C ase Study

of the Month

Er. P.K.Pattanaik, is presently working with OPTCL as

General Manager, EHT (O&M) Circle Bhubaneswar
- Odisha and associated with the Protection and
Control schemes of Electrical systems.
Having 29 years of technical experience on various
HT and EHT voltage level in the field of transmission
sector. Specialization on the development techno-
economical design of protection control schemes for system development
and planning. At present involved with various on-going projects on
GIS, SAS and updated Remote SCADA control stations of OPTCL.
Published 105 technical papers in National and International arena
and is a regular contributor to the National journals like Electrical
Mirror, Electrical India, CBIP journal and IEEMA journal and author
of many technical books. Also Awarded in various arena on National
level. He is also the coordinator of a Nationwide Power Engineers’ VARIOUS CASE STUDIES
Technical Group named “SPARK- Ignited to share” consisting of Senior ON OPERATION AND CONTROL
Electrical Engineers from different parts of the country.
SCHEMES FOR GRID SUB-STATION
ele.pkpattanaik@optcl.co.in
Contd…

1. Introduction: For the last few months, the response of the readers
to the case studies on various incidents is overwhelming. Hence this
month we are again choosing the write up on similar kind of studies
for developing the synchronization of practical observation to the
theoretical concepts. The analysis of each incident being supported by
actual observations had been described during the situation to add
awareness amongst the operation, testing and commissioning engineers
to know the cause of problems and be helpful for easy rectification
of the problems. This can also help to develop economic schemes for Fig 2.1.1.a. Damaged insulator string
the smooth running of the operation and control system in the Grid
Sub-Station.
2.1. Damage of Porcelain Disc Insulator: In a typical 220KV EHT Line, it
was observed with damage of porcelain disc insulator.
Observations
1. During patrolling by line inspecting team, it was found with damage
of suspension string insulator at two different places. (Ref Fig 2.1.1.a Fig 2.1.1.b. Damaged insulator string
and Fig 2.1.1.b) 2. The intermittent discs were found damaged instead of starting or end
disc.

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 3. On inquiry it was found that these strings are of very old 4. The tripping got reduced.
of 30years of installation. But the failure was found only 2.2. 33KV LIVE TANK CT Failure: At one of the 132/33KV
for particular zone of the line. station, it was found failure of 33KV LIVE TANK 2 Nos during
4. This particular zone was investigated properly, regarding the drizzle rain.
the availability of Tower footing Resistance. Observations:
5. The TFR value was also measured and found with higher 1. These 33 KV CTs were fixed on the GANTRY MOUNTED
value and at some cases value was 90 Ohm and above. BEAM near the Power Transformer of 63 MVA 132/33KV.
6. The earth wire of the Tower was also checked and found 2. These CTs were of LIVE TANK with double groove PAD Clamp
with all intact, with few points only having single point and provided with insulator stack on the body of the top
earth strip on the tower tip. tank. (Ref Fig 2.2.1.a)
7. The tripping of the line during the last monsoon session 3. On removal of the Top Cover, it was found with burning
was verified and found with 8 times of tripping with 6 times of the LIVE CONDUCTOR and insulation provided as like
AR (Auto Reclosed) and two times with Ph-Ph fault. shown in the fig 2.2.2.
8. For the case of each AR, the line had been patrolled each 4. The connecting links were also found with U face instead of
time, but line in charges had reported of no abnormality. round hole for the connection to the studs. (As like Shown
This information might not have been reported correctly by

w w w. e l e c t r i c a l m i r r o r. n e t
in Fig 2.2.1).
the team.
Technical Analysis
1. From the above observations, the cause of failure of the
insulator discs are due to lightening effect across the discs.
2. During the case of Back Flashover and then with front
flashover, the weak discs are supposed to be suffered with Fig 2.2.1.a CT Fig 2.2.1.b CT with Double Fig 2.2.2 Burning of
groove Pad Clamp
damage if minor cracks remain in the disc. with Insulator stack Internal insulation

3. The lightening phenomenon could be explained below. 5. Both the fail CTs were investigated and found with similar
nature of failure with oozing of the oil, burning of the
internal insulation etc...
a. Suppose lightning strikes on the tower point, then surge
current should have to discharge immediately to ground Technical Analysis:
through TFR (Tower footing resistance) without developing 1. The detail TANK design was investigated and found with
any voltage rise on the tower structure. some lacunae.
b. But in the event of higher TFR and dis-continuity of earth a. This CT was having primary links with external studs in
wire etc... certain voltage is developed on the tower, more connection.
than the per phase voltage of the in service line conductor. b. Each Stud has insulator stack to separate direct touch from
So, it was observed with voltage across the insulator strings. the main tank.
c. If the potential difference becomes more that the BIL of the c. Each link has U face groove instead of round hole, that
string, flashover results across the discs from Tower point to has less contact surface.
Line Conductor (Called BACK FLASH). So the surrounding d. The final stud for connection of Double Groove Pad clamp
air medium gets ionize, causing a conducting path across and connecting jumper is not that strong to accept the
the insulator string. Now FRONT FLASH OVER does occur tension of the conductors.
from line conductor to Tower cross arm. This time the line 2. Moreover, the pattern of Double conductor connection with
trips actuating the relay at sub-station. its supporting was putting tension on the pad clamp.
4. Because of Two times flashover (BACK FLASH and then 3. As CTR is of 1200-600-300/1 with multi ratio CT has more
FRONT FLASH), the weak insulator disc may fail. hardware connection due to primary link control.
Rectification and action Taken 4. Because of these above issues, the insulator stacks (As
1. The Tower footing resistance was improvised by adding shown in white colour) used to suffer with certain stress
extra earth pit on the towers of the affected zone. and results with minor shrink and leakage of oil.
2. The combined TFR was measured and found within limit. 5. As these CTs are top Beam mounted, sometimes the
3. All earth terminal connection at the Tower top point was physical inspection is neglected by the grid personnel. If
tightened regarding the connection of earth link. left unattended, then leaking of oil may attract entry of
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Case Study

moisture into the tank with subsequent deterioration of Detail analysis

oil condition. The carbonized opening between the link C6 and P2, due to
6. Especially during the drizzle rain, entry of water shall be loose contact and sparking, has developed an erroneous CTR.
developing failure of the CT with burning of the internal For correct connection of links, the CTR is 200/1 with equivalent
insulation as like shown in the figure. resistance (R ohm). But opening of one link as shown in fig-A
Solutions: has resulted the rise of equivalent resistance (1.5 R ohm)
1. Matter was taken up with OEM regarding the design of the Since I12R1 = I22R2
CT. 2002 x R = I22 1.5R and I2 = 163.3
2. The CT was asked with single desired ratio of 1200/1 only So, new ratio becomes 163.3/1 instead of 200/1.
with no CT Links.
The CT link was replaced by a new one.
3. The Insulator stacks were changed with better type.
2.4. Case of BLOWING OUT of Fuse of Breaker Control Circuit:
4. The links are provided with Round Hole for proper gripping. At one Sub-Station it was found with blowing out of fuses (used
5. The Conductors were double supported to avoid extra tension for Closing + Trip Coil -2) of a 220 KV Breaker Control Circuit
to the final studs.
Analysis: Blowing out of any fuse is the indication of higher
6. The problems were rectified. current flow on the fuse circuit than that of its rated value.
2.3. Case of OPENING of Primary Link for CT: One 33 KV feeder This situation may result due to the following conditions.
Case Study

was tripping on E/F relay frequently for the load current more 1. Reduction of the impedance/resistance path of the operating
than approximately 45 Amp. Line CTR = 200/1, Setting of coil circuit.
E/F PSM= 0.1 2. DC earth leakage and development of higher voltage across
Steps attempted the operating system.
Load current was restricted to 30 amperes for measurement 3. Earthing/ touching to body during DC earth leakage condition.
of secondary current in the Back up core. The currents are
measured and tabulated as in the following Table-2.3
Observations: -
1. This observation was found both in the LOCAL and REMOTE
Table-2.3 Closing of the breaker.
Phase / Wire No. Current in m Amp. Remarks 2. Even on Hand tripping condition also.
R ph. C11 184 Doubt? 3. Sparking of auxiliary contacts (63 AGX and 47TX) relays
Y ph. C31 151 O.K on breaker cubicle for testing of individual tripping of the
B ph. C51 153 O.K breaker pole, while testing of pole discrepancies.
E/F C71 38 Doubt? 4. The pole discrepancy circuit seems to be incomplete as
C11+ C31 172 Doubt? observed.
C31+ C51 152 O.K Rectifications:
C11+ C51 176 Doubt? 1. The cables used for the remote closing and tripping of the
Conclusion of the readings breaker was checked and found in order.
From the readings of Back-up core as described in the table, it 2. While checking the LOCAL TNC switch, the fault was detected
got concluded that “R” phase CT is associated with wrong CTR, and the same was replaced by a good one and both LOCAL
may be due to saturation of core or wrong primary connection. and REMOTE closing were checked and found OK.
The detail secondary circuit of R phase was checked and found 3. Tripping operation at Local was checked by removal of the
O.K. But on physical verification it was found with the carbonized cable used for remote operation and found in order.
opening of one link on Primary side of the CT (Ref. Fig 2.3) 4. While checking the hand tripping from remote end the
following defects were again observed.
a. Auxiliary contact used for Y Phase Post Supervision purpose
found burnt (63AGX) for trip coil-2
b. TSR of this Y phase was also found defective
c. Remote TNC switch TRIP contact also found defective
5. Rectification of point (a): - Another parallel relay was

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 replaced and NO contact was used for the supervision purpose. But if it would have the case, then the insulator stacks
6. Rectification of point (b): - Another relay was replaced could have been damaged resulting the total failure of
from spare feeder. the line. Moreover, for each time the line is not tripping
immediately just after closure. Line closure and load flow
7. Rectification of point (c): - Another spare contact was replaced.
of required amount around 335MW was also occurring. So
All the operation was checked again the Pole discrepancy on the apprehension of the crack of the insulator stack of this
R Phase contact circuit was found defective and new contact string was overruled.
and circuit was modified.
g. Then the clearance of top earth wire (OPGW cable) with this
2.5. Frequent tripping of 400 KV Transmission Line: One of the R phase was concentrated as the cause of the occurrence.
400 KV line was tripping on Rph-E fault with zone 1 indication
h. So the total span from one end was thoroughly patrolled
at one end of the line and Zone2 on the other.
and found with SAG of this wire at one position and damage
Action Taken: of few strands of the top R Phase Conductor.
1. The line was patrolled thoroughly at each point. i. But this distance is less than that of the declared distance
2. As per the distance measured by the Distance Relay, the by the relay.
fault was searched at each cut point of the line. j. The shutdown was availed and the top OPGW cable clearance
3. But each time nothing was noticed remarkable. and damage of the conductor was attended for correction
4. So each time, the line was getting energized and loaded of the fault.
successfully. But tripping was occurring intermittently, Analysis: -
especially during the wind flow time. The reason of less distance calculation as obtained from the
5. Now the faults and corresponding disturbance records from DR by the DP relay was analyzed. In actual condition the
the relay were downloaded for detail study. occurrence of the fault and distance calculation is done on the
Observations: basis of REACTANCE calculation of the line conductor. But the
On observation from the DR (Disturbance Record), it was availability of ARCHING RESISTANCE during the time of fault,
found the followings disturbs the value of the reactance of the line and consequent
upon which the distance calculation becomes different than
a. Each time the similar kind of fault i.e Rph-Ground was
resulting.
that of the actual. In this case due to SAG on the line, during
the wind flow, the clearance was becoming still lesser and the
b. The fault current was of approximately 4KA to 5 KA. moment was occurring for which the ARCHING was resulting
c. The Zone indication was of Zone-1 at one end and Zone-2 with flow of fault current and outage of the line at both ends
at the other. as per the reactance measurement (Actual + Arching value).
d. The type of fault and fault current was same at the other Hence the declaration of the value is becoming more than that
end. of the actual. But in the DP relay such calculation setting as
e. On the observation of the indications, it was decided that the per the distance with consideration of arching are generally
fault may be due to reduction of Rphase to earth clearance. decided by certain empirical formulae and experience with
As R phase conductor was on the TOP of the tower, the back calculation from the observance.
nearby earth conductor could be its structure (Cross arm) NOTE: - It may be noted that for the repeated case of conditional
or the earth wire. fault occurrence like TOP Phase-Earth fault, and successful
f. The cross arm structure is being isolated by the use of charging thereafter, the COMMON Earth Conductor and its
Insulator stacks. So the crack and development of leakage positioning has to be checked before searching for total line
path on the stack could be the reason of fault occurrence. or actual distance as per the declaration by the DP relay. EM

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