Transients in reactors for power systems compensation

This thesis describes new models and investigations into switching transient phenomena related to the shunt reactors and the Mechanically Switched Capacitor with Damping Network (MSCDN) operations used for reactive power control in the transmission system. Shunt reactors and MSCDN are similar in that they have reactors. A shunt reactor is connected parallel to the compensated lines to absorb the leading current, whereas the MSCDN is a version of a capacitor bank that has been designed as a C-type filter for use in the harmonic-rich environment. In this work, models have been developed and transient overvoltages due to shunt reactor deenergisation were estimated analytically using MathCad, a mathematical program. Computer simulations were then undertaken using the ATP/EMTP program to reproduce both single-phase and three-phase shunt reactor switching at 275 kV operational substations. The effect of the reactor switching on the circuit breaker grading capacitor was also examined by considering various switching conditions. The main original achievement of this thesis is the clarification of failure mechanisms occurring in the air-core filter reactor due to MSCDN switching operations. The simulation of the MSCDN energisation was conducted using the ATP/EMTP program in the presence of surge arresters. The outcome of this simulation shows that extremely fast transients were established across the air-core filter reactor. This identified transient event has led to the development of a detailed air-core reactor model, which accounts for the inter-turn RLC parameters as well as the stray capacitances-to-ground. These parameters are incorporated into the transient simulation circuit, from which the current and voltage distribution across the winding were derived using electric field and equivalent circuit modelling. Further analysis of the results has revealed that there are substantial dielectric stresses imposed on the winding insulation that can be attributed to a combination of three factors. (i) First, the surge arrester operation during the MSCDN energisation, which causes steep voltage change at the reactor terminal. (ii) Second, the nonuniform voltage distribution, resulting in high stresses across the top inter-turn windings. (iii) Third, the rapid rate-of-change of voltage in the assumed worst-case reactor winding location. This is accompanied by a high dielectric (displacement) current through the inter-turn winding insulation. Work within this investigation proposes that a synergistic effect of high electric field and high dielectric current occurring at worst energisation, followed by the thermal effects of steady state operation contributes to the failure of air-core reactors used on the 400 kV MSCDN

Experimental Characterization of Pantograph Arcs and Transient Conducted Phenomena in DC Railways

open2An electric arc is an example of a transient event that is quite common in electrified transportation systems as by-product of the current collection mechanism. As a broadband transient, an electric arc excites a wide range of (often oscillatory) responses related to the substation and onboard filters, as well as the line resonances and anti-resonances. Similarly do the charging of onboard filter and other related inrush events. This work considers the electrical characteristics of these transients and of the excited responses in order to define their typical spectral signatures in DC railways and take them into account concerning their impact on Power Quality measurements and the measurements of instruments deployed onboard.openMariscotti, Andrea; Giordano, DomenicoMariscotti, Andrea; Giordano, Domenic

An investigation into 88 KV surge arrester failures in the Eskom east grid traction network

The Eskom East Grid Traction Network (EGTN) supplying traction loads and distribution networks has experienced at least one surge arrester failure over the past ten years. These failures results in poor network reliability and customer dissatisfactions which are often overlooked. This is because reliability indices used in the reliability evaluation of transmission and distribution networks are different. It is suspected that fast transient faults in this network initiate system faults leading to surge arrester design parameter exceedances and poor network insulation coordination. Preliminary investigations in network suggest that transient studies were not done during network planning and design stages. This may have resulted in the lack of surge arrester parameter evaluations under transient conditions leading to improper surge arresters being selected and installed in this network resulting in surge arrester failures that are now evident. These failures may also have been exacerbated by the dynamic nature of traction loads as they are highly unbalanced, have poor power factors and emit high voltage distortions. Poor in-service conditions such as defects, insulation partial discharges and overheating, bolted faults in the network and quality of supply emissions can also contribute to surge arrester failures. To address problems arising with different reliability indices in these networks the reliability of the EGTN is evaluated. In this work the reliability evaluation of the EGTN is done by computing common distribution reliability indices using analytic and simulation methods. This is done by applying the analytic method in the EGTN by assessing network failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) when the surge arrester fails in this network. The simulation method is applied by applying and modifying the MATLAB code proposed by Shavuka et al. [1]. These reliability indices are then compared with transmission reliability indices over the same period. This attempts to standardize reliability evaluations in these networks. To assess the impact of transient faults in the surge arrester parameter evaluation the EGTN is modelled and simulated by initiating transient faults sequentially in the network at different nodes and under different loading conditions. This is done by using Power System Blockset (PSB), Power System Analysis Toolbox (PSAT) and Alternate Transient Program (ATP) simulation tools and computing important surge arrester parameters i.e. continuous operating voltage, rated voltage, discharge current and energy absorption capability (EAC). These parameters are assessed by in the EGTN by evaluating computed surge arrester parameters against parameters provided by manufacturers, the Eskom 88 kV surge arrester specification and those parameters recommended in IEC 60099-4. To assess the impact and contribution of in-service conditions, faults and quality of supply emissions in surge arrester failures these contributing factors are investigated by assessing infra-red scans, fault analysis reports, results of the sampled faulted surge arrester in this network and quality of supply parameters around the time of failures. This study found that Eskom transmission and distribution network reliability indices can be standardized as distribution reliability indices i.e. SAIDI, SAIFI, CAIDI, ASAI and ASUI indices are similar to Eskom transmission indices i.e. SM, NOI, circuit availability index and circuit unavailability index respectively. Transient simulations in this study showed that certain surge arresters in the EGTN had their rated surge arrester parameters exceeded under certain transient conditions and loading conditions. These surge arresters failed as their discharge currents and EACs were exceeded under heavy and light network loading conditions. This study concluded that surge arresters whose discharge currents and EACs exceeded were improperly evaluated and selected prior to their installations in the EGTN. This study found the EAC to be the most import parameter in surge arrester performance evaluations. The Eskom 88 kV surge arrester specification was found to be inadequate, inaccurate and ambiguous as a number of inconsistencies in the usage of IEEE and IEC classified systems terminology were found. It was concluded that these inconsistencies may have led to confusions for manufacturers during surge arrester designs and selections in the EGTN. The evaluation of fault reports showed that two surge arrester failures in this network were caused by hardware failures such as conductor failure and poor network operating as the line was continuously closed onto a fault. There was no evidence that poor in-service and quality of supply emissions contributed to surge arrester failures in this network. PSB, PSAT and ATP simulation tools were found adequate in modelling and simulating the EGTN. However the PSB tool was found to be slow as the network expanded and the PSAT required user defined surge arrester models requiring detailed manufacture data sheets which are not readily available. ATP was found to be superior in terms of speed and accuracy in comparison to the PSB and PSAT tools. The MATLAB code proposed by Shavuka et al. [1] was found to be suitable and accurate in assessing transmission networks as EGTN's reliability indices computed from this code were comparable to benchmarked Eskom distribution reliability indices. The work carried out in this research will assist in improving surge arrester performance evaluations, the current surge arrester specification and surge arrester selections. Simulation tools utilized in this work show great potential in achieving this. Reliability studies conducted in this work will assist in standardizing reliability indices between Eskom's transmission and distribution divisions. In-service condition assessment carried out in this work will improve surge arrester condition monitoring and preventive maintenance practices

Service continuity in complex power systems: safety, operation and maintenance

The research aims to define electrical architectures based on the rationalization of the distribution structure and of power sources with the achievement of the primary objectives of service continuity, power quality, safety and safe maintenance. The thesis consists of two parts: the first part deals with the architecture impact on a complex system analyzing the system configuration and operational safety aspects. New developments and methodologies are presented in the study of critical systems. A theory of complex systems for safety, operation and maintenance aspects is defined that enables to assist the management of the system throughout its whole life cycle and allows an implementation of programming languages. The second part refers to specific issues of mission critical power systems, data centers and hospitals especially. Several measurements were performed in laboratory and on field to analyze sneaky critical cases for the service continuity and the integrity of these strategic power systems.The research aims to define electrical architectures based on the rationalization of the distribution structure and of power sources with the achievement of the primary objectives of service continuity, power quality, safety and safe maintenance. The thesis consists of two parts: the first part deals with the architecture impact on a complex system analyzing the system configuration and operational safety aspects. New developments and methodologies are presented in the study of critical systems. A theory of complex systems for safety, operation and maintenance aspects is defined that enables to assist the management of the system throughout its whole life cycle and allows an implementation of programming languages. The second part refers to specific issues of mission critical power systems, data centers and hospitals especially. Several measurements were performed in laboratory and on field to analyze sneaky critical cases for the service continuity and the integrity of these strategic power systems