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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background:
The gas insulated substation (GIS) was first developed in various countries between
1968 and 1972. After 5 years of experience the use rate increased to about 20% of new
substations in countries where space is limited. For example in U.S only 2% new
substations are GIS. International experience with GIS is described in series of CIGRE
papers (CIGRE, 1992, 1994, 1982) [4, 80]. The high voltage conductors, circuit breakers,
switches, voltage transformers and current transformers are in SF6 gas inside grounded
metal enclosures. Therefore, the GIS can be smaller than air insulated substations (AIS)
up to a factor of 10. The GIS is more reliable and requires less maintenance since active
parts in GIS are protected from the deterioration from exposure to atmospheric air,
moisture, contaminations etc. According to IEC (International Electromechanical
Commission-IEC-1995), the gas insulated substation (GIS) uses a superior dielectric gas,
SF6 at moderate pressure for phase to phase and phase to ground insulation. SF6 is an
inert, nontoxic, colorless, odorless and noninflammable gas consisting of a sulfur atom
surrounded by and tightly bonded to six fluorine atoms. SF6 gas is 5 times as dense as air.
The SF6 is used in GIS at the pressures of 400 to 600KPa absolute. The insulation ability
of SF6 is 2 to 3 times to that of air at the same pressure. The arc interruption ability of SF6
is 100 times better than air insulated substation (AIS). In India also, a few GIS units are
under various stages of installation. The basic insulation level (BIL) required for GIS is
different from that of the conventional substation because of certain unique properties of
the former. The gas insulated bus has surge impedance (70Ω) more than that of the
conventional oil filled cables, but much less than that of an over head line (300Ω -400Ω).
Further, the average bus run for a compact GIS is much less than that for the
conventional station. In addition, the GIS are totally enclosed and therefore it is free from
any atmospheric contamination. Hence, in general the GIS permit lower basic insulation
level (BIL) rating than the conventional one. The GIS require less number of lightning
arresters than a conventional one; this is mainly because of its compactness. The basic
consideration for insulation coordination is V-T characteristic and it is considerably flat
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for SF 6 compared to that of air. Air can withstand to very high voltages for very short
time. However, as the duration of voltage increases, the withstand voltage falls off
considerably. On the other hand, SF6 exhibits a flat characteristic, thus the ratio of basic
lightning impulse level is close to unity for GIS, whereas for the conventional substations
this ratio varies between 0.6 and 0.86. However, because of the trace presence of
moisture, air and other contaminants, there are some reactive decomposition byproducts.

1.1.1 Basic Insulation Level (BIL):

When lightning impulse overvoltage appears in the system, it is discharged through
surge protecting devices before the equipments of the system get damaged. Hence, the
insulation of such equipment must be designed to withstand a certain
minimum voltage before the lightning impulse over voltage gets discharged through surge
protecting devices. Therefore, operating voltage level of surge protecting devices must be
lower than the said minimum voltage withstanding level of the equipment. This minimum
voltage rating is defined as BIL or basic insulation level of electrical equipment. It is
needless to say, the voltage withstands capacity of all equipments of an electrical
substation or an electrical transmission system must be decided as per its operating
system voltage. To ensure the stability of the system, during over voltage phenomenon,
the breakdown or flash-over strength of all equipments connected to the system should
exceed a selected level. There may be different kind of over voltage tresses appeared on
the system. These over voltages may differ in characteristics such as amplitude, duration,
waveform and frequency etc. In the view of economy, an electrical power system must be
designed for a basic insulation level or BIL depending upon the different characteristics
of all possible over voltages appear on the system. Moreover there are different
over voltage protecting devices installed in the system, which safely protect the system
against different over voltage phenomenon. Due to these protecting devices the abnormal
over voltages disappear from the system as fast as possible. Hence, this is unnecessary to
design a system whose insulation can withstand all types of over voltages for all duration
of time. For example, a lightning impulse voltage appears on the system for a period of
microsecond rage and this is cleared from the system by lightning arrester as rapidly as
possible. The insulation of electrical equipment must be so designed that it should not be
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damaged before the lighting impulse voltage is cleared by lightning arrester. The basic
insulation level or BIL of an electrical equipment determines the principle dielectric
qualities of the apparatus and is expressed for impulse tested apparatus by peak value of
the 1/50 microsecond full wave withstand voltage. The amount of insulation provided on
any piece of apparatus and particularly the transformers constitutes quite an appreciable
part of the cost. The standardizing bodies have had in mind to fix the basic insulation
level or BIL as low as is commensurate with safety. The lightning impulse voltage is
fully natural phenomena and hence it is highly uncertain in nature. So it is impossible to
predict the shape and size of lightning surge. After studying and working lots on the
nature of lightning surges, the standardizing bodies have decided and introduce a basic
shape of impulse wave which is used for high voltage impulse testing purpose of
electrical equipments. Although this created impulse voltage it does not have any direct
relation with natural lightning surges. The basic shape of standard impulse voltage is
shown in figure 1.1.

1.1.2 Impulse Voltage:

As per American Standard the impulse wave shape is 1.5/40μs. As per Indian
Standard this is 1.2/50μs. This representation of the wave has a special significance. Such
as 1.2/50μs impulse wave represents unidirectional wave which rises to its peak value
from zero in 1.2μs and then falls to 50% of peak value in 50μs. The represented wave
shape is shown in figure 1.1. The breakdown or flash-over voltage of the electrical
equipment with this wave shape are required to be equal or higher than the basic
insulation level fixed and the spark over voltage and discharge voltage of the protecting
devices like lightning arresters, are definitely required to be lower than these values so
that during lightning surges, the discharge occurs through the lightning arresters not
through the equipment itself. There must be sufficient margin between the lightning
arrester and insulation level of the equipments.
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Figure 1.1The basic shape of standard impulse voltage

The life of GIS is affected by several factors such as:

 Conductive particles,
 Particle discharges and
 Contaminations.

Conductive particles inside the enclosure are known to reduce the breakdown level of
gas insulated systems. Partial discharges can develop from conductive particles,
contamination, and defects during the manufacturing process, etc. In the enclosed (GIS)
all the enabled or helpful parts are encased inside a metallic epitome which is grounded,
and the grounded metallic representation limits for shielding the fragments from outside
environment. Enclosed SF6 gas depicts itself as a potential alternative for increasingly
elevated dielectric properties is used as the protection medium between the live parts and
the GIS fenced in areas. The insignificant and measured blueprint of GIS energizes an
abnormal state of versatility to fulfill the necessities of perfect outline of both parts;
substations, furthermore the switchgear of the power station, which comes to fruition into
the incredibly feasible and healthy suitability. Portraying an auxiliary dispute, GIS can be
communicated as a minimized, multi fragment get together which is assembled inside a
grounded metallic epitome that limits for shielding all the empowered parts from any
outside circumstances. Gas insulated substation and the typical construction of gas
insulated substation is shown in figures 1.2 and 1.3.
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Figure 1.2 Gas insulated substation

1.1.3 GIS Components:

Typical construction of gas insulated substation is shown in figure 1.3 contains circuit
breaker, disconnecting switch, earthing switch, high speed earthing switch, CTs, PTs, etc.

Figure 1.3 Typical construction of gas insulated substation

The GIs contains the following components,
 CB : Circuit breaker
 DS : Disconnecting switch
 ES : Earthing switch
 HSES : High speed earthing switch
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 CT : Current transformer
 VT : Voltage transformer
 CHd : Cable sealing end
 BUS : Bus-bar

1.2 GIS Switchgears:

A switchgear or electrical switchgear is a generic term which includes all the
switching devices associated with main power. It also includes all devices associated with
control, metering and regulating of power system. Assembly of such devices in a logical
manner forms switchgear. This is very basic definition of switchgear. Gas-insulated high-
voltage switchgear is a compact metal encapsulated switchgear consisting of high-voltage
components such as circuit-breakers and disconnectors, which can be safely operated in
confined spaces. GIS is used where space is limited, for example, extensions, in city
buildings, on roofs, on offshore platforms, industrial plants and hydro power plants. ABB
has always been and continues to drive innovation in GIS technology in ratings,
operations, switching technology, smart control and supervision, and compactness. The
gas insulated switch gear is shown in figure 1.4.

Figure 1.4The gas insulated switch gear

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1.2.1 Metal Enclosed Switchgear:

This type of switchgear has essentially an earthed metallic enclosure and it consists
essentially three major compartments, the front compartment is for circuit breaker, the
top compartment is for bus bar assembly and back or rear compartment for current
transformer and cable connection. Generally metal enclosed switchgear has
compartments with metal partitions that are intended to be earthed. hence, this is
called metal clad switchgear. Although some of these electrical switchgears may have
one or more non metallic partitions, this switchgear is known as compartmented
switchgear.

1.2.2 Design and Construction of Metal Enclosed Switchgear:

This type of switchgear is designed and constructed in such a way, that, normal
operation, maintenance, inspection can be carried out very easily and safely. All the
components can easily be replaced. Another essential feature of metal enclosed
switchgear is that, it should have proper interlocking arrangement between different
components to ensure most safe operation. To ensure safe and proper sequence of
operation, the following provisions to be provided,
 The circuit breaker cannot be removed or drawn out from its compartment unless
it is in OFF condition.
 Not only that, it should be impossible to isolate the circuit breaker from bus bar
unless it is in OFF condition. The operation of the CB is impossible unless it is in
service position, isolated position, earthed position, and removed from the
compartment.
 It is impossible to switch ON the circuit breaker in its service position unless
auxiliary circuit is connected with it. The constructional details of metal enclosed
switchgear have been discussed in the following section1.2.3.

1.2.3 Metal Enclosed Indoor Switchgear:

There are mainly two types of metal enclosed indoor switchgear-
 Vertical isolation and horizontal draw out,
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 Horizontal isolation and horizontal draw out.

Generally indoor switchgear housing has three chambers, namely circuit
breaker chamber (Front), bus bar chamber (Top), and current transformer cum cable
connection chamber (Rear). The metering and really panel consists of a separate
low voltage chamber may or may not be fixed with the main gear housing. The
withdrawble partition comprises a wheel mounted truck with an operating mechanism,
interrupters and isolating units. The spring charging mechanism may be either hand
operated or motor operated. For motor operated spring charging mechanism, a manual
charging provision should be provide to charge the spring during failure of spring
charging motor or absent of auxiliary supply. The withdrawal portion with CB generally
has three position i.e service, test, and isolated position. The positions should be clearly
visible from front of the switchgear. Three bus bars for three phase run parallel inside the
bus bar chamber. The bus bars are made of either aluminum or copper and cross-section
of the bars depends upon the current rating of the system. The bus is supported on epoxy
support insulators. The current transformers and cable termination chamber of earthed
metal constriction are designed to be able to mount the CT and have a provision for cable
termination. The gas insulated medium voltage switch gear is presented in the following
section 1.2.4.

1.2.4 Metal Enclosed Outdoor Switchgear:

The metal enclosed outdoor switchgear is basically similar to metal enclosed indoor
switchgear, except its external housing. The external housing or metal enclosure is made
of welded sheet steel with slanting roof and rain shields. The housing is designed in such
a way, that it becomes perfectly suitable for outdoor application. This type of design
of switchgear is not commonly used except for some special utilities like city distribution
networks with underground cable system.

1.2.5 Circuit Breaker:

The circuit breakers play an important and major role in electrical power systems.
The synchronized axial blast method is used in which significantly boosts circuit
breaking performance and also hand holes are provided to access to the interrupter
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contacts for inspection and replacement. The overall size of the circuit breaker in a GIS is
considerably reduced due to the absence of porcelain insulators and the use of short
terminal connections. Since the breaker chamber is at earth potential the clearances
between adjacent bays or bus bar systems is reduced and also the energy requirement of
the operating mechanism is considerably low. The breaker is normally provided with a
hydraulic spring operating mechanism for each phase to facilitate single-phase auto-
reclosing.

1.2.6 Disconnector Switch:

The disconnecting switches shall have breaking capabilities as per IEC requirements.
Contact shielding shall be designed to prevent re-strikes and high local stresses caused by
the transient recovery voltages when current is interrupted. The bus disconnecting
switches shall reliably handle capacitive currents due to the making and breaking of
switchgear components as well as commutation currents due to bus bar reconfiguration.
The fast acting ground switches, used for overhead double circuit lines and underground
cable feeders shall be capable of switching induced current as per IEC requirement. In
GIS, the disconnecting switches are used for electrical isolation of circuit parts.
Components of the disconnector switches are mounted in an enclosure with the active
parts supported by insulating spacers. The disconnector of GIS equipments shall confirm
to the specific technical data given as under table 1.2.

1.2.7 Earthing Switch:

Earthing switches are operated by motor spring and feature three-phase group
operation. They may be attached to the GIS at any position. There are two different types
of earthing switches, each with its own particular function: the maintenance earthing
switch and the high-speed earthing switch, for insertion into a circuit that has been
accidentally energized. Both designs are fully capable of resisting short-circuit faults at
their fully engaged positions. The earthing switches can be used as primary injection
terminals for checking voltages and currents. It is therefore possible to check the current
transformer’s ratio and contact resistance without evacuating the SF6 gas. A mechanical
indicator fixed to the operating shaft inside the operating mechanism provides a visual
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means of checking isolator position. In GIS, earthing switches are used to facilitate
grounding of conducting parts during maintenance. They are generally slow acting
devices that are operated during the off state of the GIS equipment 12 opening of these
switches can be done either by an electric motor or normally. Fast acting switches
suitable for GIS equipment and these are driven by motor operated drives.

1.2.8 Current Ttransformers:

Each voltage transformer shall be metal enclosed, SF6 insulated in accordance with
relevant IEC 60044. The current transformers must be suitable for continuous operation
when installed on the conditions. The current transformer shall be ring/toroid type, multi
ratio with fully distributed secondary windings with relay accuracy as per IEC 60185
(1987),incl. IEC 60044-4 (1992), multi core as per requirement and shall be mounted
inside the high voltage enclosure. The location, polarity, ratios, and accuracy shall be as
specified. Current transformers are required for measurement of the current flowing
through the equipment and for providing protection. The current conducting bar forms
the single turn primary while the secondary coils are located on a toroidal iron core which
is placed concentrically around the primary. The output of secondary winding is brought
out through high gas trough.

1.2.9 Voltage Ttransformers:

Each voltage transformer shall be metal enclosed, SF6 insulated in accordance with
relevant IEC 60044. The location, polarity, ratios, and accuracy shall be as specified.
Transformers should be of either plug-in construction or the disconnect-link type, and be
attached to the gas-insulated system in such a manner that they can be easily
disconnected while the system is being dielectrically tested. Voltage transformers are
required for measurement of the voltages in the network for operating the protection
system. The transformers are of resin cast type for lower voltages and SF6 gas insulated
type for higher voltages. In case of a gas insulated voltage transformer, the primary and
secondary windings are concentrically on the core. The spacer insulator is used for high
voltage connections and for isolating the gas space from the GIS equipment. The low
voltage leads are connected to the terminal box mounted on the enclosure through gas
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tight bushing insulators. The voltage transformer is fitted with gas valves for evacuation
and filling up of the SF6 gas. The ratings are up to 200VA. The gas insulated ssubstation
(GIS) is utilitarian on the premise of the rule of complete fenced in the area of all
invigorated parts in a metallic epitome. In gas insulated substation (GIS) scheme, the
compacted SF6 gas that has incredible electrical protecting qualities is utilized as the
protecting medium existing between the integration segments and the useful or
operational parts. The GIS includes an outside grounded external shield that encases the
high voltage inward conductor not at all like customary segments whose adjacent ground
is the earth surface. Moreover, gas insulated ssubstation GIS schemes are developed
totally encased that makes its autonomous of any outside contaminations. The underlying
outlines of GIS used to take after a mindful worldview and complete segregation of the
three stages [4, 5, 6]. The advantages of GIS have been discussed in the following
section 1.3.

1.3 Advantages of GIS:

This is the obvious truth that gas insulated substation (GIS)assumes noteworthy part
for solid and productive force dissemination and it has various preferences over
customary air substations. A percentage of the prevalent focal points of GIS are given as
takes after:
 The GIS possesses just around 10% of the space required by a routine air
protected substation
 The GIS can be introduced either underground or inside and in vigorously
populated territories
 The GIS is likewise helpfully utilized as a part of waterfront zones salt
contamination and mechanical and urban areas where space and contamination
are the primary contemplations
 These substations are by and large found nearer to the heap focuses there by
diminishing the misfortunes in transmission and conveyance systems
 The GIS is safe to environmental conditions and contamination, the blackouts get
diminished and combined with their expanded unwavering quality and the general
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upkeep expenses are minimized. The disadvantages of GIS are given in the
following section 1.4.

1.4 Disadvantages of GIS:

In fact GIS has been utilitarian since various years; various issues appear which requires
top to bottom comprehension and investigating worldview. The switching operations in
GIS causes the era of very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs). The Very fast transient
over voltages (VFTOs) may come about into optional breakdown inside the GIS and in
the mean time, transient enclosure voltages (TEV) may likewise appear outside the GIS
such as:
 Prolonged arcing might deliver remedial poisonous by-items
 Partial releases inside of the fenced in areas can bring about break downs
 Metallic molecule tainting
 Transient electric field and transient attractive fields
The very fast transient over voltages in GIS must be treated about as a critical for
planning the whole GIS segments instead of just for gas-protected segments. The
waveform and the levels of VFTOs are assessed by the effective outline of the GIS. There
exist various reasons that cause the event of very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs) in
GIS transformers. All though the GIS is in function for several years there are lot of
problems encountered in practical conditions which they needed further understanding.
Some of the problems studied are:
 Switching operations causes very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs)
 Very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs) may cause secondary break downs
inside the GIS
 By the arc products and due to the presence of metallic particles the support
spacers can be weak.
 Prolonged arcing may produce corrosion/toxic byproducts.
 For these reasons the VFTOs generated in GIS must be considered as an
important factor in the design of insulation. Very fast transient over voltages
(VFTOs) in GIS are caused by two reasons.
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 Due to switching operations,

 Line to enclosure fault,
The principle of generation of very fast transient over voltages has been discussed in
the following section 1.5.

1.5 Principle of Generation of Very Fast Transient over Voltages:

During operation of disconnecting switch (DS), transients are produced due to large
number of re-strikes between the contacts. The magnitude of these transients and rise-
times depends on the circuit parameters like inductance, capacitance and connected load.
Assuming that some trapped charge is left during opening operation, transients can be
calculated during closing operation of disconnecting switch. Very fast transient over
voltages generated during dis-connecting switch operation are a sequence of voltage steps
created by voltage collapse across the gap at re-striking. Specific over voltage shape is
formed by multiple reflections and refractions. Operation of disconnecting switch is
shown in figure 1.5.

Figure 1.5 Electric Circuit for explaining re-strikes

Where
L1 = Inductance of Source
C1 = Capacitance of Source
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C2 = Capacitance of GIS Open Part

U1 = Power Frequency Voltage
U2 = Voltage of GIS Section
The more frequent service situation of the isolator is its use to connect or
disconnect unloaded parts of the installation as is shown in figure1.5. For example, a part
of the GIS is disconnected by an isolator from a generator or from an overhead supply
line, where by the self capacitance C2 of this part of circuit can be up to several
nanofarads, depending on its length. The first re-strike across the gap occurs when
voltage across the gap exceeds the breakdown voltage. The occurrence of sequence of re-
strikes is described with the following figure1.6.

Figure 1.6 Voltage of the open-ended GIS side of the isolator

The voltage across the gap is the difference between U1 and U2. If it is assumed that
the breakdown voltage Ub of the gap increases with increasing separation and therefore
with time as shown in fig 1.6. Then the curve U2 can be constructed as follows. At the
instant of mechanical contact separation, U1 and U2 have the same value, the voltage U2
continues to retain this value, while U1 changes with power frequency. The voltage (U2 -
U1) across the gap of the isolator also changes. As soon as, (U2–U1) exceeds the dielectric
strength Ub of the gap, a breakdown and thus a first re-strike occur. Both electrodes are
there by electrically connected by a conducting spark, whereby GIS section with initial
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voltage U2 is very rapidly charged to instantaneous value of U1. The transient current
flowing through the 20 spark then interrupts as soon as the GIS have been charged to U1
and spark extinguishes. The voltage U2 now remains constant with time, while the
voltage U1, on the side of supply keeps changing. This continues until the second re-
strike occurs with an increased breakdown voltage Ub as a consequence of larger
separation. Hence U2 follows U1, until finally at the end of the switching process the gap
no longer can be broken down. Transients are also produced due to faults in the system.
When there is a fault, there will be short circuit in the system. Due to this, oscillations
occur due to presence of inductance and capacitance on both sides of the fault section
causing transients.

1.5.1 Secondary Breakdown in a GIS:

The very fast transient over voltages (VFTO) caused by switching operations can lead
to Secondary Breakdowns within gas insulated substations (GIS). In the first type, the
flashover to ground at the disconnecting switch contacts is due to the streamer generated
during re-strike or pre-strike between the disconnecting switch contacts. Secondly, inside
the GIS, like particles or fixed protrusions cause an inhomogeneous field distribution and
insulation can fail. In these two types of earth faults, VFTO are developed. The flashover
voltages under these two conditions are appreciably lower than the normal withstanding
voltages to the ground.
 Streamers are generated from several locations over a contact. Apparently one of
these streamers develops a flashover between the contacts, while the flashover to
ground is caused by the development of the other streamers.
 The flashover voltage to ground is lower when the spark is generated between the
disconnecting switch contacts by an impulse voltage than when the spark is
simulated with a piece of wire. This is because of the existence of streamers.
Practically, it can be observed that the VFTO induced earth faults are possible at
the disconnecting switch contacts during its operation. This is because of the
development of the enhanced field gradient to earth and later VFTO will be
generated in the GIS. The breakdown from the live conductor to the outer
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conductor is possible under VFTO or impulse voltages building of the spark will
be simulated by using the Toepler’s spark law.

1.5.2 Surges in GIS:

The discharge process during each individual re-strike begins with a voltage collapse
across the contact gap, which because of the particular breakdown mechanism in
electronegative gases takes place within only approximately 10-8 seconds [11]. This
voltage collapse is directly related to the formation of the spark channel. With a typical
voltage decrease rate of 1013 V/s (100 kV in 10 ns), it is the stimulus for a traveling
wave, which propagates away from the gap into the installation. After a certain travel
time the wave front reaches the open end of the GIS section, is then reflected and travels
back again crossing the gap that is still short-circuited by the spark, until it reaches the
next discontinuity in the surge impedance, such as for example the connection
of the GIS to the overhead line. Here it is now partly reflected. On this partial reflection
the wave splits itself into a Reflected and a Transmitted component. The Reflected
component travels a second time towards the open end of the GIS and is there again
reflected. For this reason, the discharge transient shows a periodicity of double the
traveling time of the wave in the GIS. The amplitudes of the voltage and the current
surges depend on the re-striking voltage and on the parameters of the circuit. Therefore
very different amplitudes can occur depending on the complexity of the installation.

1.5.3 Re-Strikes and Pre-Strikes in GIS:

The disconnecting switch (DS) operation typically involves slow moving contacts
which results in numerous discharges during operation. For example, a floating section of
switchgear between a disconnect switch and an open breaker (load side) may be
disconnected from an energized gas insulated system (supply side). For capacitive
currents below 1Amp, a re-strike occurs every time the voltage between the contacts
exceeds the dielectric strength of the gaseous medium between them. Each re-strike
generates a spark, which equalizes the potential between the switch contacts. Following
spark extinction, the supply and load side potentials will deviate according to the ac
supply voltage variation and the discharge characteristics of the load side respectively.
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Another spark will result, when the voltage across the electrode gap dependent
breakdown voltage Ub and the potential difference of the load and supply side U. Each
disconnecting switch (DS) operation generates a large number of ignitions between the
moving contacts. The number of ignitions depends on the speed of the contacts. The
largest and steepest surge voltages are generated only by those breakdowns at the largest
contact gap. Therefore, only a few breakdowns (10–50) need be considered for dielectric
purpose. The slow operation and very rapid breakdown give rise to ‘TRAPPED
CHARGE’ and traveling wave surges within gas insulated substation (GIS). The very fast
transient over voltages due to switching operation in GIS is discussed in the following
section 1.2.2.

1.6 Very Fast Transient over Voltages (VFTOs) due to Disconnecting Switches (DS):
A transient is created whenever a sudden change occurs in a power circuit, especially
during power switching - either closing or opening a circuit. It is important to recognize
the difference between the intended switching - that is, the mechanical action of the
switch - and the actual happening in the circuit. During the closing sequence of a switch
the contacts may bounce, producing openings of the circuit with reclosing by re-strikes
and reopening by clearing at the high-frequency current zero [8, 21, 27, 48]. Likewise,
during an opening sequence of a switch, re-strikes can cause electrical closing(s) of the
circuit. Simple switching transients include circuit closing transients, transients initiated
by clearing short-circuit and transients produced when the two circuits on either side of
the switch being opened oscillate at different frequencies. In circuits having inductance
and capacitance with little damping, these simple switching transients are inherently
limited to twice the peak amplitude of the steady-state sinusoidal voltage. Another limit
to remember when analyzing transients associated with current interruption (circuit
opening) is that the circuit inductance tends to maintain the current constant. At most,
then, a surge protective device provided to divert the current will be exposed to that
initial current. Without a surge protective device the current is available to charge the
circuit capacitances at whatever voltage is required to store the inductive energy from the
current into capacitive energy. Several mechanisms are encountered in practical power
circuits. These mechanisms can produce transient over voltages far in excess of the
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theoretical twice-normal limit mentioned above. Two such mechanisms occur

frequently: current chopping and re-strikes the latter being especially troublesome when
capacitor switching is involved. Current chopping is the name given to the rapid current
reduction, prior to the natural current zero of the power system, which fuses or circuit
breakers can force when clearing a circuit. When there is inductance in the circuit, this
rapid current change can produce high over voltages is10 times the normal circuit
voltage. A classical example is an unloaded transformer where the magnetizing
inductance is high and the energy stored in the magnetic core can charge only the
winding capacitance.
Capacitor switching can be troublesome if the switch re-strikes after current
interruption: the capacitor voltage remains nearly constant at maximum system voltage,
since the interruption occurred at zero current, which is 90o apart from the voltage zero,
while the system voltage follows the normal sine wave (Figure1.6). At 180 degrees after
interruption, the switch has to support twice the system voltage, a stress it might not be
able to support with its contacts incompletely separated. A re-strike can occur under these
circumstances. In such a case the capacitance of the circuit will tend to drive the voltage
not toward the system voltage but beyond it, theoretically up to twice the difference.
Such an overshoot means a possible voltage of three times the system voltage. While this
high frequency oscillation takes place, the switch may clear at a high-frequency current
zero, only to re-strike again later with an even greater difference of voltage and escalating
to an even higher overshoot. The outcome will be either a breakdown in one of the
components or, if the switch eventually recovers enough dielectric withstand in its
opening gap, no further re-strikes. But severe over voltages will have been impressed on
the system. A similar scenario can unfold when an ungrounded power system experiences
an arcing ground fault. The switching action is then not the result of a deliberate parting
of contacts but the intermittent connection produced by the arc. These switching over
voltages, high as they may be, are somewhat predictable and can be estimated with
reasonable accuracy from the circuit parameters, once the mechanism involved has been
identified. There is still some uncertainty as to where and when they occur because the
worst offenders result from some abnormal behavior of a circuit element. Lightning-
induced transients are even less predictable because there is a wide range of coupling
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possibilities. Moreover, one user, assuming that his system will not be the target of a
direct hit, may take a casual view of protection while another, fearing his system will
experience a "worst case," may demand the utmost protection. In response to these
concerns, various committees and working groups have attempted to describe ranges of
transient occurrences or maximum values occurring in power circuits. Three such
attempts will be discussed in some detail at the end of this section. Communication
circuits share with power circuits their exposure to lightning effects, differ from power
circuits that they do not have the power switching effects just discussed. On the other
hand, they are exposed to another source of over voltages-the injection of power-
frequency current into the circuits. This injection can be the result of accidental contact
between fallen power wires on overhead communication wires or cables, or even a
malicious injection of power-frequency voltage into terminals of communication
equipment. This injection can last until a power circuit breaker interrupts the fault it
senses on the power system, or it can be enduring, in which the communication circuit
protective devices must provide an acceptable failure mode to maintain the safety and
integrity of the communication plant - with interruption of the service until the fault
condition is removed.
Disconnecting switch (DS) are used primarily to isolate the operating sections of an
HV installation from each other as a safety measure. Beyond this, they must also be able
to perform certain switching duties, such as load transferred from one bus bar to another
or disconnection of bus sections, circuit breakers etc. The switching operations may be
due to disconnecting switch (DS), circuit breaker (CB) or earth switch (ES). Since, the
contact speed of disconnecting switch (DS) are low, re-striking occurs many times before
the interruption is completed. Each re-strike generates very fast transient over voltages
with different levels of magnitude. During switching operations, voltage collapse across
the contacts take place within 3 to 20 nanoseconds depending on the system voltage, gas
pressure, field intensity etc. Once this short time rise pulse starts at switching contacts, it
travels along gas bus duct in either direction and gets reflected at different terminations.
The superimposition of system with reflected pulse develops over voltages in GIS. These
over voltages have been called as very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs), because of
their very high frequency components in the range of MHz. These surges may bring
 20

about inward flashovers to adjacent grounded objects. In this manner over voltages
created in GIS is a significant parameter to be considered in protection plans as it has
bearing on numerous basic parts of the establishment [36, 61, 70, 78] for example,
protecting spacers, bushings, transformers and so on. The electromagnetic impedance
(EMI) created by over voltages in electronic control hardware is another issue to figure
with. For the above reasons, VFTOs generated in a GIS thought to be considered as an
imperative variable in the protection plan. For planning a substation [27, 28, 107] it is
very essential to know the greatest estimation of VFTOs. Subsequently studies are
completed on estimation of the VFTOs [5, 35, 80, 86, 88]. Since the contact rate of
detach switches is low, re-striking happens commonly before the intrusion is finished.
The VFTOs across the GIS transformer has been discussed in the following section 1.7.

1.7 Very Fat Transient over Voltages (VFTOs) across GIS Transformers:
The VFTOs appears in gas insulated ssubstation (GIS) on account of the exchanging
capacities that is worked by the disconnecting switch [1, 3, 6]. Regularly, the procedures
have oscillatory of a few MHz, useful for couple of microseconds and along these lines it
has short ascent time going even under 5 nanoseconds. The very fast transient over
voltages (VFTOs) sets of a explosion in the transformer windings, particularly when the
transformer is associated with the gas insulated substation (GIS) through a gas insulated
transmission line. It is of imposing consequence to investigate the basic worldview of
very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs) phenomenon in the transformer and to
encourage a methodology for understand the over voltages in the winding. These
elements activation creator to build up a different strategy for very fast transient over
voltages (VFTOs) examination in GIS of differed appraisals [37, 61, 65, 67, 77] . The
very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs) wonders has been concentrated on transformer
winding. As the procedure of very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs) examination
needs an unpredictable calculation[5, 35], the vast majority of the looks into have kept
the calculation region by utilizing a terminal permission speaking to whatever remains of
the winding. Dominant part of the time over-voltages prompts the flashover between the
turns or from the twisting to center. The very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs)
created because of exchanging capacities in gas insulated substation depends not just on
 21

the association between the transformer and the GIS, additionally on the parameters of
the transformer parameters and the sort of transformer windings. As of now talked about
in the past segments, between the separation handle, the caught charges may be left on
gas insulated ssubstation (GIS) segments, particularly on the capacitance to ground
segments, which comes about into tremendous differential voltages over the detaching
switches and moreover in the presence of AC-DC conditions over the posts of the
disengaging switches. The switching operation like re-energization under the preceding
situations causes the exchanging charging current those later s into more extreme motions
which go through the GIS parts and when all is said in done endure different reflections.
Such sorts of surges [10,70] may lead interior flashovers to its neighboring grounded
segments. Consequently, in gas insulated ssubstations (GIS), the over-voltages is the
transcendent parameter which for planning the protection as it has bearing on numerous
basic segments of the establishment like, transformers, protecting spacers and bushings
and so on. Then again, the electromagnetic impedance (EMI) produced because of over-
voltages in electronic control hardware is another critical issues which is should have
been considered genuinely [42, 81]. The major problems associated with the VFTOs are:
 Flash over to ground at the disconnecting switches,
 Under VFTOs, if non uniform electric field is formed, the dielectric strength is
reduced,
 The electronics control circuits connected to GIS may gets failed due to
electromagnetic interference
 There will be effect on electrical apparatus such as power transformer, instrument
transformer, bushing etc
 Transient enclosure voltage (TEV) may cause flash over to nearby ground objects.
For these reasons the VFTOs in GIS must be considered as an important factor in the
design of insulation. The classification of very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs) in
GIS is shown in figure 1.7.
 22

Figure 1.7 Classification of very fast transient over voltages in GIS

1.8 Trapped Charge in GIS:

When a Disconnect Switch is opened on a floating section of switchgear, a
Trapped Charge may be left on the floating section. The potential caused by this charge
will decay very slowly as a result of leakage through spacers. A trapped charge near
1.0p.u (peak) can levitate particles [10] Particle motion under D.C conditions is much
more severe than that for A.C excitation and may lead to scattering of particles onto
insulating surfaces. However, such particle motion leads to appreciable D.C currents of
few μA, which will normally discharge the floating section in a relatively short time. A
trapped charge of 1p.u implies that the first breakdown upon closing the disconnect
switch will occur at 2p.u across the switch contacts and may lead to conductor to ground
over voltages of up to 2.5p.u. Thus the magnitude of trapped charge left after operation of
a disconnect switch may be of some consequence to switchgear reliability. During recent
field tests on a 500kV substation, measurements were made of the trapped charge left
when a disconnector was opened onto a floating section of switchgear. Numerous
measurements led to the conclusion that for this switch, a potential of 0.1 – 0.2p.u is left
on the floating section and that this result is consistent. The reason for this consistent
result is that the negative breakdown occurs at approximately 15% greater potential
 23

difference than the positive breakdowns for this switch. The asymmetry in breakdown
voltages leads to the “falling” pattern near the end of operation which continues until the
potential is low enough that breakdowns can occur during the rising portion of a power
frequency cycle as shown in below figure1.8.

Figure 1.8 Load side voltage waveform during opening of disconnect switch

Two such breakdowns bring the potential back to a large positive value after
which the falling pattern is re-established. The end point of this process is inevitably a
transition from a large negative potential to a slightly positive potential at a gap distance
for which the positive breakdown potential is 1.1p. u (peak) and the negative breakdown
potential is 1.2p. u (peak). At this point another positive and negative breakdown cannot
occur, as a result 0.1 - 0.2p. u (peak) is left on the floating switch gear. The salient
features which lead to this small trapped charge are the asymmetry in breakdown
potential and relatively long arcing time. This trapped charge can be controlled through
careful design of contact geometry. For the purpose of calculating transient magnitudes, a
trapped charge of 1.0p.u (peak) prior to closing of dis connector switch (DS) is assumed.
One of the methods suggested to suppress these over voltages is by insertion of a resistor
with an appropriate value during switching. The motivation of the present research work
has been discussed in the following section 1.9.
 24

1.9 Motivation and Objective of the thesis:

1.9.1 Motivation:
The rise in the consumption of the power has raised a number of issues for optimal
power distribution and its reliability. The transformer plays a key role in transformation
of electrical energy. GIS have found a broad range of applications in power systems due
to its special advantages. It has been shown that operations of disconnecting switches and
breakers can cause very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs), tip of which is very steep
accompanied with high frequency oscillation. The very fast transient over voltages
(VFTOs) not only influence the operating reliability of GIS, but also causes great threat
to the insulation of the high-voltage equipment, especially to windings of the transformer.
The very fast transient over voltage (VFTOs), although, its magnitude is found to be
lower than basic insulation level (BIL) of the GIS system, these components contribute to
the aging on the insulation of the system because of frequent incidence. Also, the very
fast transient over voltages (VFTOs) might causes impact on the insulation of
transformer. Therefore, it becomes necessary to estimate the magnitudes of the very fast
transient over voltages (VFTOs) generated [34, 55, 61, 69, 70, and 73]. A number of
methods have been developed for enhancing the reliability of power distribution system
and GIS is one of those predominant initiatives [12, 13, and 15]. This is the matter of
information that GIS systems have been employed predominantly across the world to
ensure most favorable and reliable power distribution. A number of researches have been
done for GIS optimization, but on the other hand considering the prime issue of very fast
transient over voltages (VFTOs) of transformer in GIS, very few researches have been
done that could ensure minimal effects of very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs) in
GIS functions. Some of the researches accomplished for very fast transient over voltages
(VFTOs) analysis and its optimization has stated that, wavelet transform technique can
play a significant role in optimizing the overall power distribution system. The wavelet
transforms techniques plays very significant role in transient signal analysis in time as
well as frequency domain form. The implementation of wavelet transforms techniques
[40, 43, and 46] for very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs) analysis and utilities can
provide a novel approach to define an optimal solution for future utilities and
consideration. Thus, taking into consideration of these all needs and motivations, here in
 25

this dissertation, the author has developed novel approaches for the analysis of very fast
transient over voltages (VFTOs) analysis in GIS transformer for varied ratings (132kV,
400kV, 800kV 500kV, 245kV, 765kV and 1000kV) of GIS transformers. Predominantly,
the author has employed different wavelet transform for very fast transient over voltages
(VFTOs) analysis of GIS transformer. To evaluate the performance of the developed
schemes, the author has considered robust simulation platforms such as MATLAB [20].
Ultimately the performance evaluation of any new approach plays a significant role to
ensure long run employability of certain technology or schemes. Thus, here in this thesis,
the author has tested the developed scheme with varied ratings (132kV, 245kV, 400kV,
500kV, 765kV, 800kV and 1000kV) of GIS transformer.

1.9.2 The main Objective of the Thesis:

The main objective has been categorized into two broad categories. These are general
objectives and specific objectives. The general objectives are those objectives which are
needed to be obtained as overall outcome while on the other hand; specific objectives are
those objectives or approaches defined for accomplishing the general objectives. In fact
specific objectives do present the technical approaches to be incorporated for
accomplishing general objectives. The predominant goals of these defined objectives are
as follows:
1.9.2.1 General Objectives:
The goals of general objectives are;
 To develop a novel and highly robust system for analysis of very fast transient
over voltages (VFTOs) of transformers in (GIS),
 To investigate the flexible approaches for the analysis of very fast transient over
voltages (VFTOs),
 To develop a novel simulation scheme for evaluating impact of very fast transient
over voltages (VFTOs),
1.9.2.2 Specific Objectives:
The goals of specific objectives the present research work is:
 26

 To develop a highly robust wavelet transformation based on very fast transient

over voltages (VFTOs).
 To develop the simulation model of GIS [12, 13, 15] for varied ratings (132kV,
245kV, 400kV, 500kV, 765kV, 800kV and 1000kV),
 To develop the simulation model of a 3-phase winding transformer [20, 23, 77]
with switching conditions to estimation of magnitude and rise of rate of very fast
transient over voltages (VFTOs) in GIS transformers [30, 23, 77],
 To estimate the magnitude of VFTOs at the transformer as well as at the open end
in GIS,
 To compare the simulation test results [34, 40, 43, 46, 55, 61, 67, 69, 70, 73].

1.10 Research Contribution:

In this research work a highly robust and efficient approach for very fast transient
over voltages (VFTOs) estimation scheme has been developed. This is the matter of fact
that a number of researches have been done for very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs)
estimation and analysis, but considering the robust applications and practical applications
of GIS, very few researches have been done. Even not many efforts have been made on
evaluating very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs) for different ratings of GIS
transformer. Majority of the existing systems have been developed for low voltage
ratings. Thus considering a broad vacuum for future optimization, here in this research
work, a novel scheme for very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs) has been developed
that functions for GIS transformers of varied ratings. Some of the predominant
contributions of the presented research work are presented as follows:
 The presented research work emphasizes for very fast transient over voltages
(VFTOs) analysis for power transformers, which is most significant in present
power transmission system.
 The presented research emphasizes over the system development of GIS
component which has been prominently employed across the globe for effective
and secure power transmission.
 27

 The proposed approach employs wavelet transformation based very fast transient
over voltages (VFTOs) estimation paradigm using its predominant techniques
such as continuous wavelet transformation (CWT) and discrete wavelet
transformation (DWT) which performs better as well as it gives the accurate and
crisp outcome as compared to conventional approaches [43, 46].
 The developed models in the present research work, considers very fast transient
over voltages (VFTOs) estimation for varied ratings such as 132kV, 245kV,
400kV, 500kV, 765kV, 800kV and 1000kV etc. Such implementation and
analysis provides a crisp outcome that the implementation of wavelet transform
technical can facilitate more accurate, precise and efficient outcome as compared
to any other conventional approaches. Thus, the developed scheme can be
employed in major real time evaluation scheme.
 In this research work, the region of interest has been focused on the evaluation
scheme for very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs) in GIS so as to develop a
novel analysis technique for system optimization and enhancement in secure
power transmission. Here the developed system and its outputs can be considered
as the reference for future optimization and planning for GIS optimization needs.
 The consideration of very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs) analysis at higher
rating transformers in GIS, such as 1000 kV transformers, which is common in
recent utilities, can assist engineers or scientist to plan for an optimistic and well
calibrated measure for effective and efficient GIS facility [16, 17, 20, 25].
 In addition to the above mentioned contributions, the presented scheme has
provided a better insight of theoretical knowledge transfer that can be effective for
readers to understand and employ the technology. This thesis elaborates the
fundamental concepts of the following
 Analysis of very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs) of GIS transformers of
different ratings,
Modeling and design of GIS components based on multi conductor transmission
line model (MCTL) as well as very fast transient nature (VFT) such as;
 Power transformer,
 28

 Disconnecting switch,
 Circuit breaker,
 Metal oxide surge arrester
 RC-filter,
 Ferrite ring,
 Nanocrysttaline,
 RF- resonator,
 Terminal components like OHTL, GIL and XLPE (Cable),
 Shunt capacitance,
 Series capacitance,
 Spark resistance etc
 Application of wavelet transform technique for analysis of very fast transient over
voltages (VFTOs) in GIS [40, 43, 46],
 The organization of thesis has been accomplished in the following section 1.11.

1.11 Organization of Thesis:

A well defined and skilled presentation research work plays very significant role in
ensuring optimal knowledge transfer and effective research presentation. Taking into
consideration of the requirement of an efficient research documentation and presentation,
here in this thesis the overall manuscript has been divided into seven individual chapters,
where every chapter discusses its own significance.

Chapter 1: This chapter includes introduction, GIS components, circuit breakers,

disconnector Switches, earthing switch, current transformers, voltage transformers,
advantages of GIS, disadvantages of GIS, very fast transient over voltages due to
disconnecting switches, principle of generation of very fast transient over voltages,
secondary breakdown in a GIS, surges in GIS, re-Strikes and pre-Strikes in GIS, trapped
charge in GIS, very fat transient over voltages across GIS transformers, motivation,
research objectives, general objectives, specific objectives, research contribution as well
as organization of thesis.
 29

Chapter 2: Literature Survey: This chapter covers the literature review on very fast
transient over voltages in gas insulated substations. For any kind of research, literature
survey or review is considered as the backbone for future optimization or enhancements.
Considering these needs, here in this chapter, the literatures studied for the presented
research work have been discussed [2, 13]. Predominantly this chapter discusses the GIS
modeling, very fast transient over voltages and numerous suppression paradigms [24, 25,
36, 49], very fast transient over voltages (VFTOs) estimation approaches [26, 42, 49, 58,
69] etc. Numerous literatures related to GIS and its security while considering very fast
transient over voltages (VFTOs) estimation [37, 49, 58, and 69] has been discussed in
this chapter.

Chapter 3: This chapter discussed about the theoretical background of the wavelet
transform and it includes, introduction, wavelets introductory, mathematical background,
capabilities of wavelet analysis, wavelet transform families, scaling, the selection of the
mother wavelet, continuous wavelet transform, discrete wavelet transform, wavelet
transforms in two dimensions, wavelet multi-resolution decomposition, wavelet based
analysis of transient signals, wavelet multi-resolution decomposition, scaling, wavelet
based peak detection using multi resolution analysis ,Identifying peaks and valleys using
wavelet-based peak detection, wavelet-Based Peak Detection using multi resolution
analysis, determining the wavelet transform level, comparing the wavelet-based and
curve-fitting-based methods. The prime objective of this chapter is to provide a better
relevant theoretical discussion for readers to understand the research works so as to
explore future optimization and scopes for future study.

Chapter-4: This chapter contains the modeling of gas insulated substation, it includes
introduction, modeling of GIS components, power transformer, disconnecting switch,
circuit breaker, metal oxide surge arrester, modeling of RC-Filter, modeling of ferrite
ring, nanocrystalline, computation of gas insulated substation components, enclosure to
ground mode, earthing straps:
 30

Chapter-5: This chapter discusses the research work accomplished for 132kV, 400kV,
500kV, 800kV, 245kV, 765kV and 1000kV GIS transformers. It includes simulation
models of 132kV, 400kV, 500kV, 800kV, 245kV, 765kV and 1000kV GIS transformers.
Chapter 6: This chapter concludes the thesis work. It includes analysis of VFTOs for
132kV, 400kV, 500kV, 800kV, 245kV, 765kV and 1000kV GIS transformer using
wavelet transform technique. Further, the s of the proposed systems are accomplished and
discussed in this chapter. The results of the proposed work clearly indicate that, the
application of wavelet transform is most suitable for the analysis of VFTOs of GIS
transformers.

Chapter-7 Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

Finally this chapter deals with Summary and Conclusions of the research work
carried as well as the recommendations of the future work is discussed in brief.