ISSN (Print) : 2320 – 3765

ISSN (Online): 2278 – 8875

International Journal of Advanced Research in Electrical,

Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering
(An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization)

Vol. 5, Issue 6, June 2016

A Study on Gas Insulated Substation with

Reference to 220/33kV GIS, Khanapara
Bipul Kumar Talukdar*, Suranjana Bharadwaj
Assistant Professor, Dept. of EE, Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Management & Technology, Guwahati, India
*Corresponding author

ABSTRACT: Due to rapid industrialization and increasing population all over the world, the need of efficient and
reliable power source has become the prime demand. But since geographic area has reduced due to increasing
population, creation of a compact but efficient power supplying medium is required. Gas Insulated Substation is the
solution to such problems. Gas Insulated Substation uses Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas which has a superior dielectric
properties used at moderate pressure for phase to phase and phase to ground insulation. In Gas Insulated Substationthe
high-voltage conductors, circuit breaker interrupters, switches, current transformers, voltage transformers and lightning
arresters are encapsulated in SF6 gas inside grounded metal enclosures. Because of its compact nature, the size of the
plant is reduced and hence the space consumed is decreased. This paper presents a study of Gas Insulated Substation
(GIS) with reference to the 220/33kV GIS, Khanapara in Guwahati.

KEYWORDS: Gas Insulated Substation, GIS, Air Insulated Substation, 220/33kV GIS Khanapara

I. INTRODUCTION

Globally economy and population continues to grow which results in rise of electrical power requirements. For this
purpose, substation equipment has to be made more efficient and reliable to cope up with increase in demand,
especially adapting current power distribution and transmission system [1]. Although in last few years an important
development has been made by integration of Smart Metering (AMI) and Smart Grid technology, but this technology
limits itself only in distribution phase as it directly related to communication between consumer and demand. We all
know that power is produced, then transmitted and then distributed through Grid Stations or Sub-stations. For more
efficiency the transmission and distribution sector has to be improved and it is found that construction of Gas Insulated
Substation [GIS] is a further step for better efficiency. [1, 2]
GIS uses Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas which has a superior dielectric properties used at moderate pressure for phase to
phase and phase to ground insulation. In this type of substation,the high-voltage conductors, circuit breaker
interrupters, switches, current transformers, voltage transformers and lightning arresters are encapsulated in SF6 gas
inside grounded metal enclosures. GIS is used when space is to be provide a high position in the big cities.in case of
Air Insulated Substations (AIS) clearance between phase to phase and phase to ground need to be very large. For this
reason, a large space is required in AIS. But as the dielectric strength of SF6 gas is much higher relative to the air,
necessary for phase to phase and ground clearance for all equipment are much lower in GIS which results in significant
reduction of sub-station size.
GIS is preferable in following places.
 Smart cities, metros, cities and towns
 Under ground stations
 Substations and power plants located off shore
 Hilly areas and valley regions

In this paper, a theoretical study of Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) is presented with special reference to the 220/33kV
GIS, Khanapara, located in Guwahati, India.

Copyright to IJAREEIE DOI:10.15662/IJAREEIE.2016.0506023 4672

 ISSN (Print) : 2320 – 3765
ISSN (Online): 2278 – 8875

International Journal of Advanced Research in Electrical,

Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering
(An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization)

Vol. 5, Issue 6, June 2016

II. CONSTRUCTIONAL FEATURES

Gas Insulated Substation contains the same compartments found in AIS. Only live parts are enclosed in metal body
filled with a dielectric gas such as SF6. The active parts are supported on insulators molten resin. Some of these bushes
are designed as barriers between adjacent modules such that the gas does not pass through them. The entire system is
divided into compartments which are relative to the other gas-tight. Thus, the gas detection system in each
compartment can be independent and simpler. The housings are of nonmagnetic materials such as aluminium or
stainless steel and are connected to ground [1]. The Main components of GIS are shown in Fig.1.

Fig.1: Components of GIS

III. ARRANGEMENT AND MODULES

 Arrangement:The arrangement of GIS is single-phase or three-phase enclosed. The assembly consists of

completely separate pressurized sections designed to minimize the risk of damage to personnel or adjacent
sections in the event of a failure occurring within the equipment. Rupture diaphragms is provided to prevent
the enclosures from uncontrolled bursting and suitable deflectors provide protection for the operating

Copyright to IJAREEIE DOI:10.15662/IJAREEIE.2016.0506023 4673

 ISSN (Print) : 2320 – 3765
ISSN (Online): 2278 – 8875

International Journal of Advanced Research in Electrical,

Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering
(An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization)

Vol. 5, Issue 6, June 2016

personnel. In order to achieve maximum operating reliability, no internal relief devices may be installed so
that adjacent compartments would not be affected. Modular design, complete segregation, arc-proof bushings
and “plug-in” connection pieces allow ready removal of any section and replacement with minimum
disturbance of the remaining pressurized switchgear.
 Bus-bars:All bus-bars are three-phase or single phase enclosed and plug-connected from bay to bay.
 Circuit-breakers: The circuit-breaker is usually of the single pressure type with one interrupter per phase.
The arc chambers and contacts of the circuit-breaker are freely accessible. The circuit-breaker is designed to
minimize switching over voltages and also to be suitable for out-of-phase switching. The specified arc
interruption performance must be consistent over the entire operating range, from line-charging currents to full
short-circuit currents.The circuit breaker is designed to withstand at least 18–20 operations (depending on the
voltage level) at full short-circuit rating without the necessity to open the circuit-breaker for service or
maintenance. The maximum tolerance for phase disagreement is 3 ms, i.e. until the last pole has been closed
or opened respectively after the first. A standard station battery required for control and tripping may also be
used for recharging the operating mechanism. The energy storage system (hydraulic or spring operating
system) will hold sufficient energy for all standard IEC close open duty cycles. The control system provides
alarm signals and internal interlocks, but inhibit tripping or closing of the circuit-breaker when there is
insufficient energy capacity in the energy storage system, or the SF6 density within the circuit-breaker has
dropped below a minimum permissible level.
 Disconnectors: All isolating switches are of the single break type. DC motor operation (110, 125, 220 or 250
V), completely suitable for remote operation, and a manual emergency drive mechanism is required. Each
motor-drive should be self-contained and equipped with auxiliary switches in addition to the mechanical
indicators.
 Grounding switches: Work-in-progress grounding switches are generally provided on either side of the
circuit-breaker. Additional grounding switches may be used for the grounding of bus sections or other groups
of the assembly. DC motor operation (110, 125, 220 or 250 V), completely suitable for remote operation, and
a manual emergency drive mechanism is required. Each motor drive should be self-contained and equipped
with auxiliary position switches in addition to the mechanical indicators.
 Instrument transformers: Current transformers (CTs) are of the dry-type design not using epoxy resin as
insulation material. Voltage transformers are of the inductive type, with ratings up to 200 VA. They are foil-
gas-insulated.
 Cable terminations: The cable end housing should be suitable for oil-type, gas-pressure-type and plastic
insulated (PE, PVC, etc.) cables. Facilities to safely isolate a feeder cable and to connect a high-voltage test
cable to the switchgear or the cable are provided.
 Control: An electromechanical or solid-state interlockingcontrol board are supplied as astandard for each
switchgear bay. This failsafeinterlock system will positively preventmaloperations.

IV. ABOUT KHANAPARA GAS INSULATED SUBSTATION

The 220/33 kV GIS substation located at Jawaharnagar in Khanapara, was build at a cost of Rs.49.56crore and is
operated by the Assam Electricity Grid Corporation, to cover the areas such as Dispur, Beltola, Bashishtha, Narengi,
Khanapara and Panjabari. Assam is the 8th state in the country to have such facility. The GIS at Khanapara has been set
up on a 6 Bigha plot. The equipment has been imported from Hungary. The GIS Khanapara has two feeders one of
which is incoming and other is outgoing. The incoming feeder carries 220KV from the nearby substation and step
down it to 33KV. Later it is transmitted to other substation. The incoming transmission line is Samuguri and the
outgoing transmission line is Sarusajai. Fig.2 shows the single line diagram of GIS, Khanapara.

Copyright to IJAREEIE DOI:10.15662/IJAREEIE.2016.0506023 4674

 ISSN (Print) : 2320 – 3765
ISSN (Online): 2278 – 8875

International Journal of Advanced Research in Electrical,

Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering
(An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization)

Vol. 5, Issue 6, June 2016

Fig.2: Single line diagram of GIS, Khanapara

The components in GIS Khanapara are circuit breaker, instrument transformers, isolator, earth switch, relays etc.
Khanapara GIS uses SF6 gas as arc quenching medium for circuit breaker. Due to increase of power demand in Assam,
power substation number needs to be increased; but the geographical criterion which is hilly and compact land supply,
the AIS construction dealing with a high space requirement is less possible. Hence GIS which can be constructed in a
very less space come into picture. It also provides minimum hazards since the components of GIS substation are sealed
within SF6 filled pipes whereas in AIS the same components are exposed to changing atmospheric conditions that may
lead corrosion between the pipes and the atmosphere. This may lead to damage of different parts of the circuits. The
changing of equipment also causes huge amount of expenditures.

V. TYPES OF PROBLEMS FACED IN KHANAPARA GIS

1. Circuit Breaker: Inside every circuit breaker there is micro switch, this micro switch contains spring attached,
which may get damaged due to various reasons. To overcome these problems, the spring needs to be replaced
timely.
2. Effect of Temperature: Between two contacting chambers, there is grease and windings present. Due to
temperature effect the grease may melt down which forms black pots and also lead to pressurizing of the chamber.
This problem may cause a great deal of trouble. Hence the temperature should be kept in a moderate value.
3. Disadvantage of SF6: SF6 is known to be a greenhouse gas which leads to release of CFC. Hence it is dangerous
to health when inhaled directly. Hence care must be taken to stop leakage of SF6 from the chamber. SF6 gas is very
costly and periodic replacement is required. Thus to overcome the disadvantage of SF6 we can replace the gas by
some other suitable gases which must be economical and it should have very high breakdown voltage and high
dielectric strength.

Copyright to IJAREEIE DOI:10.15662/IJAREEIE.2016.0506023 4675

 ISSN (Print) : 2320 – 3765
ISSN (Online): 2278 – 8875

International Journal of Advanced Research in Electrical,

Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering
(An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization)

Vol. 5, Issue 6, June 2016

VI. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH ON SF6-FREE GAS INSULATED SWITCHGEAR ADOPTING CO2 GAS
AND ITS MIXTURES

SF6 has been recognized as one of the global warming gases. So SF6 gas can be replaced with CO2 gas which has very
low global warming potential compared to SF6 gas (1/23,900).

The CO2 gases that are applicable to an environmentally-banning electric power equipment are required to have no or
minimal toxicity, global warming effect and should remain gaseous at low temperature, for e.g. - around -300c. when
selecting the alternating gases such as N2, O2, H2, CO2, rare gases (He, Aretc) and their mixtures also require to have
adequate and arc quenching capability, chemical stability and have no flammability and explosiveness. Table 1 shows
the fundamental gas properties of SF6, CO2 and N2. CO2 has a lower boiling temperature than SF6 and it is known that
CO2 remain gaseous at low temperature ranges down to -40oc. even at a high gas pressure.

Table 1: Fundamental gas properties of SF6, CO2 and N2.

GAS SF6 CO2 N2
Molecular mass 146.06 44.01 28.01
Density (kg/m2) 5.9 1.8 1.1
Chemical stability Stable Stable Stable
Boiling temperature(o C) -51 -78 -198
Dielectric strength (%) 100(-) 34(-) 25(+)
Arching time strength(microsecond) 0.8 15 220

As for insulating capability, as also shown in the Table1, CO2 is naturally lower than SF6, but its 50% breakdown
voltage is about 35% higher than that of N2 at a high gas pressure of 0.9MPA. The table also shows that the arcing time
constant of CO2 is higher than that of SF6. But is below (1/10)thof that of N2. Qualitatively smaller arcing time constant
suggest better thermal interrupting capability. Although CO2 is inferior to SF6 in insulation and arc quenching
capabilities, it suppresses N2gas which is regarded as an alternative gas in arc quenching capability. These suggested
CO2 gas is a promising alternative gas.

VII. CONCLUSION

Substation forms an important link between two transmission networks or between a transmission and a distribution
network. It has a vital influence on reliability of service. Apart from ensuring efficient transmission and distribution of
power, the substation configuration should be such that it enables easy maintenance of equipment and minimum
interruption in power supply.Gas insulated substation has several advantages over the conventional substation. This
paper presents a brief study on GIS with reference to the 220/33kV GIS, Khanapara. Due to the properties like less
space requirement, almost maintenance free, safer operation, cost effective, versatile and reliable in operation, GIS will
replace most of the conventional substation in near future.

REFERENCES

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[3] Hart, “Using AMI to realize the Smart Grid,” in Proc. IEEE PES Gen. Meet. 2008.
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[5] B. Shebelle, “Smart Grid Millionaire,” IEEE Power Energy Mag., vol.6, no. 1, Jan.–Feb. 2008.
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[7] http://www.pserc.wisc.edu/documents/publications/papers/ 2001_general_publications/indicator.pdf
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Copyright to IJAREEIE DOI:10.15662/IJAREEIE.2016.0506023 4676