Training Programme on

High Voltage Testing of Electrical July 22, 2016
Equipment

2)

Tu t o r i a l
Programme
on
August 26,
High Voltage Testing and
2016
Measurement Techniques

3)

Condition Assessment and

August 26,
Failure Analysis of Plant
2016
Components

4)

Training Programme on
Insulating Fluids (New and In- S e p t e m b e r
Service) and their Acceptance 19, 2016
Tests and standard test methods

For details, contact:

Shri Prabhakar Hegde,

Joint Director (Information and Publicity Division)

CPRI, Bangalore. Tel: 080 23602329 Email: hegde@cpri.in

1800/-

1000/1800/2400/-

June 2016

Dates

2400/-

Rs.____________ / US $ 120 or payment advice to our

Account No.11751 Bank of India, Worli Branch, Pankaj
Mansion, Dr A.B.Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 018 is enclosed

131

ERDANews

Evaluation of Transmission & Distribution

Components: Capability Profile of ERDAs
State-of-the-Art Laboratories
Transmission & Distribution (T&D) lines play vital role
in the power sector. The main emphasis of evaluation
of T&D Components such as conductors, insulators,
dampers and fittings is their durability under all possible
operational and environmental conditions. These
components are evaluated for electrical characteristics,
mechanical properties, material specifications, coating/
plating specifications, correctness of geometry, etc.
ERDAs has state-of-the-art facilities for design, type
and acceptance tests of T&D Components including
a sophisticated pollution laboratory for tracking &
erosion assessment of polymeric insulators as per
IEC: 62217. Tracking & erosion test facilities available
with the pollution laboratory include salt fog test with
concurrent application of electrical stress, multiple stress
test setup and four holds per cycle wheel test. Summary
of capability profile is presented below:

Testing and Evaluation

uu

Structural Steel [As per IS: 2062 & 1786]

uu

Copper Conductors [As per IS: 1897, 13730, 613, 191]

uu

G.I. Stay Wire, G.I. Plain Wire, G.S. Earth Wire [As
per IS: 2141, 280, 12776]

1600 kVp, 80 kJ Impulse Voltage

Generator

Polymer Insulators under 5000 hrs

Multiple Stress Test

400 kV Insulator under High

Voltage Test

Universal Testing Machine

(UTM) 40 T

Components Evaluated
Conductors (Type, Acceptance and Routine Test)
uu

Aluminum Conductors Galvanized steel reinforced

(ACSR) (as per IS: 398 Pt. 2 and Pt. 5, IEC 1089)

uu

Aluminum Stranded Conductors (AA) (as per IS: 398

(Pt. 1) & For all Aluminium Alloy Stranded Conductor
(AAAC) & IEC 1089)

Insulators (Type, Acceptance and Routine Test)

uu

Ceramic and Composite Insulators [as per

IS:731,2544,5621,IEC: 60383,60575, 60797, 61109,
62217] upto 400 kV

uu

Dampers (IS 19708)

uu

General Hardware [As per IS: 2486, IS: 2121 (Pt. 1

to 4), IS: 5561]

132

20 kA High Current Source

UV - Accelerated Ageing
Weathering Test Chamber

June 2016

ERDANews

Vertical Bending Machine

30 kN (3.5m span length)

CT PT Mechanical Test
Set-Up

4 m height

Specialized Pollution Laboratory for Tracking and

Erosion Testing asper requirements of IEC: 62217 for
polymeric insulators

Universal Testing Machine (UTM) 10 T Bend / Torsion Test Facility

Salt fog test

15m3 chamber; salt

concentration 1 to 8 kg/
m3 at power frequency
voltages

Wheel Test with four holds

Insulators with Creepage

of 500 mm 800 mm for
30,000 cycles

per cycle
Multiple Stress Test

5000 hrs duration

Field Services
uu

Witness Testing of T&D Components

uu

Third Party Inspection of T&D Components

R&D and Expert Services

uu

Measurement of electrical and magnetic fields using

ELF meter

uu

Modal Analysis of transmission lines

uu

FEM analysis of T&D components for optimization of

electrical and magnetic fields for improving component
reliability

Major Instrumentation & Equipment for Evaluation &

uu

Line insulator pollution assessment studies

Certification of T&D Hardware

uu

Failure analysis of T&D components

Wheel Test Facility for Polymer Insulators

Impulse Voltage
Generators

1600 kVp (80 kJ)

HV.AC Transformers

700 kVrms

PD / RIV Measuring
Instruments

Upto 400 kV Class

Short Time Withstand

Current Test Facility

120 kA for 1 second or 70

kA for 3 second

High Current source for

Temperature Rise Test

Upto 20 kA Continuous
Operations

Universal Testing Machine

(UTM)

10 T, 20 T, 40 T Vertical
and 20 T Horizontal (15
m span length)

Thermo-Mechanical
Chamber

Loading capacity 20 T &

Temperature range -40 C
to 80C (2m span length)

Salt Spray Chamber

1000 mm x 750 mm x 750

mm as per ASTM B117

134

Forthcoming Training Programs

Sr. No. Programme title

Date

Performance Evaluation of Low

9-10 June
Voltage Switchgears

Performance Evaluation of Solid

23-24 June
Insulation Materials

Design
Aspects
and
Performance Evaluation of 14-15 July
Motors & Pumps

Condition Monitoring and

Health Assessment of Power 21-22 July
Transformers

Dr G S Grewal
Dy. Director & Head
Mechanical & Insulating Materials Division
Phone: 0265-3048027, Mobile: 9978940951
E-mail: gurpreet.grewal@erda.org, Website: www.erda.org

June 2016

IEEMA Publications

Rate (Rs.)

Rate (Rs.)
INFORMATION PUBLICATIONS

Elroma 2012 (Electrical Rotating

Machines] [Print & CD combined]

2500

Ieema Directory 2016(Printed +

CD Combined)

1500

Cablewire 2011 (Print +Pen Drive

Combined)

2500

Elecrama Directory 2016(Printed

& CD Combined)

1000

Metering India 2011 (Meter)

2500

100

Metering India 2013 (Meter)

2500

Insulec 2009 (Insulating Material)

2000

Insulec 2015 (Insulating Material)

2500

Capacit 2010 (Capacitors)

2500

Trafotech 2010 (Transformer)

2500

Trafotech 2014 (Transformer)

2500

Trafotech Compendium (1982 2006)

2500

Tech IT - 2010 (Instrument

Transformer)

2500

Tech IT - 2014 (Instrument

Transformer)

2500

Capacit Compendium (1986 To

2010) (DVD)

2500

Insulec Compendium (1980 To

2009) (DVD)

2500

Cablewire Compendium (1983 To

2008) (DVD)

2500

Elroma Compendium (1983 TO

2008) (DVD)

2500

Swicon Compendium (1984 TO

2008) (DVD)

2500

Intelect Directory 2015

Reverse Buyer Seller Meet
Directory 2016

Only For
Reference

IEEMA Guidelines
IEEMA Guidelines for Testing of
Surge Arresters

100

IEEMA Surge Arrester Industry

Report

100

IEEMA Recommendation on
Technical Specification for
Instrument Transformer

150

Power Transformaer
Standardization Manual

1000

Research Reports
IEEMA FTA Report

5000

IEEMA PWC Industry Status

Report- 2010 -2011

10000

Africa Export - Market Study

Agreements)

1,50,000

Demand Assessment of Electrical

Euipment (7 Sector)

1,00,000

Sector Report- Single

50000

Country Report - Single

30000

Reference volume of IEEMA Seminars and

Conferences

Engineer 2016_Volume 1

Only For
Reference

Engineer 2016_Volume 2

Only For
Reference

IEEMA Journal

Coffee Table Book

5000

One Year Subscription

1000

Swicon 2011(Switchgear &

Controlgear) [CD ]

2500

Two Year Subscription

1800

Swicon 2015 (Pen Drive)

2500

Three Year Subscription

2400

136

June 2016

Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association, (IEEMA)

501, Kakad Chambers, 132 Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Opp. Worli Police Station,
Mumbai - 400018. Tel: (022) 2493 0532: Fax: (022) 2493 2705
Email: shamal.patel@ieema.org

TARIFF FOR COMMITTEE ROOM FACILITIES AT IEEMA, MUMBAI

No.

Facility

Maximum Capacity

Half Day (4Hrs)

Full Day (8Hrs)

Board Room
(U Shape)

15

3,000/-

4,000/-

Committee Big
(Class Room Style)

30

3,500/-

4,500/-

Terms & Conditions

1.

Above normal charges apply between 9 am and 6 pm. Additional charge of Rs 500 will apply for usage
between 6.00 pm and 8.00 pm. After 8 p.m. the facility is not available.

2.

Additional charge of Rs. 500/- will apply on Saturday and public holidays. The facility is not offered on
Sundays.

3.

Service tax extra as applicable.

4.

Complimentary serving of Tea or Coffee: 1 serving for half day & 2 servings for full day. Extra servings will
be charged at Rs.15/- per head

5.

Indian lunch is provided on request at Rs. 350/- per head. Lunch requirement should be informed atleast
2 working days in advance.

6.

Audio Visual Facilities, if required, will be provided with following additional charges.
Equipment & Facilities

Half day

Full Day

LCD Projector

1000

1500

Laptop

500

800

Video Conference

1500

2500

Webinar

1200

2000

7. Any other requirement should be conveyed a week in advance. Acceptance or otherwise of such
requirements is at the sole discretion of the Association (IEEMA).
8.

For IEEMA Members 25% discount is applicable on hall rental. However, there is no discount on Lunch
and other services.

9.

Bookings will be confirmed on receipt of payment in advance and subject to availability based on first come
first served basis.

10. Cheque/DD should be drawn in favour of IEEMA SAWTEC Mumbai