Gas Insulated Switchgear

Type F35

Description of the high voltage GIS,

Equipment and Services

Table of Contents

1 Key features ................................................................................................................2

2 Switchgear design concept..........................................................................................2
3 Description of switchgear ............................................................................................3
4 Quality Management System ......................................................................................7
5 Shipping, installation and commissioning ....................................................................7
6 Maintenance................................................................................................................8

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 Description of the high voltage
GIS Equipment and Services

1 KEY FEATURES
• Consistent 3-phase enclosed switchgear
• Low energy consumption of circuit breaker by self-blast interrupter
• Latest-generation spring operating mechanism
• Minimal gas losses due to proven seal system
• Easy access to switchgear components for extensions and maintenance
• Type tested according to the IEC standards
• Strict bus-bar segregation per bay

2 SWITCHGEAR DESIGN CONCEPT

The F 35 design is based on AREVA’s experience as one of the worlds leading GIS manufacturers.
Lightweight aluminium alloy housings enclose the three phases. The gas compartments of bays and
bus-bars are segregated by barrier insulators for minimum effect on service during extensions and
maintenance.
The live elements of the GIS are supported by insulators and insulated by SF6 gas.
The vertical circuit breaker bolted to the floor is the
main support for the GIS components. The
arrangement of the busbars in front of the vertical
circuit breaker permits easy access to all vital
switchgear components. Telescoping elements in
the bus-bar facilitate the site assembly, planned
and unplanned extensions or maintenance with
minimal effect on service.
The switchgear-components are manufactured in
AREVA works or are purchased from approved
suppliers. All components fulfil the highest quality
standards.
The switchgear is usually shipped as assembled
and tested single or twin bay units. The attachment
of the bay frames to the floor are adjusted at site.
No support beams or smooth floor surfaces are
required.
The variable secondary interfaces of the components (motor drives, instrument transformers,
monitoring elements) and of the local control allow for easy integration of the switchgear into a wide
variety of protection, instrumentation and control systems.

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3 DESCRIPTION OF SWITCHGEAR

3.1. CIRCUIT BREAKER

The circuit breaker uses state-of-the-art self-blast technology for safe,
restrike-free current interruption. As a consequence, the breaker
requires little operating energy and the spring operating mechanism
can be optimally integrated. The users benefits are high availability,
minimum maintenance and low dynamic floor loads.
Circuit breakers and mechanisms are easily accessible for inspection,
maintenance and manual emergency operation in case of supply
outage.

3.2. SPRING OPERATING MECHANISM

AREVA has used mechanical spring operating mechanisms since
1934. The circuit breaker applies a spring operating mechanism of the
latest generation forming a functional 3 phase operated unit with the
circuit breaker connected by a linkage.
The energy for one open-close-open (O-C-O) cycle is stored
permanent and loss-free in the two compression springs inside the
mechanism. Smooth and low-shock operation is achieved by the
recovery of the excess closing energy and the integrated trip dashpot .
This generation of operating mechanisms also offers short spring
charging time and good operating time reproducibility. Extended
maintenance cycles are an other favorable feature of this generation of
spring operating mechanisms.

3.3. COMBINED DISCONNECTOR / EARTHING SWITCH

The disconnector incorporates the two functions of a disconnector and
a maintenance earthing switch. This is achieved by a sliding contact
characterised by three defined positions:
- disconnector open / earthing switch closed
- disconnector closed / earthing switch open
- disconnector open / earthing switch open
The combined disconnector / earthing switch is driven by a motor
operated mechanism directly attached to the enclosure.
A mechanically connected indicator shows the actual position of the
switching device.
The use of one moving contact for the disconnector and the earthing switch inhibits simultaneous
closed position of both switches.
The earthing switches are insulated and connected to the enclosure by removable short circuit-proof
conductors permitting current and voltage injection for site tests.
The inspection windows in the enclosure allow the position verification of the switches and
assessment of the contact condition avoiding opening of gas compartments for inspection.

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3.4. MAKE-PROOF EARTHING SWITCH
The make-proof earthing switch is capable of closing on short circuit
current and applied at locations where closing on live sections is
possible and to switch induced currents e.g. on line feeders.
The earthing switches are three pole operated by a motor drive
mechanism. The moving contacts are driven by a spring, charged and
released, during opening and closing operation of the mechanism.
The position indicator mechanically linked to the earthing switch contact
is easily visible from operating level.
The insulated version of the make proof earthing switch is connected to
the enclosure by removable short-circuit-proof conductors permitting
current and voltage injection for site tests allowing.

3.5. CURRENT TRANSFORMER

The inductive current transformers are always customised. The
technical data of the cores fulfil the user’s needs for protection. control
and metering. The high voltage conductor serves as the primary
winding. The toroidal cores with the secondary windings are arranged
outside of the gas compartment. The secondary windings are
connected to terminals in the terminal box.
The length of the current transformer depends on the number and size
of the cores.
Transient over-voltages transmitted by current transformers to control,
protective and instrument circuits meet and exceed the latest IEC
requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

3.6. VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER

The inductive voltage transformer consists of an iron-core with
customised secondary and primary windings. The windings are film-
insulated and shielded by an electrode on the high-voltage side.
Transient overvoltages transmitted by voltage transformers to control,
protective and instrument circuits meet the latest IEC requirements for
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
A manually operated link is provided to disconnect the voltage
transformer for high voltage testing of the GIS and power cables
without gas handling or removal of the voltage transformer.

3.7. SURGE ARRESTERS

The purpose of surge arresters is to protect the switchgear and, depending on the layout of the
substation, the transformers against excessive lightning and switching overvoltage. The active part
consists of a stack of non-linear zinc oxide resistors between the high-voltage conductor and the
earth. The insulated earth connection is led through the baseplate of the arrester housing and
connected directly or through a surge counter to the switchgear earth.
The surge arrester functions exclusively to limit overvoltages and must not be continuously loaded
beyond the maximum permissible service voltage. It forms a separate gas compartment with all
elements needed for gas monitoring.

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3.8. DRY TYPE PLUG-IN HIGH VOLTAGE CABLE CONNECTION
Dry type plug-in cable termination according to the Technical
Specification TS 60859 of IEC provided by various manufacturers allow
to install high voltage cables without opening of the feeder gas
compartment after the high-voltage testing of the switchgear. Shorter
and easier assembly procedures are a consequence of this new
generation of cable terminations.
The basic scope of supply of the GIS manufacturer is limited to the
enclosure and interface connections and the assembly of the
switchgear side of the cable connector. The insulator is not part of the
scope of supply of the GIS manufacturer unless otherwise agreed. The
cable side of the connector is installed on the cable by the cable
supplier at the time of installation.
To ensure the delivery time, The insulator of the dry type / plug in cable connection shall be delivered
free of charge to AREVA latest 3 month before the ex works delivery date to be assembled, connected
and production-tested with the bay .

3.9. CONNECTING ELEMENTS

The switchgear components are equipped with standard flanges and standard plug-in contacts.
Conductors and electrodes are supported in the enclosures by insulators where necessary.
Tubular bus and telescoping elements are used to connect switchgear components. Telescoping
elements are employed to connect the busbars of each bay, for extensions and to allow simple
removal of components with minimum influence on service.

3.10. ENCLOSURES AND CONDUCTORS

The enclosures are mainly of cast aluminium alloys have been chosen for their excellent corrosion
withstand and light weight.
Enclosure design complies, with the European CENELEC code for gas-filled switchgear enclosures.
The connecting conductors are made of aluminium or copper tubes or bars, silver-plated at the ends.
The conductors are connected by sliver-plated and sliding plug-in contacts to compensate thermal
expansion.

3.11. GAS COMPARTMENTS

The SF6 switchgear is divided into several independent gas compartments separated by barrier
insulators.
Each gas compartment consists of :
- An SF6 gas service connection for evacuation, filling and sampling equipped with an integral filter to
prevent pollution from entering the compartment.
- A pressure-relief device to protect the enclosures against excessive overpressure.
- An adsorber to absorb moisture and SF6 decomposition products.
- An SF6 density supervision consisting of a temperature compensated pressure switch providing 2
low density alarm and an optional overpressure alarm signals. Analogue or digital density sensors
are optionally available.

3.12. SUPPORT ISULATORS

The live parts of the switchgear are supported by barrier or open insulators. Top quality manufacturing
and rigorous inspection guarantee excellent dielectric properties. The selected material features

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 excellent mechanical strength at any operating temperature and withstands SF6 decomposition
products.
The insulators, are dimensioned in compliance with the European CENELEC code for gas-filled
switchgear.

3.13. PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICE

The pressure relief device protects enclosures against excess overpressure. It
consists of a spring loaded disc. To protect personnel the cover directs the
exhaust gas to the enclosure.

3.14. GAS SEALING

The static flange seals of synthetic rubber possess a cross-section providing three concentric seals.
The two internal seals are protected from the corrosive environment. An excellent long-term gas
tightness is achieved and confirmed by service experience.

3.15. SUPPORTING STRUCTURES

Hot dip galvanised steel structures are designed to support the static and dynamic forces including
seismic loads where applicable. The supports are bolted to the floor by cemented anchors. The
adjustment range to compensate for uneven floors is approximately +- 20 mm.

3.16. ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC)

The metallic enclosures of the GIS integrated into the station earthing system limit the electrodynamic
field in the vicinity of the GIS to levels harmless for humans and sensitive equipment.
Transient overvoltages transmitted to control, metering and protection are conform to the latest IEC
standards.

3.17. EARTHING
The metallic and electrically connected enclosures are integrated in the station earthing grid.
Recommendations for the optimal layout of the substation earthing system, normally in the scope of
the civil work contractor, are available.

3.18. LOCAL CONTROL

The local control cubicle attached to the switchgear is assembled, wired and tested in the factory.
The local control of each bay provides the following functions:

- Control of the switching components of the bay .

- Electrical interlocking between the components.
- Gas density supervision
- Interface to the remote control, protection and metering
The detailed description of the local control of the GIS is given in a separate chapter.

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4 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

4.1. QUALITY MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE

The High Voltage GIS Department of AREVA applies a Quality Management System which complies
with the requirements of the standard ISO 90001 and ISO 14001. It is periodically certified by an
independent, accredited institution.

4.2. QUALITY CONTROL

Within the scope of the Quality Management Program, inspection plans are systematically
implemented for all the equipment manufactured by AREVA and it’s suppliers.

4.3. ROUTINE AND WITNESS TEST

The routine tests, based on IEC 62271-203, national and internal standards are systematically applied
and recorded.
Acceptance tests as agreed with the user are usually carried out on selected components of the GIS.
The normal scope consists of:

- Dielectric tests of the main circuit including partial discharge measurement

- Mechanical tests on switching equipment (circuit breaker, disconnector and earthing switch)
- Ratio and accuracy of current transformers
- Examination of the routine test documents

5 SHIPPING, INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING

5.1. SHIPPING
The switchgear is normally shipped as completely assembled single or twin bays, loose parts and
accessories. The packing depends on the shipping and if applicable storage conditions.

5.2. SITE CONDITIONS

To ensure high quality and efficient erection the civil works of the GIS room must be complete and
clean and with doors and windows in place. The site conditions are documented by the site
acceptance report.

5.3. SITE TRANSPORT AND ERECTION

The site conditions, available lifting and moving equipment for unloading and transport of the
switchgear to the GIS location, lifting equipment for erection are subject to agreement.

5.4. TESTS AFTER INSTALLATION ON SITE

After installation the switchgear is tested according to IEC 62271-203::
- Dielectric tests on the main circuit
- Dielectric tests on auxiliary circuits
- Measurement of the resistance of the main circuit
- Gas tightness test
- Checks and verifications
- Gas quality verifications
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5.5. COMMISSIONING AND ACCEPTANCE OF SWITCHGEAR
After completion of erection and site tests the GIS is ready for service. The acceptance by the user is
documented according to the contract.

6 MAINTENANCE
SF6 gas-insulated switchgear is designed for long maintenance intervals. Under normal service and
ambient conditions, only switching components require periodic inspection and maintenance. The
intervals depend on the use of the switchgear. Refer to the maintenance instructions.

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