1

Directly Buried Gas-Insulated Transmission

Lines (GIL)
S. Poehler1, P. Rudenko1
1
Siemens AG, Erlangen, Germany

Abstract--Regarding the increasing interest in underground

transmission systems, gas-insulated lines (GIL) represent an
attractive alternative to cable solutions. Changes in the
regulatory framework with respect to planned extensions of
extra high voltage (EHV) systems have intensified the demand
for underground transmission lines in general.
GIL are utilized mainly above ground (e.g. in substations) or
in underground tunnels [1]. However, the option of a directly
buried GIL which does not need the expenditure of a tunnel has
not so far been put into effect in the EHV range, although it
exhibits a number of advantages such as high current carrying
capacity, low losses, low charging capacity etc. Fig. 1. GIL installed in a substation to connect GIS with OHL
Some years ago a test installation of directly buried GIL
proved that the operation of such a system is favourable in many Several GIL installations have been set up in underground
aspects. For this reason, it was decided in 2008 to set up a system tunnels as well. One of the most recent projects was in
for commercial use in the network of German network operator Limberg/Austria. As demonstrated in Fig. 2, the 400 kV GIS
Amprion. In the area of Frankfurt airport, a double system of a of a pump storage plant had to be connected with a GIL
directly buried GIL with a total length of about one km has been
through a tunnel with steep incline to an OHL on top of the
erected to ensure the safety distance between overhead
mountain. Avoidance of fire risk and low electromagnetic
transmission line (OHL) and the new runway. The GIL
containing an N2/SF6 gas mixture is at one end directly connected field radiation in service were the main drivers for the
to a 400 kV gas-insulated substation (GIS). At the other end the customer to decide in favour of a GIL solution.
GIL joins the incoming OHL via gas-insulated bushings [2].

Index Terms--Directly buried GIL, gas-insulated power

transmission lines (GIL), loading and overloading capability,
N2/SF6 gas mixture, on-site testing, underground lines.

I. INTRODUCTION

G ROWING population and industrialization in

combination with remote energy generation increase the
need for high voltage transmission systems over large
distances Rigid GIL can be used for the transport of large
amounts of electrical energy across metropolitan areas as well
as for long distances.
GIL can also link power plants to substations or overhead
lines and they are a proven alternative to cables and overhead
lines. GIL have been in service for more than 35 years. The
design of GIL is similar to gas-insulated switchgear busbars.
As can be seen in Fig.1, GIL are used mainly above ground
(e.g. in substations). The main advantage for a GIL solution in
such applications is the high current-carrying capability and
compact design.
stephan.poehler@siemens.com
Fig. 2. GIL transmission line in a tunnel
However, the option of a directly buried GIL which does
not need the expenditure involved in a tunnel has not so far
been put into practice in the EHV range, although it exhibits
several advantages.
II. DIRECTLY BURIED GIL
Caused by the necessity to install the last kilometer of an
incoming OHL underground, Amprion decided to consider the
capabilities of this technology more thoroughly, and decision
was made in 2008 to set up a commercially used system. In
the area of Frankfurt airport, a double system of a directly

978-1-4673-1935-5/12/$31.00 ©2012 IEEE

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buried GIL with a length of about one km has been put in

place to ensure the safety distance between OHL and the new
runway. The GIL containing an N2/SF6 gas mixture is at one
end directly connected to a GIS. At the other end the GIL
joins the incoming OHL via gas-insulated bushings (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3. GIL connection between OHL and GIS and GIL cross section

In this project, installation over long distances is the Fig. 5. Robotic GIL welding
subject of detailed investigations. The laying procedure is
considered systematically and rationalized as far as possible.
The different steps of assembling, i.e. welding and laying in
the trench, are illustrated in the following sequence. The
installation tent is located in the middle of the trench and can
be considered the logistic center at the site. Here, all
components are stored after just-in-time-delivery and
mechanical works are performed such as cutting the tubes to
exact length and grinding etc. As can be seen in Fig.4
completion of the GIL modules – in particular insertion of the
conductor - requires a special tool.
9m

Fig. 6. Covering of the GIL tubeswith fluid thermal stabilized backfill

A. Transmission Capability of the GIL Installation

Fig. 4. Completion of the modules on site Installation
An orbital robotic welder is operated within the installation
tent to join the GIL module sections. The welding procedure
can be seen in Fig. 5.
Each weld is then ultrasonically tested to ensure a gastight
weld, the modules are finally pulled into the trench toward the
OHL gantry and the GIS building respectively. Mechanical
braces are used to position and secure the GIL tubes prior to
backfilling. After completion of the double circuit GIL
system, a fluid thermal stabilizing backfill is poured into the
trench. The thickness of the soil above the GIL tubes amounts
to 1.2 m. Fig. 6 illustrates the backfill works: The width of the
six GIL tubes is approximately 9m in total.
Another subject considered in this pilot installation was the
loading capability in the short and long-term range. Initially,
the installation was designed in a more conservative way with
regard to soil conductivity and soil moisture.
Calculation of the transmission power resulted in
2x1800 MVA which equals a nominal current of 2x2700 A. In
the first place, the limiting factor is the design temperature of
the outer enclosure. However, the prototype investigations
gave certain indications that the loading and overloading
capability is better than rated. Additional simulations had been
performed by adequate modeling taking into account the given
soil conditions. The findings can be used to optimize the
transmission capability of the GIL installation in general.
For this purpose the installation was fitted with a
temperature monitoring system which is based on fiber-optic
cables. They are used as sensor elements and are located on
the top of the enclosure pipes of each single phase over the
total system length. To detect the soil temperature as a
reference to the enclosure temperatures, an additional fiber-
optic cable is located parallel to the GIL trench. Since a
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loading in the range of the rated values could not be expected is clear that a continuous loading of the GIL of 3150A - i.e.
during the first period of operation, a current transformer was more than 15% above the rated value - is possible in the long-
applied for the current loading tests. The infeed into the GIL term range without any soil desiccation. In the short-term
duct under test at the interface to the GIS and the arrangement range, 2500MVA can be accepted. More detailed
of the current transformers is demonstrated in Figs. 7 a) / b). investigation will be carried out if the thermal simulation
model is adopted.
B. Corrosion Protection
In the first instance the outer tube of the GIL comprises
passive corrosion protection. The measure is comparable to
the plastic sheath of HV power cables: a black polyethylene
layer of some mm in thickness is applied to each tube in the
factory. After the welding procedure on site the welding
sections (approx. 30cm) are protected by the same plastic
material which is sprayed on joint by joint. To gain additional
Fig. 7 a / b. Test arrangement for current infeed into the GIL safety against corrosion which might occur due to external
damage of the plastic sheath, an active corrosion method is
By means of this test arrangement, a loading of 3000A applied.
could be obtained, which is about 10% above the rated value. Fig. 9 shows the circuit diagram of the active corrosion
Fig. 8 shows the record of the enclosure temperature at two protection of the GIL. In principle the outer housing of the
different locations on the GIL duct. From this record we learn GIL is separated from the ground potential of the earth (e.g.
that, after a loading time of about five days, a more or less the GIS ground potential). The tubes are connected to Kirk
stable condition is achieved, i.e. a temperature rise constant of cells which can ensure a negative potential of about 1.5 V
about 36 hours can be expected. The cooling time constant against ground. Overvoltage protection and the ability to
seems a little bit shorter, which might be associated with the withstand short-circuit currents are also implemented in the
special type of backfill material, a sort of liquid soil with a design of the active corrosion protection system.
thermal conductivity of about 2 W/mK.
36

34
enclosure temperature [°C]

location 1
32
location
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20

Fig. 9. Schematic diagram of active corrosion protection

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Fig. 8. Enclosure temperature in the temperature rise test on the complete GIL
installation at 3000 A C. High-Voltage Testing of GIL
The design of single-phase encapsulated GIL comprises
Furthermore, some remarkable findings can be taken from
only a few different parts, such as the enclosure, conductor
this record. The enclosure temperature is only 34°C and thus
and insulators. Prefabricated units are used for assembly of the
well short of the maximum admissible enclosure temperature
GIL by means of welding or flange joints. The conductor is
of 60°C, even regarding that in practice there is an impact of
fixed by conical and post insulators. The insulation system of
the neighbouring ducts which may lead to an additional
GIL is in principle the same as that of GIS. Nowadays N2/SF6
temperature increase of some degrees at 3000A. On the other
gas mixtures with high amounts of N2 are preferred for long
hand, a soil temperature of about 22°C can be detected, which
GIL. Development tests as well as the type tests on GIL are
is considerably higher than the maximum soil temperature of
similar to the related GIS tests, whereas a dielectric routine
15°C assumed in summertime. The reason for that is a
test is only applicable for the insulators.
prolonged period of air temperatures distinctly above 20°C,
Intensive development tests, routine tests and
even at night, which led to a warming of the soil in the area of
commissioning tests are the basis for a reliable design and
the installation in question. The data gained by our
proven product quality. It is also important to obtain a reliable
measurements were proven by data from a commercial
assessment of materials and manufacturing processes. In the
meteorological service. Taking into account all these results it
development test phase all tests on epoxy insulators (for
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example) have been performed on real-size insulators, and the
long-term test voltage amounts to two to five times the
service-voltage stress. The durations of the long-term tests
were up to 15,000 hours, and the test results confirmed the
validity of the inverse power law and the required reliability
of the epoxy insulators [3].
D. On-site Tests after Installation
On-site tests must check the dielectric integrity of the
completed installation [4]. The test program identifies
different types of defects which might give rise to an internal
fault in service: incorrect assembly, presence of foreign bodies
or other contaminants such as free metallic particles and
protrusions, as well as damage during transport, storage or
installation.
The IEC 61640 recommendation for on-site HV testing is
based on state-of-the-art GIS testing and takes into
consideration the characteristics of long GIL [5]. However,
the on-site test procedure is not fixed and an appropriate test
procedure should be agreed for each individual project. For
on-site testing of GIL the UHF PD detection method has been
used with good results. With GIL the distance between
adjacent PD sensors can be greater than several hundred
meters due to the low signal attenuation within a GIL. The
accuracy of on-site testing by power-frequency voltage and
UHF PD detection has already been proven in various past
GIL projects [6].
Fig. 10 shows the on-site test procedure which consists of
AC conditioning and testing with variable frequency and
additional UHF PD detection, taking into consideration the
recommendations of IEC/CIGRE and manufacturer
experience with GIS and GIL testing.
other test measures are necessary. An insulation breakdown
sets up travelling-wave oscillation, which can be recorded by
capacitive couplers and used for fault location.
Like GIS, GIL exhibits a high degree of reliability.
Nevertheless, a dielectric failure cannot be totally excluded.
Before initiating repair work the failure has to be detected and
located as precisely as possible. In principal, all methods
known from other underground lines like cables can be
applied. In the event of a breakdown, the voltage collapse
produces a travelling wave. This transient phenomenon can be
recorded by adequate sensors.
Since the installation is fitted with PD sensors, these
sensors can be utilized for recording the transients, if the low-
voltage capacity is properly adopted. In the pilot installation
the arrangement of the PD sensors is shown in Fig. 11.
Fig. 11. Location of the partial discharge sensors
As shown in Fig. 12, in this GIL an arc location system
(ALS) is installed which is based on analysis of the runtime
differences of Very Fast Transient (VFT) signals at various
positions. At the beginning and at the end of the installation,
sensors with arc location converters are installed. These are
connected to communication modules. One of these acts as
master, the other as slave. Both are connected via a
communication bus system.

Fig. 10. On-site testing of the directly buried 420 kV GIL

Each GIL phase was defined as a separate test section. Four

UHF PD sensors are located along each single GIL phase with
a maximum distance between adjacent PD sensors of about
500 m. The required PD detection sensitivity of 5 pC was
verified on site according to CIGRE recommendation [7]. A
frequency-tuned resonant test system with a fixed inductance
was used to generate the AC test voltage with a test frequency Fig. 12. Schematic diagram of the GIL monitoring system
of f ≈54 Hz. All six test sections passed the above-mentioned
dielectric on-site test. Location of disruptive discharges during Synchronization of master and slave is obtained by a GPS
on-site testing is a challenge for buried GIL. The standard signal. If a VFT signal is created by an arc in the system, this
procedure such as acoustic recordings is not applicable and signal triggers a travel time measurement at both sensors. By
comparison of these data the fault location is ascertained. The
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visualization of the system indicates in which circuit the arc

occurred and at which location. The efficiency of the system
has been proven in on-site testing. The results were compared
to conventional measurements and accuracy much better than
± 5m (as given in the specification) was obtained.

III. SUMMARY
Regarding the increasing interest in underground
transmission in EHV systems, GIL represents an attractive
alternative to cable solutions. In the course of this pilot
installation, different aspects were analyzed in detail: design
features, engineering, assembly, fitting on site and the laying
procedure as well as on-site testing were considered.
Temperature measurements have indicated a higher
transmission capability than originally calculated. By means
of a temperature monitoring system exact data has been
collected., thus confirming the operation at higher current
ratings. Along with GIL tunnel and overhead applications,
directly buried GIL will be applied as transmission grows
around the world.

IV. REFERENCES

[1] CIGRE TF 15.03.07. “Long-term performance of SF6 insulated

systems”. CIGRE Report 15-301, Session 2002, Paris
[2] Neumann et. al.. “Pilot Installation of a 380 kV directly buried Gas-
insulated Line (GIL)”. CIGRE Report B3-104, Session 2010, Paris
[3] Diessner, A. Luxa, Neyer. “Electrical Aging Tests on Epoxy Insulators
in GIS”. IEEE Trans. On Electrical Insulation, Vol. 24, 1989
[4] Schichler, Kynast. “High-Voltage Tests and Measurements during the
Life Cycle of GIS”, Highvolt Colloquium, Dresden, 2007
[5] IEC 61640. "Rigid High-Voltage Gas-insulated Transmission Lines for
Rated Voltage of 72.5 kV and above", 1998
[6] U. Schichler, Diessner, Gorablenkow. “Dielectric On-Site Testing of
GIL”. ICPADM, Nagoya, Japan, 2003
[7] CIGRE TF 15/33.03.05: Partial Discharge Detection System for GIS:
Sensitivity Verification for the UHF Method and the Acoustic Method.
ELECTRA, No. 183, 1999

V. BIOGRAPHIES

Dr. Stephan Poehler was born in 1960. He completed

his PHD in 1989 at the University of Hanover.
From 1989 until 1999 he gained his professional experience in the power
cable industry with Siemens and later Pirelli. Whilst he commenced his career
in the development department he became later responsible for the HV and
EHV power cable business. In 1994 he participated in the Manufacturing
Technology Fellowship Program at The Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd./Japan.
Since 2000 he returned to Siemens again where since 2003 he is responsible
for the Gas Insulated Lines (GIL) business worldwide.