MAJOR ADVANCES IN MV/LV SUBSTATIONS

Th.Grima et JF.Faltermeier
Groupe CAHORS, France
SUMMARY
Improvements on the reliability of the components
of the network , combined with a well-considered
policy of cost reduction from energy suppliers, may
lead to simplification of LV/MV substations in the
near future.
The aim of this article is to highlight practical
advatanges resulting from this simplification.
- The integration of a protection / cut-off
function inside the transformer itself would
eliminate any external risk and disconnect all
the three phases togather in case of internal
fault. The classical switch-fused disconnecting
device located inside the MV board may be
suppressed. The coordination between the
protections of the MV substation and the ones
on the LV side of the transformer must be
perfectly adjusted, so that no tripping may
happen without the transformer being out of
order. Thus, direct access to the protection / cut-
off function is not required .
The consequence of this first choice is a possible
reduction of HV Board to two switch-disconnectors
and one bypass switch. However, a step forward
may be achieved by direct connexion of this
simplified HV Board to the transformer . This
apparatus attached to the tank of the transformer
would then be composed of two switches
disconnectors and one derivation to the transformer.
Taking into account the reliability of equipments and
the precision of load supply forecasts, the drawbacks
of these solutions are negligible compared to
potential savings.
Diagram for a line substation with simplified MV
device
- These general considerationss also lead to
the reappraisal of the cut-off function as
systematically associated to each MV/LV
substation. For some of the substations
installed on the feeder-line, the transformer
itself may have connecting points to the
two incoming cables. In this case also, the
statistical analysis shows that the mean
duration of the interruption of supply
considered for the whole life expectation of
the product is not significant.
Architecture of MV substations on ring network
A: Substations without MV switchgear
B: Substation with simplified MV
switchgear
All above advances would bring substancial
savings, both in term of surface occupation and
cost, minimizing hence the differential of
investment between overhead and underground
networks.
A
A A
B
B
A
A A
A
ADVANCES IN ML/LV SUBSTATIONS
Th.Grima et JF.Faltermeier
Groupe CAHORS, France
1. INTRODUCTION
In an ever more competitive economy, energy
suppliers have to pay more and more attention to
optimising investments. Advances in some medium
voltage network components are such that it is now
possible to simplify installation diagrams, which has
significant economic repercussions.
With this in mind, the following contribution, based
on the recent appearance of a new technical level of
distribution transformers, presents interesting
changes in the field of MV/LV substations, aiming
to reduce the cost of connection to the MV network.
2. TRANSFORMERS WITH INTEGRATED
PROTECTION/CUT-OFF FUNCTIONS
2.1 Aims
The intrinsically safe transformer corresponds to a
new technical step consisting in integrating the
protective device inside the transformer tank rather
than it being external. This protection is now defined
functionally, in other words with the aim of
eliminating any external risk (opening the tank,
propagation of an arc outside the device, fire, ),
whatever the nature of the fault inside the device
(surge or overvoltage, overload, faulty MV or LV
circuits, etc).
In addition a second function accompanies this
internal protection, designed to systematically
disconnect a damaged transformer from the MV
network. So whatever the damage, the transformer
environment is protected from external phenomena,
and what is more, the three phases of the device
being insulated from the source, there is no longer
any risk of any disruption of the MV network or any
risk of LV stress distribution.
We thus come back to he traditional function of the
combined switch-fused disconnect switch that we
find on MV panels. Finally, since the main purpose
of this device is to protect against and prevent
disruption on the MV and LV networks, it is not
designed to be controlled either manually or
automatically.
2.2 Description
Figure 1 shows the wiring diagram of a transformer
with integrated protection and cut-off functions, its
general arrangements are shown in figure 2.

Figure 1: Wiring diagram for TRANSFIX
transformer with integrated protection and
disconnection functions.
Located just downstream of the MV plug-ins, three
oil-proof fuses with strikers are placed in insulating
wells. This design feature prevents any faults
upstream of the fuses as well as an arc propagating
between the fuses even in the absence of dielectric.
There is a disconnector downstream of each fuse,
reacting to the fuses striker, or to another phases
disconnector, thanks to mechanical coupling. This
disconnector has the same opening capacity as a
switch-disconnector with a cut-off capacity of over
250 A. So three-phase insulation is always
guaranteed if called upon.
In addition to this first unit, a fuse device integrated
in the earth circuit of the transformers active part
disconnects the device as soon as a faulty MV or LV
earth current is detected, even for an intensity of
only a few amps. Protection against weak earth
faults is thus ensured (networks with compensated
neutral conductors) or the faults appear in the LV
transformer circuit.
A very important point is the proper coordination
between all protections, ensuring that only a fault
inside the transformer may be at the origin of any
b
a
n
c
A B
C
tripping. Thus, direct access to the protection/cut-off
function is not required.
Figure 2: internal view of a TRANSFIX transformer
with integrated protection-disconnection functions.
3. APPLICATION FOR SUBSTATIONS
For substations, the solution described above has
two immediate advantages, the simplified design of
MV devices and the reduced overall size of stations.
3.1. Changes in MV wiring diagrams
Moving the protection inside the transformer itself
means the MV panel features two line-feed switch-
disconnectors and a bypass switch only, as shown in
figure 3.
Figure 3: Diagram for a line feed cut-off station with
simplified MV device
However, providing access to the link between the
panel and the transformer imposes the following
constraints:
- the safety of operational staff must be
guaranteed in the event of any electrical failure
in this link
- any work must be carried out after earthing and
short-circuiting. Unless remote earthing is
carried out at MV/LV stations in the vicinity,
the earth disconnector must be kept on the
bypass.
The other way of designing MV/LV substations that
frees from the above-mentioned constraints is to
accept the principle of a direct connexion of the MV
board to the transformer. However, this would
impose the reappraisal of a usual practice the
justification of which is a possible further adaptation
to the load, or the replacement of the transformer in
case of damage without disturbing the supply.
Several aspects show today that the physical
dissociation of both elements may appear obsolete:
- The means operators have at their disposal to
carry out network supervision are such that
demand can be accurately forecast and load
adjustments reduced.
- The mean failure rate of distribution
transformer for underground network is around
x 10
-7
fault per operating hour, which represents
one replacement of faulty equipment out of 40
units considering a period of 30 years.
In conclusion, given the current state of our
networks, the demand and technology, there is no
longer any justification for separating functions as it
has been customary to do up to now .
If this view is accepted, it is possible to devise a
physical combination of the transformer and MV
devices, a solution with significant economic
repercussions.
In electrical terms this means making the
transformer function transparent. The MV device
distributes feeder-bypassed power, the latter no
longer being medium voltage but low voltage.
When this MV unit is ready, the bus bypass is no
longer accessible and no longer requires a bypass
switch or a DC-earth disconnector. Figure 4 shows
the wiring diagram for such a layout.
Figure 4: electrical wiring diagram showing physical
combination of MV devices and transformer.
In technological terms, this combination
nevertheless requires two coexisting insulation
techniques:
The transit of network power, in the same way as the
cut-off devices, can only reasonably be envisaged in
a gaseous or solid insulating medium, for obvious
reasons of staff safety. So these functions must be
kept physically isolated from the transformer.
The ideal transformer, for economic reasons, but
also for reasons of compactness and insensibility to
the environment, is still the transformer that is
immersed in mineral oil.
Its integrated protective function, created using
fuses, is placed so as to do away with any vulnerable
wiring that may transit the network short-circuit
power in the transformer tank (see paragraph 2.2.).
3.2. Impact on station architecture
Following on from the above wiring diagram, a
transformer station can be designed using three
modules:
a) A base, integral to the installation location,
supporting the LV feeder pillar, thus
constituting the fixed part of the station.
b) An TYPE-A HV block integrating the feeder
cut-off function and the transformer function,
which can be moved by slinging
c) An enclosure, providing access to operational
parts and allowing possible replacement of the
TYPE-A HV block or LV elements.
Figure 5: Functional diagram of the MV/LV station
with its three modules
A: Interface Ground / substation
B: LV feeder pillar
C: Transformer
D: HV board 2I-diagram
E: Enclosure
3.3. Operational consequences
It is nowadays accepted that the failure rate for a
one-piece type 2I+P MV panel is the same as for
transformers, i.e. 1 x 10
-7
per operating hour.
Combining the transformer function doubles this
rate, which means that on average one MV block
failure out of 20 stations will be repaired in thirty
years.
It should be pointed out that a general improvement
of reliability should be expected simplifying the MV
panel will contribute to improving the current
reliability rate thanks to:
- The simplification of HV switchgear (removing
a switch, a disconnector and a protective
function comprising fuse wells that often caused
wee-known failures)
- The reduction of connecting points in the whole
system
- All connexions operations made and tested at
factory site
During this operation, as for any replacement of MV
panels disconnecting the feeder line, earthing both
cables is carried out at stations nearby.
The obligation to restore LV distribution as soon as
possible entails providing an independent source
powering the LV load centre bus (if the LV network
is not intermeshed). A disconnection method (even a
DC-earth) must therefore be available between the
LV load centre and the MV block. It should be
noted that this is not a question of cutting off power
under load, so a switch function is not required here.
3.4. Technical and economic consequences
In terms of value analysis, the advantages are:
a) For devices: removing a bypass switch, a double
DC-earth disconnector fulfilling the protective
function, a set of three fuse wells, a reduction in
the volume taken up by the panel casing, and a
saving on the pedestal.
b) Removing a MV link
c) For the outer enclosure, reduction in overall
volume.
This is offset by the transformer costing more
through integrating the protection-disconnection
function.
The anticipated gains are:
- 25% surface area: a 630 kV station takes up no
more than 3.5 m
2
.
- a 20 to 25% saving compared to the cost of a
traditionally-designed station (see figure 8).
A
B
C
E
D
MT
BT
4. SUBSTATIONS WITHOUT MV CUT-OFF
SYSTEM
This new way of thinking raises a fundamental
question: is it always necessary to combine the cut-
off function with the transformer function?
Since the transformer now has its own integrated
protection, can one not then distribute access points
to the feeder line in a different way from power
withdrawal points?
4.1. New distribution of functions on the network
The advantage of dividing up a feeder line into as
many segments as there are transformer stations is
being able to isolate a cable failure whilst
maintaining the power supply to all stations with no
lasting power cut. There are nevertheless areas
where this advantage is not mandatory, where a
power cut lasting longer than with traditional
systems (but nevertheless limited in time) is
acceptable.
The two following comparative solutions show the
merits of such an approach:
In the 1
rst
case, corresponding to the current
situation, a feeder line is made up of 20 substations,
each fitted with an MV 2I+P panel, 4 of them being
remotely controlled.
In the 2
nd
case, shown in figure 6, the same feeder
line still has 20 substations, 16 being connected with
no MV control system (without an MV panel), and 4
equipped with remote-control MV panels.
Figure 7: Architecture of MV substations on ring
network- A: Substations without MV switchgearB:
Substation with simplified MV
switchgear
Figure 7. Architecture of an MV station for
connection with its components:
A: Interface Ground / substation, B: LV feeder pillar
C: Transformer, E: Enclosure
4.2. Architecture of a station with no MV control
system
For a station with no MV control system, the
absence of an MV panel is offset by the fact that the
transformer itself has connecting points to the two
incoming cables.
The architecture of the station is shown in figure 7.
Since network power transits inside the transformer,
it is important to design the link between the two
connection points to prevent any risk of dielectric
failure that could cause a failure in the volume of oil
in the device.
4.3. Operational consequences
There is no need to cover transformer load
adjustment or equipment failure, which were dealt
with in paragraph 3.2. On the other hand, line
failures need to be discussed here.
For a conventionally equipped network, a cable
failure generally requires the following tasks to be
carried out:
- turning on the switches on either side of the
failure, following the information received from
the related fault detectors
- turning off the feeder line supply
- locating the faulty segment using the
information provided by the fault detectors in
the powered-down area
- throwing the manual switches in the stations on
either side of the failure
- turning off the remotely controlled switches
The average power cut lasts approximately a minute
for all the stations, and lasts approximately an hour
B
A
E
C
BT
MT
A
A A
B
B
A
A A
A
for the three or four stations located between the
remote control switches on either side of the failure.
Now for a similar network equipped with stations
having no MV control system, the tasks required are
(see figure 7b):
- turning on the remotely controlled switches on
either side of the failure, following the
information received from the related fault
detectors
- closing the feeder access point
- locating the faulty segment using the
information provided by the fault detectors in
the powered-down area
- disconnecting the faulty segment connections at
stations on either side of the failure, and
earthing
- placing insulation caps on the plug-ins on the
transformer side
- turning off the remotely controlled switches.
The average power cut lasts approximately a minute
for the feeder line, and still lasts approximately an
hour for the stations located between the remote
control switches on either side of the failure.
However, restoring normal power supply now
entails another power-down for the stations located
between the remotely controlled switches on either
side of the failure, this also being around an hour,
because the following tasks need to be carried out:
- turning on the remotely controlled switches on
either side of the repaired failure
- reconnecting the connection points of the
repaired cable segment to the stations at either
end
- turning off the remotely controlled switches
- restoring the normal feeder supply point .
4.4. Technical and economic approach
Given the hypothesis of one cable failure per year
for 100 km, and an average distance separating
MV/LV stations of under 1 kilometre, the drawback
of the concept without an MV control system
compared to the traditional design is an extra power
cut of around one hour per station over the whole
operating period (30 years).
This is offset by an extremely simple and compact
station design. Its cost is estimated at half that of a
traditional station (see figure 8).
5. CONCLUSION
The introduction of a protective function in MV/LV
transformers, as well as progress in network
component reliability, leads one to give serious
thought to simplifying the MV/LV station
considerably.
In the first example, with feeder line disconnected,
the saving on a station is estimated as being between
20% and 25% thanks to the combination of the
transformer and disconnecting devices (simplified
MV panel).
In the second example also reviewed herein, the
diagram is modified so that most of the stations have
no MV control system. The savings per station can
be as much as 50% in this case.
The drawback of underground networks compared
to overhead networks is precisely the extra cost of
the various pieces of equipment they require,
including MV/LV stations. The solutions put
forward in this document provide operators with
ways of optimising their investment by reducing this
handicap.
Rfrences :
[1] : C.Guillaume, P.Lauzewis, Les postes de
distribution publique MT/BT : Evolutions et
perspectives , MATPOST 99 SEE, 5-13
[2] : JF.Faltermeier, 1999, Lamlioration de la
scurit et de la fiabilit des postes MT/BT ruraux ,
MATPOST 99 SEE, 14-22
.