Choosing between AIS and GIS substation design: Factors

you must take into Consideration

GIS versus AIS evaluation

For the last sixty years, gas-insulated substation (GIS) has been used in applications related to
substations all over the world, and this use of the technology is becoming an increasingly
common asset for those who make use of substations. GIS is becoming very popular among
power producers, including utilities, municipalities, independent power producers, and other
non-utility power producers.

However, before settling on either a standard AIS, GIS, or a system that combines the two
technologies, there are a number of considerations that need to be taken into account.
Because there is such a wealth of data, all of which may be viewed from a variety of
perspectives, the decision-making process for a user can become rather challenging.
The abundance of accessible selection criteria for AIS and GIS can, in point of fact, make it
more difficult for a user to reach conclusion. Therefore, once the functional needs of a
substation have been specified, it is important to determine, and even quantify, which aspects
are important to the specific application that the user will be using the substation for.
Ok, let’s get into the detailed evaluation of both GIS and AIS designs.
Table of contents:
1. Benefits & drawbacks of AIS and GIS
2. Power system factors
3. Environment Factors
4. Cheaper AIS or more expensive GIS
5. Final decision in choosing between AIS and GIS
6. GIS Drawings and Specifications
 1. Benefits & Drawbacks of AIS and GIS
It is crucial to identify and organize the benefits and drawbacks of AIS and GIS in a
hierarchical fashion in order to help with the decision-making process. After that, it is
necessary to examine the aspects according to the requirements of the user.
The most notable benefit of GIS solutions is their ability to save space; their substation
footprints are 15-25% smaller than those of identical AIS substations. However, users are
making use of additional advantages of GIS, such as enhancing the resilience of key
infrastructure, avoiding hurdles in the way of obtaining permits, and shortening the duration
of scheduled outages.
Regarding the evaluation of AIS and GIS substation solutions, the following are some
definitions of factors that are commonly used:

1.1 AIS vs GIS substations Evaluation

1.1.1 Apperarance and community response

A substation’s area, height, and visibility may be heavily impacted by aesthetic concern as
well as the level of approval it receives from the local population. The AIS is typically more
difficult to conceal than the GIS.

Figure 1 – Example of GIS and AIS footprints comparison

1.1.2 Substation Altitude and dielectric strenght
Equipment that uses air as an insulating and cooling medium will experience a greater
increase in temperature and a decrease in dielectric strength at elevations greater than sea
level. Adjustments to the AIS and GIS layouts may be necessary depending on the actual
substation height.
 1.1.3 Atmospheric Contamination
Exposed electrical insulation is vulnerable to . Indoor placement is the norm for GIS systems.
In addition, most GIS parts are enclosed and hermetically sealed, making GIS the best option
even when the air quality is low.
If they are not removed, the pollutants that have accumulated on the high-voltage insulators
in your transmission, substation, and distribution substations have the potential to wreak
horrific.
The following are examples of common forms of contamination that can build up:
 Salt fog
 Ocean spray
 Desert sand
 Coal dust
 Sugar cane carbon
 Animal wate
 Fly ash
 Industrial vapors

Figure 2 – An example of bushing pollution caused by sand storm

1.1.4 Service availability
The percentage of time that the service is available and the (steady-state) probability that
power will be available.
1.1.5 Audible Noise and Public Anger
The decibel levels that are emitted by substation equipment could be a cause for public
concern. In order to satisfy the needs of the user, both AIS and GIS noise will need to be
researched.
1.1.6 Controlling and Monitoring
Provisions for controlling and monitoring substation equipment can either be local, which
means they are housed within the substation, or remote, which means they are situated in a
different place, . Because most switches are often motor operated, GIS may offer more
options and features for control than other systems.
However, in GIS these functions are collected inside an LCC (local control cabinet) and have
to be integrated with the customer’s existing automation.

Figure 7 - Local control cubicle (LCC) panels installed inside GIS hall

1.1.7 Substation Capacity

The capacity of a substation to carry a load, which is often described in relation to the MVA
rating of a power transformer and is determined by a system load study. The AIS and GIS
switching equipment needs to be coordinated with the capacity of the substation.
Additionally, there is a good chance that enhanced capacity projects will benefit further from
the use of GIS.
1.1.8 Commissioning Procedure
Before putting a substation into operation, there is a procedure that must be completed, which
involves inspecting, testing, and documeting each of the primary and secondary components
as thoroughly and methodically as feasible.
The amount of time spent inspecting and testing can be cut down significantly by using
preassembled and pretested GIS shipment modules.
1.1.9 Constructing Complexity
In most cases, the costs and amount of time required for field installation can be reduced by
using pressabled GIS shipping modules. However, pre-assembly is typically less involved
with higher voltages, and the majority of GIS installations take place indoors, which
necessitates the construction of a structure.
In the case of AIS substation, you must think of various concrete and steel structures which
are used to support the above-grade components and electrical equipment such as cable bus,
rigid bus, and strain bus conductors, switches, surge arresters, insulators, and other
equipment.
1.1.10 Community Impact
Concerns regarding electromagnetic field (EMF) can also be a topic of public attention when
it comes to the installation of substations; however, these worries are less common than those
regarding safety and aesthetics.
When gaining public acceptance is necessary, the GIS’s small footprint and ability to fit in
with its surroundings make it a potentially attractive option.
1.1.11 GIS cost vs AIS cost
GIS equipment is more expensive than ais equipment. Nevertheless, when life cycle costs are
taken into account, it is frequently discovered that GIS is not only more cost effective but
also delivers superior performance.
Comparisons of costs ought to be based on the complete life cycle costs, which should
include not only the price of equipment and land and development but also the expenses of
routine operation and maintenance and the costs of forced outages based on reliability.

Figure 4 – Gas-insulated switchgear installed in a hall

 1.1.12 Environmental Impact
GIS, by definition, lowers the effects of land and space utilization. However, because of the
possible climate change consequences, GIS includes more SF6 contained components and
hence deserves greater attention.
Despite this concern, SF6’s potential overall effect to global climate is really negligible in
comparison to other pollution emissions.
The figure shows an overview of the environmental impact categories that were examined in
the study at switchgear level. It is based on a representative mix of all switchgear types in the
MV/HV range. Clear advantages for SF6-insulated (GIS) compared to air-insulated
switchgear (AIS) are also shown in regard to global warming potential.

Figure 5 – Environmental impacts of AIS/GIS switchgear

1.1.13 SF6 Emissions
The greater quantity of SF6 gas that is used in GIS necessitates the implementation of
additional handling procedures. Because SF6 is a greenhouse gas, it is essential that it be
handled in the appropriate manner.
1.1.14 Substation Expandability
The AIS can be enlarged with some difficulty. On the other hand, GIS is an excellent
alternative for expanding current AIS when space is restricted and scheduled outages are
difficult to achieve. This is a situation that typically exists when there is a combination of
both of these factors.
When expanding an existing GIS, the initial design must incorporate provisions for future
plans, and there may be instances in which the future infrastructure must be deployed ahead
of schedule. However, that same can be said for AIS substations.
Figure 6 – AIS substation expansion layout with the detail

Figure 7 – Installation of GIS modules

 1.1.15 EMF (Electromagnetic Field) Influence
The magnetic fields produced by conductor currents are often lower than those produced by
AIS, thanks to the currents flowing in the GIS cage. Exposure levels are often well within
acceptable standards even at GIS exits where EMF levels can be highest.
Studies have found that average EMF levels are many times lower than what is considered
safe for the general public.
1.1.16 Failure Rate
This is the average number of failures of a component or unit of the system in a
given time (usually a year). Mean time between failures (MTBFs) are tipically less
with GLS.
1.1.17 Switching Operation Flexibility
This is the ease of operation and time needed to perform switvhing operations whitin
a substation. This varies with AIS and GIS configurations.
1.1.18 Service Interruption
By service interruption is meant a cessation of srevice to one or more customers,
wether power was being used or not. Interruptions can be classified as instantaneous,
memontary, temporary, or substained.
1.1.19 Initial Costs
All initial expenditures connected with land acquisition, construction, permits,
engineering design, site work, civil construction, equipment purchasing, training,
and substation installation. This varies across AIS and GIS configurations, but AIS is
often less expensive.
1.1.20 Land Size for a Substation
The truth is that when using GIS, property sizes are virtually always reduced. However, if the
prospective site has cheap land, this may not be a significant concern. Figure below shows all
the complexity in preparing soil for AIS substation components. The blue is current hill
profile. Three benches are designed for placement of equipment, transformer, road etc.)

Figure 8 – Cut and fill of soil for AIS substation land

 1.1.21 Location For a Substation
Small GIS footprints enable substations to be located closer to loads (for example,
downtown), decreasing permission procedures, balancing high land costs, and concealing
substation equipment from the public (for example, within a building or underground).

Figure 9 – Substation layout example

1.1.22 Life cycle Cost

This is actually a cost analysis that incorporates capital investment, land acquisition, site
preparation, reliability impacts, operation, and maintenance costs over the project’s life cycle
at a fixed interest rate. This methodology provides for a weighted study of the relevant
elements to calculate the entire life cycle cost.
1.1.23 Maintanance Resources
Resources needed to maintain substation equipment. Because most components are sheltered
from the outdoors, The frequency of GIS maintenance is substantially lower than that of AIS
(usually every 8 years versus every year).
GIS maintenance techniques, on the other hand, necessitate additional training, and GIS
replacement parts may not be as easily available.

Figure 10 – Installation and Commissioning Manual For 345kV GIS

1.1.24 Operation and Maintenance
This cost comprises all fixed expenditures connected with a substation, such as property
taxes, insurance, scheduled operation and maintenance, and scheduled service disruptions.
1.1.25 Permitting Issues
When opposed to AIS, indoor GIS amy require enclosure or building permissions, but total
permitting is frequently accelerated and/or lowered. Furthermore, GIS can be used to reduce
the impact on environmentally sensitive places such as wetlands, agricultural fields, cultural
resource sites, and so on.
In the case of wetlands, costs associated with replicating these areas may be eliminated.
1.1.26 Substation Reliability
The amount of time throughout which a component or system is able to successfully carry out
the tasks that are needed of it. The likelihood, in a steady state, that it will be used in an
environment where it can perform its functions.
The SAIFI, CAIFI, SAIDI, and CTAIDI indices are the four primary ones that are used for
assessing reliability.
 1.1.27 Power Restoration
The restoration of electric service following an interruption, whether caused by the repair of
the outage that caused the interruption, the re-switching of the supply, or the activation of an
alternate source.
1.1.28 Substation Safety
Substation design prioritizes safety by safeguarding the public as well as operation and
maintenance workers through design, construction, security, training, and work practices. It’s
also worth noting that safety starts with engineering and equipment choices.
“Safety by Design,, is becoming more prevalent in substation design.
1.1.29 Substation Security
The substation could be at risk from things like vandalism, terrorism, or intruders. Since most
substations are housed indoors and their electrical components are shielded, GIS is often used
to lessen security concerns.
1.1.30 Seismic Withstand
The ability of substation equipment to withstand forces generated by earhquakes. GIS
typically has better seismic withstand capability than comparable AIS.

Figure 11 – Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) System

1.1.31 Site Preparation
Site development encompasses all earthwork, including cut, fill, grading, and drainage. GIS
substations often require less earthwork and civil work.
 1.1.32 Soil Preparation
Surface and subsurface characteristics of the area where a substation will be built. These
qualities will aid in defining the substation equipment’s foundation requirements. To evaluate
whether AIS or GIS is more advantageous, a detailed review of the resources required to
prepare the individual location is recommended.
1.1.33 Stability
The ability of a power system to revert to regular operation following a disturbance.
1.1.34 Unique Equipment
In most cases, capacity coupled voltage transformers (CCVTs), wave traps, and load break
switches are not installed within a GIS. Once the circuit leaves the GIS, such devices must be
air-insulated.
1.1.35 Weather Influence
Temperature, wind, ice, rain, snow, storms, and humidity can all have an impact on how a
substation operates. Because GIS may be deployed indoors and GIS components are
hermetically sealed inside enclosures, it can survive harsh weather conditions.

Figure 12 Ice can create a lot of problems on AIS equipment and connections

1.1.36 Workforce Training

The investment in time and money needed to train employees to properly operate and
maintain substation equipment. Additional education is necessary for GIS use. The
aforementioned considerations for choosing between AIS and GIS can be broken down into
three broad groups: power system requirements (like dependability and availability),
environment (like location and climate), and economics (like installation, maintenance, and
outage costs).
Some of these elements are easier to quantify than others, therefore they can be further
classified as quantitative or qualitative (i.e., hard or soft data).

2. Power System Factors

In the asset planning stage, factors for selecting AIS or GIS begin to emerge. Various factors,
such as system strength, stability, dependability, and load flow needs, have previously been
analyzed once system or transmission planning has indicated the need for a retrofit or green-
field substation.
The decision between AIS and GIS may be premature at this point, but information
developed during the planning stage may already be guiding the owner to a proposed
solution.

3. Environment Factors
The natural environment of a potential location for a substation may create certain
elements, such as areas with difficult conditions, such as areas with poor soil conditions,
high levels of air contamination, strong seismic activity, or high levels of storm surge.
However, the ideal substation solution may also take into account other qualitative
aspects of the environment, such as the community’s aesthetic preferences, preferences,
potential difficulties in obtaining permits, and/or potential effects on the metropolitan
area.

The figure below shows environmental impact comparison between a 220 kV gas-
insulated substation and a 220 kV air-insulation substation.
 Figure 13 – Environmental impact comparison between a 220 kV gas-insulated substation
and a 220 kV air-insulation substation

4. Cheaper AIS or More expensive GIS:

Substation users must give relative importance to each component when doing an economic
appraisal of an asset. In addition, there may be contextual differences across substation
installations. Therefore, many consumers are turning to life cycle cost analysis to
comprehend the total investment of a substation installation.

Insight into the total cost of ownership for a substation is provided by this study. When
comparing AIS with GIS for initial investment cost, AIS typically results in the cheaper
solution.
Innovation or nontraditional solutions, such as GIS, can buy more reliability for the same
budget under the right circumstances. That is why it is important for traditional engineering
tools, such as N-1 criterion, to be augmented with a reliability-based life cycle cost planning
approach.
 Figure 14 – Cheaper AIS or More Expensive GIS?
5. Final Decision in Choosing Between AIS and GIS
When it comes to choosing between AIS and GIS, certain considerations, such as aesthetics,
may be enough to sway a user’s decision on their own. However, in order to make the
optimal option, it is typically necessary to evaluate a large number of aspects and seek the
advice and opinion of a wide variety of departments working inside the power producing
company.
It is also essential to keep in mind that the ideal substation solution might not consist entirely
of AIS or GIS technology. It’s possible that a hybrid solution, also known as a mixed-
technology solution, is the most optimal arrangement in some circumstances.
 Figure 15 – 1 ½ circuit-breaker hybrid switchgear installation with PASS (Plug And Switch
System) modules for Un to 550 kV

In general, a majority of the variables will be favorable to GIS; nevertheless, it is the value or
weight attributed to the factors that determines whether or not the return on investment is
justifiable to chose GIS rather than AIS. The needs of the user should be taken into
consideration when assigning relative importance to the many factors that can be assessed.
A user is able to analyze different substation configurations by assigning different weights to
the various parameters in order to decide whether or not AIS or GIS is more cost-effective.
Next, a weighting system is applied to the life cycle costs, in addition to any other user-
specified elements that are frequently referred to as “intangible or soft factors” (such as safety
or aesthetics). This methodology can be applied using the standard idea of weighted averages
or by making use of algorithms that are dependent on the preferences that are supplied by the
user.
The findings of these assessments can also be used to produce a proposed list of alternatives
to the substation, which is then sorted in order based on information that is both technically
and economically obvious.