GIS Testing

22
Peter Glaubitz, Carolin Siebert, and Klaus Zuber

Contents
22.1 Type Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442
22.2 Routine Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442
22.3 Tests After Installation On-Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443
22.4 Installation, On-Site Test, Commissioning, and Formal Acceptance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443
22.5 Site Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 445
22.6 Work Crew Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 445
22.7 Installation of New GIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446
22.8 Installation of GIS Extensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446
22.9 Service Continuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447
22.10 Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447
22.10.1 Commissioning of Primary Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448
22.10.2 Commissioning of Secondary Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448
22.10.3 Commissioning of the SF6 Insulation Medium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448
22.11 Information to be Given by the Manufacturer and the User . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449
22.11.1 Basic Users Input Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449
22.11.2 Basic Manufacturers Input Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449

International standards specify requirements and define ratings and tests for
gas-insulated metalenclosed switchgear and its individual components. The applicable
IEC standards are those defined in the table in ▶ Sect. 25.9. (Many of these standards
are under revision. The reader is encouraged to use the most recent editions):

P. Glaubitz (*)
GIS Technology, Energy Management Division, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany
e-mail: peter.glaubitz@siemens.com
C. Siebert
Energy Management, Siemens AG, Berlin, Germany
e-mail: carolin.siebert@siemens.com
K. Zuber
Energy Division, Gas Insulated Switchgear, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany
e-mail: zuber.scott@t-online.de

# Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2019 441

T. Krieg, J. Finn (eds.), Substations, CIGRE Green Books,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49574-3_22
442 P. Glaubitz et al.

IEC 62271-203 states rules for the dimensioning of the enclosures, but also
pressurized equipment regulations, existing in various countries, must be taken
into account if they have the force of law. The standards define for gas-insulated
switchgear three types of tests:

• Type tests
• Routine tests (to be performed, whenever practicable, at the manufacturer’s
works)
• Tests after installation on site (considered part of routine tests by IEC standards)

22.1 Type Tests

The type tests are for the purpose of proving the characteristics of switchgear and
control gear, of their operating devices, and of their auxiliary equipment. They must
be carried out on a given design, to prove compliance with a standard.
The manufacturer must be able to demonstrate, with test reports or test certifi-
cates, that all the type tests have been performed on subassemblies of the same
design supplied to the customer. Type tests are not part of a quality assurance system
applicable to each supply consignment and should be performed only once for a
given design. Type tests involve at least:

• Dielectric tests
• Measurement of the resistance of the main circuits
• Temperature rise tests
• Short-time withstand currents and peak withstand current tests
• Verification of the degree of protection of the enclosure
• Tightness tests
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test
• Verification of making and breaking capacities
• Low and high temperature tests
• Proof tests for enclosures
• Pressure test on partitions
• Tests to prove performance under thermal cycling and gas tightness tests on
insulators
• Circuit breaker design tests
• Fault-making capability of high speed earthing switch
• Switch operating mechanical life tests

22.2 Routine Tests

Routine tests are an integral part of the quality assurance process. They are carried
out during manufacture on each item of equipment, with the purpose of revealing
faults in material or construction. Acceptance tests, if requested by the customer,
should be a part of routine tests. Since the acceptance tests are not defined by
22 GIS Testing 443

standards, acceptance criteria with tolerances should be stated by the manufacturer

prior to routine tests in order that they can be witnessed by the customer. Tests
included in routine tests are:

• Dielectric tests
• Tests on auxiliary and control circuits
• Tightness tests
• Measurement of the resistance of the main circuits
• Pressure tests of enclosures
• Mechanical operation tests
• Tests on auxiliary circuits, equipment, and interlocks in the control mechanism
• Pressure tests on partitions

22.3 Tests After Installation On-Site

Tests after installation on-site are carried out in order to detect possible damage
suffered during transportation, storage, exposure to the environment, or final assem-
bly. Typically, a gas-insulated switchgear is mostly partially assembled in the
factory. It is important to point out that on-site testing is a repetition neither of
type tests nor of routine tests. The aim is to prove the integrity of the system before it
is energized. It is the final step in the process of quality control and quality assurance.
Recommendations as well as technical and practical considerations of site testing
are given in ▶ Chap. 20 and annex C of IEC 62271-203. Particular attention must be
paid to dielectric tests. While all other tests can be performed quite easily and do not
require expensive test equipment, dielectric tests may pose problems concerning:

• The optimal test procedure to be chosen

• The actual possibility of performing the tests
• The cost of the tests

Examples for different test setups are given in Figs. 22.1 and 22.2. Figure 22.1 shows
a resonance test circuit where the voltage is applied to the GIS with an air bushing.
Figure 22.2 shows a gas-insulated test transformer directly connected to the GIS with
attached coupling capacity for conventional PD measurement. Today, IEC standards
recommend mainly voltage tests (AC or impulse voltage tests). New methods, using
partial discharge detection with nonconventional detecting systems (e.g., acoustical or
UHF), have been developed. In this respect many users and manufacturers apply test
procedures (which should be agreed in advance) based on their own experience.

22.4 Installation, On-Site Test, Commissioning, and Formal

Acceptance

Special conditions apply during the installation of GIS. All civil works have to be
completed before the start of the installation.
444 P. Glaubitz et al.

Fig. 22.1 Resonance test

circuit connected to the GIS
via SF6/air bushing

Fig. 22.2 Gas-insulated test

transformer and coupling
capacitor for PD measurement
directly connected to the GIS
22 GIS Testing 445

The installation work requires special skills and should preferably be done by the
manufacturer. The manufacturer should at least supervise the work and ensure that
appropriate site qualities prevail.

22.5 Site Preparation

Regardless of indoor or outdoor installation, the GIS platform or building must be

complete and all preparations in place prior to the start of installation. Project
scheduling should ensure that inappropriate tasks (e.g., civil works modifications)
are not planned for the same installation period. The keyword is “cleanliness.” The
long-term reliability of the final product depends greatly on the level of cleanliness
maintained during the installation process. This can be achieved by the provision of a
defined clean working area. Additional preparation measures to be taken include the
following:

• The manufacturer should specify any local working condition limitations which
should be imposed on the installation of the GIS to avoid contamination by
particles, dust, water, or ice. Temporary measures in the form of shelters, barriers,
or heaters may be necessary to achieve this condition, especially during outdoor
installation.
• The party responsible for the on-site installation of the GIS must ensure the
availability of the contractually agreed installation tools and accessories (e.g.,
lifting equipment, tools, and power supply) throughout the full installation period.
• The manufacturer should specify the number and qualifications of the personnel
needed to complete the installation.
• The foundation (floor) should be cleared to allow for the layout of the GIS and the
concrete sealing preventing unnecessary dust pollution.
• The unpacking and if necessary general cleaning of the components should be
performed away from the final clean assembly area.

22.6 Work Crew Preparation

It is strongly recommended that GIS be installed under the supervision of the

manufacturer. If the actual installation is performed by a third party, it is essential
that this party possesses the basic knowledge regarding the assembly procedures and
quality standards and has to hold every certificate to fulfill the manufacturing
standard. This can be achieved by the following:

• Prior to the installation start, the installation crew is given adequate training in the
quality standards applicable to the tasks to be performed. This training should be
“refreshed” at regular intervals during the installation process.
• Clear instructions are given, especially if a second language is used.
• The relevant installation documentation should be available.
446 P. Glaubitz et al.

• The correct tools, accessories, and special clothing are available and their proper
use is understood.
• All installation activities which require direct supervision are firmly established
between all parties.

22.7 Installation of New GIS

The overall installation process for GIS may encompass many months, during which
time other activities associated with the project must continue. Coordination of
activities among all the project’s responsible parties is a necessity, especially with
regard to the interface with the HV transformer and HV cable connections.
Time spent in these coordination processes will help to ensure the minimum
number of disruptions during the installation process. Disruptions will nevertheless
occur and a certain degree of flexibility on the part of all parties is essential.
Specific installation procedures are tailored for each manufacturer’s GIS require-
ments. However, a typical sequence for the installation of new GIS could be as
follows:

• The anchoring/support system is installed and leveled to accommodate civil

works tolerances.
• Complete bays and single- or three-phase bay components are erected on their
respective supports.
• Inter-bay connecting elements are installed and busbars coupled.
• Installation of secondary control panels and interconnecting cables.
• Commencement of SF6 gas vacuum-filling process.
• Voltage transformers and busducts, including SF6 air bushings to outgoing trans-
formers or line positions, are installed.
• Interface components are installed (e.g., GIS to HV cable or power transformers),
but busbar links remain uncoupled.
• Site commissioning tests are completed, including local control.
• GIS is subjected to the high-voltage withstand tests (ref. Chap. 22).
• Ancillary GIS devices (e.g., surge arresters and monitoring/signaling equipment)
are installed and busbar links to high-voltage cables and/or transformers coupled.

To accelerate the overall program, some tasks can be done in parallel if the overall
standard of the assembly practices is not compromised.

22.8 Installation of GIS Extensions

The installation of an extension to an existing GIS substation imposes special

conditions on both the manufacturer and plant operator that do not normally apply
for the installation of new GIS. These special conditions or limitations can be related
but not limited to:
22 GIS Testing 447

• Provisions provided in the existing substation for future extensions like space
availability (ref. ▶ Sect. 16.5)
• The need to keep in operation all or portions of the existing plant (ref. ▶ Sect.
24.3 ongoing)
• Safety concerns with operational equipment, both primary and secondary
• High-voltage withstand testing of the completed extension (ref. Chap. 22)

There is no standard installation sequence related to an extension of a GIS substa-

tion. Each case must be looked at separately by the manufacturer who can say what
must be done, and the user will have to say how it can be achieved with minimum
disruption of the existing operational plant. The following specific terms can apply (acc.
to IEEE C37.122.6-2013 “Recommended practice for the interface of new
gas-insulated equipment in existing gas-insulated substations rated above 52 kV”):

• Manufacturer A: The supplier of the existing or initial GIS

• Manufacturer B: The supplier of the new extension GIS
• User: Current owner of the existing or initial GIS and of the new extension GIS

It should be recognized that manufacturer B will be the same as manufacturer A in

those situations where the extension is of the same make but of different design.
During the extension process, the end user and plant operator will have to play an
active role in order to assure that the working practices of the installation contractor
meet the minimum safety standards applicable to their operating practices.

22.9 Service Continuity

When performing an extension, prime consideration should be made to keep the max
number of existing feeders in service. Some outages of feeders may be required to
make the connection to the existing equipment and to perform the high-voltage tests.
This is dependent on the bus configuration and on the layout of the GIS.
Therefore, it is important to anticipate this requirement during the early stages of
GIS design, as it can impact the SLD arrangement, the layout, and the number of
components to be supplied in the initial stage.
The outage implications can be different during installation of the extension
equipment and during site testing. They should be assessed by the user and manu-
facturer B during the design of the extension and should cover both site installation
and site testing. More additional guidance about service continuity is also given in
IEEE C37.122.6 and in Annex F of the IEC 62271-203.

22.10 Commissioning

The commissioning of GIS, including the performance of all applicable tests,

represents the final stage of the manufacturer’s quality assurance program prior to
the GIS being connected into the user’s network. The procedures specified in this
448 P. Glaubitz et al.

stage are intended to be complementary to the manufacturer’s overall quality

assurance program and should not replace or duplicate controls which have been
acted upon in prior stages.

22.10.1 Commissioning of Primary Equipment

The procedures and tests recommended by the manufacturer for primary components
are intended to confirm that the interfaces between factory-assembled components
have been assembled on-site without error or introduction of defects.
Special attention should be paid to the high-voltage AC dielectric test. Recom-
mendations given in IEC 62271-203 should be used as a basis for discussions
between the user and manufacturer for establishing the dielectric site test procedures
to be applied to the completed GIS. For information concerning commissioning and
on-site tests, see also Chap. 22.

22.10.2 Commissioning of Secondary Equipment

As the secondary control and protection equipment associated with a complete

substation is normally only integrated into the GIS during the on-site assembly, it
is necessary to confirm that:

• The interconnecting wiring and cabling between GIS and panels has been accu-
rately and securely installed.
• All operational and annunciation functions in both remote and local mode are
correct.
• The bay-by-bay control philosophy pretested in the manufacturer’s works reflects
the user’s complete substation operation control and logic requirements.

22.10.3 Commissioning of the SF6 Insulation Medium

In most cases the processing of the GIS gas compartment prior to the filling of SF6
gas is performed after completion of the installation of the GIS. Exceptions to this
rule may be factory-assembled gas compartments, which can be shipped in their
entirety and require no additional intervention during the on-site assembly process
(e.g., voltage transformers and circuit breakers). The controls and checks of this
on-site processing should include:

• Confirmation of the tightness of each gas compartment during the vacuum cycle
and after final SF6 gas filling
• Confirming that the final moisture content of the SF6 is within recommended
limits (e.g., values can be found in the operation manual or IEC 60376)
22 GIS Testing 449

22.11 Information to be Given by the Manufacturer and the User

22.11.1 Basic Users Input Data

• Access limitations to the local site

• Local working conditions and any restrictions that may apply (e.g., safety equip-
ment, normal working hours, union requirements for supervisor, manufacturer’s
and local installation crew, etc.)
• Availability and capacity of lifting and handling equipment
• Availability, number, and experience of local personnel
• Specific pressure vessel rules and procedures that may apply during installation
and commissioning tests
• Interface requirements for high-voltage cables and transformers
• In the case of extensions to existing GIS:
• Provisions for the extension available within existing primary and secondary
equipment
• In-service conditions or operating restrictions that must be respected.
• Safety regulations that must be adhered too

22.11.2 Basic Manufacturers Input Data

• Space necessary for installation and assembly

• Size and weight of GIS components and testing equipment
• Site conditions regarding cleanliness and temperature for clean installation and
preparation area
• Number and experience of local personnel required for installation
• Time and activity schedules for installation and commissioning
• Electric power, lighting, water, and other needs for installation and
commissioning
• Proposed training of installation and service personnel
• In case of extension to existing GIS:
• Out-of-service requirements of existing components related to the installation
schedule
• Safety precautions