Study of Elements of A 22013233kv Substation
Study of Elements of A 22013233kv Substation
Study of Elements of A 22013233kv Substation
substation. It includes study of transmission lines, bus bars, circuit breakers, isolators,
earth switches, various types of transformers such as power transformer, capacitor
voltage transformer, current transformers, lightning arresters, wave traps and grounding
system of substation. We will also discuss about the various protection scheme applied in
the substation for this equipments.
The present day electrical power system is AC i.e., electric power is generated,
transmitted and distributed in the form of alternating current. The electric power is
produced at the power stations which are located at favourable places, generally quite
away from the consumers. It is delivered to the consumers through a large network of
transmission and distribution. At many places in the line of the power, it may be desirable
and necessary to change some characteristics of power supply. This is accomplished by
suitable apparatus called Substation.
Generating voltage at the power station is stepped upto high voltage for
transmission of electric power. The assembly of apparatus used for this purpose is the
substation. Similarly,near the consumers localities, the voltage may have to be stepped
down to utilization level. This job is again accomplished by a suitable apparatus called
substation. The type of equipment needed in the substation will depend upon the service
requirement.
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2.1 Introduction
A substation that has a step-up transformer increases the voltage with decreasing
current, while a step-down transformer decreases the voltage with increasing the current
for domestic and commercial distribution. The word substation comes from the days
before the distribution system became a grid. At first substations were connected to only
one power station where the generator was housed and were subsidiaries of that power
station.
High-rise buildings may have indoor substations. Indoor substations are usually
found in urban areas to reduce the noise from the transformers, to protect switchgear
from extreme climate or pollution conditions.
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2.3 Types of Substation
a) Transmission Substation
b) Distribution Substation
c) Collector Substation
a) Transmission Substation
b) Distribution Substation
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common in the area. Distribution voltages are typically medium voltage, between 33 and
66 kV depending on the size of the area served and the practices of the local utility.
Besides changing the voltage, the job of the distribution substation is to isolate
faults in either the transmission or distribution systems. Distribution substations may also
be the points of voltage regulation, although on long distribution circuits (several
km/miles), voltage regulation equipment may also be installed along the line.
c) Collector substation
Further, transmission substations are mainly classified into two types depending on
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a) Step-Up Transmission Substation
There can also be a tap on the incoming power feed from the generation plant to
provide electric power to operate equipment in the generation plant.
The general considerations regarding the substation that are discussed are
functions,design and different layouts of the substation.
iii. To Switch transmission and distribution circuits into and out of the grid system.
vi. To Eliminate lightning and other electrical surges from the system.
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viii. To Make interconnections between the electric systems of more than one utility.
b) Design
The main issues facing a power engineer are reliability and cost. A good design
attempts to strike a balance between these two to achieve sufficient reliability without
excessive cost. The design should also allow easy expansion of the station, if required.
i) Single Bus Bar: With this design, there is an ease of operation of the substation.
This design also places minimum reliance on signaling for satisfactory operation of
protection. Additionally there is the facility to support the economical operation of future
feeder bays.
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Such a substation has the following characteristics.
a. Each circuit is protected by its own circuit breaker and hence plant outage does
not necessarily result in loss of supply.
b. A fault on the feeder or transformer circuit breaker causes loss of the transformer
and feeder circuit, one of which may be restored after isolating the faulty circuit
breaker.
c. A fault on the bus section circuit breaker causes complete shutdown of the
substation. All circuits may be restored after isolating the faulty circuit breaker.
d. A bus-bar fault causes loss of one transformer and one feeder. Maintenance of one
bus-bar section or isolator will cause the temporary outage of two circuits.
e. Maintenance of a feeder or transformer circuit breaker involves loss of the circuit.
The general layout for a full mesh substation is shown in the schematic Fig2.2
The characteristics of such a substation are as follows
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Fig 2.2 shows mesh substation.
2.6 Layout
b) Spatial Seperation
i. Earth Clearance: This is the clearance between live parts and earthed structures,
walls, screens and ground.
ii. Phase Clearance: This is the clearance between live parts of different phases.
iii. Isolating Distance: This is the clearance between the terminals of an isolator and
the connections.
iv. Section Clearance: This is the clearance between live parts and the terminals of a
work section. The limits of this work section, or maintenance zone, may be the
ground or a platform from which the man works.
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c) Separation of maintenance zones
Two methods are available for separating equipment in a maintenance zone that
has been isolated and made dead.
The choice between the two methods depends on the voltage and whether horizontal
or vertical clearances are involved.
2.7 Maintenance
Maintenance plays a major role in increasing the efficiency and decreasing the
breakdown. The rules and basic principle are discussed.
Separation by earthed barrier = Earth Clearance + 50mm for barrier + Earth Clearance
Separation by section clearance = 2.44m + Earth clearance
i. For vertical clearances it is necessary to take into account the space occupied by
the equipment and the need for an access platform at higher voltages.
ii. The height of the platform is taken as 1.37m below the highest point of work.
b) By Electrical Separations.
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a) Establishing Maintenance Zones
Some maintenance zones are easily defined and the need for them is self evident
as in the case of a circuit breaker. There should be a means of isolation on each side of
the circuit breaker, and to separate it from adjacent live parts when isolated either by
section clearances or earth barriers
b) Electrical Separations
Together with maintenance zoning, the separation, by isolating distance and phase
clearances, of the substation components and of the conductors interconnecting them
constitute the main basis of substation layouts.
There are at least three such electrical separations per phase that are needed in a
circuit:
i. Between the terminals of the bus bar isolator and their connections.
ii. Between the terminals of the circuit breaker and their connections.
iii. Between the terminals of the feeder isolator and their connections.
2.8 Conclusion:
We have studied in detail about the substation description and in the next chapter
we are going to discuss about the line diagram of shapurnagar 220/132/33KV substation.
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3.1 Introduction
We are going to discuss about the line diagram and number of feeders of 220KV
substation and the voltage that has been transmitted to other substations and inter
connection of 220 KV line and also about the lines that feeds this substation from
generating units.
We are getting power supply from two thermal power plants one is KTPS1 and
the other from which have two lines, named as Malkaram1 & Malkaram 2.
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3.4 Feeders
Feeder circuits are the connections between the output terminals of a
distribution substation and the input terminals of primary circuits. The distribution feeder
circuit conductors leave the substation from a circuit breaker via underground cables,
called substation exit cables. The underground cables connect to a nearby overhead
primary circuit outside the substation. This eliminates multiple circuits on the poles
adjacent to the substations there by improving the overall appearance of the substation.
This substation has two types of feeder i.e. 132 KV and 33 KV feeder. They are
12 feeders of 132 KV which are basically collector substation and it has 16 feeders of
33KV which are industries and for domestic user.
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b) The interconnection of 33KV Grid Substations
The interconnection of 33KV to different substations is given below,
i. SHAPURNAGAR - SHAPURNAGAR
ii. SHAPURNAGAR - JEEDIMETLA circuit No.1
iii. SHAPURNAGAR - JEEDIMETLA circuit No.2
iv. SHAPURNAGAR - JEEDIMETLA circuit No.3
v. SHAPURNAGAR - JEEDIMETLA circuit No. 4
vi. SHAPURNAGAR - SATYAM circuit No. 1
vii. SHAPURNAGAR - SATYAM circuit No. 2
viii. SHAPURNAGAR - JAIRAJ circuit No.1
ix. SHAPURNAGAR - JAIRAJ circuit No. 2
x. SHAPURNAGAR - AIRFORCE ACADEMY circuit No. 1
xi. SHAPURNAGAR - AIRFORCE ACADEMY circuit No. 2
xii. SHAPURNAGAR - RCC
xiii. SHAPURNAGAR - B.PALLIY
xiv. SHAPURNAGAR - H.A.L
xv. SHAPURNAGAR - IDPL
xvi. SHAPURNAGAR - H.M.T
3.5 Conclusion
We have discussed about the line diagram of 220 KV Shapurnagar substation and
interconnection of this substation with other grid and number of feeders that are
connected to this substation and in the next chapter we are going to discuss about the
transformers.
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4.1 Introduction
We are going to discuss about the basic principle of transformer, working,
construction, losses, application and the transformers used in substation and their tapping
details.
a) Definition
b) Basic Principle
The transformer is based on two principles. Firstly, an electric current can produce a
magnetic field (electromagnetism) and secondly that a changing magnetic field within
the a coil of wire induces a voltage across the ends of the coil (electromagnetic
induction). Changing the current in the primary coil changes the magnitude of the
magnetic field. The changing magnetic flux link with the secondary coil where a voltage
is induced across its ends.
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A simplified transformer design is shown in Fig 4.1. A current passing through
the primary coil creates a varying magnetic field. The primary and secondary coils are
wrapped around a core of very high magnetic permeability, such as iron, This ensures
that most of the magnetic field lines produced by the primary current are within the iron
core and pass through the secondary coil as well as the primary coil. Transformers are
essential for high voltage power transmission, which makes long distance transmission
economically practical.
c) Practical Considerations
i. Effect of frequency
The time-derivative term in Faraday's Law shows that the flux in the core is the
integral of the applied voltage. Hypothetically an ideal transformer would work with
direct-current excitation, with the core flux increasing linearly with time. In practice, the
flux would rise to the point where magnetic saturation of the core occurs, causing a huge
increase in the magnetizing current and overheating the transformer. All practical
transformers must therefore operate with alternating current.
If the flux in the core is sinusoidal, the relationship for either winding between its
Voltage of the winding E, and the supply frequency f, number of turns N, core cross-
sectional area a and peak magnetic flux density B is given by the universal EMF
equation:
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However properties such as core loss and conductor skin effect also increase with
frequency. Aircraft and military equipment employ 400 Hz power supply which reduce
core and winding weight.
An ideal transformer would have no energy losses, and would be 100% efficient.
In practical transformers energy is dissipated in the windings, core, and surrounding
structures. Larger transformers are generally more efficient, and those rated for electricity
distribution usually perform better than 98%.Experimental transformers using
superconducting windings achieve efficiencies of 99.85%, while the increase in
efficiency is small, when applied to large heavily-loaded transformers the annual savings
in energy losses are significant.
Transformer losses are divided into losses in the windings, termed copper loss, and
those in the magnetic circuit, termed iron loss. Losses in the transformer arise from:
i. Winding resistance
ii. Hysteresis losses
iii. Eddy currents
iv. Magnetostriction
v. Mechanical losses
vi. Stray losses
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4.2 Construction
The constructional details of the transformer are
a.) Cores
i Laminated steel cores
ii Solid cores
iv Air cores
b) Windings
The Fig 4.2 (i) shows Cut view through transformer windings. White: insulator.
Green spiral: Grain oriented silicon steel. Black: Primary winding made of oxygen-free
copper. Red: Secondary winding. Top left: Toroidal transformer. Right: C-core, but E-
core would be similar. The black windings are made of film.
Top: Equally low capacitance between all ends of both the windings. Since most
cores are at least moderately conductive they also need insulation at Bottom.
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c) Coolant
The oil reservoir is visible at the top. Radioactive fins aid the dissipation of heat
High temperatures will damage the winding insulation. Power transformers rated
up to several hundred KVA can be adequately cooled by natural convective air-cooling,
sometimes assissted by fans. Some power transformers are immersed in transformer oil
that both cools and insulates the windings. The oil is a highly refined mineral oil that
remains stable at transformer operating temperature. The oil-filled tank often has
radiators through which the oil circulates by natural convection some large transformers
employ forced circulation of the oil by electric pumps, aided by external fans or water-
cooled heat exchangers.
Experimental power transformers in the 2 MVA range have been built with
superconducting windings which eliminates the copper losses, but not the core steel loss
but these are cooled by liquid nitrogen or helium.
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d) Tappings
No-load tap changers (NLTC) or load tap changers (LTC) can be obtained on
power transformers.
Any decision to use load tap changing transformers should be based on a careful
analysis of the particular voltage requirements of the loads served and consideration of
the advantages and disadvantages including costs of alternatives such as separate voltage
regulators.
e) Terminals
Very small transformers will have wire leads connected directly to the ends of the
coils and brought out to the base of the unit for circuit connections. Larger transformers
may have heavy bolted terminals, bus bars or high-voltage insulated bushings made of
polymers or porcelain.
A large bushing can be of complex structure since it must provide careful control
of the electric field gradient without letting the transformer leak oil.
a. Auto transformer
b. Poly Phase transformers
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c. Leakage transformer
d. Resonant transformers
Instrument transformers
Among the above mentioned transformers only instrument transformers are widely
used in the sub station. Hence only instrument transformers are discussed in this
section.
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These are further classified into two types which are discussed below.
a) Current Transformers
b) Voltage Transformers
a) Current Transformers:
i. Principle of Operation
The current transformer works on the principle of variable flux. In the ideal current
transformer, secondary current would be exactly equal (when multiplied by the turns
ratio) and opposite to the primary current.
But, as in the voltage transformer, some of the primary current or the primary
ampere-turns are utilized for magnetizing the core, thus leaving less than the actual
primary ampere turns to be transformed into the secondary ampere-turns. This naturally
introduces an error in the transformation. The error is classified into current ratio error
and the phase error.
ii. Definitions:
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Rated secondary current: The current in the secondary circuit and on which the
performance of the CT is based. Typical values of secondary current are 1 A or 5 A.
Composite Error: The RMS value of the difference between the instantaneous
primary current and the instantaneous secondary current multiplied by the turns ratio,
under steady state conditions.
Accuracy limit factor: The value of primary current up to which the CT compiles
with composite error requirements. This is typically 5, 10 or 15, which means that the
composite error of the CT has to be within specified limits at 5, 10 or 15 times the rated
primary current.
Short time rating: The value of primary current (in kA) that the CT should be able
to withstand both thermally and dynamically without damage to the windings with the
secondary circuit being short-circuited. The time specified is usually 1 or 3 seconds.
Knee point voltage: The point on the magnetizing curve where an increase of
10% in the flux density (voltage) causes an increase of 50% in the magnetizing force
(current).
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The summation CT consists of two or more primary windings which are
connected to the feeders to be summated, and a single secondary winding, which feeds a
current proportional to the summated primary current. A typical ratio would be 5+5+5/
5A, which means that three primary feeders of 5 are to be summated to a single 5A
meter.
Core balance CT (CBCT): The CBCT, also known as a zero sequence CT, is used
for earth leakage and earth fault protection. The concept is similar to the RVT. In the
CBCT, the three core cable or three single cores of a three phase system pass through the
inner diameter of the CT. When the system is fault free, no current flows in the secondary
of the CBCT. When there is an earth fault, the residual current (zero phase sequence
current) of the system flows through the secondary of the CBCT and this operates the
relay. In order to design the CBCT, the inner diameter of the CT, the relay type, the relay
setting and the primary operating current need to be furnished.
Interposing CT’s (ICT’s): Interposing CT’s are used when the ratio of
transformation is very high. It is also used to correct for phase displacement for
differential protection of transformer.
iii. Standards: The Indian and international standard references for CT s are as
given in the table 4.1.
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Insulation level voltage (ILV) : 12/28/75 kV
Ratio: 200/1 - 1 - 0.577 A
Core 1: 1A, metering, 15 VA/class 1, ISF<10
Core 2: 1 A, protection, 15 VA/5P10
Core 3: 0.577 A,Class PS, KPV>= 150 V,Img at Vk/2 <=30 mA, RCT at 75 C<=2
Short time rating:20 kA for 1 second
In all except the second of the list, the CT's occupy incidental space and do not
affect the size of the layout. The CT's become more remote from the circuit breaker in the
order listed above. Accommodation of CT's over isolator bushings or bushings through
walls or roofs is usually confined to indoor substations.
b) Voltage Transformers
i. Principle of operation
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In a practical transformer, errors are introduced because some current is drawn for
the magnetization of the core and because of drops in the primary and secondary
windings due to leakage reactance and winding resistance. One can thus talk of a voltage
error which is the amount by which the voltage is less than the applied primary voltage
and the phase error which is the phase angle by which the reversed secondary voltage
vector is displaced from the primary voltage vector.
ii. Definitions
a. Rated primary voltage: This is the rated voltage of the system whose voltage is
required to be stepped down for measurement and protective purposes.
b. Rated secondary voltage: This is the voltage at which the meters and protective
devices connected to the secondary circuit of the voltage transformer operations.
c. Rated burden: This is the load in terms of volt-amperes (VA) posed by the
devices in the secondary circuit on the VT. This includes the burden imposed by
the connecting leads. The VT is required to be accurate at both the rated burden
and 25% of the rated burden.
d. Rated voltage factor: Depending on the system in which the VT is to be used,
the rated voltage factors to be specified are different. The table 4.2 below is
adopted from Indian and International standards.
Rated Rated
Method of connecting primary winding in
voltage time
system
factor
1.2 Continuous Between phases in any network.
Between transformer star-point and earth in any
network.
1.2 Continuous Between phase and in an effectively earthed
1.5 neutral system.
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1.2 Continuous Between phase and earth in a non-effectively
1.9 for 30 earthed neutral system with automatic fault
seconds tripping.
1.2 Continuous Between phase and earth in an isolated neutral
1.9 for 8 hours system without automatic fault tripping or in a
resonant earthed system without automatic fault
tripping.
iii. Standards
The Indian and international standard references for VT s are as given in the table
below 4.3
Standard
Standard Year
Number
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Indian IS 3156 1992
British BS 3841 1973
American ANSI C.57.13 1978
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However, because of the energy-storage capability of capacitors, sudden
reductions in the power line voltage may result in momentary distortion of the CCVT
secondary voltage. The amount of distortion is related to CCVT capacitance and the
burden (secondary load) value and configuration. Modern CCVT designs are available to
minimize this problem.
EHV power transformers are usually oil immersed with all three phases in one
tank. Auto transformers can offer advantage of smaller physical size and reduced losses.
Power transformers are usually the largest single equipment in a substation. For economy
of service roads, transformers are located on one side of a substation and the connection to
switchgear is by bare conductors. Because of the large quantity of oil, it is essential to take
precaution against the spread of fire. Hence, the transformer is usually located around a sump
used to collect the excess oil.
4.4 Tests
A number of routine and type tests have to be conducted on VT s and CTs before
they can meet the standards specified above. The tests can be classified as:
i. Accuracy tests
ii. Dielectric insulation tests
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iii. Temperature rise tests
iv. Short circuit tests.
4.5 Commissioning
Once the unit is received and packing is opened first thing is to check whether
there are any transit damages.
In case of minor damages, such as loose screws or likewise, they can be attended
immediately. In case of major damages, the report for this is to be sent to the supplier
who can immediately attend these.
Once the unit is found to have received in good condition, the following need to be
checked
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a) Applications
i. The transformer can be lifted and moved only in vertical direction by means of
transport equipment (crane, fork truck etc.).
ii. It is forbidden to move transformer grasping it from insulator, head or high
voltage connections.
iii. It is required to undertake all necessary steps to prevent any metal part of
transport equipment (ropes, chains and similar) from getting in touch with
insulator thus avoiding damaging of glaze or insulator itself.
iv. Transformers should be mounted on corresponding supports or base and firmly
tightened for this purpose.
v. Check up whether base to which transformer is fixed is in horizontal position.
vi. Connecting cables/conductors by means of which transformer is connected to
high voltage bus-bar or supply system should be correctly dimensioned placed
and mounted not to cause additional over stresses of transformer connections.
vii. Prior to the connection of transformer compare connection diagram with
indications on the transformer and carryout connection in compliance with
corresponding indications.
viii. Properly carryout earthing on all intended spots on boxes and or base frame of
transformers.
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ix. Upon completion of above check up prior to putting in operation if assembly
properly done.
x. Put connected transformer on line.
xi. Compare instrument indicated with operational condition in supply system.
ii. Check up of all sealed spots in order to ascertain oil leak, if any
iv. Check up of all placement of diaphragm and oil level in oil level indicators.
vi. Check up of primary and secondary connections. their cleaning and tightening
is precaution.
viii. All earthed parts should be checked and if required, they should be cleaned
and tightened.
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The maintenance of transformer is usually done in specialized workshops, but if
possible also on the spot.
4.7 Conclusion
We have discussed in detailed about the working and malignances of transformers
and in the next chapter we are going to discuss about the various instrument used in
substation for protection of substation.
5.1 Introduction
We are going to discuss about the various equipment used in the substation like
lightning arresters, Control and Relay panel ,Circuit Breakers, conductor systems ,DC
Battery and Charger ,Wave Taper ,Bus bar and Isolators and their working principle and
maintenances.
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5.2 Types of Instruments
a) Lightning Arresters
The Pressure Relief arrangement transfers the internal arc to outside in the remote event
of arrester failure.
Three simple rules to be followed in installing lightning arresters for the effective
protection of the equipment
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i. The arrester should be connected to a ground of low resistance for effective
discharge of the surge current.
ii. The arrester should be mounted close to equipment to be protected and connected
with shortest possible leads. On both the line and ground side to reduce the
inductive effects of the leads while discharging large surge currents.
iii. To protect the transformer windings. It is desirable to interconnect the ground
lead of the arrester with the tank and also the neutral of the secondary. This
interconnection reduces the stress imposed on the transformer winding by the
surge currents to the extent of the drop across the ground.
iv. Caution
v. Packing
Each arrester is packed in a wooden box with proper cushioning material. The
terminal connectors are also packed in the same wooden box taken to see that the arrester
housing is not damaged due to rough handling
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The control and relay panel is of cubical construction suitable for floor mounting.
All protective, indicating and control elements are mounted on the front panel for ease of
operation and control. The hinged rear door will provide access to all the internal
components to facilitate easy inspection and maintenance. Provision is made for
terminating incoming cables at the bottom of the panels by providing separate line-up
terminal blocks. For cable entry provision is made both from top and bottom.
The control and relay panel accepts CT, PT aux 230 AC and 220V/10V DC
connections at respective designated terminal points. 220V/10V DC supply is used for
control supply of all internal relays and timers and also for energizing closing and
tripping coils of the breakers. 230V AC station auxiliary supply is used for internal
illumination lamp of the panel and the space heater. Protective HRC fuse are provided
with in the panel for P.T secondary. Aux AC and battery supplies.
Each Capacitor Bank is controlled by breaker and provided with a line ammeter with
selector switch for 3 phase system & Over current relay (2 phase and 1 Earth fault for 3
ph system). Under voltage and over voltage Relays.
Neutral Current Unbalance Relays are for both Alarm and Trip facilities breaker
control switch with local/remote selector switch, master trip relay and trip alarms
acknowledge and reset facilities.
c) Protective Relaying
Protective relays are used to detect defective lines or apparatus and to initiate the
operation of circuit interrupting devices to isolate the defective equipment. Relays are
also used to detect abnormal or undesirable operating conditions other than those caused
by defective equipment and either operate an alarm or initiate operation of circuit-
interrupting devices. Protective relays protect the electrical system by causing the
defective apparatus or lines to be disconnected to minimize damage and maintain service
continuity to the rest of the system
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i. Over current relay
ii. Distance relay
iii. Differential relay
iv. Directional over current relay
Static types convert the current to a proportional D.C mill volt signal and apply it to a
level detector with voltage or contact output. Such relays can be designed to have various
current-versus-time operating characteristics. In a special type of rotating induction-disc
relay, called the voltage restrained over current relay.
The magnitude of voltage restrains the operation of the disc until the magnitude of
the voltage drops below a threshold value. Static over current relays are equipped with
multiple curve characteristics and can duplicate almost any shape of electromechanical
relay curve. Microprocessor relays convert the current to a digital signal. The digital
signal can then be compared to the setting values input into the relay. With the
microprocessor relay, various curves or multiple time-delay settings can be input to set
the relay operation. Some relays allow the user to define the curve with points or
calculations to determine the output characteristics.
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The distance relay responds to a combination of both voltage and current. The
voltage restrains operation, and the fault current causes operation that has the overall
effect of measuring impedance. The relay operates instantaneously (within a few cycles)
on a 60-cycle basis for values of impedance below the set value. When time delay is
required, the relays energizes a separate time-delay relay or function with the contacts or
output of this time-delay relay or function performing the desired output functions.
The relay works on the basis of the differential principle that what goes into the
device has to come out .If the current does not add to zero, the error current flows to
cause the relay to operate and trip the circuit.
The differential relay is used to provide internal fault protection to equipment such
as transformers, generators, and buses. Relays are designed to permit differences in the
input currents as a result of current transformer mismatch and applications where the
input currents come from different system voltages, such as transformers. A current
differential relay provides restraint coils on the incoming current circuits. The restraint
coils in combination with the operating coil provide an operation curve, above which the
relay will operate. Differential relays are often used with a lockout relay to trip all power
sources to the device and prevent the device from being automatically or remotely re-
energized. These relays are very sensitive. The operation of the device usually means
major problems with the protected equipment and the likely failure in re-energizing the
equipment
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iv. Directional Over current Relay
A directional over current relay operates only for excessive current flow in a given
direction. Directional over current relays are available in electromechanical, static, and
microprocessor constructions. An electromechanical overcorrect relay is made directional
by adding a directional unit that prevents the over current relay from operating until the
directional unit has operated. The directional unit responds to the product of the
magnitude of current, voltage, and the phase angle between them or to the product of two
currents and the phase angle between them. The value of this product necessary to
provide operation of the directional unit is small, so that it will not limit the sensitivity of
the relay (such as an over current relay that it controls). In most cases, the directional
element is mounted inside the same case as the relay it controls. For example, an over
current relay and a directional element are mounted in the same case, and the
combination is called a directional over current relay. Microprocessor relays often
provide a choice as to the polarizing method that can be used in providing the direction of
fault, such as applying residual current or voltage or negative sequence current or voltage
polarizing functions to the relay.
d) Circuit Breakers
i. Principle of Operation
All circuit breakers have common features in their operation, although details vary
substantially depending on the voltage class, current rating and type of the circuit
breaker.
The circuit breaker must detect a fault condition in low-voltage circuit breakers this
is usually done within the breaker enclosure. Circuit breakers for large currents or high
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voltages are usually arranged with pilot devices to sense a fault current and to operate the
trip opening mechanism. The trip solenoid that releases the latch is usually energized by a
separate battery, although some high-voltage circuit breakers are self-contained with
current transformers, protection relays and an internal control power source.
Once a fault is detected, contacts within the circuit breaker must open to interrupt the
circuit. Some mechanically-stored energy (using something such as springs or
compressed air) contained within the breaker is used to separate the contacts, although
some of the energy required may be obtained from the fault current itself. The circuit
breaker contacts must carry the load current without excessive heating, and must also
withstand the heat of the arc produced when interrupting the circuit. Contacts are made of
copper or copper alloys, silver alloys and other materials. Service life of the contacts is
limited by the erosion due to interrupting the arc. Miniature circuit breakers are usually
discarded when the contacts are worn, but power circuit breakers and high-voltage circuit
breakers have replaceable contacts.
When a current is interrupted, an arc is generated - this arc must be contained, cooled,
and extinguished in a controlled way, so that the gap between the contacts can again
withstand the voltage in the circuit. Different circuit breakers use vacuum, air, insulating
gas, or oil as the medium in which the arc forms. Different techniques are used to
extinguish the arc including:
Finally, once the fault condition has been cleared, the contacts must again be
closed to restore power to the interrupted circuit.
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Miniature low-voltage circuit breakers use air alone to extinguish the arc. Larger
ratings will have metal plates or non-metallic arc chutes to divide and cool the arc.
Magnetic blowout coils deflect the arc into the arc chute.
In larger ratings, oil circuit breakers rely upon vaporization of some of the oil to blast
a jet of oil through the arc.
Gas (usually sulfur hexafluoride) circuit breakers sometimes stretch the arc using a
magnetic field, and then rely upon the dielectric strength of the sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)
to quench the stretched arc.
Vacuum circuit breakers have minimal arcing (as there is nothing to ionize other than
the contact material), so the arc quenches when it is stretched a very small amount (<2-3
mm). Vacuum circuit breakers are frequently used in modern medium-voltage switchgear
to 35,000 volts.
Air circuit breakers may use compressed air to blow out the arc, or alternatively, the
contacts are rapidly swung into a small sealed chamber, the escaping of the displaced air
thus blowing out the arc.
Circuit breakers are usually able to terminate all current very quickly. Typically the
arc is extinguished between 30 ms and 150 ms after the mechanism has been tripped,
depending upon age and construction of the device.
A circuit breaker must incorporate various features to divide and extinguish the arc.
The maximum short-circuit current that a breaker can interrupt is determined by testing.
Application of a breaker in a circuit with a prospective short-circuit current higher than
the breaker's interrupting capacity rating may result in failure of the breaker to safely
interrupt a fault. In a worst-case scenario the breaker may successfully interrupt the fault,
only to explode when reset.
40
Miniature circuit breakers used to protect control circuits or small appliances may not
have sufficient interrupting capacity to use at a panelboard. These circuit breakers are
called "supplemental circuit protectors" to distinguish them from distribution-type circuit
breaker.
High-voltage breakers are broadly classified by the medium used to extinguish the
arc.
i. Bulk oil
ii. Minimum oil
iii. Air blast
iv. SF6
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e) Conductor Systems
i. Should be capable of carrying the specified load currents and short time currents.
ii. Should be able to withstand forces on it due to its situation. These forces comprise
self weight, and weight of other conductors and equipment, short circuit forces
and atmospheric forces such as wind and ice loading.
iii. Should be corona free at rated voltage.
iv. Should have the minimum number of joints.
v. Should need the minimum number of supporting insulators.
vi. Should be economical.
vii. The most suitable material for the conductor system is copper or aluminum. Steel
may be used but has limitations of poor conductivity and high susceptibility to
corrosion.
In an effort to make the conductor ideal, three different types have been utilized,
and these include:
f ) DC Power Supply
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i. DC Battery and Charger
All but the smallest substations include auxiliary power supplies. AC power is
required for substation building small power, lighting, heating and ventilation, some
communications equipment, switchgear operating mechanisms, anti-condensation heaters
and motors. DC power is used to feed essential services such as circuit breaker trip coils
and associated relays, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and
communications equipment. This describes how these auxiliary supplies are derived and
explains how to specify such equipment.
Capital cost and reliability objectives must first be considered before defining the
battery and battery charger combination to be used for a specific installation. The
comparison given in Table 5.1 describes the advantages and disadvantages of three such
combinations.
Table 5.1: Capital cost and reliability objectives must first be considered before defining
the battery/battery charger combination to be used for a specific installation. The
comparison given describes the advantages and disadvantages of three such combinations
43
Table 5.1: Capital cost and reliability objectives must first be considered before defining
the battery/battery charger combination to be used for a specific installation. The
comparison given describes the advantages and disadvantages of three such combinations
g) Wave Trapper
h) Bus Bar
44
A bus bar in electrical power distribution refers to thick strips of copper or
aluminum that conduct electricity within a switchboard, distribution board, substation, or
other electrical apparatus.
The size of the bus bar is important in determining the maximum amount of current
that can be safely carried. Bus bars are typically either flat strips or hollow tubes as these
shapes allow heat to dissipate more efficiently due to their high surface area to cross-
sectional area ratio. The skin effect makes 50-60 Hz AC bus bars more than about 8 mm
(1/3 in) thick inefficient, so hollow or flat shapes are prevalent in higher current
applications. A hollow section has higher stiffness than a solid rod of equivalent current-
carrying capacity, which allows a greater span between bus bar supports in outdoor
switchyards. A bus bar may either be supported on insulators or else insulation may
completely surround it. Bus bars are protected from accidental contact either by a metal
enclosure or by elevation out of normal reach.
Neutral bus bars may also be insulated. Earth bus bars are typically bolted directly
onto any metal chassis of their enclosure. Bus bars may be enclosed in a metal housing,
in the form of bus duct or bus way, segregated-phase bus, or isolated-phase bus.
i. Protection
Bus bars are vital parts of a power system and so a fault should be cleared as fast
as possible. A bus bar must have its own protection, although they have high degrees
of reliability. Bearing in mind the risk of unnecessary trips, the protection should be
dependable, selective and should be stable for external faults, called 'through faults'.
The most common fault is phase to ground, which usually results from human
error.
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i) Isolators
Isolators are used to connect and disconnect high voltage power systems under no
load conditions.
These are essentially off load devices although they are capable of dealing with small
charging currents of bus bars and connections. The design of isolators is closely related to
the design of substations. Isolator design is considered in the following aspects:
i. Space Factor
ii. Insulation Security
iii. Standardization
iv. Ease of Maintenance
v. Cost
i. Properties
The isolators comprises three identical poles (in the case of the three phase system
only) each pole consisting of
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v. Bottom operating mechanism box.
vi. Earthing switch moving contact assembly
vii. Earthing switch fixed contact assembly for fixing to the main switch fixed
contacts.
viii. Earthing switch operating down pipe to link earth switch tandem pipe to the
bottom
ix. Bottom operating mechanism box
x. Mechanical interlock between main switch and earthling switch.
5.3 Conclusion
We have discussed about the various types of instrument used in substances and for
protection of substation in detailed. In the next chapter we are going to discusses about
the insulators and they importance’s in substation
6.1 Introduction
This chapter describes the different types of overhead line and substation
insulators, their design characteristics and their application. Conductors are attached to
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their support by means of an insulator unit. For overhead lines up to 33 kV and for
outdoor substation equipment, the insulator is typically of the post insulator type. For
overhead lines above 33 kV and substation aerial conductor bus bars, suspension or
tension cap and pin or long rod insulator units are employed. Insulators must be capable
of supporting the conductor under the most onerous loading conditions. In addition,
voltage flashover must be prevented under the worst weather and pollution situations
with leakage currents kept to negligible proportions
a) Principle
Fig. 6.2(i)
Porcelain Insulator
b) Cap and Pin Type Insulators
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The pin-type insulator is so called because in use it is screwed onto a galvanized
forged steel 'pin' which mounted vertically on a metal or wooden cross arm.
For low voltage systems, 6.6 to 11 kV, it is usual to have a one-piece insulator
shed in which the porcelain is loaded largely in compression. A typical pin-type insulator
is shown in Figure 6.2(ii). The sketches show that the top of the porcelain body is formed
into a groove into which the conductor is bound by means of wire or fixed with the aid of
special clips. Toughened glass pin-type insulators require a metal cap; this holds together
the 'diced' pieces of glass which result if the glass becomes shattered.
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Fig.6.2(iii)post insulator
Long rod insulators are similar to post insulators but are lighter, slimmer and are
used as suspension insulators.
Long rod insulators have the apparent advantage over cap and pin insulators in
that metal fittings exist only at the ends of the insulators.
6.3 Bushings
Bushings are used to insulate the conductors of the high voltage terminals
of a transformer as is shown schematically in figure 5. 3 Traditionally,
transformer bushings are manufactured using porcelain. Capacitive grading, using
foil cylinders is often used to improve the axial and radial field distribution.
6.4 Terminology
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Creep age distance: The shortest distance between the metal ware at the two ends of the
insulator, when following the contours of the insulator, excluding intermediate metal
fittings. This distance is easily measured by sticking masking tape to the insulator
surface.
Specific Creep age distance: The quotient of the creep age distance in mm and the line-to-
line rms. voltage of the three phase system in kV.
Connecting length: The axial length of the insulator between the end terminals.
Arcing distance: The distance between the metal ware, measured as the length of a tightly
pulled piece of string.
Inter shed spacing: The distance between corresponding points on adjacent sheds.
i. Coastal pollution: the salt spray from the sea or wind-driven salt laden solid
material such as sand collects on the insulator surface. These layers become
conducting during periods of high humidity and fog. Sodium chloride is the main
constituent of this type of pollution.
ii. Industrial pollution: substations and power lines near industrial complexes are
subject to the stack emissions from nearby plants. These materials are usually dry
when deposited; they may then become conducting when wetted. The materials
will absorb moisture to different degrees, and apart from salts, acids are also
deposited on the insulator.
Wind is instrumental in the deposition process. High humidity, fog or light rain
cause wetting of the pollution layers. Heavy rain removes the pollution layer especially
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on the upper sides of the sheds
If the electric stress in air at atmospheric pressure exceeds 3 kV mm, ionization can
occur. Depending on the gap configuration, flashover may follow. The power flashover
voltage of a clean dry single cap and pin insulator with a 280 mm creep age distance is 72
kV. Leakage current flows over the insulator surface and the heating effect of the current
causes drying out of the layer at certain spots and the formation of ’dry bands’. Arcs
occur across these bands and if the pollution is of sufficient severity, the insulator may
flash over
a) Puncture
As previously mentioned, porcelain pin-type and cap and pin insulators may suffer
punctures between the pin and the either the pin or the high voltage conductor.
These occurrences are usually caused by very steep impulse voltages, where the
time delay for air flashover exceeds that of puncture of porcelain. Punctures caused by
severe stress over dry bands also occur on composite insulators on sheds and through the
sheath. A puncture of the sheath is particularly serious as this exposes the glass fiber rod
to the environment .
b) Shattering
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c) Erosion
Prolonged arcing of glass insulators leads to erosion of the surface layer of the
glass. This may lead to shattering of the glass discs - a result of the tempering process
used during manufacture. Arcing and corona over long periods may cause removal of
shed or sheath material in the case of polymeric insulators. Severe erosion may lead to
the exposure of the glass fiber core.
d) Tracking
Tracking occurs when carbonized tracks form because of arcing. These tracks are
conductive. This phenomenon only occurs in carbon-based polymers.
e) Brittle Fracture
Water entry into the glass fiber core of composite insulators, coupled with the
influence of weak acids, has been shown to lead to brittle fracture of the rod. The by-
products of partial discharges in the presence of water can lead to the formation of weak
acids. The integrity of the metal/polymer and glass/polymer interfaces is therefore
extremely important - especially if acid-resistant glass is not used.
6.7 Remedies
There are certain remedies provided for different equipments available in substation
from being damaged.
They are ,
a) Washing
b) Greasing
a) Washing
Substation or line insulators can be washed when de-energized or when
energized. Automatic washing schemes and helicopters have been used for this purpose.
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The costs are usually prohibitive. A thin layer of silicone grease, when applied
to ceramic insulators increases the hydro-phobicity of the insulators.
b) Greasing
Room temperature cured silicone rubber coatings are available to be used on
ceramic substation insulators. These coatings have good hydrophobic properties when
new. Research is still in progress to evaluate their aging processes. We face Pollution
particles that are deposited on the insulator surface are also encapsulated by the grease
and protected from moisture. The disadvantage of greasing is that the spent grease must
be removed and new grease applied, usually annually.
6.8 Conclusion:
We have discussed about the insulator used in substation and various types of
insulators.
7.1 Introduction
We are going to discusses about the various earthing techniques used in sub station
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a) Grounding
Just how important is substation reliability? Fast clearing of faults, made possible
by good grounding, improves the overall safety and reliability of an electrical system.
Therefore, substation reliability must be as "built-in" as possible because of the high
available fault current levels present and unlikely occurrence of follow-up grounding
inspections.
a) Types
Grounding of earth may be classified as (i) Equipment grounding (ii) System
grounding and (iii) Neutral grounding.
Equipment grounding deals with earthing the non current carrying metal parts of
the electrical equipment. On the other hand, system grounding means earthing some part
of the electrical system e.g. earthing of neutral point of star connected system in
generating stations and substations.
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i. Equipment Grounding
The process of connecting non current carrying metal parts of the electrical
equipment to earth in such a way that in case of insulation failure, the enclosure
effectively remains at earth potential is called Equipment grounding.
The process of connecting neutral point of 3-phase system to earth either directly
or through some circuit element (e.g. resistance or reactance etc.) is called Neutral
grounding.
b) Methods of Grounding
The methods commonly used for grounding the neutral point of a 3-phase system
are:
i. Solid Grounding
When the neutral point of a 3-phase system is directly connected to earth through a
wire of negligible resistance and reactance is called Solid or Effective grounding. Under
fault conditions, the voltage of any conductor to earth will not exceed the normal phase
voltage of the system.
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Advantages:
Disadvantages:
b) The increased earth fault current results in greater interference in the neighboring
communication lines.
Advantages:
a) The earth fault current is small due to the presence of earthing resistance. Therefore,
interference with communication circuits is reduced.
Disadvantages:
b) Since the system neutral is displaced during earth faults the equipment has to be
insulated for higher voltages.
57
In this system, a reactance is inserted between the neutral and ground. The purpose
of reactance is to limit the earth fault current. By changing the earthing reactance, the
earth fault current can be changed to obtain the conditions similar to that of solid
grounding.
This method is not always used these days because of the following reasons
(a) In this system, the fault current required to operate the protective devices is higher
than that of the resistance grounding for the same fault conditions.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
a) Due to varying operational conditions, the capacitance of the network changes from
time to time. Therefore, inductance L of Peterson coil requires readjustment.
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The function of an earthing and bonding system is to provide an earthing system
connection to which transformer neutrals or earthing impedances may be connected in
order to pass the maximum fault current. The earthing system also ensures that no
thermal or mechanical damage occurs on the equipment within the substation, thereby
resulting in safety to operation and maintenance personnel.
The earthing system also guarantees equi-potential bonding such that there are no
dangerous potential gradients developed in the substation.
Calculations for earth impedances and touch and step potentials are based on site
measurements of ground resistivity and system fault levels. A grid layout with particular
conductors is then analyzed to determine the effective substation earthing resistance,
from which the earthing voltage is calculated. In practice, it is normal to take the highest
fault level for substation earth grid calculation purposes.
To determine the earth resistivity, probe tests are carried out on the site. These tests
are best performed in dry weather such that conservative resistivity readings are obtained.
b) Earthing Materials
i) Conductors Bare copper conductor is usually used for the substation earthing grid. The
copper bars themselves usually have a cross-sectional area of 95 square millimeters, and
they are laid at a shallow depth of 0.25-0.5m, in 3-7m squares. In addition to the buried
potential earth grid, a separate above ground earthing ring is usually provided, to which
all metallic substation plant is bonded.
ii) Connections: Connections to the grid and other earthing joints should not be soldered
because the heat generated during fault conditions could cause a soldered joint to fail.
Joints are usually bolted, and in this case, the face of the joints should be tinned.
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iii) Earthing Rods: The earthing grid must be supplemented by earthing rods to assist in
the dissipation of earth fault currents and further reduce the overall substation earthing
resistance. These rods are usually made of solid copper or copper clad steel.
iv) Switchyard Fence Earthing: The switchyard fence earthing practices are possible
and are used by different utilities. Extend the substation earth grid 0.5m-1.5m beyond the
fence perimeter. The fence is then bonded to the grid at regular intervals.
Place the fence beyond the perimeter of the switchyard earthing grid and bond the
fence to its own earthing rod system. This earthing rod system is not coupled to the main
substation earthing grid.
7.4 Conclusion
In this chapter we have discussed about the various earthing /grounding technique
used in substation for the protection of the equipment from the high voltage and external
faults.
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8.1 Introduction
In this chapter we are going to discuss about the various power factor correction
technique used in the substation and they mentions as well as protection of this
equipments.
Under normal operating conditions certain electrical loads draw not only active
power from the supply (kilowatts KW) but also reactive power (reactive KVA, KVAR).
This reactive power has no useful function, but is necessary for the equipment to operate
correctly. Loads such as induction motors, welding equipment, arc furnaces and
fluorescent lighting would fall into this category.
a) Definition
The Power Factor of a load is defined as being the ratio of active power to total
demand. The uncorrected power factor of a load is cos Ø (where Ø is the phase angle
between the uncorrected load and unity), and the corrected power factor is cos Ø2 (where
Ø2 is the phase angle between the corrected load and unity). As cos Ø approaches to
unity, reactive power drawn from the supply is minimized
The series capacitor is connected to compensate for the line inductance and thus
decrease the line reactance so that more power can be transferred through the line thus
the system stability can be increased.
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The question is about connecting Capacitors in SERIES. Series connection is done
for improving STABILITY of the network and for transferring more power (by reducing
the resultant reactance) i.e to improve the power transfer capability but not for improving
power factor. Power factor will be improved by connecting capacitors in parallel to the
load.
In electric power distribution, capacitors are used for power factor correction. Such
capacitors often come as three capacitors connected as a three phase load. Usually, the
values of these capacitors are given not in farads but rather as a reactive power in volt-
amperes reactive (VAR). The purpose is to counteract inductive loading from devices
like electric motors and transmission lines to make the load appear to be mostly resistive.
Individual motor or lamp loads may have capacitors for power factor correction, or larger
sets of capacitors (usually with automatic switching devices) may be installed at a load
center within a building or in a large utility substation.
When using power factor correction capacitors, the total KVAR on the load side of
the motor controller should not exceed the value required to raise the no-load power
factor to unity. Over corrective ness of this value may cause high transient voltages,
62
currents, and torques that can increase safety hazards to personnel and possibly damage
motor driven equipment.
If possible, capacitors should be located at position 2 . This does not change the
current flowing through motor overload protectors. Connection of capacitors at position 3
requires a change of overload protectors. Capacitors should be located at position 1 for
applications listed in paragraph 2 above. Be sure bus power factor is not increased above
95% under all loading conditions to avoid over excitation.
63
82% 0.698 0.369 0.214 0.078 -
83% 0.672 0.343 0.188 0.052 -
84% 0.646 0.317 0.162 0.206 -
85% 0.620 0.291 0.136
- -
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By reducing the load on cables and switches, power loss is reduced and life is
extended. The facility to connect additional load is always useful to an expanding
company.
8.4 Conclusion
In this chapter we have discussed about the various power factor correction
techniques involved in substation and benefits of it.
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the supply of electrical energy. It cover various types of protection used in substation
for220/132/33kv transmission lines such as bus bar protection relays, auto reclosing
schemes, etc.,
BIBLIOGRAPHY
66
3. Handbook of Transformer Design and Applications ,By, William M. Flanagan
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional.
67