562

Field Tests for UHV Substations

Working Group
B3.29

December 2013
FIELD TESTS FOR
UHV SUBSTATIONS
WG B3.29
Members
Guangfan Li , Convenor(CN), Kyoichi Uehara Secretary (JP), Bo Li (CN) , Kojiro Aoki (JP),
S K Agrawal (IN), Asiff Amod (ZA), Jiangbo Chen (CN), Jianbin Fan (CN), Paulo Fernandez (BR),
Takayuki Kobayashi (JP), Francois Gallon (FR), Dong Ge(CN), Hiroyuki Hama(JP), Jin-Ho Kim (KR),
Jinzhong Li(CN), Masatomo Ono (JP), Farnoosh Rahmatian (CA), Uwe Riechert (CH), R.K.Sarkar (IN),
Kenji Sasamori(JP), Yukiyasu Shirasaka (JP), Xiaogang Wang(CN), Xiaoning Wang(CN), Takeshi Yokota (JP)

Copyright © 2013

“Ownership of a CIGRE publication, whether in paper form or on electronic support only infers right of use for
personal purposes. Are prohibited, except if explicitly agreed by CIGRE, total or partial reproduction of the
publication for use other than personal and transfer to a third party; hence circulation on any intranet or other
company network is forbidden”.

Disclaimer notice

“CIGRE gives no warranty or assurance about the contents of this publication, nor does it accept any responsibility,
as to the accuracy or exhaustiveness of the information. All implied warranties and conditions are excluded to the
maximum extent permitted by law”.

ISBN : 978-2-85873-257-9

1/135
FIELD TESTS FOR UHV
SUBSTATIONS
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................... 8

1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 9

2. TEST DEFINITIONS................................................................................................. 10
2.1 Introduction and Definitions ............................................................................ 10
2.2 Reliability drivers for on-site tests ................................................................... 12
2.3 Questionnaire for on-site tests of UHV Substations ......................................... 15
2.4 References ....................................................................................................... 18

3. ON-SITE ACCEPTANCE TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS ............................................ 19

3.1 IEC Standards for on-site acceptance tests ...................................................... 19
3.1.1 IEC 60060-3 ................................................................................................ 19
3.1.2 Related clauses in IEC equipment standards ................................................ 20
3.2 Questionnaire results for GIS and transformers ................................................ 22
3.2.1 GIS on-site acceptance tests ........................................................................ 22
3.2.2 Transformer on-site acceptance tests .......................................................... 23
3.3 Summary and recommendations ...................................................................... 25
3.3.1 GIS on-site acceptance testing ..................................................................... 25
3.4 References ....................................................................................................... 33

4. COMMISSIONING TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS ..................................................... 34

4.1 Commissioning of the 1100 kV transmission demonstration project in China . 34
4.1.1 Research on commissioning tests ................................................................ 36
4.1.2 Results of Voltage-Raising Tests ................................................................. 37
4.1.3 Results of Equipment Switching Experiments ............................................... 39
4.1.4 Results of Network Tests ............................................................................. 42
4.1.5 Conclusion ................................................................................................... 44
4.2 Commissioning tests of the 1100kV transmission demonstration project in
Japan 45

2/135
 4.2.1 UHV Test Station .......................................................................................... 45
4.2.2 Commissioning tests ................................................................................... 48
4.2.3 Commissioning test example for Corona noise ............................................ 50
4.2.4 Electrostatic induction of service entrance for UHV transmission line .......... 53
4.3 Commissioning tests at the 1200 kV transmission demonstration project of
India 54
4.3.1 1200 kV National Test Station at Bina substation ......................................... 54
4.3.2 On-site acceptance tests ............................................................................. 58
4.3.3 Charging of the 1200 kV National Test Station ............................................ 59
4.3.4 Commissioning tests at the 1200 kV National Test Station .......................... 59
4.4 Commissioning test questionnaire results and analysis ....................................... 64
4.5 Summary and recommendations for commissioning tests................................ 65
4.6 References ....................................................................................................... 65

5. MAINTENANCE TESTS ............................................................................................ 66

5.1 Maintenance tests in China .................................................................................. 66
5.1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................... 66
5.1.2 Maintenance test items of typical 1000 kV UHV AC equipment ....................... 66
5.2 Maintenance tests in Japan ............................................................................... 68
5.2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................... 68
5.2.2 Maintenance tests of UHV equipment ............................................................. 69
5.2.3 Maintenance test items ................................................................................ 69
5.3 Maintenance tests in India ................................................................................... 71
5.3.1 1200kV transformers ................................................................................... 71
5.3.2 1200 kV SF6 Circuit Breaker (CB)’s ............................................................... 72
5.4 Maintenance test questionnaire results and analysis ........................................ 72
5.4.1 Maintenance test and diagnostic tests questionnaire results and analysis
(GIS) 72
5.4.2 Maintenance tests and diagnostic tests questionnaire results and analysis of
transformers ............................................................................................................ 73
5.5 Summary and recommendations for maintenance tests ................................... 75
5.5.1 GIS maintenance tests and diagnostic tests ................................................. 75
5.6.2 Transformer maintenance test and diagnostic tests ..................................... 77
5.7 References ........................................................................................................... 80

6. SPECIAL VERIFICATION TESTS ................................................................................ 81

6.1 Artificial single-phase-to-ground fault tests and secondary arc extinction tests
for the Chinese 1000 kV project ................................................................................ 81

3/135
 6.1.1 Artificial single-phase-to-ground fault tests on UHV Nanyang-Jingmen line .. 81
6.1.2 Artificial single-phase-to-ground fault tests on the UHV Changzhi-Nanyang
line 85
6.2 HSES field verification test and operation experience ........................................... 90
6.2.2 Design for 765 kV HSES in Korea .................................................................... 92
6.2.3 HSES Field Operation Experience .................................................................. 94
6.2.4 References ..................................................................................................... 95
6.3 Bushing test concerning seismic performance ..................................................... 96
6.4 VFTO verification test (experiment study on VFTO test circuits on full scale UHV
GIS) 98
6.4.1 Introduction .................................................................................................... 98
6.4.2 VFTO test circuits of full scale UHV GIS ........................................................ 98
6.4.3 Test results ................................................................................................ 100
6.4.4 Conclusions .................................................................................................. 105
6.5 GIS partial discharge verification test ................................................................. 105
6.5.1 1100 kV GIS insulation level.......................................................................... 105
6.5.2 Procedure for Dielectric Testing ................................................................. 106
6.5.3 Test diagram ............................................................................................. 107
6.5.4 Test results ................................................................................................ 108
6.6 Discharge measurement using the UHF method for the 800 kV GIS for the
commissioning tests in Korea .................................................................................. 108
6.6.1 Basic noise measurement ........................................................................... 108
6.6.2 Result of the tests during commissioning ..................................................... 110
6.6.3 Result of the tests during commercial operation ........................................ 110
6.6.4 Conclusion ................................................................................................. 111
6.7 Transformer special verification test (SGCC) ...................................................... 112
6.7.1 Purpose of the test .................................................................................... 112
6.7.2 Test Difficulties.......................................................................................... 112
6.7.3 Test scheme .............................................................................................. 112
6.7.4 Test equipment.......................................................................................... 113
6.7.5 Interference suppression ........................................................................... 114
6.7.6 Test result ................................................................................................. 115
6.8 Oil flow electrification at the TEPCO UHV equipment test site ........................ 116
6.9 References ......................................................................................................... 118

7 CONCLUSION ...................................................................................................119
7.1 Future standardization ................................................................................... 119

4/135
 7.2 On-site acceptance tests for UHV substations................................................ 119
7.3 Commissioning tests for UHV substations ..................................................... 119
7.4 Proposal for maintenance tests for UHV substations ...................................... 119

APPENDIX A - QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS (ON-SITE ACCEPTANCE TESTS) ....................120

A-1 GIS .................................................................................................................... 120
A-2 Transformer ...................................................................................................... 123

APPENDIX B QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS (DIAGNOSTIC TESTS) ......................................126

B-1 GIS .................................................................................................................... 126
B-2 Transformer ...................................................................................................... 127

APPENDIX C SOME EXAMPLES OF MAINTENANCE TESTS .............................................129

C-1 GIS .................................................................................................................... 129
C-2 Transformer ...................................................................................................... 134

5/135
Abbreviations

1LG Single-phase line fault to ground

2LG Two-phase line faults to ground

3LG Three-phase line faults to ground

ACLD Test Alternating Current Long Duration Test

ACSR Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced

AEP American Electric Power (USA)

AIS Air Insulated Switchgear

AN Audible-Noise

BPA Bonneville Power Administration (USA)

CEPRI China Electric Power Research Institute (China)

CESI Centro Elettrotecnico Sperimentale Italiano (Electrotechnical Testing Centre, Italy)

CISPR International Special Committee on Radio Interference

CRIEPI Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (Japan)

CT Current Transformer

CVT Capacitor Voltage Transformer

DS Disconnector

EHV Extra High Voltage

EMI Electromagnetic Immunity

EMTP Electro Magnetic Transient Program

ES Earthing Switch

ESDD Equivalent Salt Deposit Density

FFO Fast Front Overvoltage

GCB Gas Circuit Breaker

GIS Gas Insulated Switchgear

HSES High Speed Earthing Switch

IEC International Electrotechnical Commission

IVPD Induced Voltage test with Partial Discharge measurement

KEPCO Korea Electric Power Corporation (Korea)

LI Lightning Impulse

LIPL Lightning Impulse Protection Level

LIWV Lightning Impulse Withstand Voltage

MOSA Metal Oxide Surge Arrester

6/135
MOV Metal Oxide Varistor

MTS Mixed Technology Switchgear (Hybrid IS)

NCI Non-Ceramic Insulator

OPD Optical potential devices

PGCIL Power Grid Corporation of India, Ltd

PIR Pre-Insertion Resistor

RI Radio Interference

RIV Radio Interference Voltage

SA Surge Arresters

SFO Slow-Front Overvoltage

SiC Silicon Carbide

SIPL Switching Impulse Protection Level

SIWV Switching Impulse Withstand Voltage

SPAR Single-Phase Rapid Auto-Reclosing

SGCC State Grid Corporation of China

TEPCO Tokyo Electric Power Company (Japan)

TOV Temporary Overvoltage

TPAR Three-Phase Rapid Auto-Reclosing

TRV Transient Recovery Voltage

UHV Ultra High Voltage (exceeding 800 kV)

VFT Very Fast Transient

VFTO Very Fast Transient Overvoltage

VT Voltage Transformer

7/135
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Utilities worldwide may be forced to consider long distance bulk transmission of electrical energy due to a range
of reasons and many are either implementing or planning UHV grids. In recent years, high economic growth can
be observed in developing countries, and demand for electricity is increasing, mainly in large cities. To cope
with these circumstances, new power plants including hydro, coal fired with improved emission reduction, and
large scale windfarms, both on-shore and off-shore, are planned or are under construction, and the
need for high power and long distance transmission lines is increasing. In developed countries, the
worldwide trend and the shift to a low-carbon society is dominant and therefore there is a need to consider UHV
transmission due to the lower overall transmission costs and to reduce losses.

UHV transmission systems are capable of transferring large amounts of electrical energy. However, if a
failure occurs in an UHV system, the system influence is extreme from the viewpoint of reliability and overall
security of supply of the power system. Most UHV substations are located far from city areas and the size and
mass of equipment is large. Equipment is transported over long distances from where they are manufactured
and tested to where they are installed and commissioned. Also, installation time is generally longer than in
lower voltage classes. Therefore, on-site tests are crucial for UHV substations to ensure the reliability
and security of equipment and system after transportation and assembly.

However, presently, there is very little global experience relating to existing UHV substations. CIGRE WG B3.29
was established to not only investigate existing practices for on-site acceptance tests, commissioning tests, and
special verification tests of UHV substations, but also to summarize recommendations for future planning,
construction, operation and maintenance related to new UHV systems. As mentioned above, field tests are one
of the most important procedures in securing the reliability of UHV substations. Therefore, it is necessary to
conduct on-site acceptance tests, commissioning tests, and maintenance tests during construction and
operation.

WG B3.29, through the experiences of utilities in various countries, has proposed technical requirements for on-
site tests for UHV equipment. At the same time, questionnaires for on-site acceptance tests, commissioning
tests and maintenance tests were sent to utilities with experience of 800 kV substations and above in various
countries. The recommendations received from such surveys were prepared after summarizing survey results.

8/135
1. INTRODUCTION
In recent years, a number of countries have introduced UHV equipment into their networks. Japan has
constructed a UHV Equipment Test Station (Shin-Haruna substation) to verify the performance of UHV
equipment in the class of 1000 kV and above. In China, a 1000 kV UHV AC pilot project was placed into
commercial operation and has operated successfully for nearly three years. At the end of 2011, China
completed the “Extension Project” to deliver large transmission capacity of more than 5000MW. Currently, the
construction of a 1200 kV Test Station is in progress at Bina, India. In the 800 kV class, transmission lines are
being constructed in countries such as Brazil, Canada, China, India, Korea, Russia, South Africa, the United
States and Venezuela.

Previously, a study by WG B3.22 including a survey of the technical issues on UHV substations was carried out
and recommendations for the substation design and IEC standards was summarized in brochure No 400.

When constructing and operating a new substation, particularly at a new voltage level, field tests are one of the
most important issues. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct on-site verification tests, commissioning tests and
maintenance tests during the construction and operation of UHV substations.

Higher operating voltages may require larger test equipment and can result in an overall increase in project
cost. Reduction of Lightning Impulse Withstand Voltage (LIWV) and various new technologies are adopted for
UHV equipment to achieve rational cost reduction. Under these circumstances, on-site tests will be a key issue
for reduction of total project costs in UHV substations.

WG B3.29 has proposed technical requirements for on-site tests for UHV equipment based on the experiences
of utilities in various countries. At the same time, questionnaires for on-site acceptance tests, commissioning
tests and maintenance tests were sent to those utilities with substations experience in voltage classes of 800 kV
and above. After summarizing the results of these surveys, recommendations were prepared.

In the pilot projects in China, Japan, India and Korea, various special verification tests were planned and carried
out to prove the reliability of equipment. Some of these tests are introduced in this brochure.

9/135
2. TEST DEFINITIONS

2.1 Introduction and Definitions

This chapter defines the range of field tests that should be carried out on UHV and 800 kV substations such as
on-site acceptance tests, commissioning tests, maintenance tests and diagnostic tests including special
verification tests, and describes the differences of these tests between UHV and 800 kV, and the lower voltage
classes. [2.1]

Substation equipment that passed routine factory testing should be subjected to an on-site acceptance test after
transportation and installation [2.2, 2.3]. The equipment and substation condition, both before and after
connection to a power grid should be verified by a commissioning test. Maintenance tests and diagnostic tests
[2.4] are needed to determine the operational condition and to monitor the equipment soundness during its
service life. Other tests such as special verification tests are performed to study the particular electrical and
mechanical characteristics of the UHV and 800 kV class and also to verify the operational performance of the
specific devices in the UHV and 800 kV classes. These tests are summarized in Table 2. 1

On-site acceptance tests are designed to check the correct operation and the dielectric integrity of the
equipment after shipping and site assembly. These on-site tests are generally performed by a manufacturer
with the close cooperation of a utility, with the aim to verify the results from factory tests. On-site acceptance
tests however, do not generally include power grid tests. In India, on-site acceptance tests are known as pre-
commissioning tests and are carried out in accordance with the terms and conditions of relevant business
contracts.

Commissioning tests are performed to confirm the integrity of the equipment prior to connection of the
equipment to the power grid. In some countries, there are regulations such as The Electricity Act, Transmission
Grid Codes, Technical Regulations on Electrical Equipment, The Standard on Power Plants and Substations
(Non-governmental) and Standards on Electrical Equipment (Non-governmental).

10/135
TABLE 2. 1 FLOW AND OUTLINE FROM ON-SITE ACCEPTANCE TEST TO MAINTENANCE AND SPECIAL
VERIFICATION TEST
On-site Acceptance tests
Location of tests
Manufacturer
In charge
(User)
Test area
Each equipment
(Equipment / Substation /
Each unit of equipment
Grid)
1. Checking the correct
operation and the dielectric
integrity of the equipment after
shipping and site assembly,
verifying the quality in the
factory.
Purpose
Transportation & installation on-site
Factory Test (Routine Test)
<Typical examples of GIS in
IEC 62271-203>
1. Dielectric test on the main
circuit
2. Dielectric tests on auxiliary
circuits
3. Measurement of the
resistance of the main circuit
4. Gas tightness test
Test items 5. Checks and verifications
(Examples) 6. Gas quality verification
Normally the dielectric test shall
be made after the GIS has
been fully installed and gas-
filled at the rated filling density
preferably at the end of all site
Remarks tests. (IEC 62271-203)
11/135
Commissioning tests
On-site
User
A unit of equipment
Whole equipment
Substation
Power grid connection
1.Comfirmation of dielectirc &
thermal performance of each
equipment, appropriate
operation of relays and total-
system comfirmation of
substation system
2.Dielectirc & thermal
performance of each
equipment connecting to the
Grid
<Examples in TEPCO>
1. Visual check
2. Earthing resistance check
3. Insulation resistance
4. Tests for protection
equipment
5. Tests for CB
6. Alarm and indicator tests
7. Supervision and control tests
8. Energizing test from tertiary
winding (PD measurement)
Connecting to
the power grid
9. Withstand voltage test
10.Load test(Temperature rise
test)
11.Inrush test
12.Electromagnetic
environmental test of substation
In Japan, there are some
regulations as follows:
1) Electricity Business Act
2) Technical Regulations on
Electrical Equipment
3) Standard on Power Plants
and Substations
Maintenance tests
Diagnostic tests
User
Each equipment
Each unit of equipment
Maintenance are categorized
into "Maintenance test",
"Diagnostic tests" and
"Overhaul".
1. Obtaining the initial data for
the operation. (Maintenance
test)
2. Checking the equipment is
free of abnormality including
degradation during operation.
(Maintenance test)
<Examples of GIS in SGCC>
1. SF6 gas humidity
2. SF6 gas leakage test
3. Insulating resistance of
auxiliary circuit and control
circuit
4. AC withstand voltage test
5. Switch impulse withstand
voltage test
6. AC withstanding voltage test
of auxiliary circuit
IEC 62271-1 recommends the
way instructions are prepared
by manufacturer and
implemented by the user.
Maintenance includes a range of diagnostic and maintenance tests and plant refurbishment activities to ensure
the soundness of equipment during its service life as shown in FIG. 2. 1.

<Maintenance>

Maintenance tests
(“Examination”, “Inspection”)

Overhaul
Diagnostic tests

FIG. 2. 1 DEFINITION OF MAINTENANCE

A diagnostic test is conducted to determine the health of the equipment to ensure that it operates effectively
during its designed lifetime. Maintenance tests obtain the operational condition and also check the equipment is
free of abnormalities, including degradation that may occur during operation. Maintenance activities, such as
examination and inspection, are sometimes performed during substation outages. IEC 62271-1 [2.4]
recommends how instructions are prepared by the manufacturer and implemented by the user.

Other tests, such as special verification tests, are performed for studying the particular electrical and
mechanical characteristics in the UHV and 800 kV class. Examples of these tests include: energizing
characteristics of the UHV system, VFTO and GCB switching surges, TRV requirements and bus mechanical
performance against seismic stresses. The practical performance of the specific devices in the UHV and 800
kV class, such as the 4-leg reactor and HSES, may also be verified in these tests.

2.2 Reliability drivers for on-site tests

A detailed survey of field service experience with circuit breakers and Gas Insulated Switchgear during the
period of 2004 – 2007 was carried out under the activities of CIGRE WG A3.06 “Reliability of HV Equipment”.
Similar surveys have been carried out twice in the past, during 1974 – 1977 and 1988 – 1991 respectively.

Results of the WG survey were published with several technical brochures, and the summary was introduced as
a tutorial at the colloquium of SC A3 held in Vienna in September, 2011.

FIG. 2. 2 MAJOR FAILURE FREQUENCY OF GCB

(QUOTED FROM THE TUTORIAL AT THE COLLOQUIUM OF SC A3, HELD IN VIENNA IN SEPTEMBER 2011) [2.5]

Through review of the field major failure results in the survey, requirements for on-site acceptance tests can be
clarified.
12/135
Major failure frequencies for all the voltage classes have decreased compared to previous surveys, and in case
of circuit breakers, decreased to around half. However, the results of the survey indicate high failure frequency
for the 700 kV and above class, compared to the lower voltage classes; although the amount of data in the field
is too small to confirm the trend.

The results for circuit breakers indicate that live tank breakers have a three times higher failure rate than GIS or
dead tank breakers. Higher failure frequencies are shown, as operation year’s increase for both live tank and
dead tank breakers, and also significantly higher failure frequencies are shown for older live tank breakers.

According to the results for GIS manufactured between 2004 and 2007, the cause of more than 70% of the
failures is recorded as “dielectric breakdowns”. However, for the older GIS’s which were manufactured before
1993, the cause of around 70% of failures results is listed as “failing to perform requested operation”. Since
“dielectric breakdowns” on the primary circuit of GIS should be less affected by age, the increase in “failing to
perform requested operation” in the recent survey may be caused by the increase in the proportion of older
switchgear in the field.

A major failure in a UHV substation causes severe impact on the whole transmission system. Therefore higher
reliability is required for UHV equipment than in lower voltage classes.

As indicated in the survey results, dead tank breakers and GIS have high reliability than other types.

For GIS, the majority of major failures for the products newly installed in the field are listed as “dielectric
breakdowns”. From this fact, it is realized that on-site dielectric tests are important to confirm reliability. One of
the purposes of on-site dielectric tests is to check for the presence of metallic particles unintentionally left inside
GIS enclosures during site assembling work, as well as any physical damage during transportation or site
activities. Therefore assessing plant condition with the appropriate voltage and UHF PD measurements in
addition to dielectric tests may be an effective solution.

UHV GIS is generally much larger physically than the lower voltage GIS equipment. However, UHV GIS is
physically smaller when compared with AIS. Investment for a high voltage on-site test facility should be
considered. Equipment flashover in operation may result in extensive site investigation and repair work,
therefore, utilizing effective detection of any trigger for flashover and reduced dielectric test voltage is
recommended.

Through this survey, all answers for the 700 kV and above class indicated that “the partial discharge
measurement in addition to power frequency voltage application” was carried out for all the products, and
further “impulse voltage test (LI or SI) in addition to power frequency voltage application” was also universally
performed.

Considering that failure frequencies may increase in older products, performing appropriate maintenance,
particularly on a mechanism under operational conditions, is important.

An on-going survey for field service experience on power transformers during the operational period of 1996 to
2010 was carried out under the activities of CIGRE WG A2.37 “Transformer Reliability Survey”. The WG 12.05
“Transformer Reliability” also surveyed the field service experiences with power transformers during the
operational period of 1968 to 1978 and published the report in Electra in 1983. [2.6] Ten years later, WG 12.14
attempted to conduct improved surveys, however it was unsuccessful with difficulty in compiling and analyzing
the data from the survey. Also, the Advisory Group on “Reliability” in SC A2 was established in 2000 [2.7] and
later, WG A2.29 established in 2004, were also unsuccessful.

The survey period for the field service experience on power transformer in WG A2.37 was 1996 to 2010 and
analyses the failures occurring after 2000. This survey is on-going, and an interim report [2.8] was published in
Electra. This report shows that windings were reported to have the highest failure rate.

The most recent reported failure rate of power transformers with rated voltage of and above is significantly
lower than the reported failure rate of the same devices in the 1970’s. However, the failure rate for the
substation power transformers with ratings of 700 kV and above is approximately six times higher than
generator step-up transformers with the same voltage range. Again, windings are reported as the predominant
cause of failure. Tap-changers are reported as the second leading cause, followed by bushings. The proportion
of failures reported as due to these three causes is approximately 90%.
13/135
 TABLE 2. 2 FAILURE RATE OF POWER TRANSFORMERS [2.8]

(a) Substation Transformers

(b) Generator step-up transformers

FIG 2. 1 FAILURE LOCATION OF SUBSTATION TRANSFORMER [2.8]

Substation transformer failure rate value for the 700 kV and above class is higher compared with lower voltage
range of substation power transformers, and approximately 10 times higher than the 300 kV to 500 kV voltage
level.

Power transformers with higher voltage levels require higher reliability because they operate in connection with
critical transmission lines, and as a result of this survey, it is suggested that a requirement shall be to improve
their reliability.

This survey is still on-going, but it can already be seen in interim analysis regarding power transformers with a
700 kV level and above, that improvements for higher levels will be required. These improvements relate to the
improved verification tests prior to power transformers operation, with the aim to reduce the failure rate of power
transformers in service.

14/135
2.3 Questionnaire for on-site tests of UHV Substations
The questionnaire purpose: WG B3.29 sent surveys to utilities with substations of 765 kV and above. WG
B3.29 investigated the current situation for on-site acceptance tests and commissioning tests for substations,
and these on-site test items were found to be similar to tests for existing lower voltage substation. Some utilities
carry out special tests to ensure high reliability. WG B3.29 requested utilities to complete these questionnaires
and provide feedback proposals to improve reliability based on their experience.

WG B3.29 sent the questionnaire to BPA, ESKOM, FURNAS, HQ, Hydro One, KEPCO, POWERGRID, SGCC,
and TEPCO. The survey and analysis period was September 2011 to June 2012. The questionnaire consisted
of following contents:

a) On-site acceptance test for GIS and transformers

b) Commissioning test
c) Maintenance Test for GIS and transformers

Table 2.3 shows one example related to responses to questionnaires concerning on-site acceptance test of GIS.
WG B3.29 discussed the ease for utilities to complete questionnaires and as a result, summarized some utilities’
examples in the questionnaire and requested utilities to complete out only some identified parts. Due to the
large number of questions proposed, a questionnaire requiring descriptive answers was considered to be too
much of a burden for the utilities.

15/135
 Equipment: GIS On-site acceptance test of GIS including the example of IEC 62271-203, SGCC and TEPCO Company name: . Country: . The highest voltage of the operating system in your country: kV
The test items of "on-site Please check the boxes about Please check the boxes about "Testing Please check the boxes about how to assess Please list up Please check the boxes about the differences Please show some "Remarks", if any.
acceptance test" are listed up. "Purpose/Philosophy" of on-site acceptance conditions" and the "Testing procedures". the test results. Please make comments and "Normative of UHV on-site acceptance tests from those
Please check the boxes below test. Please make comments and add some, If Please make comments and add some, If any. add some, If any. references" related to of 550 kV or lower voltage class. Please
that corresponds to your case. any. the tests, if any. make comments and add some, If any.
Please make comments,　If
any.
1. Dielectric tests on the main <<IEC-62271-203 (for 800 kV), CIGRE Technical <<IEC-62271-203 (for 800 kV), CIGRE TB 400 <<IEC-62271-203 (for 800 kV), CIGRE TB 400 <<IEC-62271-203, <<IEC-62271-203 (for 800 kV), CIGRE TB 400 <<IEC-62271-203, CIGRE TB 400>>
circuits Brochure (TB) 400 (for UHV, WG B3.22)>> (for UHV)>> (for UHV)>> CIGRE TB 400>> (for UHV) >> 1) Normally the dielectric test shall be made after
Checking the dielectric integrity of GIS in order to <Withstand voltage Test> 1) The switchgear shall be considered to have IEC 62271-203, Referring to the example of CIGRE TB 400 (see the GIS has been fully installed and gas-filled at the
eliminate fortuitous causes (wrong fastening, <Conditions> passed the test if each section has withstood the CIGRE Technical Table 1), there are basically no differences rated filling density preferably at the end of all site
damage during handling, transportation, storage 1) Gas pressure: rated pressure specified test voltage without any disruptive Brochure 400 between UHV/800 kV class and 550 kV or lower tests, when newly installed. Such a dielectric test is
and installation, presence of foreign bodies, etc.) 2) Test frequency: 10 -300 Hz discharge. voltage class. also recommended to be performed after major
which might in the future give rise to an internal 3) Applied voltage/test: Power-frequency voltage 2) In the event of a disruptive discharge occurring dismantling for maintenance or reconditioning of
fault. on-site Uds (80% routine test voltage=865 kV) during dielectric tests on site, the tests shall be compartments.
application and partial discharge (PD) repeated. 2) These tests shall be distinguished by their
<<SGCC>> measurements (1.2Ur/3, Ur=rated voltage), or Uds 3) Guidelines on repetition tests are given in Clause progressive voltage increase, performed in order to
1) Confirming the equipment is not abnormal or and lightning impulse voltage on-site Ups (80% C.6. (In case of surface flashover along insulator achieve some form of electrical conditioning of the
damaged during transport and installation. lightning impulse withstand voltage (LIWV)) surface, opening of the conpartment and careful equipment before commissioning.
2) Analyzing and comparing the data application. (Refer to Table 1.) inspection followed by the specified dielectric test 3) The execution of such site tests is not always
comprehensively with the routine test results. again are recommended. A disruptive dischrge in practicable and deviations from the standard tests
<Procedure> the gas (sparkover) may be acceptable and the test may be accepted. The aim of these tests is to offer a
4) Procedures B or C in IEC 62271-203, TB 400 of may be repeated at the specified voltage.) final check before energizing.
WG B3.22 4) If Procedure B is used and if the partial 4) It is very important that the chosen test
5) Procedures B: Power-frequency voltage test for discharges are measured with the conventional procedure does not jeopardize sound parts of the
<Definition of on-site acceptance test> 1min followed by PD test ( >1 mim) method according to IEC 60270, the maximum GIS.
6) Procedures C: Power-frequency voltage test for permissible intensity of partial discharge is 10 pC. 5) In choosing an appropriate test method for each
On-site acceptance test has the purpose of checking the 1min, three impulses of each polarity (Even if the noise level is higher than 5 pC individual case, a special agreement may be
correct operation and the dielectric integrity of the equipment <PD test> specified in routine test, the test is acceptable if no necessary in the interest of practicability and
after shipping and site assembly basically in charge of a 7) Refer to Section 6.2.9.101 of IEC 62271-203, discharges are detected above the noise level.) economy, e.g. the electrical power requirements and
manufacturer together with user, verifying the results of the Section 4.2.2 of TB 400 Table 1 On-site test voltage for 800 kV and approximation for UHV based on the dimensions and weight of the test equipment
factory tests. IEC 62271-203. For the calculation, a) rated switching impulse withstand may need to be considered.
voltage Us = 1800 kV, b) rated lightning impulse withstand voltage Up = 2400 6) A detailed test programme for the dielectric tests on
The on-site acceptance test does not include power grid
<<SGCC>> kV. site shall be agreed between manufacturer and user.
tests. <Withstand voltage Test>
In India, the on-site acceptance test is known as a pre- <Conditions>
commissioning test, depending on the terms and conditions 1) Gas pressure: rated pressure
of the business contracts. 2) Test frequency: 10 -300 Hz

16/135
3) Applied voltage/test: Conditioning (Ageing?) <<SGCC>>
test, Power-frequency voltage on site Uds (80% 1) Not specially remarked, duration of AC withstand
routine test voltage=880 kV) application and PD voltage should be 1 minute.
measurements (1.1Ur/3) 2) After installation of GIS, SF6 gas with rated
pressure should be put in; withstanding voltage
<Procedure> test should be performed after all the other
4) Conditioning test sequence: refer to Fig. 1 handover test items passed.
ACCEPTANCE TEST (GIS)-1 [1]

5) Withstand voltage test with PD measurement 3) Separate GIS with overhead transmission line,
sequence: refer to Fig. 2 (Uds for 1 min) power transformer, reactor, capacitor voltage
<PD test> transformer, column arrestor, can-type arrestor,
6) PD test after withstand voltage test at Uds, and other equipments, and keep sufficient
or at the same time with power-frequency voltage test. insulating distance.
4) Short-circuit and grounding all secondary windings
<<SGCC>> <<SGCC>> <<SGCC>> of current transformer in GIS.
If each component of GIS has withstood the prescriptive
GB50150-2006,
voltage of test procedure
Conditioning
with no disruptive
test sequence
discharge,
(Fig. it1)can
is added
be considered
to 5)that
Closetheall
whole
disconnectors,
GIS pass the
andtest.
openIf all
disruptive
grounding
discharge occurred during the test, t
1) Repeat the test. If the equipment can withstand prescriptive
GB7674, test voltage, the former
550 kVdischarge
or lower voltage
can be considered
class. as self-repairingswitches
dischargeofand
GISthe
under
withstand
test section;
test is close
passed.grounding
If the repeated withstand test failed, GB/T16927, switches of sections not under test.
Fig. 1 Conditioning test sequence procedure 2) should be followed. DL/T555-2004, 6) Conditioning test should be performed
Fig. 1 Ageing test sequence
2) If the equipment disassembled, discharge compartment before on-site withstanding voltage test.
should be opened to check the insulation damage 7) While formulating test program, attention should
condition. Before repeating withstand voltage test, be paid to reduce the repetition test time of solid
necessary restoration measures should be taken. insulation.
TABLE 2.3 AN EXAMPLE OF RESPONSE TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE ON UHV/800 KV ON-SITE

Fig. 2 Withstand voltage test sequence

 The test items of "on-site
acceptance test" are listed up.
Please check the boxes below
that corresponds to your case.
Please make comments,　If
any.
1. Dielectric tests on the main
circuits (continued)
Please check the boxes about Please check the boxes about "Testing
"Purpose/Philosophy" of on-site acceptance conditions" and the "Testing procedures". the test results. Please make comments and
test. Please make comments and add some, If Please make comments and add some, If any. add some, If any.
any.
<<TEPCO>>
Checking the dielectric integrity of GIS of
completed installation to verify the dielectric
performance checked by the routine tests in the
factory.
<Testing philosophy>
The purpose of the on-site test is to confirm the
quality of site work and to detect unexpected
contamination during the site work.
The JEC-2350-2005 (550 kV or lower voltage
class) specifies "Power-frequency test at reduced
voltage" or "Elimination of on-site voltage test".
"Elimination of on-site voltage test" is adopted for
UHV, because the performance and the function of
the equipment are verified in a whole assembely
unit in the factory, a special care is taken in the
equipment design and in the quality control during
transportation, and the high quality control
comparable to the factory is maintained on site.
Please check the boxes about how to assess
<<TEPCO>>
<Withstand voltage
Fig. 1 Conditioning
Test> test sequence
<Conditions>
1) Gas pressure: rated pressure
2) Test frequency: 50 Hz or 60 Hz
3) Applied voltage/test: power frequency 635kV
(Ur/Ö3 = 1100/Ö3 kV)
<Procedure> Fig. 1 Ageing test sequence
4) Power-frequency voltage test for 1hour with PD
test during the withstand test
<PD test>
7) ERA (with PD of testing transformer) for
reference
UHF with internal sensors or AE (acoustic
emission) with external sensors
Fig. 2 Withstand voltage test sequence
Fig. 3 On-site withstand voltage test sequence
<<TEPCO>>
The switchgear shall be considered to have passed
the test if each section has withstood the specified
test voltage without any disruptive discharge and
any PD signals over the noise level.
Please list up Please check the boxes about the differences Please show some "Remarks", if any.
"Normative of UHV on-site acceptance tests from those
references" related to of 550 kV or lower voltage class. Please
the tests, if any. make comments and add some, If any.
<<TEPCO>> <<TEPCO>> <<TEPCO>>
JEC-2350-2005 The on-site withstand voltage test sequence is 1) In the Japanese Electric standard (JEC) for GIS,
different from that of 550 kV or lower voltage lightning impulse withstand tests are specified as
class in JEC-2350-2005. the routine test in the factory but not for the on-site
test, while it is not specified for the routine test but
for on-site test in the IEC standard.
2) The JEC-2350-2005 (550 kV or lower voltage
class) specifies "Power-frequency test at reduced
voltage" or "Elimination of on-site voltage test".
- Power-frequency test at reduced voltage: Voltage
for 10 min at 1.10 x Ur/ (for substation with
earthed neutral systems), at 1.25 x Ur/ (for
switchgear station with earthed neutral systems) or
at 1.9 x Ur/ (for isolated neutral systems). Here Ur
is the rated voltage. Test frequencies are 50Hz or
60Hz.
* The above procedure is introduced in IEC 62271-
203 Annex C.
* PD and/or particle detection are sometimes
applied at the operating voltage to detect defects
(harmful particles) under the agreement between
manufacture and user.
* Lightning impulse and oscillating impulse tests
are not specified in the JEC-2350. The tests are
subject to agreement between manufacture and user.
* A DC voltage test cannot be recommended.

Please check the box and fill in. - Elimination of on-site voltage test: Elimination of
Please check the box. Please check the box and fill in. the voltage test is possible under the agreement
If the Test item is applicable, the [Please list up between manufacture and user, if a special care is
Please check the box and fill in. Please check the box.

17/135
The above Test item is If the Test item is applicable, the the Normative taken in the equipment design and in the quality
If the Test item is applicable, the Testing conditions/Testing If the Test item is applicable,
□Mandatory, Assessment of the test is references, if control during transportation and on-site assembly
Purpose/Philosophy is procedures are compared with those of 550 kV in order to keep the same dielectric integrity
□Optional, □Same as ______________. any.]
□Same as ______________. □Same as ______________. or lower, the test is checked by the routine test in the factory.
□Not applicable. (e.g. IEC, SGCC, TEPCO) 1.
(e.g. IEC, SGCC, TEPCO)
(e.g. IEC, SGCC, TEPCO) □Same,
□Similar to ______________. □Similar to ______________. 2.
□Similar to ______________. □Different.
□Different. □Different. 3. [Please show some Remarks
□Different.
and Comments, if any.]
1.
[Please make
[Please explain the difference, if [Please explain the difference, if 2.
comments, if any, [Please explain the difference, if 3.
[Please explain the difference, if "Similar" or "Different" is "Different" is chosen.]
about the Test item.] "Similar" or "Different" is
"Similar" and "Different" chosen.] 1.
1. chosen.]
is chosen.] 1. 2.
2. 1.
1. 2. 3.
3. 2.
2. 3.
3.
3.
2.4 References
[2.1] K. Uehara, T. Kobayashi, G. Li, J. Fan, B. Li, S. K. Agrawal, J. H. Kim and C. Oh, “On-site test at
UHV substation”, CIGRE 2012, Common Session, B3-213 (2012).

[2.2] IEC 62271-203, “High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 203: Gas-insulated metal-
enclosed switchgear for rated voltages above 52 kV”.

[2.3] IEEE Std C37.122-2010, “IEEE standard for gas-insulated substations rated above 52 kV”.

[2.4] IEC 62271-1, “High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 1: Common specifications”.

[2.5] CIGRE WG A3.06, “Reliability of High Voltage Equipment Final Results Circuit Breakers”,
Tutorial at the colloquium of SC A3, Sep. 2011

[2.6] A. Bossi, et al., “An International Survey on Failures in Large Power Transformers in Service” –
Final report of CIGRE Working Group 12.05, Electra, No. 88, pp. 22 – 48, 1983

[2.7] J. A. Lapworth, “Transformer reliability surveys” – Study Committee Report of CIGRE SC A2

Advisory Group “Reliability”, Electra, No. 227, pp. 10 – 14, 2006

[2.8] S. Tenbohlen, et al., “Transformer Reliability Survey” – Interim report of CIGRE Working Group
A2.37, Electra, No. 261, pp. 46 – 49, 2012

18/135
3. ON-SITE ACCEPTANCE TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

3.1 IEC Standards for on-site acceptance tests

With the exception of IEC 60060-3, there are no special IEC standards covering on-site acceptance
tests or maintenance tests. However, some clauses relating to on-site tests are presented in a number
of IEC standards.

3.1.1 IEC 60060-3

Part 3: Definitions and requirements for on-site testing of IEC 60060, High-voltage test techniques, is
applicable to the on-site test voltages and in-service stresses, such as direct voltage, alternating
voltage, lightning impulse voltage of a periodic or oscillating shape, and switching impulse voltage of a
periodic or oscillating shape. These are conducted through special tests which apply very low frequency
and damped alternating voltages. Nevertheless, the standard doesn’t include commissioning tests,
preventive tests, verification tests, or operation and maintenance procedures.

The contents of the standard outline the following:

 Scope
 Normative references
 Terms and definitions
 Common tests and checks on a measuring system
Acceptance tests, performance tests, performance checks, record of performance.

 Tests with direct voltage:

General definitions for: direct voltage tests, test voltage, measurement of the test voltage, tests and
checks on measuring systems, withstand voltage test procedure.

 Tests with alternating voltage:

General definitions for: alternating voltage tests, test voltage, measurement of the test voltage, tests
and checks on measuring systems, withstand voltage test procedure.

 Tests with lightning impulse voltage:

General definitions for lightning impulse voltage tests, test voltage, measurement of the test voltage and
determination of the impulse voltage shape, tests and checks on measuring systems, withstand voltage
test procedures.

 Tests with switching impulse voltage:

General definitions for switching impulse voltage tests, test voltage, measurement of the test voltage
and determination of the impulse shape, tests and checks on measuring systems, withstand voltage
test procedures.

 Tests with very low frequency voltages:

General definitions for very low frequency voltage tests, test voltage, measurement of the test voltage,
tests and checks on measuring systems, test procedure.

 Tests with damped alternating voltages :

General definitions for damped alternating voltage tests, test voltage, measurement of the test voltage,
tests and checks on measuring systems, test procedure

19/135
 3.1.2 Related clauses in IEC equipment standards
The related clauses about on-site tests in IEC equipment standards are as following:

 IEC 60076-3 Power transformers– Part 3: Insulation levels, dielectric test and external clearances
in air
 IEC 61378-2 Convertor transformers Part 2: Transformers for HVDC applications
 IEC 60076-10-1 Power transformers Part 10-1: Determination of sound levels-application guide
 IEC 62271-203 High-voltage switchgear and controlgear Part 203: Gas-insulated metal-enclosed
switchgear for rated voltages above 52 kV
 IEC 60099-4 Surge arresters – Part 4: Metal-oxide surge arresters without gaps for a.c. systems
(Edition 2.2 2009-05)
 IEC 60383-1-1993 Insulators for overhead lines with a nominal voltage above 1000 V Part 1:
Ceramic or glass insulator units for a.c. systems-Definitions, test methods and acceptance criteria
 IEC 61109-2008 Insulators for overhead lines - Composite suspension and tension insulators for
a.c. systems with a nominal voltage greater than 1000V - Definitions, test methods and acceptance
criteria )
 IEC 60137-2008 Insulated bushings for alternating voltages above 1000 V

These standards are related with equipment such as transformers, shunt reactors, GIS, MOSA,
insulators and bushings.

 Related clauses in IEC standards of Transformers and Shunt Reactors:

Standard Clause Content

IEC 60076-3 9 Repeated For transformers which have already been in service and have been
dielectric test refurbished or serviced, dielectric tests according to 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4
shall be repeated at test levels of 80% of the original values, unless
otherwise agreed upon, and provided that the internal insulation has
not been modified. Long-duration AC induced tests (ACLD) according
to 12.4 shall always be repeated at 100% test level.

IEC 61378-2 10.2.4 Commissioning test, as agreed between purchaser and supplier,
Commissioning shall be performed on site.
test

IEC 60076- 8 Difference 8.1 General, 8.2 Load power factor, 8.3 Load current, 8.4 Operating
10-1 between factory voltage, 8.5 Operating temperature, 8.6 Harmonics in the load current
tests and field and voltage, 8.7 DC magnetization, 8.8 Effect of remnant flux, 8.9
sound level Sound level build-up due to reflection, 8.10 Influence of distance
measurement when making on-site measurement, 8.11 Convert transformers with
saturable reactors and /or interphase transformers

20/135
  Related clauses in IEC standards of GIS:
Standard Clause Content

IEC 62271- 10.2.101 Tests After installation, and before being put into service, the GIS shall be
203 after installation tested in order to check the correct operation and the dielectric
on site integrity of the equipment.

The following tests and verifications comprise the sub clauses stated
at the end of this clause:

a) Dielectric tests on the main circuits 10.2.101.1

b) Dielectric tests on auxiliary circuits 10.2.101.2
c) Measurement of the resistance of the main circuit 10.2.101.3
d) Gas tightness tests 10.2.101.4
e) Checks and verifications 10.2.101.5
f) Gas quality verifications 10.2.101.6

To ensure minimum disturbance, and to reduce the risk of moisture

and dust entering enclosures and thus preventing correct operation of
the switchgear, no obligatory periodic inspections or pressure tests
concerning the enclosures are specified or recommended when the
gas-insulated substation is in service. Reference shall be made, in
any case, to the manufacturer’s instruction book.

The manufacturer and user should agree on a commissioning test

plan for tests on site.

10.2.101.1 Dielectric tests on the main circuits (General, Test

procedure, Dielectric test procedures, Test voltages, Voltage
waveforms, Voltage application, Assessment of the test)

10.2.101.2 Dielectric tests on auxiliary circuits, 10.2.101.3

Measurement of the resistance of the main circuit,10.2.101.4 Gas
tightness tests,10.2.101.5 Checks and verifications,10.2.101.6 Gas
quality verifications

 Related clauses in IEC standards of MOSA:

Standard Clause content

IEC 60099-4 11.10 Test after If the arrester is delivered incompletely assembled to the site, it shall
erection on site be checked for correct mounting by any appropriate method adopted
(Only for GIS- by the manufacturer.
arresters)
If the insulating capacity of gas-insulated switchgear equipped with
arresters is to be tested with impulse or power-frequency voltages,
the arresters shall be removed or rendered inoperative to permit
these tests.

 Insulators and Bushings

There is no related clause in IEC standards for on-site testing of insulators and bushings. Tests are
divided into three groups: type tests, sample tests and routine tests. All these tests are carried out in the
factory. Before the insulators delivery, sample tests are carried out to verify the characteristics of an
insulator which can vary with both manufacturing process and / or the quality of their component

21/135
materials. Sample tests are used as acceptance tests on a sample of insulators taken at randomly from
a lot which has met the requirements of the relevant routine tests.

3.2 Questionnaire results for GIS and transformers

3.2.1 GIS on-site acceptance tests

The WG B3.29 issued questionnaires related to on-site acceptance tests to nine utilities with
substations of 765 kV and above. These utilities are BPA (US), ESKOM (ZA), FURNAS (BR), HQ (CA),
Hydro One (CA), KEPCO (KR), POWERGRID (IN), SGCC (CN) and TEPCO (JP). The WG asked the
utilities to complete the questionnaires and to provide feedback proposals to improve reliability based
on their experience. The questionnaire consists of the following contents.

a) On-site acceptance tests for GIS and transformers

b) Commissioning tests
c) Maintenance tests for GIS and transformers

For GIS, the test items are selected based on IEC 62271-203[3.1] as follows.

Basic test items:

1) Dielectric tests on the main circuits,

2) Dielectric tests on auxiliary circuits,
3) Measurement of the resistance of the main circuit,
4) Gas tightness tests,
5) Checks and verifications,
6) Gas quality verifications,

Other test items:

7) Switchgear tests (circuit breaker, disconnecting switch, earthing switch),

8) Other tests.

Regarding “Dielectric tests on the main circuit”, there are three types of test procedures as follows.
Type A is based on IEC 62271-1 [3.2] and adopted by POWERGRID. This procedure consists of an AC
voltage test followed by a PD test or AC voltage test with three impulses. Type B begins with a
conditioning test followed by an AC voltage test and PD test. This test concept is similar to Type A,
however Type B utilizes a “conditioning test”, which is specified in IEEE STD C37.122-2010 [3.3] to
avoid flashovers. Type C does not consist of a voltage test due to the agreement between manufacture
and user, such that a special care needs to be taken in the equipment design and in the quality control
during transportation and on-site assembly. This results in the same test of dielectric integrity as was
checked in the routine test in the factory. The improvement of a quality control during transportation and
on-site assembly is a basic concept instead of adopting AC tests at high voltage or lightning impulse
tests.

Concerning “Dielectric tests on auxiliary circuits”, there is not a major difference between Type A and
Type B tests. Type A analyses how much the dielectric can withstand, and Type B checks the circuit
resistance.

The test “Measurement of the resistance of the main circuit” is classified into two types but the concept
is practically the same. The difference between Type A and Type B is the value of the applied current
for DC voltage measurement and the assessment of the test results.

Regarding “Gas tightness tests”, there are two kinds of criteria, 0.5% per year (IEC 62271-1) and 1%
per year. On the other hand, the difference can be found in “gas quality verifications”. Type A is defined
for all the GIS components but Type B specifies the different criteria between the two categorized
apparatus with and without current interrupting duty.

Concerning “Checks and verifications” and “Switchgear tests (circuit breaker, disconnecting switch,
earthing switch)”, the specifications of the tests depend on each utility. However, the test items of

22/135
“bushing current transformer test”, “gas bushing test” and “tank-type arrestor test” are the same for all
five utilities.

3.2.2 Transformer on-site acceptance tests

The WG B3.29 sent questionnaires relating to on-site acceptance tests to four utilities with substations
with in the voltage level above 765 kV. The utilities are SGCC (CN), KEPCO (KR), POWERGRID (IN),
and TEPCO (JP).

An IEC standard dedicated to transformer acceptance tests does not exist. As a result, standard IEC
60076 for power transformers and other related IEC standards are used for comparison s.

According to the questionnaire, there are 18 test items that can be classified as an acceptance test:

1) Tightness test
2) Measurement of winding resistance
3) Measurement of voltage ratio
4) Check of polarity
5) Measurement of insulation resistance between each winding to earth and between windings
6) Measurement of dissipation factor (tan δ) of insulation system capacitances
7) Check of core and frame insulation
8) Measurement of DC leakage current of winding together with bushing
9) Test of bushing
10) Test of bushing type current transformer
11) Test of insulation oil
12) Measurement of dissolved gasses in dielectric liquid
13) Separate source AC withstand voltage test
14) ACLD test with partial discharge measurement
15) Measurement of frequency response
16) Measurement of no-load current at low voltage
17) Measurement of short-circuit impedance at low current
18) Check of phase displacement

The details of the questionnaire results and their classification of transformer on-site acceptance test
are shown in Appendix A (Tables A.3).

Regarding “Tightness test”, there are two types; Type A is based on the standard IEC 60076-1[3.5] and
adopted by SGCC as well as POWERGRID, and Type B is adopted by TEPCO. In regards to Type A,
the transformer manufacturer shall perform an agreed test to prove the transformer tank will not leak in
service. If there is no agreement, a pressure of at least 30kPa over the normal liquid pressure shall be
applied and maintained for 24 hours. Similarly with Type B, the static pressure applied on the top level
of oil is 0.049Mpa and the duration is 10 minutes.

Regarding “Measurement of winding resistance”, the test is included in the standard IEC 60076-1[3.5]
but no specified value for assessment is provided. There are two kinds of test assessment criteria; Type
A is adopted by TEPCO and SGCC, and Type B is adopted by POWERGRID. In regards to Type A,
discrepancy among each phase should be lower than 2 % of the average value and relevant deviation
should not be larger than 2 % comparing to routine test result. Similarly with Type B, the winding
resistance deviation should be within 5% of the factory value.

Regarding “Measurement of voltage ratio”, there are two kinds of test assessment criteria; Type A is
adopted by SGCC, TEPCO and POWERGRID, and Type B is adopted by KEPCO. In regards to type A,
the test result is compared with that on the nameplate. Deviation of rated tapping ratio is ±0.5 % and ±1
% for others. Similarly with Type B, the assessment of the test refers to the standard IEEE C57.12.90
[3.6]. The test is also included in the standard IEC 60076-1 but the test assessment is different.

Regarding “Check of polarity”, all the four utilities are the same and in accordance with the standard
IEC 60076-1[3.5].

23/135
Regarding “Measurement of insulation resistance between each winding to earth and between
windings”, the specification of the test depends on each utility.

Regarding “Measurement of dissipation factor (tanδ) of insulation system capacitances”, the

specification of the test depends on each utility.

Regarding “Check of core and frame insulation”, there are two types; Type A is based on the standard
IEC 60076-1[3.5] and adopted by SGCC, and Type B is adopted by POWERGRID. In regards to Type
A, the insulation should be tested at 2500V dc for 1 min without breakdown after the transformer is filled
with liquid. Similarly with Type B, the applied voltage is 2000V. Minimum insulation resistance is 10 MΩ

Regarding “Measurement of DC leakage current of winding together with bushing” this test is not
recommended.

Regarding “Test of bushing”, the test is included in the standard IEC 60137 [3.7]. Except for TEPCO,
the test is mandatory for the other three utilities. SGCC and KEPCO are the same. The differences are
mainly concerned with test assessment.

Regarding “Test of bushing type current transformer”, there are three types; Type A is based on the
standard IEC 60044[3.8], Type B is adopted by SGCC, and Type C is adopted by POWERGRID and
KEPCO. Type B and Type C are practically the same, except short duration power frequency voltage
tests are usually not carried out in Type B.

Regarding “Test of insulation oil”, there are three types; Type A is based on the standard IEC 60422
[3.9] and adopted by POWERGRID, Type B is adopted by SGCC, and Type C is adopted by TEPCO. In
10
regards to Type A, puncture voltage ≥ 60 kV, water content ≤ 10mg/kg, and volume resistance＞6×10
Ω·m (at 90°C). Similarly, Type B puncture voltage ≥ 70 kV, water content ≤ 8mg/kg, volume resistance
10
＞6×10 Ω·m (at 90°C), particles limits: 5 μm~100 μm with particles ≤ 1000/100ml, no 100 μm and
13
above particles. In regards to Type C, the volume resistance criteria is ＞1×10 Ω·m (at 80°C).

Regarding “Measurement of dissolved gasses in dielectric liquid”, there are three types; Type A is
based on the standard IEC 60567[3.10] and gas limits are not provided in it. Type B is adopted by
SGCC and KEPCO, and Type C is adopted by TEPCO. In regards to Type B, gas limits are: total
hydrocarbon (the sum of CH4, C2H6, C2H4 and C2H2）≤20 μl/l; H2≤10 μl/l; C2H2＜0.1 μl/l. Similarly with
Type C, gas limits are: CO<300 μl/l; H2<400 μl/l; CH4<100 μl/l; C2H6<150 μl/l; C2H4 <10 μl/l; C2H2 <0.5
μl/l; TCG (total combustion gas) <500 μl/l.

The test of “Separate source AC withstand voltage test” is included in the standard IEC 60076-3 [3.11]
and adopted by SGCC.

Regarding “ACLD test with partial discharge measurement”, the procedure of applying voltage and PD
limits are different between the standard IEC 60076-3 [3.11] and SGCC.

The test of “Measurement of frequency response” is included in the standard IEC 60076-18 [3.2.12] and
adopted by all the four utilities.

Regarding “Measurement of no-load current at low voltage”, the test voltage depends on each utility.
Type A is adopted by SGCC/TEPCO/KEPCO, and is carried out at low voltage. Type B is adopted by
POWERGRID, and the test voltage is 10 kV.

Regarding “Measurement of short-circuit impedance at low current”, there are only one type for all the
four utilities. The test is carried out at a low current and subtle differences of test current exist among
utilities.

Regarding “Check of phase displacement”, it is based on the standard IEC 60076-1 [3.5] and adopted
by SGCC, TEPCO and POWERGRID.

There is no IEC standard dedicated to transformer acceptance tests and the following standards are
used for comparison:

24/135
 1) IEC 60076 Power transformer;
2) IEC 60137 Insulated bushings for alternating voltages above 1000 V;
3) IEC 60422 Mineral insulating oils in electrical equipment–Supervision and maintenance
guidance;
4) IEC 60567 Oil-filled electrical equipment sampling of gases and of oil for analysis of free and
dissolved gases – Guidance;
5) IEC 60599 Mineral oil-impregnated electrical equipment in service.

The total number of on-site acceptance tests for all the utilities is 24.

3.3 Summary and recommendations

3.3.1 GIS on-site acceptance testing

In this section, on-site acceptance tests for UHV substations are proposed based on the results and
analysis in section 3.2.1. The concept for the proposal includes diagnostic tests and maintenance tests
as follows.

 Basically no discrepancy between the proposals and the current standard IEC 62271-1 [3.2],
standard IEC 62271-203 [3.1] and CIGRE Technical Brochure (TB) No. 400 (by WG B3.22) [3.4];

 In case of the discrepancy between the practical examples by UHV users and the IEC / CIGRE, the
typical examples are added to the proposed test procedure / criteria or written in NOTE:

 If there are no indications of the tests in the IEC / CIGRE, the practical examples by UHV users are
written as "recommended practice" or "guide".

The test items described in section 3.2.1 are selected again for GIS based on the standard IEC 62271-
203.

Regarding “Dielectric tests on the main circuit”, the test items in the standard IEC 62271-1 and
recommended by CIGRE TB No. 400 are proposed. The “conditioning test”, which is specified in IEEE
Standard C37.122 [3.3] to avoid flashovers, is added in NOTE 1, considering the importance of the
verification of UHV dielectric performance integrity. In NOTE 2, “elimination of on-site voltage test” is
described, because this test method could be another choice and is introduced in the Annex of IEC
62271-1.

For “Dielectric tests on auxiliary circuits”, two test methods of confirming the dielectric withstands by
IEC or checking the circuit resistance are recommended. The purpose is the same for both of them.
The proposed test of “measurement of the resistance of the main circuit” is basically the same as IEC
62271-1. The difference of the assessment of the test results between the utilities are described in
NOTE.

The leakage rate is proposed in two ways for “Gas tightness tests”, because utilities apply two criteria,
0.5 % per year (standard IEC 62271-1) and 1% per year.

As for “Gas quality verifications”, most utilities apply more strict criteria than in standard IEC 62271-1 as
shown in Table 3.2. Accordingly, the criteria are written in NOTE.

Concerning “Checks and verifications”, “Switchgear tests (circuit breaker, disconnecting switch,
earthing switch)”, and “Other tests”, the IEC test items and the typical examples that are practically
carried out by more than two utilities are picked up and listed up.

25/135
 TABLE 3.1 PROPOSED GIS ON-SITE ACCEPTANCE TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

Test items Test procedure / Criteria Remarks

1. Dielectric The main circuits shall be tested as follows:
tests on the 1) AC voltage test followed by PD test or
main circuits 2) AC voltage test, three impulses.
- Test voltage: 80% of ACWV (1 min)
and LIWV (each polarity)
NOTE 1 "Conditioning test" before "AC
voltage test followed by PD test" is effective
to suppres breakdowns by metallic particles.
NOTE 2 Elimination of on-site voltage test is
possible under the agreement between
manufacture and user, if a special care is
taken in the equipment design and in the
quality control during transportation and on-
site assembly in order to keep the same
dielectric integrity checked by the routine test
in the factory.
- AC voltage test (1 pu - 1 h) with PD test
( 1 pu, as commissioning test)
□ IEC 62271-203 / CIGRE TB 400
(WG B3.22):
- AC voltage test followed by PD
test or,
- AC voltage test, three impulses
cf) Test voltage: 80% of ACWV (1
min)
and LIWV (each polarity)
□ IEEE Std C37.122-2010:
- Power-frequency conditioning in
conjunction of PD detection:
Maximum voltage is usually in the
range of 1.1–1.3 pu. (1 pu:
operating voltage)

2. Dielectric The circuits shall be checked by withstand □ IEC 62271-203:

tests on the voltage test or by resistance measurement as - Withstand test voltage: 2kV (1
auxiliary follows: min)
circuits 1) withstand test voltage 2kV (1 min) or
2) resistance of the circuits > 2 MΩ

3. The resistance shall be measured by the DC □ IEC 62271-203:

Measurement voltage application and evaluated as follows: - Resistance measured before the
of the 1) current I during measurement: from 50 A temperature-rise test
resistance of to rated normal current or I = 10 A,
the main circuit 2) measured resistance: 1.2 x Ru or lower.

NOTE: Ru is defined as resistance measured

in routine test, type test or before the
temperature-rise test.

4. Gas Leakage rate shall be confirmed as follows □ IEC 62271-203:

tightness tests depending on the agreement between (for all field assembled
manufacturer and user: connections)
1) Leakage: < 0.5%/year and 1%/year. < 0.5%/year and 1 %/year
(SF6 and SF6 mixtures)
< 0.5%/year, 1%/year and
3%/year (other gases)

26/135
 Table 3.2 PROPOSED GIS ON-SITE ACCEPTANCE TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

Test items Test procedure / Criteria Remarks

5. Checks and The items of checks and verification shall be □ IEC 62271-203:
Verifications determined between manufacturer and user. - Conformity of assembly,
The following items are the practical - Sealing of pipe junctions/
examples: tightness
1) Conformity of assembly, of bolts and connections,
2) Sealing of pipe junctions/ tightness - Conformity of wiring
of bolts and connections, withdiagrams, - Proper function
3) Conformity of wiring with diagrams, of electrical,
4) Proper function of electrical, pneumatic and other interlocks,
pneumatic and other interlocks, - Proper function of control,
5) Proper function of control, measuring, protective and
measuring, protective and regulating regulating equipment including
equipment including heating and heating and lighting.
lighting. cf) The mechanical checks and tests
6) Proper function of signal indications (e.g. shall be carried out according to
alarms by switchgear operation checks). the relevant standards.
6. Gas quality Gas quality verifications shall satisfy the □ IEC 62271-203:
Verifications following requirement. - Dew-point is not higher than -5
- Dew-point is not higher than -5 degrees degrees Celsius for a
Celsius for a measurement at 20 degrees measurement at 20 degrees
Celsius. Celsius.
NOTE In the case of UHV class, the cf) Moisture value:
following more strict criteria are practically < 876 vol l/l at 0.5 MPa.abs,
recommended: < 568 vol l/l at 0.7 MPa.abs.
- Moisture value:
a) < 150 vol l/l for apparatus with
current interrupting duties,
b) < 250, 300 or 500 vol l/l
for apparatus without current
interrupting duties.
The selection of the above values of 250, 300
or 500 vol l/l should be done between
manufacturer and user.
7. Switchgear The switchgear test items shall be determined □IEC 62271-203:
tests between manufacturer and user. The - Mechanical operation checks and
following items are the practical examples: tests according to the relevant
<CB/DS/ES> standards.
1) Measurement of operating characteristics - If not specified, manufacturer
(e.g. minimum operating voltage/ time/ shall
velocity), specify them in commissioning
2) Soundness of continuous operation, test plan.
3) Soundness of manual (hand-operated)
close-open operation.
8. Other tests: Other tests can be done depending on the
Tests of agreement between manufacturer and user.
accessories The followings are practical examples:
inside 1) Bushing current transformer test,
equipment 2) Gas bushing test,
3) Tank-type arrestor test,
- Seal test,
- SF6 gas moisture test,
- Full current/ resistive current
measurement under operation voltage,
- Counter check.

27/135
3.3.2 Transformer on-site acceptance tests

TABLE 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5 show the proposed transformer on-site acceptance test for UHV substations.

Concerning "Tightness test", "Check of polarity", "Check of core and frame insulation"," Separate
source AC withstand voltage test", "Measurement of frequency response", and "Check of phase
displacement", the test procedure and assessment criteria of IEC standards are proposed.

Regarding "Measurement of winding resistance", utilities apply different test assessment criteria.
Accordingly, the criteria are written in NOTE.

The voltage ratio deviation are proposed in two ways for "Measurement of voltage ratio", because IEC
60076-1[3.5] and utilities apply two kinds of criteria.

Regarding "Measurement of insulation resistance between each winding to earth and between
windings", test condition and assessment criteria are different for utilities. Accordingly, they are written
in NOTE.

Regarding "Measurement of dissipation factor (tanδ) of insulation system capacitances", no

specification for test assessment in IEC 60076-1[3.5] is provided and therefore test assessment criteria
of SGCC is proposed.

Regarding "Test of bushing", utilities apply more strict criteria than standard IEC 60137[3.7].
Accordingly, the criteria are written in NOTE.

Regarding "Test of bushing type current transformer", utilities apply more strict criteria than standard
IEC 60044[3.8]. Accordingly, the criteria are written in NOTE.

Regarding "Test of insulation oil", utilities apply more strict criteria than standard IEC 60422[3.9].
Accordingly, the criteria are written in NOTE.

For "Measurement of dissolved gasses in dielectric liquid", utilities apply different test assessment
criteria. Accordingly, the criteria are written in NOTE.

Regarding "ACLD test with partial discharge measurement", procedure of SGCC for applying voltage is
proposed.

Regarding "Measurement of no-load current at low voltage" and "Measurement of short-circuit

impedance at low current", no specified test voltage is recommended and it is left to be determined by
utilities for convenience.

28/135
TABLE 3.3 PROPOSED TRANSFORMER ON-SITE ACCEPTANCE TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATION

Test Items Test Procedure Remarks

1) Tightness test Tightness tests shall be carried out as IEC 60076-1

follows: - Pressure applied on top
- Pressure applied on top of oil: 30kPa, of oil:30kPa, duration:
duration: 24h 24h

2) Measurement of Winding resistance shall be evaluated IEC 60076-1

winding as follows: - No specified value for
resistance - Discrepancy among each phase:≤ 2 assessment is provided
% of the average value, relevant
deviation:≤ 2 % comparing to routine
test result or ≤ 5 % of factory value
Note: Utilities apply different test
assessment criteria. The selection of
above values ≤2% or ≤5% should be
done between manufacture and user

3) Measurement of Test results of voltage ratio shall be IEC 60076-1

voltage ratio evaluated as follows: - Principal tapping: lower
- Deviation of principal tapping: ±0.5 %, of the following values,
- Deviation of other tappings: and a) ±0.5 % of the
±0.5% for others or ±1 % specified ratio b)±1/10 of
The selection of above values ±0.5 %, the actual percentage
±1% for other tappings should be done impedance
between manufacture and user. - Other taps: ±0.5 % of the
design value of turns
ratio

4) Check of polarity The test shall be carried out according IEC 60076-1
to standard IEC 60076-1 - The polarity of single-
phase transformers shall
be checked.

29/135
TABLE 3.4 PROPOSED TRANSFORMER ON-SITE ACCEPTANCE TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATION

Test Items Test Procedure Remarks

1) Measurement of The test conditions and assessment IEC 60076-1

insulation criteria are as follows: - No specified value for
resistance - 1000 MΩ and above MΩ meter or assessment is provided
between each 5000 V MΩ meter adopted.
winding to earth 1) Insulation resistance: ≥ 70 % of
and between routine test result. Absorption ratio:
windings ≥1.3, or polarization exponent:≥1.5.
2) Minimum insulation resistance 200
MΩ or 500 MΩ
NOTE: Utilities apply different
conditions and test assessment criteria.
The selection of test condition and
assessment criteria should be done
between manufacture and user.
2) Measurement of The test shall be carried out and IEC 60076-1
dissipation factor evaluated as follows: - No limit values for
(tanδ) of - Test voltage: 10 kV AC. tanδ ≤ 130% assessment are
insulation system of routine test value. Capacitance: no provided
capacitances obvious difference with routine test.
3) Check of core The test shall be carried out as follows: IEC 60076-1
and frame - Test voltage:2500 V DC duration:1 - Test voltage: 2500 V dc
insulation min duration: 1min
4) Test of bushing The test results shall be evaluated IEC 60137
according to standard IEC 60137: - Capacitance of test tap
Note: In the case of UHV class, the to earth ≤ 10000 pF, tan
following criteria are practically δ ≤ 0.05.
recommended: - tan δ ≤ 0.007 at 1.05
- Insulation resistance of bushing: Um/ 3 and tanδ
≥10000 MΩ, Insulation of test tap to increase ≤ 0 .001
flange≥1000 MΩ; Insulation between 1.05Um/ 3 and
resistance of voltage test tap to Um
flange≥2000 MΩ. Deviation between
bushing capacitance and nameplate
value: ± 5 %.
5) Test of bushing The test shall be carried out according IEC 60044
type current to standard IEC 60044 - No specified limit values
transformer Note: In the case of UHV class, the for insulation resistance
following criteria are practically of secondary winding to
recommended: earth and inter-winding
- Insulation resistance of secondary are provided.
winding to ground and between
windings: ≥1000 MΩ,
- Secondary winding DC resistance
deviation: within 10 %
6) Test of insulation The test result shall be evaluated as IEC 60422
oil follows: - Puncture voltage ≥ 60
- Water content 10 mg/kg, Volume kV, Water content 10
10
resistance: 6×10 Ω·m (at 90℃); mg/kg, Volume
10
Note: In the case of UHV class, the resistance: 6×10 Ω·m
following more strict criteria are (at 90℃)
practically recommended:
- Puncture voltage ≥ 70 kV,
- Particles limits: 5 μm~100 μm
particles≤1000/100 ml, no 100 μm
and above particles

30/135
TABLE 3.5 PROPOSED TRANSFORMER ON-SITE ACCEPTANCE TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATION
Test Items Test Procedure Remarks

1) Measurement of The gas limit is as follows IEC 60657

dissolved gasses 1) Total hydrocarbon: ≤20μl/l, H2≤10μl/l; - No gas limits are provided
in dielectric liquid C2H2<0.1μl/l.
2) CO<300μl/l; H2<400μl/l; CH4<100
μl/l; C2H6<150μl/l; C2H4<10μl/l;
C2H2<0.5μl/l;
TCG(total combustion gas)<500μl/l
NOTE: The selection of above gas
limits 1) or 2) should be done between
manufacture and user.

2) Separate source The test shall be carried out according IEC 60076-3
AC withstand to standard IEC 60076-3 Test voltage: as nearly as
voltage test possible on sine-wave form
and not less than 80 % of
the rated frequency
3) ACLD test with Procedure of applying voltage : IEC 60076-3
partial discharge
measurement - Procedure to apply test
power frequency
t  120  s voltage
test frequency
1.7U m
3
1.5U m 1.5U m
1.1U m 3 3 1.1U m
3 3

5min 5min t 60min 5min

NOTE 1: This test is effective to detect

insulation degradation.

NOTE 2: The test procedure is different

to IEC 60076-3 which is for factory test.

4) Measurement of The test shall be carried out according

frequency to IEC 60076-18
response
5) Measurement of Test voltage is recommended to be IEC 60076-1
no-load current at determined by utilities for convenience. - The test is carried out at
low voltage Low voltage civilian power can be used rated frequency and
for the test. The following test voltages rated voltage
are practical examples: 1) 380 V, 2) 200
V, 3) 10 kV, 4) 227 V.
NOTE1: The test provides a reference
value, with which the no-load current
with low voltage test result is compared
after the transformer put into operation.
NOTE2: It is not essential to stipulate a
uniform test voltage. Test voltage is
recommended to be determined by
utilities for convenience.

6) Measurement of Test voltage is recommended to be IEC 60076-1

short-circuit determined by utilities for convenience. - The supplied current
impedance at low Low voltage civilian power can be used should be equal to the
current for the test. The following test voltage relevant rated current
are practical examples (tapping current)

31/135
 1) Measurement is carried out at 5 A
current;
2) Measurement is carried out with a
voltage variation of 200 V or 228 V;
NOTE 1: The test provides a reference
value, with which the short circuit
impedance with low current test result is
compared after the transformer is put
into operation.
NOTE 2: It is not essential to stipulate a
uniform test voltage. Test voltage is
recommended to be determined by
utilities for convenience.

7) Check of phase The test shall be carried out according IEC 60076-1
displacement to standard IEC 60076-1 - The polarity of single-
phase transformers and
the connection symbol of
three-phase
transformers shall be
checked

32/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

3.4 References
[3.1] IEC 62271-203, “High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 203: Gas-insulated metal-enclosed
switchgear for rated voltages above 52 kV”.

[3.2] IEC 62271-1, “High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 1: Common specifications”.

[3.3] IEEE Std C37.122-2010, “IEEE standard for gas-insulated substations rated above 52 kV”.

[3.4] CIGRE WG B3.22, “Technical requirements for substations exceeding 800 kV”, Technical Brochure No.
400 (2009).

[3.5] IEC 60076-1, "Power transformers –Part 1: General"

[3.6] IEEE C57.12.90, "IEEE Standard Test Code for Liquid-Immersed Distribution, Power and Regulating
Transformers"

[3.7] IEC 60137, "Insulated bushings for alternating voltages above 1000V"

[3.8] IEC 60044-1,"Instrument transformer-Part1:Current transformers"

[3.9] IEC 60422, "Mineral insulating oils in electrical equipment-Supervision and maintenance guidance"

[3.10] IEC 60567, "Oil-filled electrical equipment – Sampling of gases and of oil for analysis of free and dissolved
gases – Guidance"

[3.11] IEC 60076-3, "Power transformers - Part 3: Insulation levels, dielectric tests and external clearances in air"
(CDV)

[3.12] IEC 60076-18, "Power transformer-Part 18: Measurement of Frequency Response"

33/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

4. COMMISSIONING TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

4.1 Commissioning of the 1100 kV transmission demonstration

project in China
The 1000 kV Jindongnan-Nanyang-Jingmen UHV AC demonstration project developed by State Grid Corporation
of China (SGCC) was the first UHV project in the country, and in operation successfully since the beginning of
2009. The success of this project is of great significance to the reliability of China’s electric power supply, and to
the research and application of UHV transmission technology around the world. An overview of the commissioning
tests undertaken is provided below.
1) Jindongnan substation.
Jindongnan substation has one transmission line bay and one transformer bay including two circuit breakers as
shown in FIG. 4. 1.

FIG. 4. 1 shows the main transformer as an autotransformer with the rated voltage of √ √
and the rated capacity of 1000/1000/334MVA, as shown in FIG. 4. 2.

FIG. 4. 1 MAIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OF 1000 KV UHV AC DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

FIG. 4. 2 UHV TRANSFORMER AT JINDONGNAN SUBSTATION

34/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

The 1100 kV - 960MVAR shunt reactor is installed at the end of the 1000 kV transmission line, as shown in

The 1100 kV circuit breaker is GIS with a 600Ω closing resistor, as shown in Fig. 4. 4. Five overhead line bays on
the 500 kV side are connect to the North China power grid. Two 110 kV - 240 MVAR reactors and four 110 kV-210
MVAR capacitors are installed on the tertiary circuit (110 kV).

FIG. 4. 3 UHV SHUNT REACTOR AT JINDONGNAN

FIG. 4. 4 GIS AT JINDONGNAN SUBSTATION
SUBSTATION

2) Nanyang switching station

1100kV/720MVAR shunt reactors are installed at the end of 1000 kV transmission lines, as shown in Fig. 4.5.
Nanyang switching station has two line bays including two circuit breakers. The 1100 kV circuit breaker is MTS
(Hybrid IS) with 580Ω closing resistor, as shown in Fig. 4.6.

FIG. 4.5 UHV SHUNT REACTOR AT NANYANG SWITCHING FIG. 4.6 MTS AT NANYANG SWITCHING STATION
STATION

3) Jinmen substation

Jinmen substation has one transmission line bay and one transformer bay including two circuit breakers. The main
transformer is an auto-transformer with the rated capacity of 3000/3000/1000 MVA and the rated voltage of (1050/
3 )/ (525/ 3 41.25%)/110 kV, as shown in Fig. 4.7. Two 110 kV - 240 MVAR reactors and four 110 kV-210
MVAR capacitors are installed in tertiary circuit (110 kV). The 1100 kV – 600 MVAR shunt reactor is installed at the
end of the 1000 kV transmission line, as shown in Fig. 4.8.
The 1100 kV circuit breaker is MTS (Hybrid IS) with a 560 Ω closing resistor, as shown in Fig. 4.9. Three circuit
overhead lines on the 50 kV side are connect to Central China power grid.

35/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 4.7 UHV TRANSFORMER AT JINGMEN SUBSTATION

FIG. 4.8 UHV SHUNT REACTOR AT JINGMEN FIG. 4.9 MTS AT JINGMEN SUBSTATION
SUBSTATION

4) 1000 kV transmission line

The UHV transmission line, with a length of 639.8 km, is divided into two parts: one is 358.5 km long from
Jindongnan to Nanyang; the other is 281.5 km long from Nanyang to Jingmen. The phase wire uses an 8-bundle
conductor. There are two shielding wires, one of which is OPGW. The whole line carries out two full-circle
transpositions.

4.1.1 Research on commissioning tests

The UHV AC power transmission project has the following characteristics: high voltage level, long-distance and
large-capacity transmission, and high reliability with respect to equipment performance, particularly to external
insulation. Commissioning tests were initially conducted before placing the project into commercial operation. To
guarantee the success of the tests, SGCC started the research and preparation at the beginning of the
construction. The final system test was confirmed based on a large amount of calculation and optimization,
including 15 experiments of three different types.

4.1.1.1 VOLTAGE-RAISING EXPERIMENTS

Voltage-raising experiments are conducted for a number of reasons. These include testing of the insulation of UHV
equipment, to verify polarity of CVT and CT, and to check the accuracy of relay protections. Such experiments
should be conducted in a small isolated system due to the requirement for the safety of equipment and systems.
When taking experiments on the 1000 kV Jindongnan-Nanyang-Jingmen UHV AC transmission system, it is
necessary to avoid generator self-excitation. Otherwise, damage to power transmission or the generating unit may

36/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

occur due to the overvoltage. There are several 500 kV substations between the generating unit and the UHV
substation, and when a bus bar from each of the 500 kV stations is isolated from the nominal system, the supply to
the Central and North China power grid must be maintained.
Due to the characteristics of power sources near the UHV substation, the main electrical connection to the 500 kV
substation, the purpose of tests, as well as the construction progress of UHV project, the current-raising
experiments were cancelled. Only voltage-raising experiments have been carried out. There are four test items:
1) 700 MW hydraulic turbine generator in the Three Gorges Power Station energizes Jingmen transformer
for raising voltage.
2) 700 MW hydraulic turbine generator mentioned above energizes Jingmen transformer and Jingmen-
Nanyang transmission line for raising voltage.
3) 700 MW hydraulic turbine generator mentioned above energizes Jingmen transformer and Jingmen-
Nanyang-Jindongnan transmission line for voltage raising.
4) 600 MW steam turbine-generator in Wangqu Power Station energizes Jindongnan transformer for
raising voltage.

4.1.1.2 SWITCHING SURGE TESTS ON EQUIPMENT

The switching surge test on equipment was conducted to confirm the dielectric performance of the switching UHV
circuit breakers. Switching overvoltage was measured with protective actions. There were four test items carried
out, which are mentioned below.
1) Energizing the no-load transformer from the 500 kV side of the main transformer, and simultaneously
switching the 110 kV transformer tertiary compensation equipment.
2) Energizing the no-load Jingmen-Nanyang transmission line from the Jingmen side.
3) Energizing the no-load Jindongnan-Nanyang transmission line from the Jindongnan side.
4) Energizing the no-load Nanyang-Jingmen transmission line from the Nanyang station.

4.1.1.3 SYSTEM VERIFICATION TESTS

The 1000 kV Jingmen-Nanyang-Jindongnan UHV AC transmission line connects to the North and Central China
power grid, with a gross installed capacity of over 3 GW. System verification tests are conducted to master the
system operating characteristics and control laws, and to verify the validity of control strategies and simulations.
There are five test items:
1) Paralleled in and disconnected UHV system
2) Power control experiment on UHV system
3) System dynamic disturbance of UHV system
4) UHV system’s single-phase grounding fault experiment
5) Peak load testing (2800MW)

4.1.2 Results of Voltage-Raising Tests

The commissioning tests included a comprehensive inspection of primary equipment and protection systems, such
as UHV transformers, circuit breakers, low-voltage compensation devices, and transmission lines to verify the
effectiveness of power control strategies, dynamic-state operations, and anti-disturbance ability.
Four experimental circuits of voltage-raising are shown below. In these experiments, all equipment, such as UHV
transformers, UHV shunt reactors and transmission line, have withstood the UHV full-voltage test. The
experimental results confirm the pre-calculated results, and the whole experiment process is well controlled, which
ensures the test's safety.

37/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

Three gorges station

Pn＝ 700MW Jingmen
cosΦ＝ 0.9 Switch 3000/3000/1000MVA
Un＝ 20kV 500kV YNa0d11
1050/525/110kV

1000kV

840MVA
＝ /Y0 110kV
20/525kV

(a) Three Gorges power station energizes Jingmen transformer

Three gorges station
Pn＝ 700MW Jingmen
cosΦ＝ 0.9 Switch 3000/3000/1000MVA
Un＝ 20kV 500kV YNa0d11
1050/525/110kV
8×LGJ-500/45
Nanyang

840MVA
110kV 600Mvar 720Mvar
＝ /Y0
20/525kV 1×240Mvar

(b) Three Gorges power station energizes Jingmen transformer and Jingmen-Nanyang line
Three gorges station
Pn＝ 700MW Jingmen
cosΦ＝ 0.9 Switch 3000/3000/1000MVA
Un＝ 20kV 500kV YNa0d11
1050/525/110kV Nanyang Jindongnan
8×LGJ-500/45 8×LGJ-500/45

840MVA
＝ /Y0 110kV
20/525kV 1×240Mvar

600Mvar 720Mvar 720Mvar 960Mvar

(c) Three Gorges power station energizes Jingmen transformer and Jingmen-Jindongnan line
Wangqu power plant Jindongnan
Pn＝ 600MW 3000/3000/1000MVA
Switch
cosΦ＝ 0.9 YNa0d11
Un＝ 20kV 500kV 1050/525/110kV

1000kV

750MVA
＝ /Y0
20/525kV 110kV

(d) Wangqu power station energizes Jindongnan transformer

FIG. 4.10 FOUR EXPERIMENTAL CIRCUITS FOR VOLTAGE-RAISING

FIG. 4. 11 shows the corresponding curve of the Three Gorges Power station's generator voltage and the voltage on
Jingmen station 1000 kV side (as Fig. 4.10 (c)), when the Three Gorges power station energizes the 1000 kV UHV
line. In this figure, the abscissa is the generator terminal voltage with the units of kV, and the ordinate is voltage on
Jingmen station 1000 kV side with the units of kV.
1 100

900
measured value
UJ/kV

700
calculation
500

300
5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19
UT/kV

FIG. 4. 11 VOLTAGES AT GENERATOR AND 1000 KV STATION

The main conclusions concerning the commissioning tests are as follows:

1) The connection and phase of each voltage protection relay were verified.

38/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

2) Transformer's no-load characteristic and loss test results were found to be practically the same with the
test value at factory.
3) Shunt reactors volt-ampere characteristic curve and no-load loss test results were practically the same
as factory test value.
4) The test results of harmonic, radio interference, noise, and vibration complied with the relevant
standards.
5) Checks using the infrared camera and ultraviolet results were normal. For example, ultraviolet
measurement PD of TLs is shown in Fig. 4.12.

FIG. 4.12 CORONA DISCHARGE OF 1000 KV TRANSMISSION LINE (0.8P.U.)

4.1.3 Results of Equipment Switching Experiments

During the entire period of 24 switching actions on transformers, no harmonics were observed. TABLE 4.1 shows
the excitation current and the switching over-voltages of the transformers. The base voltage of the 1000 kV side
and the 500 kV side is 1100 2 3 kV and 550 2 3 kV respectively. Typical waveforms at Jindongnan
Substation are shown in Fig.4.13.

TABLE 4.1 SWITCHING OVERVOLTAGE AND INRUSH CURRENT

WHEN TRANSFORMER WAS ENERGIZED FROM 500 KV SIDE

Max overvoltage (p.u.) Max exciting current

Substation
500 kV side 1000 kV side (A)

Jindongnan 1.48 1.54 3426

Jingmen 1.26 1.43 4816

39/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

(a) VOLTAGE AT 1000 kV SIDE

(b) VOLTAGE AT 500 kV SIDE

(c) EXCITATION CURRENT AT 500 kV SIDE

FIG. 4.13 SWITCHING OVERVOLTAGE AND EXCITATION CURRENT WHEN JINDONGNAN TRANSFORMER WAS
ENERGIZED FROM 500 KV SIDE

The maximum switching overvoltage is 166 kV when switching 110 kV reactors at the Jindongnan substation and
Jingmen substation, and it is 171 kV when switching 110 kV capacitors at the Jindongnan substation and Jingmen
substation. These values are lower than the rated insulation levels. Fig. 4.14 and Fig. 4.15 show different typical
voltage waveforms when switching reactors and capacitors.

40/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 4.14 TYPICAL VOLTAGE WAVEFORMS WHEN SWITCHING LOW-VOLTAGE TERTIARY REACTORS

FIG. 4.15 TYPICAL VOLTAGE WAVEFORMS WHEN SWITCHING LOW-VOLTAGE TERTIARY CAPACITORS

41/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

4.1.3.1 ENERGIZING NO-LOAD TRANSMISSION LINES

In these experiments, the largest phase-to-ground switching overvoltage measured on the UHV bus side of the
circuit breaker is 1.25 pu, and on the line side of the circuit breaker it 1.26 pu. Both these values are lower than the
allowed overvoltage. FIG. 4.16 gives the typical voltage waveform.

(a) TYPICAL WAVEFORMS OF BUS BAR WHEN CLOSING UHV LINE

(b) TYPICAL WAVEFORMS OF SYSTEM NEUTRAL POINT WHEN CLOSING UHV LINE

FIG. 4.16 TYPICAL VOLTAGE WAVEFORM WHEN SWITCHING NANYANG-JINGMEN LINEAT NANYANG STATION

4.1.4 Results of Network Tests

4.1.4.1 PARALLELED IN AND DISCONNECTED UHV SYSTEM

According to the characteristics of the UHV AC Demonstration Project, Nanyang switching station serves as the
operating point when normally paralleled in and disconnected. During the experiments, voltage observations show
that the difference between the two sides is approximately between 2.5 kV to 6.3 kV, which meets the demands of
the synchronizing device.

4.1.4.2 POWER CONTROL EXPERIMENT OF UHV SYSTEM

The UHV transmission line connects between the North and Central China power grids. When the system is
running, power control restrictions should be taken to limit the connecting line's power fluctuations. The experiment
was carried out in order to verify the effectiveness of the power control strategy, and to master the connections
between active power and voltage fluctuations. The power fluctuations of the connecting line are controlled within

42/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

the range of 200MW, and the duration of the 300MW fluctuations only accounts for 0.27 % of the total network
time.

4.1.4.3 SYSTEM DYNAMIC DISTURBANCE OF UHV SYSTEM

When the North and Central China power grids are connected by UHV AC lines, it is necessary to understand their
anti-disturbance capabilities and dynamic operating characteristics. Resultantly, a 700 MW section in the Three
Gorges power station of Central China Power grid was isolated to achieve a system disturbance. The changes in
the system voltage and frequency were observed in this test.
Before the test, the transmission power flow on the UHV AC line was 1500 MW from the North grid to the Central
grid. Based on the active power flow recorded wave data on the Jindongnan side after the Three Gorges power
station was isolated, the maximum active power fluctuation on the Jindongnan-Nanyang line was 2150 MW. In
addition, the first fluctuation amplitude is approximately 650 MW, the active power oscillation frequency is
approximately 0.15 Hz, and the active power oscillation damping ratio is approximately 0.11, which can be
regarded as a strong damping system. FIG. 4.17 shows the test of the active power changes in the Jindongnan
substation before and after disturbances.

FIG. 4.17 ACTIVE POWER FLUCTUATION AT JINDONGNAN STATION IN SYSTEM DYNAMIC DISTURBANCE
EXPERIMENT

4.1.4.4 UHV ARTIFICIAL SINGLE-PHASE-TO-GROUND FAULT TEST

The UHV AC power system uses single-phase auto-reclosing to ensure safety and stability. The prerequisite for the
successful implementation of single-phase auto-reclosing is quickly extinguishing the secondary arc on the UHV
AC line after the occurrence of transient single-phase-to-ground fault, as shown in Fig. 4.18.

FIG. 4.18 ARTIFICIAL SINGLE-PHASE-TO-GROUND FAULT COMMISSIONING TEST

Based on calculations and experimental demonstrations, SGCC finally decided to design the UHV line with two full-
circle transpositions and shunt reactors; the neutral point of which is grounded through a small neutral reactor. The
prerequisite for the successful implementation of single-phase auto-reclosing is quickly extinguishing the secondary
arc and therefore mitigating the transient recovery voltage where the short circuit occurred on UHV AC lines after
the occurrence of a transient single-phase-to-ground fault.

43/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

To test the efficiency of single-phase auto-reclosing, artificial single-phase-to-ground fault tests were carried out on
Jindongnan-Nanyang and Nanyang-Jingmen transmission lines in the tests.
On the Jindongnan-Nanyang line, the duration of secondary arc duration was 118 ms, and on Nanyang-Jingmen
line, 42 ms. No re-ignition occurred after arc extinction. A high voltage reactor with neutral point grounding through
a small reactor can effectively limit the secondary arc. The reclosing time of the project is acceptable when
choosing approximately between 0.7 s to 1 s.

4.1.4.5 PEAK LOAD EXPERIMENTS (2800 MW)

Based on the maximum transmission capacity of 2,800 MW from the UHV AC demonstration project, the peak load
experiment is conducted to test the UHV equipment's ability to tolerate load and the performance of carrying peak
load. In this experiment, the power rises to 2829.5 MW. During and after the experiments, no abnormal conditions
were detected in the transformer’s oil samples, infrared temperature measurements and line inspection. UHV
equipment and networking systems were in good condition. The infrared temperature measurement of transformer
is shown in Fig. 4.19.

FIG. 4.19 TEMPERATURE SPECTRUM GRAPH OF 1100 KV SHUNT REACTOR IN COMMISSIONING TEST

4.1.5 Conclusion
 In voltage-raising experiments, all UHV AC demonstration projects have withstood the UHV full-voltage tests.
All the measures adopted in the UHV project produced satisfactory results, which are similar to that of the
experiments in the factory or simulations.
 During the experiments, UHV transformers, circuit breakers, UHV transmission lines, shunt reactors and low-
voltage compensation devices repeatedly have withstood several switching impulse tests.
 The UHV system withstands examinations of power control, system dynamic disturbance, peak load and
single-phase-to-ground fault tests.
 The commissioning tests have comprehensively checked relays and protection systems, which are all in a
normal condition.
 The test results showed electromagnetic environment impacts are limited to meet the requirements of the
Chinese State Environmental Protection Agency.
In conclusion, the UHV AC demonstration project equipment has shown good performance and compliance to the
standards. The voltage and power applied to the UHV networking system can be well controlled with an acceptable
electromagnetic impact on the environment.

44/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

4.2 Commissioning tests of the 1100kV transmission

demonstration project in Japan

4.2.1 UHV Test Station

To introduce 1000kV equipment technologies in Japan, TEPCO constructed a UHV Equipment Test Station (in the
500 kV Shin-Haruna substation), which contains the minimum components of a 1000 kV substation including 3
single-phase transformers (3000 MVA bank) and one bay of GIS (8000 A). After connecting the equipment to the
grid in 1996, field verification tests (voltage-application and current carrying tests) were carried out.

FIG. 4.20 OVERVIEW OF UHV EQUIPMENT TEST SITE

FIG. 4.21 SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM OF FIELD TEST FACILITIES

45/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

TABLE 4.2 FIELD TEST ITEMS

Test items Contents

Long-term energizing and Verification of long-term reliability performance under

current carrying current carrying by using the tap difference between
two on-load tap changers.

Dissolved gas analysis, Dissolved gas analysis and insulation oil

insulation oil characteristic measurement such as volume
characteristics resistivity, dielectric dissipation factor, charging
measurement tendency of oil, and particles in oil are done
Periodical inspection

periodically.

Leakage current Leakage current at neutral terminal is measured

measurement at neutral during de-energizing.
terminal
(Static electrification test)
Transformer

Noise, vibration Measurement of significant deterioration and

measurement resonance due to inner defect such as loosening or
damaged.

Inrush test Measurement of inrush current and voltage by

secondary side 500kV CB closing. Transferred surge
at inrush was also measured.

Long-term energizing / loop The rated current 8,000 A was circulated. Temperature
current carrying, temperature of GIS enclosure, thermal stress, thermal expansion,
and thermal behaviour and induced current in grounding circuit were
measurement examined.

Partial discharge, surge Partial discharge is measured by ultrasonic pickup

arrester leakage current microphones periodically and monitored on line. Surge
arrester leakage current was also measured
Periodical measurement
GIS

periodically and monitored on line.

Operating characteristics Mainly in summer and winter season, both infrequent

and frequent operating time characteristics of CB, DS,
and HSGS are measured. On-line monitoring is also
done.
Optical PD accuracy Accuracy is measured periodically in order to ensure
long-term reliability and stability for thermal condition.

46/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

DS operating surge By DS operating, induced surge voltage on main

circuit, secondary circuit, current transformer, and
optical PD were measured.

Load side Source side

HSGS making surge By HSGS making surge while main circuit was charged
with residual DC voltage, induced surge voltage on
main circuit, grounding system, and secondary circuit
were examined.
Surge measurement

Energized part
Transient response of Transient response characteristic of grounding mesh
grounding system system was measured by injecting low-voltage impulse
current.
GIS

Residual DC voltage By DS opening in the state of CB opened, decay time

damping characteristics of residual DC voltage was examined.

Surge arrester’s temperature and During summer, which marks the maximum ambient
thermal behaviour temperature and the maximum solar radiation,
enclosure temperature and leakage current were
measured.

Gas bushing vibration test To evaluate the seismic characteristics of combined

system with bushing and entrance conductor,
acceleration response and displacement were
examined by vibration test.

47/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

4.2.2 Commissioning tests

The commissioning test items are made based on the results of field test items and operational experience in
500kV power system.

TABLE 4.3 COMMISSIONING TEST ITEMS (1)

Test Test items Test conditions

Grid test Voltage ・Energizing substation equipment by generator and verify the insulation
withstand test performance of equipment.

・Energize substation equipment with 0.34 pu initially, and increase test

voltage slowly with measuring partial discharge.

Equipment Power ・ 525 kV×1.05=550 kV

frequency
Test induced test ・ Add the voltage for 100 hours continuously and 5 days in daytime to
from the tertiary measure partial discharge, noise, natural leakage current, and
circuit oscillation of GIS. And measure dissolved gas analysis of transformer
and gas analysis before and after test

・ Verify the transformer

・ Test Voltage:1 E
・ Partial discharge in the transformer and current transformer are
measured periodically

Substation Power ・ Energizing 1000 kV Transformer and GIS for long period
test frequency
induced test
from the
secondary
circuit

48/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

TABLE 4. 3 COMMISSIONING TEST ITEMS (2)

Test Test items Test conditions

Substation Inrush test ・ Evaluate the effect on the system and relay by the inrush current
test of large capacity transformer
・ Carry out inrush test by operating 500 kV circuit breaker
connected 1000 kV transformer in various conditions shown
below.
- Changing LTC taps
- With and without resistor equipped with circuit breaker
- Changing residual flux of transformer

Grid test Loop current test Measure the voltage and phase shift and verify power system
disturbance by configuration of 500 kV and 275 kv loop system

Equipment Protection relay Add voltage and current to protection relay systems and confirm
test test performance of relay

Substation Measure partial ・ Measure corona noise in fine and rain weather and confirm that
test discharge and these noise are less than specification
noise ・ Measure corona noise of entrance in UHV equipment test field

Substation Measure ・ Measure electrostatic induction in patrol area and confirm it is

test electrostatic almost same as the value in 275 kV field
induction ・ Measure electrostatic inducement around the 1000 kV bushing in
the test field.
Grid test Switching surge ・ Investigate the effect on lightning arrester protection system by
test disconnector switching surge
(Disconnector) ・ Disconnector switching surge was measured and high-frequency
surges induced in secondary circuit of protection/control system
were also measured during surge tests of DS and HSES

49/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

TABLE 4. 3 COMMISSIONING TEST ITEMS (3)

Test Test items Test conditions

Equipment Energizing test ・ Measure tan δ, DGA and noise before and after energizing test

test ・ Energizing 1000kV Transformer and GIS for long period

Grid test Switching surge ・ Measure overvoltage with the below conditions.
test (Circuit
breaker) - Opening and closing circuit breaker for transformer
- Opening and closing circuit breaker for transmission line
・ Measure surge voltage by switching circuit breaker on energized
1000 kV circuit

Grid test Loop current Check the contact condition and arc characteristics in switching
switching test loop current

Equipment Temperature rise ・ Measure temperature rise with 80 % load

test
test ・ Each single-phase transformer has two units, and each unit is
equipped with one on-Load Voltage Regulator (LVR). This will be
able to supply the circulating current between the two units by
using the tap-voltage difference

Substation Induced current Confirm the earthing design by measuring induced current and
test in grounding confirming the hot spot in shunt-bar and grounding wire.
test system

4.2.3 Commissioning test example for Corona noise

A corona noise measurement was made at the service entrance in UHV equipment test area. The loading voltage
was set to 664 kV (= 1,100 kV/√3 x 1.046, inter-phase voltage 1,150 kV) which exceeds max working voltage after
adjusting the transformer taps, in order to get insight into the phenomenon. Measuring points and measurement
results are shown in Fig 4.22, Fig 4.23, Table 4.4 and Table 4.5. The measurement results presented are the
average values that are obtained from total measurements made at each point five times.

Measurements were made at each point successively, and under different conditions. Measurements were taken
under light rain conditions for the measuring points 1 to 3, under cloudy conditions for the measuring points 4 to 6
and under clear-sky conditions for the other points. Although noise under light rain condition had a maximum of
approximately 55 dBA, this noise decreased gradually and stabilized at approximately 40 dBA because water drop
formation decreases after rain stopped. Accordingly, the noise was increased by about 14 dBA due to the effect of
rain. Rain noise was included in this noise although it is likely that an increase in corona noise contributed
considerably to such increase in noise because noise remained at a relatively high level (at the measuring points 4
to 7) even after the rain had stopped.

Table 4.5 shows the measurement results which were obtained through the synchronization of a noise meter and
100 Hz in order to check a level of corona hum noise. Although it seems that vibration noises from equipment such
as transformers and GIS are included in the noise source, results were measured through a full frequency range. It
can be said that corona hum noise also increased due to rain.

50/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

Fig. 4.23 shows frequency analysis results of corona noise, which is derived from the measuring point 1.

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

3.2m 5m 5m 5m 5m 5m

Phase A

5m
2

4m
5m 5m 5m 5m

5m
4 Phase B

5m
5

4m
6

5m 5m 5m 5m
5m

Phase C
7

Measuring point

FIG. 4.22 MEASURING POINTS FOR CORONA NOISE

60

40

20
晴Clear
[dB A ]

雨
0 Rainy

-20

-40
1.6k

6.3k
3.15k

12.5k
0.4
0.8
1.6

6.3
3.15

12.5
25
50
100
200
400
800

AP

(H z)

FIG. 4.23 FREQUENCY ANALYSIS RESULTS OF CORONA NOISE (MEASURING POINT 1)

51/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

TABLE 4.4 RESULTS OF CORONA NOISE MEASUREMENTS (MEASUREMENT DATE: JUNE 8, 2007)

Applied voltage: 664 kV (voltage to ground), and 1,150 kV (inter-phase voltage)

Measuring Full 100 Hz Weather Full 100 Hz Weather
point frequency (time) frequency (time)
range (AP) range (AP)
1 54 dBA 46 dBA Rain 41 dBA 37 dBA Fair (17:05)
(15:42)
2 55 dBA 47 dBA Rain 42 dBA 39 dBA Fair
3 54 dBA 47 dBA Rain 42 dBA 37 dBA Fair
4 49 dBA 42 dBA Cloudy 39 dBA 27 dBA Fair (17:14)
(15:52)
5 47 dBA 43 dBA Cloudy 40 dBA 33 dBA Fair
6 44 dBA 37 dBA Cloudy 42 dBA 38 dBA Fair
7 42 dBA 37 dBA Fair 41 dBA 34 dBA Fair
(16:01)
Phase C-[1] 41 dBA 30 dBA Fair
Phase C-[2] 41 dBA 35 dBA Fair
Phase C-[3] 41 dBA 33 dBA Fair
Phase C-[4] 40 dBA 35 dBA Fair
Phase C-[5] 38 dBA 28 dBA Fair
Phase B-[1] 42 dBA 28 dBA Fair
Phase B-[2] 40 dBA 31 dBA Fair
Phase B-[3] 41 dBA 29 dBA Fair
Phase B-[4] 40 dBA 29 dBA Fair
Phase B-[5] 39 dBA 31 dBA Fair
Phase A-[1] 41 dBA 37 dBA Fair
Phase A-[2] 42 dBA 39 dBA Fair
Phase A-[3] 42 dBA 37 dBA Fair
Phase A-[4] 39 dBA 27 dBA Fair
Phase A-[5] 40 dBA 33 dBA Fair (16:58)

52/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

TABLE 4. 5 AVERAGE VALUE OF CORONA NOISE

Full frequency
100 Hz Remarks
range

Average value of
Light rain 54.3 dBA 46.7 dBA this highlighted
zone

33.0 dBA Average value of

Fair weather 40.6 dBA this highlighted
(37.7 dBA) zone

Light rain – Fair 13.7 dBA Values enclosed in

13.7 dBA parentheses are average
(difference) (9 dBA) values of data obtained at
measuring points 1, 2 and 3.

4.2.4 Electrostatic induction of service entrance for UHV transmission line

Fig. 4.24 shows the analysis results of an electrostatic induction field in the vicinity of the bushing above the
ground. As is the case with 500 kV substation, the allowable electric field was set to 100 V/cm or less at 1.5 m in
height above ground level (during application of 1100/√3 kV), which is harmless to human body. In addition, the
height H of lower shield was set to 4.5 m or higher.

FIG. 4.24 ANALYSIS RESULTS OF ELECTROSTATIC INDUCTION FIELD IN THE VICINITY OF BUSHING ABOVE THE
GROUND

53/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

Fig. 4.25 shows the electrostatic induction field intensity distribution measured in the UHV equipment test area. The
maximum electrostatic induction field at 1.5 m in height above ground level during the application of 635 kV
(1100/√3kV) was 97V/cm, which met the target value 100 V/cm or less.

FIG. 4.25 ELECTROSTATIC INDUCTION FIELD INTENSITY DISTRIBUTION

4.3 Commissioning tests at the 1200 kV transmission

demonstration project of India

4.3.1 1200 kV National Test Station at Bina substation

In India, 1200 kV UHV AC technology was developed under the Public-Private Partnership model through a
collaborative effort of 35 leading Indian Electrical Equipment Manufacturers, POWERGRID - the Central
Transmission Utility of India, Central Power Research Institute and the Central Electricity Authority representing
Government of India.

A 1200 kV test station was established at Bina in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, as shown in Fig 4.26.

54/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 4.26 THE 1200 KV NATIONAL TEST STATION, INDIA

The 1200 kV National Test Station has two parts to the 1200 kV test line. One part comprises of a single Circuit
(S/C) line 1.1 km long and a double circuit (D/C) line 0.8 km long, and the other part comprises of two 1150 kV test
transformer banks, each of which consist of 3 units of 1150/√3/400/√3 kV single phase transformers. The 1200 kV
equipment is installed in the test bays. To facilitate power flow though the test station, a 400 kV Transmission line
will be diverted by a loop-in loop-out arrangement.

Fig. 4.27 and Fig. 4.28 describe the basic configuration and single line diagram of the 1200 kV Test Station.

FIG. 4.27 CONFIGURATION OF 1200 KV NATIONAL TEST STATION

55/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 4.28 ONE LINE DIAGRAM OF THE 1200 KV NATIONAL TEST STATION

The equipment is being kept at full operating voltage as per system requirement and various field tests are being
carried out. The Test Station has provisions for testing and field measurements with various configurations such as
adjustable clearances, height, and conductor spacing.

Field test results and feedback will facilitate fine tuning of the 1200 kV system and equipment parameters. The test
station will resultantly facilitate optimization in equipment designs and clearances, and will assist to study the
operational issues for the future 1200 kV project development in turn with the field operation of the developed
equipment.Below are some pictures from the 1200 kV National Test Station, India.

FIG. 4.29 OVERALL VIEW OF THE 1200 KV BAY

56/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 4.30 1200 KV GANTRY STRUCTURES

FIG. 4.31 1200 KV SINGLE CIRCUIT TYPE-D TOWERS AND TYPE-A TOWER

The Indian 1200 kV system and equipment parameters were obtained by carrying out various tests, studies, and
simulations and were not extrapolated from its 400/765 kV system. In addition, the 1200 kV system has an
optimized insulation level by use of higher performance multi-column surge arrestors.

57/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

4.3.2 On-site acceptance tests

After the 1200 kV equipment passed the acceptance tests at the factory, they were transported and installed at
site. On-site acceptance tests were carried out on the equipment.

The on-site acceptance tests carried out on the 1200 kV single phase transformers are given below:

 Core insulation value measurements;

 Insulation resistance measurement of windings;
 Winding resistance measurements;
 Magnetizing current measurements;
 Voltage ratio measurements;
 tan ∂ and capacitance measurements;
 Short circuit impedance measurements;
 Sweep Frequency Response Analysis (SFRA);
 Frequency Domain Spectroscopy (FDS*);
 Oil parameters determination and Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA)

*Frequency Domain Spectroscopy (FDS) was carried out to determine the moisture content of the pressboard and
paper insulation of the transformer. In FDS, the tan∂ value of the insulation system was measured over a range of
frequency from 0.0001 Hz to 1000 Hz. The obtained response curve is shown in Fig. 4.32. The analysis of the
curve revealed that the moisture content is only 0.2 %, which is well below the acceptable level of 0.5 %.

FIG. 4.32 FDS CURVE OBTAINED FROM THE R-PHASE 1200KV TRANSFORMER

A vector group test was carried out after the three phase bank formation of the single phase transformers. Floating
neutral voltage measurements were also carried out. Measurement of the earth resistance of the electrodes with
earth grid was found to be less than the maximum permissible value of 1 Ω.

An insulation resistance measurement was conducted on the cooling system’s power and control wiring.
Tan δ and capacitance measurements were carried out for the 1200 kV bushings mounted on the transformer top.
The on-site acceptance tests carried out on 1200 kV Capacitive Voltage Transformers are given below:

 Continuity check of the windings

 Insulation resistance measurements
 Secondary winding resistance measurements of each core

58/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

 Voltage ratio measurements

 Tan δ and capacitance measurements

The on-site acceptance tests carried out on 850 kV surge arrestors are given below:

 Insulation resistance measurement of the stacks

 Capacitance and tan δ measurements of the stacks

The on-site acceptance test results matched the measurement results obtained during the factory tests. Therefore,
clearance for charging of the 1200 kV equipment was given.

After the on-site acceptance tests on individual equipment, checks on the protection system of transformer viz.
differential relay, Restricted Earth Fault*, over current, over excitation, and other checks were made.

*Restricted Earth Fault (REF) relay protection is provided in transformers to detect the earth faults occurring in a
restricted zone of the transformer winding. A REF scheme of protection is stable for all faults outside the zone of
protection.

A REF protection scheme in a typical two-winding transformer is provided below:

FIG. 4.33 REF PROTECTION SCHEMATIC

As shown above, on a star connected side, the residual current of the three line current transformers (CTs) is
balanced against the output current of the CT in the neutral conductor and is given as an input to the REF relay. In
the Delta connected side, the residual current of the three-line CT’s are measured and given as an input to REF
relay. Resultantly, both windings of a transformer can be protected separately with REF relay, thereby providing
high-speed protection against earth faults over virtually the whole of the transformer windings. It is a standard
practice for POWERGRID to provide REF protection in transformer.

4.3.3 Charging of the 1200 kV National Test Station

In January 2012, the R-phase of 1200 kV National Test Station was charged. Subsequently, in February 2012 the
S/C line of the 1200 kV National Test Station was charged.
th
All three phases (R, Y & B) of the 1200 kV National Test Station were charged on 26 May, 2012. The main
equipment involved in charging includes 3 single phase transformers, 3 capacitive voltage transformers, 3 surge
arrestors and bus post insulators. The S/C line measuring 1.1 km was also energized from the 1200 kV bay on no
load. This line was kept in the open circuit condition. The system was kept energized for 72 hours continuously at
full operating voltage and commissioning tests were then performed.

4.3.4 Commissioning tests at the 1200 kV National Test Station

Upon successful charging, the following commissioning tests were carried out to confirm the integrity of the
equipment and systems in the grid:

(a) Voltage withstand test: The system was kept energized at the maximum operating voltage for a sufficiently
long period.

59/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

(b) Inrush current Test: Inrush currents were recorded at the moment of charging of the 1200 kV system. The
inrush current values recorded on the 400 kV side are 1.16 kA, 1.16 kA and 2.71 kA for the R, Y & B
phases respectively.

Table 4.6 shows the Inrush current tests and measured data including voltage & current waves.

TABLE 4.6 INRUSH CURRENT TESTS

R-Y Y-B B-R

1200 kV side voltage 1156 kV 1146 kV 1137 kV
400 kV side current* 1.16 A 1.16 A 3.70 A

*On the 1200kV side, no load was connected.

1200 kV SIDE VOLTAGE & 400 kV SIDE CURRENT 400kV SIDE CURRENT

c) Assessment of electrostatic induction: Electrical field measurements were carried out at a height of 1.0 m
and 1.8 m from the ground along the single circuit line and around the major equipment in the 1200 kV bay.

d) Corona measurements: Corona performance was assessed from the corona images taken.

FIG. 4.34 CORONA IMAGE NEAR 1200KV BUSHING

60/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 4.35 CORONA IMAGE OF CONNECTING JUMPERS

e) Winding Temperature and Oil Temperature of energized transformer were observed and found within the
limits.

f) Since there was no transfer of power through the system, changes in the temperature of the equipment
was not measured. This test will be carried out after conducting Phase-II of the project.

g) Thermo-vision scanning of all equipment, hardware, clamps and connectors had been carried out. Pictures
below describe the thermograph images on various parts of the transformer.

FIG. 4.36 THERMOGRAPH IMAGE OF BUSHING TURRET OF TRANSFORMER

FIG. 4.37 THERMOGRAPH IMAGE OF THE TURRET-TRANSFORMER JUNCTION

61/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 4.38 THERMOGRAPH IMAGE OF THE TURRET-BUSHING JOINT

FIG. 4.39 THERMOGRAPH IMAGE OF THE TRANSFORMER BODY

Thermograph measurements were carried out on the charged capacitive voltage transformer.

FIG. 4.40 THERMOGRAPH IMAGE OF 1200 KV CAPACITIVE VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER

62/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 4.41 THERMOGRAPH IMAGE OF 1200 KV CAPACITIVE VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER

Thermograph measurements were carried out on the high performance multi-column surge arrestor.

FIG. 4.42 THERMOGRAPH IMAGE OF 850 KV SURGE ARRESTOR

h) Transformer oil parameter determination tests and Dissolved Gas Analysis were carried out. Samples were
taken immediately after charging, after 6 hours of charging, after 7 days of charging and after 15 days of
charging. No violation in oil parameters and Dissolved Gas Analysis was observed.

i) Leakage current of Surge Arrestors was also recorded from the surge monitors installed and the values
were found within limits.

63/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

4.4 Commissioning test questionnaire result s and analysis

A questionnaire was made according to SGCC’s experience. Reply from TEPCO (Japan) and POWERGRID (India)
was collected. As a result of India’s 1200 kV Test Station being under construction, it was only possible to compare
the difference between SGCC and TEPCO (see Table 4.7).

TABLE 4.7 COMPARISON OF COMMISSIONING TEST ITEMS BETWEEN SGCC AND TEPCO

Test Type Items

SGCC
Current rising from zero of UHV transformer
Current rising from zero of UHV AC transmission line
Voltage rising from zero of UHV transformer
Voltage rising from zero of UHV AC transmission line
Switching on/off unloaded UHV transformer
Switching on/off unloaded UHVAC transmission line
System
splitting(ring closing)/ interconnection(ring opening) of UHV system
Commissioning
Induced current and voltage of the double circuit/ multi-circuit UHV AC transmission lines on
the same tower
Switching on/off tertiary winding reactors/ capacitors
Artificial single-phase short circuits grounding
Performance dynamic disturbance
Heavy load operation
AC electric quantities test
Protection relay check
Transient overvoltage and transient current test
Harmonics test
Audible noise and vibration test of transformers and reactors
Oil sample test
Infrared and ultraviolet ray test
Power frequency electric and magnetic field test of UHV substations and transmission lines
Measurement Audible noise test of UHV substations and transmission lines
Radio interference of UHV substations and transmission line
Induced voltage test of UHV AC overhead grounding lines
Open-circuit characteristics test of UHV transformer
Excitation inrush current test of UHV unloaded transformer
Volt-ampere characteristics test of UHV shunt reactor
Short circuit current test of UHV AC transmission lines
Secondary arc current test
Transient response characteristics test of UHV capacitance voltage transformer
TEPCO
Equipment Test Power frequency induced test from the tertiary circuit
Protection relay test
Temperature rise test
Grid Test Voltage withstand test
Loop current test
Switching surge test (Disconnector)
Switching surge test (Circuit breaker)
Loop current switching test
Substation Test Power frequency induced test from the secondary circuit
Inrush test
Measure partial discharge and noise
Measure electrostatic induction
Induced current test in grounding system

64/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

In SGCC’s case, nearly 30 test items were carried out, which are divided into two types: System Commissioning
and Measurement. Each System Commissioning refers to a kind of operation, during which the performance of the
equipment and the system is verified. Electromagnetic environment data is also obtained. 13 similar test items were
carried out in Japan, which were divided into three types: Equipment Test, Grid Test and Substation Test.

4.5 Summary and recommendations for commissioning tests

It is necessary for the utilities to carry out commissioning tests for UHV & 800 kV substations, related equipment
and system oriented aspects before operation. The purposes are:

1. To confirm the proper and expected performance of equipment;

2. To verify the system function;
3. To obtain the data related to electromagnetic impacts on the environment.

A series of commissioning tests have been successfully carried out with the 1100 kV transmission demonstration
project of China and with the 1100 kV UHV Equipment Test Station of Japan. The experience of SGCC and
TEPCO can be issued as a guide or reference for others.

Different utilities can obtain different test conditions. In SGCC’s case, current and voltage rising tests from zero
volts of the UHV transformer and the transmission line is carried out in an isolated system. The artificial short circuit
current test of the UHV transmission lines is also carried out. These tests are unique and may be difficult for others
to perform. In some countries, there are regulations such as The Electricity Business Act, Grid codes, and
Technical Regulations on Electrical Equipment which support these tests. Consequently, for the detailed test items,
different utilities may have their own specific choice. The basic principle is, the more tests you do, the more
information and confidence you get.

4.6 References
[1] Zhenya Liu. “The Ultra High Voltage Grid” (China Economic Press, Page 159-335, 391-434, 2005)

[2] “Northwest 750 kV System Commissioning Test Program” (China Electrical Power Research Institute, 2005)

[3] “Power Flow and Grid Stability Analysis Of The 1000 kV Jindongnan-Nanyang-Jingmen UHV AC
Demonstration Project” (China Electrical Power Research Institute, 2008)

[4] “Electromagnetic Transient Research of the 1000 kV Jindongnan-Nanyang-Jingmen UHV AC Demonstration

Project” (China Electrical Power Research Institute, 2008)

[5] “Commissioning, Testing and Optimized Implementation Research of the 1000 kV Jindongnan-Nanyang-
Jingmen UHV AC Demonstration Project” (China Electrical Power Research Institute, 2008)

65/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

5. MAINTENANCE TESTS

5.1 Maintenance tests in China

5.1.1 Introduction
Maintenance is aimed to monitor the condition of equipment after installing it into operation in the substation. It is
an effective way to examine the equipment performance, decide whether it can be put into operation and ensure
safety. Maintenance test and diagnostic test items, and the interval and criterion of the UHV equipment shown in
the following tables are based on the 750 kV equipment used in the field and the UHV equipment in the 1000 kV
Jindongnan-Nanyang-Jingmen UHV AC Demonstration Project.

5.1.2 Maintenance test items of typical 1000 kV UHV AC equipment

The typical 1000 kV UHV AC equipment is shown in Table 5. 1 below.

TABLE 5. 1 TYPICAL 1000 KV UHV AC EQUIPMENT AND ITS COMPONENTS

No. Equipment Components

1 1000 kV GIS and HybridIS (MTS) Main transformer
2 1000 kV Transformer Voltage regulating compensation transformer

1) 1100 kV GIS and HybridIS (MTS)

The maintenance and diagnostic test items of GIS and HybridIS (MTS) are shown in Table 5.2 and

Table 5.3, respectively. The diagnosis test items are used to further determine the condition of the GIS and
HybridIS (MTS). Measurement of SF6 moisture, SF6 leakage, SF6 gas density relay checkout, the on-off switching
action and the insulation of main and auxiliary circuit are important test items to prevent faults.

TABLE 5.2 MAINTENANCE TEST ITEMS OF 1100 KV GIS AND HYBRIDIS (MTS)

No. Items Interval

1 Appearance Two weeks
2 Measurement of SF6 moisture One year
3 Insulation resistance of 1) Overhaul,
auxiliary and control circuit 2) If necessary.

4 Insulation resistance, tanδ and capacitance If necessary.

of shunt capacitor fracture
5 Resistance and the connection time of on-off 1) Overhaul,
switching 2) If necessary.
6 Velocity characteristics of circuit breaker If necessary.
7 The time parameter of circuit breaker 1) One year,
2) Overhaul.
8 The action voltage of on-off switching tripper 1) One year,
2) Overhaul.
9 The resistance of conduct circuit 1) One year,
2) Overhaul.
10 The DC resistance of on-off switching tripper Overhaul.
11 Operating mechanism test 1) Overhaul,
2) If necessary.
12 Current transformer and arrester of GIS 1) Overhaul,
2) If necessary.
13 The time characteristics of disconnecting 1) Overhaul,

66/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

switch and earthing switch 2) If necessary.

TABLE 5.3 DIAGNOSTIC TEST ITEMS OF 1000 KV GIS AND HYBRIDIS (MTS)

No. Items interval

1 SF6 leakage test 1) Overhaul,
2) If necessary.
2 AC voltage withstand test 1) Overhaul,
2) If necessary.
3 Switching impulse test If necessary.
4 AC voltage withstand test of aux. and control circuit If necessary.
5 SF6 gas density relay checkout 1) Overhaul,
2) If necessary.

2) 1000 kV UHV Power Transformers

The maintenance and diagnostic test items of transformers are shown in Table 5. 4 and Table 5.5. The diagnosis
test items are used to further determine the condition of transformer.

TABLE 5. 4 MAINTENANCE TEST ITEMS OF UHV POWER TRANSFORMER

No. Items Interval

1 Appearance Two weeks
2 Temperature of oil and winding Two weeks
3 Cooling system Two weeks
4 Sound and vibration Two weeks
5 Dissolved gases analysis 1)Overhaul,
2) When necessary.
6 DC resistance measurement 1) One year,
of the winding with the bushing 2) Overhaul,
3) If necessary.
7 Measurement of insulation resistance 1) One year,
2) Overhaul,
3) If necessary.
8 Measurement of tanδ and capacitance of the winding 1) One year,
with the bushing 2) Overhaul,
3) If necessary.
9 Measurement of tanδ and capacitance of the 1) One year,
capacitive bushing 2) Overhaul,
3) If necessary.
10 Oil test 1) One year,
2) Overhaul,
3) If necessary.
11 Insulation resistance of core and clamp 1)One year,
2) Overhaul,
3) When necessary.
12 Thermo-detector and its secondary circuit test 1) One year,
2) Overhaul,
3) If necessary.
13 Gas relay and its secondary circuit test 1) One year,
2) Overhaul,
3) If necessary.
14 Pressure relief device calibration 1) Overhaul,
2) If necessary.
15 Cooler and its secondary circuit check test 1) One year,
2) Overhaul,

67/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

3) If necessary.
16 Bushing type current transformer insulation test 1) Overhaul,
2) If necessary.

TABLE 5.5 DIAGNOSTIC TEST ITEMS OF UHV POWER TRANSFORMER

No. Items Interval

1 Oil test 1) Overhaul,
2) If necessary.
2 AC voltage withstand test 1) Overhaul,
2) If necessary.
3 Frequency response analysis 1) Overhaul,
2) If necessary.
4 Measurement of voltage ratio 1) Overhaul,
2) If necessary.
5 Measurement of no-load loss and 1) Overhaul,
current 2) When necessary.
6 Measurement of short-circuit impedance 1) Overhaul,
2) If necessary.
7 Partial discharge measurement 1) Overhaul,
2) If necessary.
8 Integral tightness check Overhaul
9 Furfural content in oil If necessary.
10 Degree of polymerization for When necessary.
insulation board
11 Moisture content of insulation board If necessary.

The maintenance tests and diagnostic tests have already been applied to the 1000 kV Jindongnan-Nanyang-
Jingmen UHV AC Demonstration Project. This project will provide a lot of experience for future projects.

5.2 Maintenance tests in Japan

5.2.1 Introduction
Substation equipment is maintained periodically to keep the high reliability of the power system. Test items and
testing intervals of the UHV equipment shown in the tables below are based on those of the 500 kV equipment in
the field and UHV Equipment Test Station. Included in these maintenance tests are maintenance tests for circuit
breakers and transformers, which are specified by the Electrical Business Act. Maintenance tests for other
equipment can be specified by the utilities.

To prevent faults in transformers, DGA, diagnosis for static electrification, and acoustic emission tests are important
items. For GIS, open and closed characteristic measurements and acoustic emission tests are performed to
confirm the insulation performance for their secondary circuits. These tests are important in order to prevent future
faults.

Maintenance test items used for the UHV equipment are determined by the outcomes of the UHV field test results.

68/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

5.2.2 Maintenance tests of UHV equipment

Table 5.6 shows the UHV AC equipment and its components in Japan.

TABLE 5.6 THE UHV AC EQUIPMENT AND ITS COMPONENTS

No. Equipment Components

1 1100 kV GIS Bushing
Circuit breaker / HSES
Disconnector
Surge arrester
CT, VT
2 1000 kV Tr Transformer
LVR (Load Voltage Regulator)
OLTC

5.2.3 Maintenance test items

Maintenance tests on the UHV equipment and its components are performed from the viewpoint for diagnosis and
maintenance.

The maintenance items of transformers, circuit breakers, lightning arresters, and GIS are shown in the tables
below. These maintenance test items are determined from the outcomes of the diagnosis and maintenance tests.
The diagnosis tests are usually performed during operation. On the other hand, the maintenance of a circuit
breaker is carried out during the outage of the substation bay.

TABLE 5.7 MAINTENANCE TEST ITEMS OF TRANSFORMER

Category Period Check item Remarks

a) DGA -
Once per a b) Electrostatic charge measurement of
year insulation oil
c) Dielectric loss tangent test
Once per a a) Overheat monitoring -
year (Infrared camera check under operation)

a) Acoustic emission test -

b) High-precision DGA
c) Accumulated Charge on the Pressboard
Diagnosis measurement
If necessary
d) Electrostatic charging tendency
measurement
e) Leakage current measurement at
transformer’s neutral connection
a) Visual check Outage is
b) Bushing inspection necessary
 Oil leakage, worn out packing
Once per 12
Maintenance  Check caulking compound
years
c) Inspect bus duct
d) Insulation resistance of relay
e) Alarm and indicator test

69/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

TABLE 5.8 MAINTENANCE TEST ITEMS OF CIRCUIT BREAKER

Category Period Check items Remark

Once per a a) Overheat monitoring -
year
If necessary a) Gas analysis -
Diagnosis
b) Acoustic emission,
(Partial discharge measurement)
c) Preparation time of motor drives
Once per 6 a) Open/Close characteristic -
years measurement
Once per 12 a) Visual check
years b) Mechanical test and measurement
 Open/Close characteristic measurement -
Maintenance  Insulation resistance of relay
 Protection test of open-phase
 Pressure switch operation test
 Trip free test
 Minimum pressure for operating
measurement
○Alarm and indicator
TABLE 5.9 MAINTENANCE test OF GIS
TEST ITEMS

Category Period Check items Remark

a. Circuit breaker
－ Refer to
Table 5.8
b. Surge arrester
－ Refer to
Once per 3 c. Other parts
Diagnosis years Gas leakage
a. X ray photography
b. Partial discharge measurement
c. Acoustic emission
If necessary d. Gas moisture measurement
e. Gas analysis
f. Gas leakage
g. Preparation time of motor drives
a. Circuit breaker
－ Refer to
Table 5.8 8
b. Surge arrester
－  Measurement of leakage current
a. Disconnector and earthing switch
 Visual inspection
 Operation test
a. CT VT
 Terminals for connecting secondary
circuit inspection
Maintenance  Terminals for connecting cable
inspection
 Grounding wire inspection
Once per 6 years
a. Control box
 Visual check
 Pressure switch test
 Pressure alarm valve
 Insulation resistance of relay
 Alarm and indicator test
a. Other parts
 Alarm and indicator test
 Insulation Resistance of relay

70/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

5.3 Maintenance tests in India

5.3.1 1200kV transformers

Table 5.10 shows the maintenance items for 1200kV transformers in India.

TABLE 5.10 MAINTENANCE TEST ITEMS FOR 1200 KV TRANSFORMERS IN INDIA

No. Test / check item Interval

1 Capacitance and tan δ measurement of windings 4 yearly

2 Capacitance and tan δ measurement of bushings Yearly

3 Measurement of short circuit impedance S.OS

4 Thermovision Infra-red scanning (IR thermography) Half Yearly/ If

necessary

5 Neutral earth resistance measurement Yearly

6 Online Moisture assessment of paper insulation Yearly

7 Tests for oil parameters determination Yearly/If

necessary

8 Condition monitoring: Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) & Half yearly / If

Fur Furaldehyde Analysis (FFA) necessary

9 Core insulation tests Four yearly / if

necessary

10 Insulation Resistance (IR) measurement of windings If necessary

11 Turns ratio (Voltage ratio) measurement If necessary

12 Winding resistance measurement Five yearly / If

necessary

13 Online Partial Discharge Measurement If necessary

14 Frequency Domain Spectroscopy (FDS) If necessary

15 Tests on Bushing Current Transformers (BCTs) If necessary

16 Sweep Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) If necessary

measurement

17 Exciting and Magnetizing current measurement If necessary

71/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

5.3.2 1200 kV SF 6 Circuit Breaker (CB)’s

TABLE 5.11 shows the maintenance items for 1200 kV circuit breakers in India.

TABLE 5.11 MAINTENANCE TEST ITEMS FOR 1200KV CIRCUIT BREAKERS IN INDIA

No. Test / check item Interval

1 Tan δ & Capacitance measurement of CB voltage grading 2 Yearly
capacitor

2 Dew point measurement of SF6 gas 2 Yearly

3 Dynamic Contact Resistance Measurement (DCRM) and 2 Yearly

contact travel measurement.

4 Measurement of static contact resistance 2 Yearly

5 Measurement of Circuit Breaker Operating Timings including Yearly/

Pre-Insertion Resistor (PIR) Timings If necessary
6 Checking of interlocks and operation lockouts for EHV Circuit Yearly
Breakers

7 Checking the Anti-Pumping feature Yearly

8 Duty cycle operation including rapid re-closing Yearly

9 Checking the Anti-Condensation Heaters Yearly

10 Checking the pressure setting of switches Yearly

11 Pole discrepancy relay testing Yearly

12 Cleaning of breaker pole Yearly

13 Spring operating mechanism checking Yearly

14 Checking the N2 priming pressure Yearly

15 Oil leakages Monthly

16 SF6 gas leakage test If necessary

17 IR value If necessary

5.4 Maintenance test questionnaire result s and analysis

5.4.1 Maintenance test and diagnostic tests questionnaire results and analysis
(GIS)
As described in FIG. 2. 1 of chapter 2.1, maintenance includes a diagnostic test, a maintenance test, and overhaul
[5.4.1]. A diagnostic test is conducted for finding out the health of the equipment so that it runs effectively during its
design life. Maintenance tests obtain the conditions for the operation and also checks the equipment is free of
abnormality, such as degradation, during operation. It is noted that the maintenance tests, such as examination
and inspection, are sometimes performed during substation outage. Diagnostic tests in the case of SGCC are not
time-based tests and are to be conducted when necessary, e.g. in the case of an abnormality.

The WG B3.29 asked nine utilities to complete questionnaires about maintenance tests and diagnostic tests for

72/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

GIS and transformers in substations in the 765 kV and above class. The utilities are BPA (US), ESKOM (ZA),
FURNAS (BR), HQ (CA), Hydro One (CA), KEPCO (KR), POWERGRID (IN), SGCC (CN) and TEPCO (JP).

Regarding GIS, the following test items were determined from the questionnaire results:

Diagnostic test

1) Diagnostic tests for circuit breaker,

2) Diagnostic tests for MOSA,
3) Diagnostic tests for other components,

Maintenance test

1) Maintenance tests for circuit breaker – basic performance,

2) Maintenance tests for circuit breaker – others,
3) Maintenance tests for MOSA,
4) Maintenance tests for other components – DS/ES,
5) Maintenance tests for other components – CT/VT,
6) Maintenance tests for other components – others.

The details of the questionnaire results and their classification of GIS diagnostic tests and maintenance tests
between SGCC, TEPCO, POWERGRID, KEPCO and ESCOM are described in Appendix B (Tables B.1 to B.4).

For diagnostic tests, the followings can be seen; there are two types in “Diagnostic tests for circuit breaker”, but
Type A is included in Type B. SF6 moisture measurement is the main test item, while diagnostics of “overheat
monitoring”, “acoustic emission” and “preparation time of motor drives” are the additional test items.

“Diagnostic tests for MOSA” have three types; “Leakage current measurement” under operating voltage and “SF6
moisture measurement” are the common test items.

Regarding “diagnostic tests for other components”, Type A is covered by Type B. “SF 6 leakage measurement” and
“SF6 moisture measurement” are the basic diagnostic items. “X ray photography”, “PD/acoustic measurement” and
“preparation time of motor drives” are the additional items.

Although maintenance test is different between each utility depending on their maintenance concept, the following
test items seem to be common in most of them.

“Maintenance test for circuit breaker – basic performance” has two types. Open and closed characteristic
measurement is a common and main test item. In the case of “maintenance test for MOSA”, the common test items
between the utilities are “insulation resistance measurement” and “resistance of circuit”. Concerning “maintenance
test for other components – DS/ES”, “operation test” and “performance of operating mechanism” are generally
applied for most of the utilities.

5.4.2 Maintenance tests and diagnostic tests questionnaire results and analysis of
transformers
Maintenance tests and diagnostic tests of transformers are different among utilities depending on their
maintenance concept. WG B3.29 sent out questionnaires regarding maintenance for transformers for substations
with the voltage level of 765 kV and above. The replies from TEPCO (JP) and POWERGRID (IN) have been
received. The following test items were determined from the questionnaire results.

Diagnostic tests

1) Tightness test
2) Determination of sound level

73/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

3) Measurement of voltage ratio on each tapping

4) Measurement of earth current of core
5) Applied voltage withstand test
6) Frequency response analysis (FRA)
7) Partial discharge measurement
8) Measurement of no-load loss and current
9) Measurement of short-circuit impedance

Maintenance test

1) Appearance
2) Temperature of oil and winding
3) Cooling system
4) Sound level and vibration

The details of the questionnaire results and their classification are described in Appendix B (Tables B.5 and B.6).
Although there is no existing international standard on maintenance of power transformers, a series of IEC60076
standards for power transformer factory tests are used for comparison.

Diagnostic tests:
Regarding “Measurement of earth current of core”, there are two types, Type A and Type B. IEC 60076 standards
however, have not given a basis on how the tests need to be conducted. Type A is adopted by SGCC. Type B is
adopted by TEPCO. Type A is a measurement of the cores earth current. Type B is a measurement of the
unbalance current due to the streaming electrification in the transformer.

Regarding “FRA”, there is one type. The test procedure is based on IEC 60076-18 [5.3] and adopted by SGCC,
TEPCO and POWERGRID.

Regarding “Measurement of no-load loss and current”, there is one type. The test procedure is based on IEC
60076-1 [5.4] and adopted by SGCC and TEPCO. The test may be carried out at lower voltage value.

Regarding “Measurement of short-circuit impedance”, there are two types. Type A is based on IEC 60076-1 [5.4]
and adopted by SGCC. The test may be carried out at lower current value. Type B is adopted by POWERGRID,
which applies voltage with a 0-280V varistor connected to the other winding. This test is not applicable for TEPCO.

*Measurement of voltage ratio on each tapping” and” FRA” are the common test items of three utilities.

Maintenance tests:
Regarding “Appearance”, there are three types. IEC 60076 standards however, have not given a basis on how the
tests need to be conducted. Type A, Type B and Type C are adopted by SGCC, TEPCO and POWERGRID,
respectively.

Regarding “Temperature of oil and winding” there are two types. The temperature rise limited value is shown in IEC
60076-2 [5.5].Type A and Type B are adopted by SGCC and TEPCO respectively.

Regarding “Cooling system”, there are three types. IEC 60076 standards however, have not given a basis on how
the tests need to be conducted. Type A, Type B and Type C are adopted by SGCC, TEPCO and POWERGRID
respectively. The interval between testing is different among Type A, Type B and Type C.

Regarding “Sound and vibration”, there are two types. Sound test procedure is described in IEC 60076-10 [5.6].

74/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

IEC 60076 standards however, have not given a basis on how the tests need to be conducted. Type A and Type B
are adopted by SGCC and TEPCO, respectively. The interval between testing is different between Type A and
Type B.

“Appearance” and “cooling system” are the common test items of three utilities.

5.5 Summary and recommendations for maintenance tests

5.5.1 GIS maintenance tests and diagnostic tests

This section shows the typical practical examples of maintenance tests and diagnostic tests for UHV substations
based on the questionnaire results and the classification from the utilities due to there being no specification in IEC
62272-203 [5.2]. The practical examples that are used by more than two utilities are selected, although they are
different between each utility due to their unique maintenance concept. Here, the test items and intervals are
recommended to be determined between the user and manufacturer and implemented by the user.

The proposed GIS diagnostic tests and maintenance tests for UHV substation are shown in and Table 5. 13. The
test items in section 5.4.1 are selected again for GIS. The concept for the proposal is the same as those as the on-
site acceptance test shown in section 3.3.1. The examples of each test interval are referred to the questionnaire
results and the classifications in Appendix B.

Concerning “diagnostic tests for circuit breaker”, “SF6 moisture measurement” is the basic test item. The additional
test items are “overheat monitoring”, “acoustic emission” and “preparation time of motor drives”.

“Leakage current measurement” under operating voltage and “SF6 moisture measurement” are the common test
items for MOSA diagnostic tests.

Regarding “diagnostic tests for other components”, “SF6 leakage measurement” and “SF6 moisture measurement”
are the basic diagnostic items. The additional items are “X ray photography”, “PD and acoustic measurement” and
“preparation time of motor drives”.

Note that the criteria of “SF6 moisture measurement” have the variation of 150-300 μl/l for circuit breakers and 250-
500 μl/l for MOSA and other components.

In “maintenance test for circuit breaker”, a typical example is recommenced, while other examples can refer to in
Appendix B.

The common test items for “maintenance test for MOSA” are “insulation resistance measurement”, “resistance of
circuit” and “leakage current waveform measurement”.

Regarding “maintenance test for other components – DS/ES”, “operation test” is applied for most of the utilities,
and “visual inspection” and “performance of operating mechanism” are additional practical examples. As to
“maintenance test for other components – CT/VT”, there are lots of examples depending on the utilities but the
common practices are seen in the Table.

75/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

TABLE 5.12 PROPOSED GIS DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

Test items*1 Test procedure / Criteria Remarks

1. Circuit breaker 1) SF6 moisture measurement, □ IEC 62271-203:
2) Overheat monitoring, No description
3) Acoustic emission,
4) Preparation time of motor drives.

NOTE The example of the criteria for 1) is ≤ 150 - 300 vol μl/l.
2. MOSA 1) Leakage current measurement under operating voltage, □ IEC 62271-203:
2) SF6 moisture measurement. No description

NOTE The example of the criteria for 2) is ≤ 250 - 500 vol μl/l..
3. Other 1) SF6 leakage measurement, □ IEC 62271-203:
component 2) SF6 moisture measurement, No description
3) X ray photography, PD/acoustic measurement, Preparation time
of motor drives.

NOTE 1 The example of the criteria for 1) is ≤ 0.5 %/year.

NOTE 2 The example of the criteria for 2) is ≤ 250-500 volμl/l.

*1 Test items of diagnostic tests are recommended to be determined between user and manufacturer and
implemented by user.

TABLE 5. 13 PROPOSED GIS MAINTENANCE TESTS

Test items *1 Test procedure / Criteria *2 (Practical examples) Remarks

1. Circuit breaker 1) Visual inspection, □IEC 62271-203:

2) Open/close characteristic measurement, No description
3) Performance of operating mechanism.
2. MOSA 1) Insulation resistance measurement, □IEC 62271-203:
2) Resistance of auxiliary circuit, No description
3) Leakage current waveform measurement.

NOTE Outage is necessary to measure porcelain

resistance.Leakage current is sometimes checked.
3. OTHER 1) Visual inspection, □IEC 62271-203:
COMPONENTS 2) Operation test, No description
–DS/ES 3) Performance of operating mechanism.
4. OTHER 1) Terminals for connecting secondary circuit and for connecting □IEC 62271-203:
COMPONENTS cable inspection, No description
–CT/VT 2) Grounding wire inspection.

5. OTHER 1) Insulating resistance of auxiliary circuit/ □IEC 62271-203:

COMPONENTS control circuit No description
-OTHERS 2) SF6 gas density relay including set value test,
3) Local control box.
4) Other parts
e.g. Alarm/ indicator test, insulation resistance of relay
*1 Test items of maintenance test are recommended to be determined between user and manufacturer and
implemented by user.
*2 The criteria are within or above the specified values.

76/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

5.6.2 Transformer maintenance test and diagnostic tests

After long-term operation, transformers must be overhauled, replaced or repaired in order to restore its original
level of health. Maintenance tests should be determined according to the actual condition of the equipment. As a
result, the summary and recommendations concerning maintenance tests for UHV & 800kV substations are as
following.

Collect data and thoroughly analyse the information regarding the transformers;
Maintenance tests of transformers are based on the management of the equipment; therefore there must be
accurate data of the transformer’s condition. Notice the collected information of the transformer includes the
original records, account, drawings, technical data and related operation, repair, and test data.

Increase life of transformers through comprehensive analysis;

In order to complete comprehensive analysis of the transformers condition, a condition based maintenance
strategy is recommended. For a transformer in poor condition, it is necessary to increase the test frequency. For a
transformer with individual severe defects, testing is necessary whenever the defects occur. For transformers in
good condition, the test period interval is much more relaxed.

Apply new technology to improve online monitoring;

Reliable on-line monitoring devices should be actively adopted in future development which will allow
compensation for the disadvantage of off-line monitoring. On-line monitoring and off-line monitoring should
organically combine and accurately grasp the true condition of the transformer.

High quality personal used in maintenance tests and in transformer management;

During maintenance tests (examination and inspection), personnel must have detailed records. The transformer
should be inspected on a regular basis whenever there are unusual weather conditions, during full load operation,
and whenever the equipment needs to be overhauled after its operation. During these inspections, key points of the
transformers should be inspected to ensure adequate operation.

The proposed transformer diagnostic tests and maintenance tests for UHV substation are shown in

Table 5.14 and

77/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

Table 5.15 respectively. The test items in section 5.4.2 are selected for transformers, with the addition of another
test item. The practical examples that are used by at least two utilities are selected, although they are different
between each utility depending on their unique maintenance concept. The Dissolved Gases Analysis test coincides
with IEC60567 [5.6] and IEC60599 [5.7]. The examples of each test interval are referred to in the questionnaire
results in Tables B.5 and B.6.

TABLE 5.14 PROPOSED TRANSFORMER DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

No. Test item Test procedure and criteria (practical Remarks

example)
1 Tightness test Note: IEC60076-1(Ed.3):
- The example procedure: Apply - If there is no
0.035MPa pressure on the oil agreement, then no
conservator, and no leakage within leakage can be
24h.(For 750kV and above voltage level) found under at least
0.03MPa within 24h.

2 Determination of Note: IEC60076-10:

sound levels - The example of criteria: The noise - The procedure of
level<the specified value. test is provided.

3 Measurement of Note: IEC60076-1 (Ed.3)

voltage ratio on The example of criteria: - The tolerance is
each tapping - The measuring result should be provided.
consistent with the nameplate.
- Tolerance of rated tapping voltage
ratio:±0.5 %.
- Tolerance of others: ±1 %.

4 Measurement of Note: IEC60076:

earth current of - The example of criteria: The earth No description.
core current in operation <300 mA.

5 Measurement of Note: EC60076-18:

FRA of winding - The example of criteria: The measuring - The procedure and
result has not significant change criteria are
78/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

comparing with the history results. described.

6 Measurement of Note: EC60076-1(Ed.3):

no-load loss and - The example of criteria: The measuring - Test procedure
current results should have not significant and criteria are
deviation comparing with the last results. described.

79/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

TABLE 5.15 PROPOSED TRANSFORMER MAINTENANCE TESTS

No. Test item Test procedure and criteria (practical Remarks

example)
1 Appearance Note: IEC60076 :
The example of criteria: - No description.
- The appearance of the transformer shall
be normal.
- The oil level shall be normal and have no
leakage.

2 Temperature of Note: IEC60076-2:

oil and winding The example of procedure: - The temperature
- Measure and record the oil and winding rise limit value of
temperature. transformer is
- Record the environment temperature, provided.
load value and the number of cooler on
operation.

3 Breather Note: IEC60076 :

desiccant The example of procedure/criteria: - No description.
- If abnormal, the moisture analysis shall
be performed on the oil sample.
- More than 60% is damp, the desiccant
shall be changed.

4 Cooling system Note: IEC60076 :

The example of criteria: - No description.
- No foreign substance covers the outlet
zone and the radiator.
- Submersible pump shows no abnormal
noise and vibration.

5 Sound and Note: IEC60076-10:

vibration The example of criteria: - Sound test
- If the noise level>the specified value. procedure is
- Vibration peak wave height does not described.
exceed the specified value. IEC60076:
- No description of
vibration
measurement.
6 DGA Note: IEC60567:
(Interval: When necessary and overhaul) - The test procedure
The example of criteria: is described.
- When total hydrocarbon >150μL/L, or IEC60599:
content of H2>150μL/L, or content of - The identification
C2H2>0.5μL/L. of faults by DGA are
- Total HC producing gas rate >6mL/d, or described.
related producing gas rate >10%/month,
means abnormal of the equipment.

80/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

5.7 References
[5.1] IEC 62271-1, “High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 1: Common specifications”.

[5.2] IEC 62271-203, “High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 203: Gas-insulated
metal-enclosed switchgear for rated voltages above 52 kV”.

[5.3] IEC 60076-18, “Power transformers–Part 18: Measurement of frequency response” （FDIS）

[5.4] IEC 60076-1, “Power transformers –Part 1: General”.

[5.5] IEC 60076-2, “Power transformers –Part 2: Temperature rise”.

[5.6] IEC 60076-10, “Power transformers–Part 10: Determination of sound levels”.

[5.7] IEC 60076-3, “Power transformers–Part 3: Insulation levels, dielectric tests and external
clearances in air”.

[5.8] IEC 60567, “Oil-filled electrical equipment-Sampling of gases and of oil for the analysis of free and dissolved
gases-Guidance”.

[5.9] IEC 60599, “Mineral oil-impregnated electrical equipment in service-Guide to the interpretation of dissolved
and free gases analysis”

81/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

6. SPECIAL VERIFICATION TESTS

6.1 Artificial single-phase-to-ground fault tests and secondary

arc extinction tests for the Chinese 1000 kV project
Based on the large amount of calculations and experiment demonstrations, SGCC decided to design the UHV
transmission line with two full-circle transpositions and a 4 legged reactor, consisting of 3-phase 1100 kV reactors
with its neutral point grounded through a neutral grounding reactor. These measures can extinguish secondary
arcs and mitigate recovery voltage requirements.

To test the efficiency of single-phase auto-reclosing, artificial single-phase-to-ground faults were applied on the
Nanyang-Jingmen and Changzhi-Nanyang transmission lines during the commissioning tests. The UHV AC power
system uses single-phase reclosing to enhance the reliability and stability, since roughly only one-third of the power
transfer interrupted transitorily during auto-reclosing, helping to mitigate the transient impact of the opening of the
faulted phase of the transmission line. The prerequisite for the successful implementation of single-phase auto-
reclosing is quickly extinguishing secondary arcs and therefore mitigating the transient recovery voltage where the
short circuit occurred on UHV AC lines after the occurrence of transient single-phase-to-ground faults.

For the Nanyang-Jingmen line, the duration of the secondary arc is 42ms, and for the Changzhi-Nanyang line it is
118ms. No reignite happens after the arc extinguishing. Resultantly, the 4 legged reactor can effectively limit the
secondary arc of the UHV line. The reclosing time of the project is sufficient when choosing between approximately
0.7s to 1s.

6.1.1 Artificial single-phase-to-ground fault tests on UHV Nanyang-Jingmen line

Artificial single-phase-to-ground testing was carried out on the Nanyang-Jingmen UHV line on Dec. 30th, 2008.
Phase C of the Nanyang-Jingmen UHV line was artificially grounded with a transport power of 600MW. The
maximum overvoltage value on the 3-phase shunt reactor is 1.35p.u. (1213 kV), and the maximum overvoltage
peak value on the grounding reactor is 290 kV.

ARTIFICAL SINGLE PHASE TO GROUND TESTING ON NANYANG-JINGMEN UHV LINE

82/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

Fig. 6.1 and Fig. 6.2 show the voltage waveforms of 4 legged reactors in the Nanyang station and Jingmen
substation respectively, with artificial single-phase-to-ground fault tests at the Nanyang-Jingmen UHV line.

FIG. 6.1 VOLTAGE WAVEFORMS OF SHUNT REACTORS AND NEUTRAL GROUNDING REACTOR IN THE NANYANG
STATION WITH ARTIFICIAL SINGLE-PHASE-TO-GROUND FAULT TESTS IN THE NANYANG-JINGMEN UHV LINE

83/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 6.2 VOLTAGE WAVEFORMS OF SHUNT REACTORS AND NEUTRAL GROUNDING REACTOR IN THE JINGMEN
SUBSTATION WITH ARTIFICIAL SINGLE-PHASE-TO-GROUND FAULT TEST IN THE NANYANG-JINGMEN UHV LINE

84/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

Fig. 6.3 shows the short-circuit and secondary arc current waveform in the short-circuit connection, in the artificial
single-phase-to-ground fault test at the Nanyang-Jingmen UHV line. The arcing times of the tests are shown in
Table 6.1. The duration of secondary arc is 42ms.

FIG. 6.3 THE SHORT-CIRCUIT AND SECONDARY ARC CURRENT WAVEFORM IN THE SHORT-CIRCUITCONNECTION,
IN THE ARTIFICIAL SINGLE-PHASE-TO-GROUND FAULT TEST AT THE NANYANG-JINGMEN UHV LINE

TABLE 6.1 ARCING TIME OF THE ARTIFICIAL SINGLE-PHASE-TO-GROUND FAULT TESTS AT THE NANYANG-
JINGMEN UHV LINE

Time (ms) Arcing time

 Short circuit
0  Short circuit current, 9.7kA, peak.
 Forced component, 4.7kA, rms.

 The fault-phase CB of Nanyang station opening,

40.3
 short circuit current, 4.5kA peak.

 The fault-phase CB of Jingmen substation opening,

49.3
 Secondary arc engender.

79.3  Secondary arc current, 11.6A peak

92  Arc extinguishing

Fig. 6.4 and Fig. 6.5 shows the recovery voltage and secondary arc current waveforms at two stations respectively,
with artificial single-phase-to-ground fault tests on the Nanyang-Jingmen UHV line. The waveforms of the recovery
voltage are distorted due to the natural frequency of the UHV line. The maximum peak value of the recovery
voltage is 44.6 kV.

85/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 6.4 RECOVERY VOLTAGE AND SECONDARY ARC CURRENT WAVEFORMS AT THE NANYANG SUBSTATION,
WITH ARTIFICIAL SINGLE-PHASE-TO-GROUND FAULT TESTS IN THE NANYANG-JINGMEN UHV LINE

FIG. 6.5 RECOVERY VOLTAGE AND SECONDARY ARC CURRENT WAVEFORMS AT THE JINGMEN SUBSTATION,
WITH ARTIFICIAL SINGLE-PHASE-TO-GROUND FAULT TESTS IN THE NANYANG-JINGMEN UHV LINE

6.1.2 Artificial single-phase-to-ground fault tests on the UHV Changzhi-Nanyang

line
th
Artificial single-phase-to-ground fault tests were carried out on the Changzhi-Nanyang UHV line on Jan. 20 , 2009.
Phase C of Changzhi-Nanyang UHV line was artificially grounded with transport power of 1000MW. During the test,
the maximum overvoltage value on the 3-phase shunt reactor was 1.24p.u. (1115 kV), and the maximum
overvoltage peak value on grounding reactor was 269 kV.

Fig. 6.6 and Fig. 6.7 shows the voltage waveforms of the 4 legged reactors in the Changzhi and Nanyang
substation respectively, with artificial single-phase grounding tests on the Changzhi-Nanyang UHV line.

86/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 6.6 VOLTAGE WAVEFORMS OF SHUNT REACTORS AND THE NEUTRAL TERMINAL IN THE CHANGZHI
SUBSTATION, WITH ARTIFICIAL SINGLE-PHASE-TO-GROUND FAULT TESTS ON THE CHANGZHI-NANYANG UHV
LINE

87/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 6.7 VOLTAGE WAVEFORMS OF SHUNT REACTORS AND THE NEUTRAL TERMINAL IN THE NANYANG
SUBSTATION, WITH ARTIFICIAL SINGLE-PHASE-TO-GROUND FAULT TESTS ON THECHANGZHI-NANYANG UHV LINE

Fig. 6.8 shows the short-circuit and secondary arc current waveforms in the short-circuit connection, with artificial
single-phase-to-ground tests on the Nanyang-Jingmen UHV line. The arcing time of the tests are shown in TABLE
6.2. The duration of secondary arc is 118 ms.

88/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 6.8 THE SHORT-CIRCUIT AND SECONDARY ARC CURRENT WAVEFORMS IN THE SHORT-CIRCUIT CONNECTION,
WITH ARTIFICIAL SINGLE-PHASE GROUNDING TEST AT CHANGZHI-NANYANG UHV LINE

TABLE 6.2 ARCING TIME OF ARTIFICIAL SINGLE-PHASE GROUNDING TEST AT CHANGZHI-NANYANG UHV LINE
Time (ms) Arcing time

 Short circuit
0  Short circuit current, 10.4kA, peak.
 Forced component, 4.6kA, rms.

40.3  The fault-phase CB of Nanyang station opening,

 The fault-phase CB of Changzhi substation opening,

75
 Secondary arc engender.

105  Secondary arc current, 14.5A peak

193  Arc extinguishing

Fig. 6.9 and Fig. 6.10 show the recovery voltage and secondary arc current waveforms at two substations
respectively, with artificial single-phase grounding tests on the Changzhi-Nanyang UHV line. The waveforms of the
recovery voltage are distorted due to the natural frequency of the UHV line. The maximum peak value of the
recovery voltage is 145 kV.

89/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 6.9 RECOVERY VOLTAGE AND SECONDARY ARC CURRENT WAVEFORMS AT THE CHANGZHI SUBSTATION,
WITH ARTIFICIAL SINGLE-PHASE GROUNDING TEST ON THE CHANGZHI-NANYANG UHV LINE

FIG. 6.10 RECOVERY VOLTAGE AND SECONDARY ARC CURRENT WAVEFORMS AT THE NANYANG STATION, WITH
ARTIFICIAL SINGLE-PHASE GROUNDING TEST ON THE CHANGZHI-NANYANG UHV LINE

90/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

6.2 HSES field verification test and operation experience

In Korea, 765 kV transmission systems are used to connect the large amount of electrical power generated in the
east and west coasts to the Kyungin area. The systems use double-circuit steel towers in order to save space, and
have adopted a high speed multi-phase reclosing system to prevent losses in the double-circuits.

In double-circuit transmission lines such as the 765 kV transmission in KEPCO, it is desirable to install HSES. This
is due to complications arising from compensation of the capacitances between the healthy phases and circuits,
and it is not only difficult but also not economical to apply a four-legged reactor.
6.2.1 History of 765 kV System in KOREA

Korea started to research 765 kV transmission systems in 1991, and started their commercial operation in early
2002. It was a relatively short period to introduce the 765 kV system within 10 years, so KEPCO referred to other
countries’ UHV system experience, such as Japan, USA, Canada, South Africa and Russia, and their
computational simulation.

Following are the key milestones of the 765 kV system in Korea.

Jul. 1991 Planning of the 765 kV system upgrade

Feb. 1996 Started construction of the 765 kV transmission line

Dec. 1998 Completed 1st 765 kV transmission line construction

Aug. 1999 Started construction of the 765 kV substation

May 2002 Started commercial operation of the 765 kV system

Fig. 6.11 shows the 765 kV transmission grid and Fig. 6.12 shows the Korean 765 kV transmission system in
operation.

Table 6.3 and Table 6.4 show the present 765 kV transmission lines and substations in Korea.

FIG. 6.11 KOREAN 765 KV TRANSMISSION GRID

91/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 6.12 765 KV SUBSTATION IN OPERATION

TABLE 6.3 765 KV TRANSMISSION LINES IN KOREA

Line Length Construction Remarks

[km] Started Finished
Dang Jin 38.8 Jan. 1996 Dec. 1999 Double Circuit
Sin Seo San 137.4 Feb. 1996 Dec. 2000 Double Circuit
Sin Tae Back 154.7 Jan. 1996 Oct. 2000 Double Circuit
Sin Wool Jin 46.5 - Dec. 2006 Double Circuit
Sin An Sung 80 Aug. 2005 Apr. 2010 Single Circuit

TABLE 6.4 765 KV SUBSTATIONS IN KOREA

Substation Capacity Construction Remarks

[MVA] Started Finished
Sin Seo San 1000 X 2 Aug. 1999 May 2002 -
Sin An Sung 2000 X 3 Jan. 2000 May 2002 -
Dang Jin 1114 X 1 - Feb. 2002 -
Sin Ga Pyung 2000 X 3 Sep. 2001 Nov. 2002 -
Sin Tae Back 2000 X 3 Dec. 2001 Nov. 2004 -

92/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

6.2.2 Design for 765 kV HSES in Korea

1) Characteristics of the 2-circuit, 765 kV system

KEPCO constructed two parallel transmission circuits between substations, which have the following
downfalls;

- High possibility of multi-faults caused by tower electric potential rising due to lightning;
- Serious impact on power system stability in case of collapse of the transmission tower;
- Impedance differences among phases due to non-transposition of transmission lines;
- Large charging current (large capacitance due to 6 conductors);
- Delay of secondary arc current extinction.

2) Secondary arc current extinction

In case of a transmission line fault, after the circuit breaker is opened, a secondary arc current flows to the
fault point until a certain period. Therefore, there might be a case that high speed reclosing is not possible
due to the delay of the arc extinction.

As countermeasures, 4 legged reactor or HSES is recommended. However, it is difficult to select a reactor-

capacity that reduces the secondary arc current effectively for all fault modes. Therefore, to make sure high -
speed multi-phase reclosing occurs, KEPCO decided to adapt HSES, which will extinguish the secondary arc
quickly.

3) Simulation of Secondary arc current extinction

For computational simulations for various cases, the maximum length of the transmission line which is possible to
be extinguished in the secondary arc within 750ms naturally without HSES operation is defined as 70km in the
case of a single fault.

In the case of successive faults, HSES shall be operated in order to extinguish the secondary arc within 750ms.
HSES can be installed at either end of the transmission line in order to extinguish the secondary arc within 750ms,
but only if the line is shorter than 80km.

Fig. 6.13 shows the secondary arc times between transmission line lengths and fault location without successive
faults.

FIG. 6.13 SECONDARY ARC TIMES BETWEEN TRANSMISSION LINE LENGTHS AND FAULT LOCATION

93/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

Fig. 6.14 to Fig. 6.17 show the arc times when successive faults occur for various cases.

FIG. 6.14 COMPUTATIONAL SIMULATION CASES WHEN SUCCESSIVE FAULTS OCCUR

FIG. 6.15 SECONDARY ARC TIMES WHEN SUCCESSIVE FAULTS OCCUR

FIG. 6.16 COMPUTATIONAL SIMULATION CASES WHEN SUCCESSIVE FAULTS OCCUR

94/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 6.17 SECONDARY ARC TIMES WHEN SUCCESSIVE FAULTS OCCUR

6.2.3 HSES Field Operation Experience

Since 2002, there were more than 20 single-phase earth faults in the 765 kV transmission line due mainly to
lightning, but until now multi-phase faults were not observed. During the earth faults, reclosing was
successfully performed with HSES operation. The following below is a sample case.

1) General Information

Date of the fault: Aug. 1. 2007, AM09:28

Fault location: 50 km from Singapyung and 104.7 km from Sintaebaek

Fault type: Single phase earth fault due to lightning

Power flow at breakdown: 1,194MW

Circuit single line

Singapyung Sintabaek

2) Analysis of relay recorder in the Singapyung

1. CB off
2. HSES on(216.8 ㎳)
3. HSES off(779.5 ㎳)
4. CB On Command(986.2 ㎳)
5. CB Closed

95/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

3) Analysis of relay recorder in the Sintaebaek

1. CB off
2. HSES on (209.1ms)
3. HSES off (795.2ms)
4. CB Closed

6.2.4 References
[1] ‘A analysis result on the application of HSGS to the 765 kV transmission line according to iy’s length” (The
Korean Institute of Electrical Engineering, 1999)

[2] ‘765 kV HSGS Design & Operation of KEPCO” (Korea Electric Power Corperation, 2010)

96/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

6.3 Bushing test concerning seismic performance

1100 kV bushings are physically long in order to maintain adequate insulation strength. As a result, it is necessary
to verify the seismic mechanical performance in order to verify its operational capabilities. The bushing seismic
performance was improved by increasing the diameter size for the bottom part of the porcelain insulator and
shortening the length of the porcelain insulator, changing the shape of the corona ring. As a result, the 1100 kV
bushing has a seismic performance verified by numerical analysis at the design stage. The bushing passed rocking
2
tests conditioned at 0.3G (2.94 m/s ) at the basement of the bushing, and impact tests conditioned over three
cycles by resonant frequency. As a result, it was verified that the 1100 kV bushing has a seismic performance with
over twice the safety margin in comparison to the specifications.

However, at the site, the bushing would be connected to GIS and conductors coming from the transmission line. As
a result, the following performance evaluation is required:

 Seismic performance including the effect of connected GIS with and without connecting a conductor;
 Dynamic behaviour under consideration of the total construction of the foundation and the equipment.
Based on these results, verification tests of the seismic performance of the 1100 kV bushing at the UHV equipment
test station were conducted through the use of a vibration test facility, as shown in FIG. 6. 19 to FIG. 6. 21.

V-shaped
suspension string

Counterweight
Conductor connection

Bushing
36.2m 17.4m 25.4m
11.5m

Foundation

FIG. 6. 18 CONSTRUCTION OF 1100 KV FIG. 6. 19 1100 KV BUSHING AND CONDUCTOR

BUSHING AND CONDUCTOR CONNECTION

Bushing
Gus insulated bus

Vibration
Lightning arrester equipment

Foundation
FIG. 6. 20 ROCKING TEST ARRANGEMENT FOR 1100 KV BUSHING WITH FOUNDATION, GIS, AND
CONNECTING CONDUCTOR

97/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

(a) Rocking test arrangement

 These tests were carried out after the installation of all UHV equipment at the UHV equipment test station.

The arrangement of all equipment for the rocking tests, such as the 1100 kV bushing, 1100 kV GIS, the vibration
testing facilities, etc. is shown in FIG. 6. 18 to FIG. 6. 20. Table 6. 5 shows the specification of the UHV
equipment, foundations and connecting conductors.

 Input acceleration levels on the foundation are shown below.

 X direction : 0.0065G to 0.0067G
 Y direction : 0.0110G to 0.0133G

TABLE 6. 5 SPECIFICATIONS OF THE UHV EQUIPMENTS, FOUNDATION AND LEAD WIRE

No. Item Specification

Porcelain length: 11.5m

1 1100 kV Gas bushing
2 1100 kV GIS enclosure
3 Foundation
4 Wire
Top height: 17.4m
Weight: 18ton
Height: 2.05m
Inner diameter: 1.4m
Weight: 27.2ton
Volume: 11.3×7.5×1 m
Weight: 19.8t
Wire: HAL (Hard-drawn Aluminium wire) 850mm2 x 8 bundled conductors
Weight: 157.6kg/phase

(b) Test results

The results of the 1100 kV bushing rocking test are shown in Table 6.6 and FIG. 6. 21.

 The existing analysis method, soil spring mode analysis, is effective to evaluate the acceleration of the bushing
head with the conductors.
 The measured characteristics conform satisfactory to the results of the pre-examined seismic analysis.
 Acceleration of the bushing head with the conductors is less than that without the conductors, due to the
damping effect by the connecting conductor.

These test results show the damping effect by the connecting lead to reduce the vibration at the head of the 1100
kV bushing. As a result, a reduction in acceleration of up to 20% was seen at the bushing head in the X direction. In
addition, it made two peaks on the frequency response characteristics as shown on FIG. 6. 21.

TABLE 6.6 RESULTS OF PEAK FREQUENCY AND RESPONSE

No. Item Analysis Measured

1 Without conductors (A) 4.6 Hz 4.6 Hz

4.2 Hz, 4.1 Hz,

2 With conductor (B)
4.7 Hz 4.7 Hz

3 Amplification of acceleration (B/A) 20 % 20 %

98/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

Amplification ratio of acceleration

Without conductors
With conductors

Frequency (Hz)
FIG. 6. 21 BUSHING HEAD ACCELERATION VS FREQUENCY (ANALYSIS)

6.4 VFTO verification test (experiment study on VFTO test

circuits on full scale UHV GIS)

6.4.1 Introduction
In 2009, two full scale VFTO test circuits with 1100 kV GIS were established by SGCC at UHV AC test base in
Wuhan. More than two thousand tests were carried out, and VFTO measurement systems were carefully
developed to accurately capture the waveforms.

6.4.2 VFTO test circuits of full scale UHV GIS

According to the practical situation of three substations in the China UHV AC Demonstration Project, two test
circuits with full scale UHV GIS, which can generate severe VFTO, were built to investigate the characteristics of
VFTO. The circuit diagram is shown in FIG. 6. 22. The equipment within the dashed line includes the tested GIS,
and the points marked with a number are the VFTO measurement locations where porthole type sensors are
installed. In order to simulate the long busbar near DSs in the Changzhi GIS system, a source side duct BS1 with
changeable length (three kinds of length) is connected to the source side of DS2.

The design of both test circuits is almost the same, and the test GISs are the same as those used in the China
UHV AC Demonstration Project. One tested GIS is supplied by Xi’an XD Switchgear Electric Co., Ltd. (SHIKY) and
the other is one of Henan Pinggao Electric Co. Ltd. (PINGGAO). The layout diagram of both test GIS, which are
symmetrically placed at both sides of DC generator, is shown in FIG. 6. 23.

99/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

AS： AC power source BG1： GIS bushing

BS1： Source side duct DS2： Switching DS

BS2： Load side duct DS1： Auxiliary DS

BG2： GIS bushing DS： DC power source

FIG. 6. 22 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM OF BOTH VFTO TEST CIRCUITS

AC Iron

PINGGAO
SHIKY DC generator

FIG. 6. 23 LAYOUT DIAGRAM OF BOTH VFTO TEST CIRCUITS

In the PINGGAO GIS test, DS1 is with a 500Ω damping resistor and DS2 is without a damping resistor in order to
investigate the mitigation effect of the damping resistor on VFTO. In the SHIKY GIS test, both DS1 and DS2 are
without the damping resistor.

The SHIKY DS is horizontal and operates slowly, while the PINGGAO DS is vertical and operates quickly. The
operational speeds of both DS’s are listed in Table 6.7.

TABLE 6.7 OPERATIONAL SPEEDS OF DS’S

Opening speed (m/s) Closing speed (m/s)

PINGGAO DS 1.7 2.5
SHIKY DS 0.54 0.54

Each VFTO measurement system is comprised of a porthole type sensor, an oscilloscope, a power supply and a
shielding cage. For the porthole type sensor, which is shown in FIG. 6. 24, the high voltage capacitor C1 is formed

100/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

between the phase conductor of the GIS and the plate electrode of the sensor and the low voltage capacitor C2 is
formed by putting a thin film between the plate electrode of sensor and the blind flange of the porthole. The low and
high frequency performances of the measurement system were calibrated under voltage sources with different
waveforms using a specially developed calibration setup in the laboratory. The impedance transformation circuit
was designed to amplify the output impedance of the capacitive divider and achieve the impedance matching with
the following circuit. As a result, the low cut-off frequency of the sensor can be extended greatly. The calibration
results showed that the bandwidth of the measurement systems are about 0.01 Hz – 200 MHz, there is no parasitic
oscillation, and the voltage ratio is stable. Therefore, the performance is adequate for VFTO measurements.

FIG. 6. 24 ILLUSTRATIVE SKETCH OF THE PORTHOLE TYPE SENSOR

In order to capture the whole VFTO waveforms with very high frequency components and repetitive restrikes
sustained for a long period, Tektronix DPO7054 and Yokogawa DLM2054 oscilloscopes with high bandwidth and
large memory were used in the measurement systems.

An optical fibre triggering system was developed to trigger all oscilloscopes at different measurement locations in
order to capture the VFTO waveforms synchronously.

To avoid the effects of EMI and TEV generated from switching operations of DS, each oscilloscope was placed in a
shielding cage directly connected to the GIS enclosure and powered by batteries.

6.4.3 Test results

In considering the effect of trapped charge voltages on VFTO, tests with and without pre-charging 1.0pu DC
voltages (1.0p.u.=1100 kV/√3*√2=898 kV) were carried out using both SHIKY and PINGGAO GIS’s. In order to
analyse the effect of the source side ducts on VFTO, tests have been carried out using source side ducts with
different lengths. In order to analyse the mitigation techniques for VFTO by the use of a damping resistor, tests
have been carried out using PINGGAO DS with a damping resistor. The test descriptions are shown in Table 6.8.
Through a total of more than 2000 tests, waveform characteristics of VFTO, distribution of VFTO magnitude and
mitigation techniques for VFTO by damping resistors are obtained.

TABLE 6.8 VFTO TEST CONTENTS

Pre-
Test charging Source side duct Damping
Test GIS
numbers 1.0p.u DC (BS1,m) resistor
voltage
120 With
PINGGAO
120 Yes 9 Without
120 SHIKY Without
450 9
450 3 PINGGAO Without
No
450 0
450 9 SHIKY Without

101/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

6.4.3.1 WAVEFORM CHARACTERISTICS OF VFTO

A large number of whole waveforms are captured under different test conditions, which differ from the source side
to the load side. As shown in Fig. 6.25, the whole waveform of VFTO is with multiple voltage steps at the load side,
while it is without voltage steps at the source side.

VFTO is a continuous process with multiple restrikes. The restrikes continue until the DS contactors close or the
gap between the DS contactors becomes large enough during opening. Resultantly, the duration of VFTO depends
on the prestriking time during closing and arc extinction time during opening. The restrike numbers of PINGGAO
GIS during one operation are less than those of SHIKY GIS, no matter closing or opening, as shown in Fig. 6.26.

(a) LOAD SIDE (b) SOURCE SIDE

FIG. 6.25 WHOLE VFTO WAVEFORM DURING CLOSING

(a) PINGGAO GIS (b) SHIKY GIS

FIG. 6.26 WHOLE VFTO WAVEFORM DURING OPENING AT THE LOAD SIDE

The restrike numbers are analysed under the condition that the voltage across the DS contactors before restrike is
higher than 0.3pu, as shown in Fig. 6.27. The average restrike numbers are about 5 during opening and 6 during
closing of the PINGGAO DS, which are about half of those of SHIKY DS.

35 SHIKY GIS 30 SHIKY GIS

PINGGAO GIS PINGGAO GIS
Occurence probability / %
Occurence probability / %

30 25

25
20
20
15
15
10
10

5 5

0 0
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Restrike number during operation Restrike number during operation

(a) OPENING OPERATION (b) CLOSING OPERATION

FIG. 6.27 HISTOGRAMS OF RESTRIKE NUMBERS

The trapped charge voltage generated by the last strike during opening of the DS is determined by the opening
time of the DS and the phase angle of the last strike, which is affected by the strike characteristic of the DS. The

102/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

VFTO waveforms captured at measurement location 1 are analysed to obtain the distributions of the trapped
charge voltage in Fig. 6.28. The moving contactor with a near flat surface electrode is installed at the source side,
so the probability of trapped charge voltage with negative polarity is higher than that with positive polarity. This is
due to the breakdown voltage between the DS contactors is lower at negative polarity because of polarity effect in
the GIS. If the moving contactor of the DS is connected to the load side, the probability of the trapped charge
voltage with positive polarity will be higher than that with negative polarity.

The induced AC voltage in the load side before closing or after opening of the DS, which can be observed in Fig.
6.25 and Fig. 6.26, is generated by the capacitance divider formed with the capacitor of the opened DS contactors
and the capacitor of the load side channelled to earth. The induced AC voltage in the load side would be much
lower when a circuit-breaker is connected with the DS.

Occurence Probability / % 14 SHIKY GIS

PINGGAO GIS
12

10

0
-1.0 -0.8 -0.6 -0.4 -0.2 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
Trapped charge voltage / p.u.

FIG. 6.28 DISTRIBUTION OF TRAPPED CHARGE VOLTAGE DURING OPENING

Single strike waveform

VFTO is a continuous process with multiple strikes, constituted with many single strike waveforms which are
typically illustrated in Fig. 6.29. From 10 single strike waveforms of VFTO with maximum magnitudes generated
during closing, the magnitude and its rise time from the start base line of the first rising edge (indicated as A1 in Fig.
6.29), the peak (indicated as A2 in Fig. 6.29), the strike duration, and the maximum gradient are calculated. These
parameters differ between PINGGAO and SHIKY GIS, as shown in Table 6.9.

1000
Start Base Line
500
Amplitude / kV

A1
0

-500
A2

-1000

-1500
-300 -150 0 150 300 450 600 750

Time / ns

FIG. 6.29 TYPICAL SINGLE STRIKE WAVEFORM OF VFTO

TABLE 6.9 PARAMETERS OF SINGLE STRIKE WAVEFORMS OF VFTO

103/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

Maximum Strike
Magnitude Rise time
Place gradient duration
(p.u.) (ns)
(kV/ns) (μs)
A1 0.77 8.8
PINGGAO GIS 78.6 9.7
A2 2.38 366
A1 0.99 6.4
SHIKY GIS 138.9 5.6
A2 2.64 298

6.4.3.2 DISTRIBUTION OF VFTO MAGNITUDE

VFTO magnitude is randomly affected by the switching time, the strike behaviour of contactors, the electric arc
characteristic of the DS, and many more reasons. The trapped charge voltage has an important impact on the
distribution of VFTO magnitude. Two test cases, with and without pre-charging the DC voltage, are considered to
simulate the most severe and natural distribution trapped charge voltage.

Pre-charging DC voltage

The most severe VFTO is generally generated if a voltage collapse across DS contactors occurs when the
instantaneous voltage of power supply is at the peak value where the polarity is opposite to the trapped charge
voltage of the load side during the closing of the DS. IEC62271-102 provides the test method of pre-charging the
maximum magnitude DC voltage on the load side in order to consider the most severe trapped charge voltage. The
maximum values of VFTO during closing operation with pre-charging to 1.0pu DC voltage are shown in

TABLE 6.10. The resultant values are similar to those during opening operation.

TABLE 6.10 MAXIMUM VFTO DURING CLOSING OPERATION (PU)

Measurement location 1 2 3 4

PINGGAO GIS 2.01 1.98 2.27 1.47

SHIKY GIS 2.20 2.17 1.86 1.30

The distributions of the maximum VFTO are statistically analysed and shown in Fig. 6.30 with the waveforms
captured at measurement location 3 for PINGGAO GIS and measurement location 1 for SHIKY GIS. The maximum
magnitudes of VFTO present normal distribution during opening and the probability of high magnitudes of VFTO is
higher during closing due the effect of pre-charging the DC voltage.

Closing operation Closing operation

35 35
Opening operation Opening operation
Occurrence Probability / %

Occurrence Probability / %

30 30

25 25

20 20

15 15

10 10

5 5

0 0
1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4

Maximum VFTO/p.u. Maximum VFTO/p.u.

(a) PINGGAO GIS (b) SHIKY GIS

FIG. 6.30 DISTRIBUTION OF MAXIMUM VFTO WITH PRECHARGING DC VOLTAGE

104/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

Without pre-charging DC voltage

The maximum VFTO without pre-charging the DC voltage are listed in Table 6.11. It is noticeable that the
PINGGAO GIS and SHIKY GIS values differ slightly at the same measurement locations.

TABLE 6.11 MAXIMUM VFTO WITHOUT PRECHARGING DC VOLTAGE (P.U.)

Measurement location 1 2 3 4

PINGGAO GIS 2.01 2.00 2.23 1.33

SHIKY GIS 2.03 1.92 1.86 1.27

The distribution of the maximum VFTO with and without pre-charging the DC voltage are shown in Fig. 6.31. The
distribution of the maximum VFTO during closing varies greatly and the probability of high magnitudes with pre-
charging the DC voltage is higher. The distribution of trapped charge voltage without pre-charging the DC voltage
is a normal distribution, leading to a lower probability of high magnitudes of VFTO.

with Pre-charging DC Voltage

35
without Pre-charging DC Voltage
with Pre-charging DC Voltage
Occurrence Probability / %

30 35 without Pre-charging DC Voltage

Occurrence Probability / %

25 30

20 25

20
15
15
10
10
5
5

0
0
1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4
Maximum VFTO/p.u. Maximum VFTO/p.u.

(a) PINGGAO GIS (b) SHIKY GIS

FIG. 6.31 DISTRIBUTION OF MAXIMUM VFTO DURING CLOSING

6.4.3.3 EFFECT OF SOURCE SIDE BUSBAR ON VFTO

All the above results are obtained with the source side duct (BS1) of 9 metres. For PINGGAO GIS, the maximum
magnitudes of VFTO without pre-charging the DC voltage are compared with the varied lengths of BS1 in Table 6.12.
As the length of BS1 increases, the maximum magnitudes of VFTO tend to increase at measurement location 1, 2
and 3, but decrease at measurement location 4. The maximum magnitude of VFTO is given at measurement
location 1 without BS1. As the length of BS1 is extended to be 9m, the maximum magnitude of VFTO is generated
at measurement location 3.

TABLE 6.12 MAXIMUM VFTO WITH DIFFERENT LENGTH OF BS1 (P.U.)

Measurement Location
1 2 3 4

0 1.79 1.65 － 1.53

Length
of BS1
(m)

3 1.90 － 1.88 －
9 2.01 2.00 2.23 1.33

6.4.3.4 MITIGATION OF VFTO BY DAMPING RESISTOR

105/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

The maximum VFTO generated from the PINGGAO DS with and without damping resistors are listed in Table 6.13.
It was found that the maximum VFTO can be suppressed by damping resistor from 2.27 pu to 1.33 pu. As shown in
Fig. 6.32, high frequency oscillation and gradient of VFTO have also been mitigated by the damping resistor.

TABLE 6.13 MAXIMUM VFTO WITH/WITHOUT DAMPING RESISTOR (P.U.)

Measurement location

1 2 3 4

Without damping resistor 2.01 1.98 2.27 1.47

With damping resistor 1.33 1.31 1.25 1.22

(a) WITHOUT DAMPING RESISTOR (b) WITH DAMPING RESISTOR

FIG. 6.32 WAVEFORMS OF VFTO GENERATED FROM PINGGAO GIS DURING CLOSING

6.4.4 Conclusions
 The average restrike numbers are approximately 5 during opening and 6 during closing of PINGGAO GIS,
which are about half of those of SHIKY GIS, under the condition that the re-striking voltage across DS
contactors is higher than 0.3 pu.

 The probability of trapped charge voltage with negative polarity is higher than that with positive polarity when
the contactor of the DS is connected to the source side. The probability of trapped charge voltage with high
magnitude of SHIKY GIS is lower than that of the PINGGAO GIS.

 The maximum VFTO is about 2.27 pu, which is similar during both the opening and closing operation with and
without the pre-charging of 1.0 pu DC voltage.

 Damping resistor fixed in the DS can mitigate the amplitude and gradient of VFTO significantly.

6.5 GIS partial discharge verification test

6.5.1 1100 kV GIS insulation level

In China, the insulation levels of UHV GIS and HybridIS (MTS) are shown in Table 6.14.

106/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 6.33 UHV GIS

TABLE 6.14 INSULATION LEVEL OF UHV GIS AND HYBRIDIS(MTS) [1]

To earth

Lightning impulse
2400
(kV, peak)

Switching impulse
1800
(kV, peak)

Withstand voltage
1100
(kV, rms, 1min)

6.5.2 Procedure for Dielectric Testing

Special tests of 1100 kV GIS and MTS are conducted in the dielectric tests of the main circuit, and include
conditioning tests, AC withstand voltage tests, and partial discharge monitoring.

It should be noted however, that there may be some unwanted particles found in the 1100 kV GIS and
HybridIS (MTS) caused during the onsite assembly or installation. Conditioning tests can “purify" the
equipment by applying a certain voltage to move the particles to low field areas or melt them away.

Mechanical and insulation defects of 1100 kV GIS and MTS equipment may be caused by collisions during
transport, improper operation during installation, or general daily activities. This can be detected by the AC
voltage withstand test and partial discharge monitoring.

Conditioning tests are carried out before the field withstand voltage tests. The procedure of applying the
voltage is:

1. Increase the voltage from 0 to Ur (635 kV) for 10 minutes;

2. Then increase the voltage to 1.2Ur (763 kV) for 5 minutes; and
3. Then finally decrease it.

The Ur value is the rated voltage as shown in Fig. 6.34. The procedure to increase the main circuit voltage to
Uds voltage (880 kV), before reducing it back to ground voltage lasts 1 minute. The withstand voltage test and
partial discharge measurement use the sequence seen in Fig. 6.35, where Ur is the rated voltage, and Uds if
the frequency test voltage. After the withstand voltage test, the voltage is reduced to 1.1Ur (699 kV) to directly
carry out the partial discharge test. During partial discharge test, ultra high frequency, ultrasound, and other
partial discharge detection systems are used for measuring each chamber and gas compartments [2].

107/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 6.34 CONDITIONING TEST SEQUENCE

FIG. 6.35 WITHSTAND VOLTAGE TEST AND PARTIAL DISCHARGE MEASUREMENT SEQUENCE

6.5.3 Test diagram

The test voltage was applied on the bushing of GIS. A specified test voltage should be applied between
each phase of the conductor and the shell. When one phase is tested, the other conductors should be
connected with the grounding of the enclosure. In the development of test programs, it is preferable to
minimize the time the test voltage is applied to the solid insulation.

If the capacity of the sample capacitor was so large that the test current exceeded the capacity of the test
devices, the AC withstanding test could be carried out by two parts respectively through the breakers. In
this way, the test voltage can be applied on the incoming and outgoing bushings.

FIG. 6.36 1100 KV MTS MAIN CIRCUIT INSULATION TEST SCHEMATIC

108/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 6.37 UHV MTS MAIN CIRCUIT INSULATION TEST SITE

The parameters of test equipment were determined as follows:

 The AC withstand test voltage Uds = 1100*80% = 880 kV，duration = 1 minute.

 The resonance frequency was approximated to be 50 Hz.

6.5.4 Test results

Each component of the 1100 kV GIS and HybridIS (MTS) withstood the test voltage procedure, and during
the experiment, there were no sudden voltage drops or sudden violent fluctuations seen on the current meter,
and no breakdown or abnormal discharge. The tests conducted on the GIS were passed.

6.6 Discharge measurement using the UHF method for the 800
kV GIS for the commissioning tests in Korea
800 kV GIS installed at the Sinseosan substation, the Sinansung substation, and the Dangjin Thermal power plant,
underwent partial discharge measurements using external UHF sensors during commissioning and commercial
operation. FIG. 6.38 shows pictures of these substations.[4]

(a) SINSEOSAN SUBSTATION (b) SINANSUNG SUBSTATION (c) DANGJIN THERMAL POWER PLANT

FIG. 6.38 765 KV SUBSTATIONS FOR THE ON-SITE TESTS

6.6.1 Basic noise measurement

109/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

There are various kinds of external noises which effect the operation of the GIS, such as UHF TV and wireless
communication (cellular, HAM, GPS, etc) as well as corona discharge from ultra-high voltage transmission lines
around the substation. These noises transmit into the GIS through the epoxy spacer and combine with
electromagnetic waves caused by partial discharge. However, as the partial discharge tends to be distributed over
a broadband with a very fast rise time, the effect of noise can be minimized by removing a certain noise zone from
a range of UHF signal detection (500MHz to 1500MHz).

External noise was measured before and after by first connecting a sensor to measure the signal, from which a
signal range was determined in order to remove the noise.

Frequencies used in UHF TV, cellular, HAM and other forms of mobile communication and on-site noise are
caused from the transmission lines. As a result, they need to be masked. The range of mask selected by each
substation is shown in TABLE 6.15.

TABLE 6.15 EXTERNAL NOISE IN DOMESTIC 800 KV SUBSTATIONS

Dangjin thermal power

Sinseosan substation Sinansung substation
plant

Region I 0~750 MHz 0~500 MHz 0~500 MHz

830 MHz~920 MHz 500 MHz~650 MHz 500 MHz~750 MHz

Region II
(Cellular zone) (UHF TV) (UHF TV)

1050 MHz~1120 MHz 830 MHz~920 MHz 830 MHz~920 MHz

Region III
(Wireless communication) (Cellular zone) (Cellular zone)

1050 MHz~1130 MHz 1240 MHz~1400 MHz

1240 MHz~1380 MHz
Region IV (Wireless (Wireless
(Wireless communication)
communication) communication)

FIG. 6.39 shows an example of the noise signal at the Sinseosan substation.

Range of external noise

FIG. 6.39 SIGNAL OF NOISE IN SINSEOSAN SUBSTATION

110/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

6.6.2 Result of the tests during commissioning

During the commissioning stage, partial discharge was measured under the condition of applied system voltage
without load. Fig. 6.40 shows the typical signal pattern of UHF band measured for 800 kV GIS, in which the voltage
was applied by reverse transmission using a 345 kV substation. It was confirmed that there was no partial
discharge higher than 5pC across the full-band except in the masking range.

(a) SINSEOSAN SUBSTATION b) SINANSUNG SUBSTATION (c) DANGJIN THERMAL POWER PLANT

FIG. 6.40 NORMAL SIGNAL PATTERN OF UHF BAND IN 800 KV GIS

6.6.3 Result of the tests during commercial operation

Under load conditions, partial discharges at 3 substations were measured, and an abnormal partial discharge was
observed at one of the substations. Resultantly, a detailed investigation was performed with external sensors, and
the partial discharge was measured in the bushing section as shown in FIG. 6. 41.

A partial discharge wave pattern was detected at the No.1 spacer as shown in Fig. 6.42. Fig. 6.43 shows the
external noise measured at the No.1 spacer. As the signal seen in Fig. 6.42 is larger than the signal seen in Fig.
6.43, it can be concluded that partial discharge was generated from within the substation. The estimated quantity of
the partial discharge was 700 pC.

From the frequency bands shown below, Fig. 6.42(a) had the largest signal within the 500-1500 MHz band of the
wave pattern. Next, the phase was measured as seen Fig. 6.42(b). The phase pattern was compared with the
typical partial discharge pattern from numerous causes. Resultantly, it was concluded that the cause of the partial
discharged was a floating electrode. The location of the partial discharge was predicted to be around the conductor
connection under the bushing. This was determined by comparing the partial discharge magnitudes measured at
the spacers from No.1 to No.5.

FIG. 6. 41 PROCEDURE OF THE PD TEST

111/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

(a) FREQUENCY/MAGNITUDE
(b) PHASE

FIG. 6.42 MEASUREMENT RESULT OF NO.1 SPACER

(a) FREQUENCY/MAGNITUDE
(b) PHASE
FIG. 6.43 EXTERNAL NOISE OF NO.1 SPACER

6.6.4 Conclusion
After detailed inspection of the bushing section internally, it was found that a bolt on the bushing conductor
connection came loose due to the electromagnetic force. In addition, there was a burn mark caused by the partial
discharge on the washer where the bolt was loosened. After the problem was fixed, no partial discharge was
measured on the spacers, as shown in Fig. 6.44.

FIG. 6.44 MEASUREMENT RESULT OF THE NO.1 SPACER AFTER THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED

112/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

6.7 Transformer special verification test (SGCC)

6.7.1 Purpose of the test

On-site acceptance tests are very important to check the quality of transformers after transportation and site
installation, in order to determine whether the condition of the transformer meets the requirements. On-site ACLD
tests with potential discharge measurements are the most important key test items which can be used to verify the
insulation system of transformers.

6.7.2 Test Difficulties

Even though the test voltage of on-site ACLD is lower than that in the factory, there are still a lot of difficulties
presented during tests on UHV substations. The first challenge is the extensive research and development needed
to determine the capacity and the high voltage system suitable for the test. In addition, it is another challenge to
limit the total potential discharge emission level of the whole testing system to a level which would make the test
result credible. Due to the complicated test environment, various useful test methods or measures are needed in
order to suppress different kinds of interference, and to deal with the complex situations. The complicated test
environments are listed below:

1) The test system has a large capacity, which implies that the capacity of the test power source is
large. It is a challenge to start the motor-generator within the small capacity of the station service
transformer. The no-load loss of UHV transformers is about 200 kW at rated voltage and frequency.
The test frequency is usually between 100 Hz to 300 Hz. The active power loss is approximately
between 140kW to 303kW within the test frequency range. The total loss of the test system is very
high, and resultantly a large capacity test power source is essential.

2) Potential discharge limits are more rigorous than compared to common transformers. The limit for a
high voltage terminal is 100 pC, and the limit for a low voltage winding is 300 pC.

3) The step-up transformer should be potential discharge free at the highest test voltage, which is a
challenge for step-up transformers.

4) Shielding from transformer and environment interference is also a challenge. Low background
potential discharge emission levels are essential during testing.

6.7.3 Test scheme

6.7.3.1 TEST PROCEDURE AND REQUIREMENT

The applied voltage and the procedure followed is shown in Fig. 6.45 below:

U1  1.5U m / 3 U 2  1.3U m / 3 U3  1.1U m / 3

, , , Um=1100 kV,

A＝5min, B＝5min, D＝60min, E＝5min,

113/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

power frequency
C 120 as well as 15s
test frequency

FIG. 6.45 ACLD TEST PROCEDURE FOR 1000 KV UHV TRANSFORMER

According to standards at specified test voltage levels and following a specified procedure, the following potential
discharge levels should be observed:

 High voltage windings should not be higher than 100 pC,

 Medium voltage windings should not be higher than 200 pC, and
 Low voltage windings should not be higher than 300 pC.

Dissolved Gas Analysis after the test should meet the requirements and no obvious differences should appear
before and after the test [3].

6.7.3.2 TEST CIRCUIT

1.7U m
3
1.5U m 1.5U m
1.1U m 3 3 1.1U m
3 3

5min 5min t 60min 5min

V is test power source, L is compensating reactor, SB is intermediate transformer

FIG. 6.46 ACLD TEST CIRCUIT FOR 1000 KV UHV TRANSFORMER

The test frequency is chosen in the range of 100 Hz to 300 Hz. The test power source provides the power needed
in the test, and the variable frequency motor-generator can be used as a test power source.

6.7.4 Test equipment

1. Parameters for the test power source

The parameters used for the test power source are listed below:

1) A variable-frequency power source of 50 Hz AC power can be converted to medium-frequency power and

then be stepped-up by a transformer after being filtered. The advantage of this is that the frequency can be
adjusted continuously and the test can be carried out at the resonant frequency.

2) A motor-generator has the advantages of a steady and low harmonic voltage, and a better over-load
capacity. It is also durable, easily maintained, safe, and reliable.

114/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 6.47 VARIABLE-FREQUENCY POWER SOURCE AND GENERATOR

2. Step up transformer

The step-up transformer used for the motor-generator should have a rated frequency equal to that of the motor-
generator. For a step-up transformer for a variable frequency power source, it should be able to provide the
required test power within the frequency range of the variable frequency power source.

FIG. 6.48 STEP UP TRANSFORMER

3. Compensation reactor
The total harmonic distortion of the compensation reactor output voltage should be within 3 %, with the total loss
less than 10 kW. Insulation of the compensation reactor should be able to endure a 1.2 rated voltage for 1 minute.
The compensation reactor should be able to be operated continuously for at least 120 minutes at the rated
capacity. The potential discharge emission level should be controlled within 50 pC.

6.7.5 Interference suppression

1. Interference suppression for power source
The following measure can be used to suppress interference:
1) Interference from the grid can be suppressed by using an independent station service transformer for
the test system, or placing a low-pass filter at the input of the power source.
2) Transformer interference can be suppressed by placing a wide band filter at the output of the motor-
generator or a variable frequency test source and placing a wave trapper at the input of the tested
item.

115/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

3) Interference from a power source measurement instrument can be suppressed by placing an

isolation transformer at the input of the power source or using an independent power source for the
measurement.
4) A motor-generator or variable frequency power source should be placed far away from the step-up
transformer, compensation reactor and the measurement instrument. As a result, interference from
the motor-generator or a variable frequency power source can be suppressed.
2. Interference suppression for grounding loop
The test system should be grounded at a single point.
3. Suppression of EMI
For some pulse-shaped interference, windowing technology and narrow band measurement are effective to avoid
them.

4. Suppression of corona discharge

The following measures can be used to suppress corona discharge:
1) Use a suitable shield for all high voltage terminals which may have corona.
2) An insulated conductor placed inside a shielding tube is used for a high voltage test lead wire. The
lead wire and shielding tube are connected at a single point.
3) The conductor and floating object should be shielded, grounded or removed if they influence the
potential discharge measurement.
4) The grounded potential tip on the surface of the tested transformer or floating parts should be
shielded and grounded reliably.

6.7.6 Test result

An ACLD test with a potential discharge measurement was carried out in three UHV substations.

FIG. 6.49 ON-SITE TESTS OF UHV TRANSFORMERS

Using comprehensive measures for interference suppression, background potential discharge emission levels are
controlled within a specified limit. Site tests were extensively conducted and it was confirmed that the test system
fulfilled the necessary requirements. The test power source, step-up transformer and compensation reactor met the
requirements for the applying voltage. ACLD tests and partial discharge tests on the windings for three UHV
transformers were conducted successfully by the test system.

In addition, numerous installation faults had been successfully detected through the on-site ACLD test. For
example, an abnormal potential discharge signal had been observed at the 500 kV terminal of phase A for the UHV
transformer, while carrying out on-site ACLD test at the Jindongnan substation. The typical potential discharge
waveform is shown in FIG. 6.50. An equal potential bonding fault near the 500 kV lead had also been found after
examining the inside of the transformer.

116/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

FIG. 6.50 TYPICAL POTENTIAL DISCHARGE WAVEFORM AT 500 KV TERMINAL

6.8 Oil flow electrification at the TEPCO UHV equipment test site

At the TEPCO UHV equipment test site in the Shin-Haruna substation, various verification tests have been carried
out since 1995. Static electrification has occurred for over 2 years of long term operation, and a discharge
phenomenon as a resultant of the static electricity occurred on the red phase transformer. Discharge began at the
oil gap between the 1100 kV lead support insulation and the 1100 kV lead barrier insulation shown in Fig. 6.51.

FIG. 6.51 ORIGINAL AND IMPROVED STRUCTURE OF THE UPPER TANK OF THE UHV TRANSFORMER

It was suspected that the positive charge in the insulation oil in the winding flows towards the top of the tank.
However, because the insulation oil resistance is high, the charge in the oil is not released, and as a result remains
at the upper tank with a high oil charge density. Consequently, positive charges then accumulate in the lead
support insulation, which is made of a pressed board, and a charge density exceeding 10 times the charge in oil
accumulates in the insulation. Due to the positive charge in the oil being widely distributed in the oil space at the
upper portion of the tank and the high charge density of the lead support insulation which makes the DC electric
field extremely high, the electric field at the oil gap between the lead barrier insulation and the lead support
insulation became high. As a result, an oil gap discharge occurred.

117/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

As a countermeasure, the oil gap around the lead which is susceptible to an oil gap discharge was eliminated.
Lead support insulation that is able to accumulate a positive charge easily was set on the tank wall side with the
low oil charge density as shown in Fig. 6.51. In order to reduce the DC electrical field caused by electrical charge in
the oil, the space at the upper part of the tank was reduced in structure to minimize the DC electric fields occurring.

In addition to the charge measurement, insulation oil characteristics, neutral leak current measurements, and other
measurements were performed from the start of field testing in order to support the long term reliability of the static
electrification. Furthermore, the oil charge density was also periodically measured. The measurement results are
shown in Fig. 6.52 and FIG. 6.53. In analyzing the results, it can be confirmed that they have produced desired
outcomes, and there has been no increase in trends over time. Note that for the static electrification characteristics,
effects from temperature and energizing has also been taken into consideration.

FIG. 6.52 CORE TYPE TRANSFORMER (V PHASE) NEUTRAL LEAK CURRENT MEASUREMENT RESULTS

FIG. 6.53 CORE TYPE TRANSFORMER OIL CHARGE DENSITY MEASUREMENT RESULTS (IN POWERED CONDITION)

After the design was improved, it has been operating acceptably. The cumulative amount of energizing hours as a
result of applying a higher voltage before June 2012 was evaluated as:

 Applying voltage: 1.05 p.u.

 Cumulative energizing period: 43,099 hours (1,796 days)

In addition, it was calculated that the life time period with nominal operating voltage in accordance with long term V-
t characteristics has an evaluated life time period of 38,298 days (105 years).

118/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

6.9 References
[1] SGCC, UHV AC power equipment manual (In Chinese), China electrical power publishing company, 2008.

[2] SGCC, Album of UHV AC power transmission technology research results, China electrical power publishing
company, 2008.

[3] SGCC, Hand-over tests of 1000 kV electric equipment installation (SGCC Company Standard), 2009.

[4] ‘UHF Narrow Band Type Partial Discharge Diagnosis Method for the Internal Insulation Performance
Verification of the Gas Insulated Switchgear” (The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineering, 2005)

119/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

7 CONCLUSION

7.1 Future standardization

Recent trends indicate that the standards for T&D are becoming system oriented. In accordance with this tendency,
on-site acceptance tests, commissioning tests and maintenance tests of the equipment will be added in the future
to standards or related guidelines. Also, guidelines of the design of substations and transmission systems,
operation guidelines, and guidelines for the feedback from field experiences may be necessary in the future.

7.2 On-site acceptance tests for UHV substation s

WG B3.29 investigated on-site acceptance tests through existing standards. It was found however, that there were
no standards relevant to on-site acceptance tests except for IEC 60060-3. It is worth mentioning here that higher
failure rates were indicated for the equipment of higher voltage classes (more than or equal 700 kV) in the A3.06
and A2.37 failure surveys. As mentioned in the introduction, on-site acceptance tests are crucial for UHV
substations to ensure the reliability of equipment and the system after transportation and assembly. WG B3.29
proposes IEC and IEEE standardization concerning on-site acceptance tests of UHV equipment.

As mentioned in the CIGRE technical brochure No 400 (previous WG B3.22 activity), existing IEC (IEC 62271-203)
and IEEE standards (C37.122.1), on-site acceptance tests are described as just an informative matter. Based on
the questionnaire results about practical experiences of utilities, WG B3.29 summarized recommended practices
for the future standards and guidelines.

7.3 Commissioning tests for UHV substation s

There are a number of different regulations for several countries. It is difficult to standardize the commissioning
tests for different utilities at present. Therefore, this matter should be discussed continuously as a future issue.

7.4 Proposal for maintenance test s for UHV substations

Each utility has its own unique concept of maintenance, as well as different experience. As a result, it is difficult to
standardize maintenance tests for different utilities. WG B3.29 decided to present informative practical examples to
the readers, based on the experience of the UHV utilities (SGCC, TEPCO, PGCIL).

120/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

APPENDIX A - QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS (ON-SITE ACCEPTANCE

TESTS)

A-1 GIS
Table A.1 and Table A.2 show the classification from the questionnaire results of GIS on-site acceptance test
between IEC & SGCC/TEPCO/POWERGRID/KEPCO/ESCOM. The test items underlined are mandatory for more
than two utilities or specified in IEC standard / introduced in CIGRE Technical Brochure.

TABLE A. 1 CLASSIFICATION FROM THE QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS OF GIS ON-SITE ACCEPTANCE TEST BETWEEN
IEC & SGCC/TEPCO/POWERGRID/KEPCO/ESCOM

Test items Test procedure / Criteria Remarks

1. Dielectric tests □Type A (POWERGRID) □IEC 62271-203 / CIGRE TB 400 (WG

on the main - AC voltage test followed by PD test or, B3.22):
circuits - AC voltage test, three impulses - AC voltage test followed by PD test or,
cf) Based on IEC 62271-203 (800 kV) / - AC voltage test, three impulses
CIGRE TB 400 cf) Test voltage: 80% of ACWV
Test voltage: 80% of ACWV (1 min) and (1 min) and LIWV (each polarity)
LIWV
(each polarity)
□Type B (SGCC / KEPCO)
- Conditioning test ->> AC voltage test and PD
test cf) Test voltage: 80% of ACWV (1 min)
□Type C (TEPCO)
- Elimination of on-site voltage test
cf) AC voltage test (1 pu - 1 h) with PD test
( 1 pu, as commissioning test)

2. Dielectric tests □Type A (SGCC / POWERGRID / KEPCO) □IEC 62271-203:

on the auxiliary - Withstand test voltage: 2 kV (1 min) - Withstand test voltage: 2 kV (1 min)
circuits □Type B (TEPCO / KEPCO)
- Confirming the resistance of the circuits: > 2
MΩ cf) Voltage application: 500 V

3. Measurement □Type A (SGCC / KEPCO)

of the resistance - Measurement with DC voltage: 50 A ≤ I ≤
of the main Rated normal current
circuit - Measured resistance ≤1.2 x Ru
cf) Based on IEC 62271-203
cf) Ru: Resistance measured in routine test /
type test

□Type B (TEPCO / POWERGRID)

- Measurement with DC voltage: I = 10 A or
the value in IEC 62271-203
- Measured resistance=Ru,
cf) Ru: Resistance measured in routine test

4. Gas tightness □Type A (SGCC / POWERGRID) □IEC 62271-203:

tests - Leakage: < 0.5%/year (for all field assembled connections)

121/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

< 0.5%/year and 1 %/year

□Type B (TEPCO / KEPCO) (SF6 and SF6 mixtures)
- Leakage: < 1%/year < 0.5%/year, 1%/year and 3%/year
(other gases)

TABLE A. 2 CLASSIFICATION FROM THE QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS OF THE GIS ON-SITE ACCEPTANCE TEST
BETWEEN IEC AND SGCC/TEPCO/POWERGRID/ESCOM

Test items Test procedure / Criteria Remarks

5. Checks and □Type A (POWERGRID / KEPCO) □IEC 62271-203:

Verifications - Conformity of assembly,
- Sealing of pipe junctions/ tightness of bolts
and connections,
- Conformity of wiring with diagrams,
- Proper function of electrical, pneumatic and
other interlocks,
- Proper function of control, measuring,
protective, regulating equipment.
□Type B (SGCC / KEPCO)
- GIS overall appearance,
- Seal of gas/oil filled tubes, valves, and each
connecting components,
- Indications of open/closing of breakers/ DS/
ES,
- Signal indications and controlling
switches’position in control cubicle,
- Tightness of bolts/connections, bellows
screw position, grounding positions,
- Conformity of assembly,
- Sealing of pipe junctions/ tightness of
bolts and connections,
- Conformity of wiring with diagrams,
- Proper function of electrical,
pneumatic and other interlocks,
- Proper function of control,
measuring, protective and regulating
equipment including heating and lighting.
cf) The mechanical checks and tests
shall be carried out according to the
relevant standards.

□Type C (TEPCO / KEPCO)

- Conformity of assembly,
- Sealing of pipe junctions/ tightness of bolts
and connections,
- Proper function of electrical, mechanical and
other interlocks,
- Proper function of signal indications (alarms
by switchgear operation checks).
6. Gas quality □Type A (POWERGRID) □IEC 62271-203:
Verifications - Dew-point is not higher than -5 degrees - Dew-point is not higher than -5
Celsius for a measurement at 20 degrees degrees Celsius for a measurement at 20
Celsius. degrees Celsius.
cf) Moisture value:
□Type B (SGCC / TEPCO / KEPCO) < 876 vol μl/l at 0.5 MPa.abs,
- Moisture value: < 568 vo lμl/l at 0.7 MPa.abs.
a) < 150 vol μl/l;
(apparatus with current interrupting duties)
b) < 250/300/500 vol μl/l
(apparatus without current interrupting duties)
cf) 1*: SGCC ->> 250 vol μl/l;
KEPCO ->> 300 vol μl/l;
TEPCO ->> 500 vo μl/l;

7. Switchgear □Type A (SGCC / POWERGRID) □IEC 62271-203:

tests <CB> - Mechanical operation checks and tests

122/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

- Examination after installation: general according to the relevant standards.

inspection, electrical check, - If not specified, manufacturer shall
- Mechanical test/ measurement: fluid specify them in commissioning test plan.
pressure measurement, rated operating
sequence verification, time parameter
measurement, mechanical travel characteristic,
certain specific operations

<DE/ES>
- Mechanical operation test.
□Type B (TEPCO / KEPCO)
- Soundness of manual (hand-operated)
close-open operation,
- Measurement of minimum operating voltage/
time/ velocity,
- Measurement of operating characteristics,
- Soundness of continuous operation.
8. Other tests: □Type A (SGCC /TEPCO / POWERGRID / □IEC 62271-203:
Tests of KEPCO /ESCOM) - IEC 62271-203 specifies nothing about
accessories - Bushing current transformer test, “other tests”.
inside equipment - Gas bushing test,
- Tank-type arrestor test,
- Seal test,
- SF6 gas moisture test,
- Full current/ resistive current measurement
under operation voltage,
- Counter check.

123/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

A-2 Transformer
Table A. 3 shows the classification from the questionnaire results of transformer on-site acceptance test between
IEC & SGCC/TEPCO/POWERGRID/KEPCO. The test items underlined are mandatory for more than two utilities or
specified in IEC standard.

TABLE A. 3 CLASSIFICATION FROM THE QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS OF TRANSFORMER ON-SITE ACCEPTANCE

TEST BETWEEN IEC & SGCC/TEPCO/POWERGRID/KEPCO

Test items Test procedure/(Criteria) Remarks

1. Tightness test Type A (SGCC/POWERGRID): IEC 60076-1

-based on IEC 60076-1 -pressure applied:30kPa,
-pressure applied:30kPa, duration: 24h duration:24h
Type B (TEPCO) :
-pressure applied:0.049Mpa, duration:10min
2. Measurement of Type A(TEPCO/SGCC): IEC 60076-1
winding resistance - discrepancy among each phase:≤2% of the -No specified value for
average value, relevant deviation:≤2% assessment is provided
comparing to routine test result.
Type B (POWERGRID):
-winding resistance deviation: ≤5% of factory
value.
3 .Measurement of Type A (SGCC/TEPCO/POWERGRID): IEC 60076-1
voltage ratio - Deviation of rated tapping ratio is ±0.5%, and -principal tapping: lower of the
±1% for others following values, a) ±0.5% of
Type B (KEPCO): the specified ratio b)±1/10 of
- Test assessment refers to IEEE C57.12.90 the actual percentage
impedance
-other tappings:±0.5% of the
design value of turns ratio
4. Check of Type A (SGCC/TEPCO/KEPCO/POWERGRID): IEC 60076-1
polarity -based on IEC 60076-1 -The polarity of single-phase
trans-formers shall be
checked.
5. Measurement of Type A (SGCC): IEC 60076-1
insulation -Insulation resistance:≥70% of routine test result. -no specified value for
resistance Absorption ratio:≥1.3, or polarization assessment is provided
between each exponent:≥1.5.
winding to earth
and between Type B (TEPCO):
windings
-Minimum insulation resistance: 200MΩ

Type C (POWERGRID):
-Minimum insulation resistance:500 MΩ and
polarization exponent: >1.25

Type D (KEPCO) :
- minimum insulation resistance: 500 MΩ
6. Measurement of Type A (SGCC): IEC 60076-1
dissipation factor -Test voltage: 10 kV AC. tanδ≤130% of routine -no limit values for
(tanδ) of insulation test value. Capacitance: no obvious difference assessment are provided
system with routine test.
capacitances Type B (TEPCO):
- test result is compared with factory test

Type C (POWERGRID):

124/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

- tanδ: <0.07

7. Measurement of Type A (SGCC): IEC 60076-1

dissipation factor -Test voltage: 10 kV AC. tanδ≤130% of routine
(tanδ) of insulation -no limit values for
test value. Capacitance: no obvious difference
system assessment are provided
with routine test.
capacitances Type B (TEPCO):
- test result is compared with factory test
Type C (POWERGRID):
- tanδ: <0.07
8 .Check of core Type A (SGCC): IEC 60076-1
and frame -based on IEC 60076-1
insulation -Test voltage:2500V D.C.
-Test voltage:2500V D.C. duration:1min
duration:1min
Type B (POWERGRID):
-applied voltage: 2000V. Minimum insulation
resistance:10 MΩ

9. Measurement of Only adopted by SGCC. The test measured the Not included in IEC standard,
DC leakage DC leakage current between winding to earth not recommended
current of winding and between windings.
together with NOTE: Measurement of DC leakage current test
bushing adopted by TEPCO is different to SGCC, which
measured the oil stream electrification.
10. Test of Type A (SGCC/KEPCO): IEC 60137
bushing -insulation resistance of bushing: ≥10000MΩ,
-Capacitance of test tap to
Insulation of test tap to flange≥1000MΩ;
earth ≤ 10000pF, tanδ≤0.05.
Insulation resistance of voltage test tap to
flange≥2000MΩ. Deviation between bushing
capacitance and nameplate value : within ±5%. -tanδ≤0.007 at 1.05Um/ 3
Type B (POWERGRID): and tanδincrease≤0.001
-In tightness test the internal pressure shall be between 1.05Um/ 3 and Um
maintained at least 5 minute. SF6 bushings are
not used
11. Test of Type A (SGCC): IEC 60044
bushing type -Insulation resistance of secondary winding to
current - No specified limit values for
ground and between windings: ≥1000MΩ,
transformer insulation resistance of
secondary winding DC resistance deviation:
secondary winding to earth
within 10%,
and inter-winding are
Type B (POWERGRID/KEPCO):
provided.
-short duration power frequency voltage test is
usually not carried out
12. Test of Type A (IEC/POWERGRID) : IEC 60422
insulation oil - puncture voltage≥60 kV, Water content
10 - puncture voltage≥60 kV,
10mg/kg, Volume resistance: 6×10 Ω·m (at
Water content 10mg/kg,
90℃) 10
Volume resistance: 6×10
Type B (SGCC) :
Ω·m (at 90℃)
- puncture voltage≥70 kV, Water content 8mg/kg,
10
Volume resistance: 6×10 Ω·m (at 90℃)
-Particles limits: 5μm~100μm
particles≤1000/100mL, no 100μm and above
particles
Type C (TEPCO):
13
- Volume resistance: 1×10 Ω·m(at 80℃)
13. Measurement Type A (SGCC/KEPCO): IEC 60657

125/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

of dissolved -total hydrocarbon: ≤20μl/l, H2≤10μl/l; -No gas limits are provided
gasses in C2H2<0.1μl/l.
dielectric liquid Type B(TEPCO):
-CO<300 μl/l; H2<400 μl/l; CH4<100 μl/l;
C2H6<150 μl/l; C2H4<10 μl/l; C2H2<0.5 μl/l;
TCG(total combustion gas)<500μl/l
14. Separate Type A (SGCC): IEC 60076-3
source AC -based on IEC 60076-3 The separate source AC
withstand voltage voltage test shall be made
test with single-phase alternating
voltage as nearly as possible
on sine-wave form and not
less than 80 % of the rated
frequency
15. ACLD test with Type A (SGCC): IEC 60076-3
partial discharge
measurement -procedure of applying voltage -procedure of applying voltage

power frequency
t  120  s
test frequency
1.5U m 1.7U m
3 3
1.3U m 1.5U m 1.5U m
1.3U m
1.1U m 3 3 1.1U m
1.1U m 3 3 1.1U m
3 3
3 3

5min 5min t 60min 5min

5min 5min t 60min 5min

16. Measurement Type A (SGCC/TEPCO/KEPCO/POWERGRID):

of frequency -based on IEC 60076-18
response

17. Measurement Type A (SGCC/TEPCO /KEPCO): IEC 60076-1

of no-load current -the test voltage is low, the test is basically the -the test is carried out at rated
at low voltage same although subtle difference of test voltage frequency and rated voltage
exists among utilities.
Type B (POWERGRID):
- test voltage 10 kV
18. Measurement Type A (SGCC/TEPCO/POWERGRID/KEPCO): IEC 60076-1
of short-circuit -measurement is carried out at low current, the -the supplied current should
impedance at low test is basically the same although subtle be equal to the relevant rated
current difference of test voltage exists among utilities. current (tapping current)
19. Check of Type A (SGCC/TEPCO/POWERGRID): IEC 60076-1
phase -based on IEC 60076-1 -The polarity of single-phase
displacement transformers and the
connection symbol of three-
phase transformers shall be
checked

126/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

APPENDIX B QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS (DIAGNOSTIC TESTS)

B-1 GIS
Table B. 1 shows the questionnaire results and the classifications of GIS diagnostic tests between SGCC, TEPCO,
POWERGRID, KEPCO and ESCOM. The test items underlined are mandatory for more than equal to two utilities.

TABLE B. 1 CLASSIFICATION FROM THE QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS OF THE GIS DIAGNOSTIC TESTS BETWEEN IEC
AND SGCC/TEPCO/POWERGRID/ESCOM

No. Test item Test periodic interval and procedure/criteria Remarks

1 Circuit breaker □ Type A (SGCC / POWERGRID) □ IEC 62271-203:

- SF6 moisture measurement No description
(Interval: 2 years)
->> Moisture in SF6 ≤ 150 - 300 vol l/l
□ Type B (TEPCO / KEPCO / ESCOM)
- Overheat monitoring
(6 months - 1 year)
- SF6 moisture measurement
(3 – 6 years, when necessary)
->> Moisture in SF6 ≤ 150 - 300 vol l/l
- Acoustic emission
(3 years, when necessary, optional)
- Preparation time of motor drives
(3 - 6 years, when necessary)
2 MOSA □ Type A (SGCC / ESCOM) IEC60076-10
- Leakage current measurement under The test procedure
operation voltage(Once after operating for 3 is provided.
months, before and after each thunderstorm
season, optional)
- SF6 moisture measurement
(1 year, after commission, when necessary)
->> after commission ≤ 250 μl/l, during operation ≤
500 μl/l
□ Type B (TEPCO / KEPCO / ESCOM)
- Leakage current measurement
(6 years, when necessary, optional)
->> Within the specified value
- SF6 moisture measurement
(6 years, when necessary)
->>Moisture in SF6: ≤ 500 vol μl/l
□ Type C (POWERGRID)
- Leakage current measurement under operation
voltage
(1 year) ->>Leakage current <30 μA
cf) The followings are also conducted:
1) Tan δand capacitance measurement,
2) third harmonic resistive current THRC),
3) IR measurement.
3 Other component □ SGCC/TEPCO: IEC60076-1 (Ed.3)
(Interval: After overhaul or when it is doubt that - The test procedure
some winding defect occurs) and the tolerance
-The measuring results should be consistent with are provided.
the nameplate.
- Tolerance of voltage ratio:±0.5%.

127/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

B-2 Transformer
Table B. 2 and Table B.3 show the questionnaire results and classification of transformer diagnostic tests and
maintenance tests among SGCC, TEPCO and POWERGRID. The test items underlined are mandatory for more
than equal to two utilities.

TABLE B. 2 CLASSIFICATION OF QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS OF THE TRANSFORMER DIAGNOSTIC TEST BETWEEN

IEC & SGCC/TEPCO/POWERGRID

No. Test item Test periodic interval and procedure/criteria Remarks

1 Tightness check □ SGCC/TEPCO: IEC60076-1(Ed.3)

 (Interval: After overhaul and after re-sealing) If there is no
-Apply 0.03 MPa pressure within 24 hours, no agreement, then
leakage. no leakage can be
found under at
least 0.0 3MPa
within 24 hours.
2 Determination of □ SGCC/TEPCO: IEC60076-10
sound levels (Interval: When the noise is abnormal) The test
-The noise level<the specified value. procedure is
provided.
3 Measurement of □ SGCC/TEPCO: IEC60076-1 (Ed.3)
voltage ratio on (Interval: After overhaul or when it is doubt that - The test
each tapping some winding defect occurs) procedure and
-The measuring results should be consistent with the tolerance
the nameplate. are provided.
- Tolerance of voltage ratio:±0.5%.

4 Measurement of □ Type A(SGCC) : IEC60076

earth current of (Interval: If necessary) No description.
core -The earth current in operation <300 mA.

□ Type B (TEPCO):
(Interval: If necessary)
-Core type: -0.2 μA/winding and lower;
-Shell type: -0.5 μA/winding group and lower.
Note:
->> In TEPCO, measuring the current value
through neutral point is in order to prevent the
occurrence of streaming electrification
phenomena which can also cause unbalance
current.

5 FRA □ SGCC/ TEPCO/ POWERGRID: IEC60076-18

(Interval: If necessary) The procedure
-If the wave crest and wave trough of the winding and criteria are
frequency response curve, corresponding the described.
amplitude and frequency, show basically
consistent with the original record, then the tested
winding can be considered un-deformed.
6 Applied voltage □ SGCC:
withstand test (Interval: If necessary)
-Applied voltage: 80 % of the factory test voltage,
60 s.
Note: This test is not applicable for TEPCO.

128/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

7 Partial discharge □Type A (SGCC): IEC60076-3(Ed.3)

measurement (Interval: If necessary) Test procedure is
-Pre-applied voltage: 1,5Um/√3. described. Pre-
-Measurement voltage 1,3Um/√3. applied
-The induced voltage frequency: 100 Hz and enhancement
400 Hz, the voltage application duration: t = (Phase to earth)
120×rated frequency / test frequency. voltage is 1,8Ur
/√3 and
Note: Um is highest voltage. measurement
voltage is 1,58Ur
□ Type B( POWERGRID): /√3.
(Interval: When necessary) The voltage
-Optional. application
Note: This test is not applicable for TEPCO. duration: t =
6000×rated
frequency / test
frequency, but not
less than 75 s for
Um>800 kV.
Note: Ur is rated
voltage.
8 Measurement of □SGCC/TEPCO: IEC60076-1(Ed.3)
no-load loss and (Interval: If necessary) -Test procedure is
current -The test shall be carried out at lower voltage described.
value. ->>The
-There is not apparent deviation between the measurement
measuring result and the last result. shall also be made
-The no-load current tolerance of interphase for at 90 % and
single phase transformer shall be less than 10%. 110 % of rated
voltage (or
appropriate
tapping voltage).
9 Measurement of □Type A (SGCC): IEC60076-1(Ed.3)
short-circuit (Interval: If necessary) Test procedure
impedance -The test shall be carried out at lower current and criteria are
value. described.
- Tolerance from the original value does not
exceed ±3 %.
□ Type B (POWERGRID):
- (Interval: when necessary)
-Applied voltage: With 0-280 V varistor to other
winding.
- Tolerance: Within 3 % of impedance specified in
rating.
Note: This test is not applicable for TEPCO.

129/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

APPENDIX C SOME EXAMPLES OF MAINTENANCE TESTS

C-1 GIS
Table C.1 and Table C.2 show the questionnaire results and classification of GIS maintenance among SGCC,
TEPCO and POWERGRID. The test items underlined are mandatory for more than equal to two utilities.

TABLE C. 1 CLASSIFICATION FROM THE QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS OF THE GIS MAINTENANCE TESTS BETWEEN
IEC AND SGCC/TEPCO/POWERGRID/KEPCO/ ESCOM

Test items Test procedure / Criteria Remarks

1. Circuit breaker □ Type A (SGCC / POWERGRID / KEPCO / ESCOM) □ IEC 62271-203:

- Basic - Speed performance (1 year, When necessary) No description
performance ->> Within specified values of manufacturer
- Time parameter (Before operation, 1 – 6 year, After
commission)
->> Close non-synchronization between phases: 4 ms, 5 ms
Open non-synchronization between phases:
3 ms, 3.33 ms, 4 ms
Close non-synchronization between contacts of same phases:
3 ms, 2.5 ms
Open non-synchronization between contacts of same phase:
2 ms, 2.5 ms, 3 ms
□ Type B (TEPCO / ESCOM)
- Open/close characteristic measurement (6 years)

2. Circuit breaker □ Type A (SGCC / ESCOM) □ IEC 62271-203:

- Others - Operating voltage of opening/closing releases No description
(1 - 6 Year, after commission, after mechanism commission)
->>The lowest operating voltage: within 30% ~ 65% of rated
voltage
- Operating mechanism pressure meter check, etc. (1 - 6 year)
->> Within specified values of manufacturer
- Operating performance of auxiliary control devices
(After commission, When necessary)
->> Within specified values of manufacturer

□ Type B (TEPCO / ESCOM)

- Visual check (6 - 12 years)
->> No abnormality
- Mechanical test and measurement
(6 - 12 years, including optional case)
- Open/close characteristic, Insulation resistance of relay
(optional), protection test of open-phase, pressure switch
operation test, trip free test (optional), minimum pressure for
operating measurement, alarm and indicator test
->> Within specified values, no abnormality

□Type C (KEPCO)
- Operating mechanism pressure meter check, etc. (3 year)
->> Within specified values of manufacturer
- Operating performance of auxiliary control devices (3 years)
->> Within specified values of manufacturer
- Visual check (3 years)
->> No abnormality
- Mechanical test and measurement (3 years)

130/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

- Open/close characteristic, protection test of open-phase,

pressure switch operation test, minimum pressure for operating
measurement, alarm and indicator test
->> Within specified values, no abnormality

□ Type D (POWERGRID)
- Operating performance of auxiliary control devices (1 year)
->> Within specified values of manufacturer
- Visual check (12 years) ->> No abnormality
- Mechanical test and measurement (1 years)
- Open/close characteristic, protection test of open-phase,
pressure switch operation test, minimum pressure for
operating measurement, alarm and indicator test
->> Within specified values, no abnormality
- Tan δ/ capacitance measurement of voltage grading capacitor
(2 years)
->> Comparable with factory test results and £0.5%
- Dynamic contact resistance measurement (DCRM) / DC injected
currents and trip/ close coil currents (2 years)
->> Comparable with factory test results
- Operation lockout checking for EHV circuit breakers (1 year)
->> No abnormality
- Measurement of static contact resistance (2 years)
->> Comparable with factory test results
- Checking the anti-pumping feature (1 year)
->> No CB hunting by operation of mechanical/ electrical anti
pumping feature by giving simultaneous close/ trip commands
- Pole discrepancy relay testing (1 year)
->> No abnormality
- Spring operating time (for spring operated mechanisms) (1 year)
->> No abnormality

131/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

TABLE C. 2 CLASSIFICATION FROM THE QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS OF THE GIS MAINTENANCE TESTS BETWEEN
IEC AND SGCC/TEPCO/POWERGRID/KEPCO/ ESCOM

Test items Test procedure / Criteria Remarks

3. MOSA □ Type A (SGCC / ESCOM) □ IEC 62271-203:

- Leakage current measurement at DC 8 mA voltage (U8mA) and No description
0.75U8mA (Before operation, 1 year, when necessary, optional)
->>U8mA ≤ ±5%, 0.75U8mA ≤ 30%
- Insulation resistance measurement (Before operation, before
thunder storm season of each year, when necessary, optional)
->> Resistance >= 2500 MΩ
- AC withstanding voltage test of auxiliary circuit and control circuit
(After commission, when necessary, optional)
->> Test voltage is 2000 V.
- Resistance of circuit (After commission, when necessary,
optional)
->> Resistance ≤ 1.2 times of type test value

□ Type B (TEPCO / KEPCO)

- Insulation resistance measurement (3 - 6 years)
->> Within specified values
- Leakage current waveform measurement (When necessary)
->> No abnormality

□ Type C (POWERGRID)
- Leakage current measurement at DC 8 mA voltage (U8mA) and
0.75U8mA
(1 year) ->>Leakage current < 30 μA
- Insulation resistance measurement (When necessary)
->> Resistance >= 1000 MΩ
- Resistance of circuit (When necessary)
->> Within specified values of manufacturer
- Third harmonic current (THRC) measurement (1 year)
->> THRC < 30mA

4. Other □ Type A (SGCC / ESCOM) (After commission, when necessary) □ IEC 62271-203:
components - Operation test (Time characteristic) No description
–DS/ES ->> Within specified values of manufacturer
- Lowest operating voltage of operating devices
(including optional case)
->> Within 30% to 80% of rated voltage of operating power
source
- Performance of operating mechanism
->> No abnormality (5 times close/open under rated operation
voltage)
□ Type B (TEPCO / KEPCO / ESCOM) (3 - 6 years)
- Visual inspection ->> No abnormality, within specified values
- Operation test ->> No abnormality
□ Type C (POWERGRID)
- Same as the above of Type B (When necessary)
- Performance of operating characteristics and mechanism
(After commission, when necessary) ->> Contact resistance to be
measured after 50 operations: 300 mΩ (Max).
->> No change from previous value.
- MILLIVOLT drop test (1 year) ->> Injecting minimum DC 100 A,
- Insulation resistance (IR) test (When necessary)
->> Using 5000 V megger with isolator in open condition

132/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

TABLE C. 3 CLASSIFICATION FROM THE QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS OF THE GIS MAINTENANCE TESTS BETWEEN
IEC AND SGCC/TEPCO/POWERGRID/KEPCO/ ESCOM

Test items Test procedure / Criteria Remarks

5. Other □ Type A (SGCC / ESCOM) (After commission, when necessary, □ IEC 62271-203:
components before operation, optional) No description
–CT/VT ->>not using optical fiber transmission
- AC withstanding voltage test of auxiliary circuit /control circuit
(for CT, including optional) ->> Voltage: 2000 V
- Checking the resistance of circuit (for CT)
->> Within specified values of manufacturer,
≤ 1.2 times of type test value.
- DC resistance of electromagnetic unit of primary
and secondary winding (for VT)
->> No obvious deviation with the initial value
- Insulating resistance of electromagnetic unit (for VT)
->> Winding/earth >1000 MΩ, Between secondary resistance
and against ground > 1000 MΩ.
□ Type B (TEPCO / KEPCO / ESCOM) (6 years, when necessary)
- Terminals for connecting secondary circuit inspection
->> No abnormality
- Terminals for connecting cable inspection
->> No abnormality
- Grounding wire inspection
->> No abnormality
□ Type C (POWERGRID)
- Same as the above of Type B (When necessary)
->> Same as Type B
- Tan δ/ capacitance measurement of CT/VT (When necessary)
->> comparable with factory test results
- CT/VT ratio test (When necessary)
->> Correct polarity markings as per drawing
- Insulation resistance (IR) measurement of primary/ secondary
winding
(When necessary)
->> for primary winding: 1000 MΩ (Mini value),
for secondary winding: 50 MΩ
- Continuity (When necessary)
->> No abnormality
- Secondary winding resistance (When necessary)
->> No abnormality
<Non-conventional CT (using optical fiber transmission)>
- Capacitance/ dielectric dissipation factor (1 year)
->> No abnormality
- Composite error (Current/ phase error for specified accuracy
class) (1 year)
->> No abnormality
6. Other □ Type A (SGCC / ESCOM) □ IEC 62271-203:
components - Insulating resistance of auxiliary circuit/ control circuit No description
-Others (1 year, optional: when necessary)
->> Resistance <= 2 MΩ
- SF6 gas density relay (including set value) test
(Before operation, 1 - 6 year, after commission, when necessary)
->> Within specified values of manufacturer
□ Type B (TEPCO / KEPCO / ESCOM) (6 years, optional: when
necessary)
- Local control box

133/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

- Visual check, pressure switch test, pressure alarm check,

insulation resistance
of relay, alarm/ indicator test
->> No abnormality, within specified values
- Other parts
- Alarm/ indicator test, insulation resistance of relay
->> No abnormality , within specified values
□Type C (POWERGRID)
- Insulating resistance of auxiliary circuit/ control circuit (1 year)
->> Resistance<= 2 MΩ
- Same as the above of Type B (But interval is when necessary)

134/135
 FIELD TESTS FOR UHV SUBSTATIONS

C-2 Transformer
TABLE C. 4 CLASSIFICATION FROM THE QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS OF THE TRAMNSFORMER MAINTENANCE
TESTS BETWEEN IEC AND SGCC/TEPCO/POWERGRID

No. Test item Test periodic interval and procedure/criteria Remarks

1 Appearance □ Type A (SGCC): IEC60076

(Interval: Two weeks) No description.
-Observation checkout.
-The appearance of the transformer shall be normal.
- The oil level shall be normal.
-No oil leakage.

□ Type B (TEPCO):
(Interval: One month)
-The procedure and criteria is the same as type A
(SGCC )

□ Type C (POWERGRID):
(Interval: One month)
-All the oil levels should be between max and min limit.
-No noticeable oil leakage.
2 Temperature of oil □ Type A (SGCC): IEC60076-2
and winding (Interval: Two weeks) The limited value is
-Measure and record the oil and winding temperature. provided.
-Record the environment temperature, load value and
the number of cooler on operation.
□ Type B (TEPCO):
(Interval: Three months)
-Measure and record the oil temperature.
- Record the environment temperature and the number
of cooler on operation.
3 Cooling system □ Type A (SGCC): IEC60076
(Interval: Two weeks) No description.
-The fan of the cooling system shall work normally.
-No foreign substance covers the outlet zone and the
radiator.
-Submersible pump shows no abnormal noise and
vibration.
-Oil-flow indicator shall work normally.
□ Type B (TEPCO):
(Interval: One month)
-The procedure and criteria is the same as type A.
□ Type C (POWERGRID):
-One month—Manual starting of oil pumps and fans.
-One year—Cleaning of cooling surfaces, visual
inspection, checking of auto starting facility of fans and
pumps.
4 Sound level and □ Type A (SGCC) IEC60076-10
vibration (Interval: Two weeks) -Sound test procedure
- Sound level and vibration shall be normal. is described.
□ Type B (TEPCO): IEC60076
(Interval: One month) -No description of
- Sound level and vibration shall be normal. vibration
measurement.

135/135