Electra 329
Electra 329
Electra 329
August 2023
Editorial
Global Connections
Electricity storage in Greece: State-of-play & near-term outlook
Technology E2E
Visualized Reconstruction of Treeing Defects in Power Cable Based on
Electromagnetic Tomography
Life of Association
CIGRE Science & Engineering (CSE) - The technical magazine of choice
New Green Book: Accessories for HV and EHV Extruded Cables - A long story
CIGRE West Africa – Report of the June 2023 Kick-Off meeting for the election of
Study Committee representatives
CIGRE Women In Energy : Discussion with Maria del Socorro Gómez Pérez
Technical Brochures
TB 905 WG B2.68 Sustainability of OHL conductors and ttings – Conductor condition
Editorial
By Michel Augonnet
President of CIGRE
This month’s articles visit several parts of the globe on varied energy transition
programs, and we can each very easily visualize the different options available for
distinctive climates and levels of economic development. This is a CIGRE advantage:
we share the information freely so that all may learn and prosper. Equally important
to read are the articles discussing ‘equipment life’ whether it be power electronics
hardware or, being carefully looked at in this edition, the aging – or ‘treeing’ – of
transmission cables.
Another interesting article concerns net load stability being seen with the increased
levels of Renewable Energy Sources (RES), particularly in islanded power systems.
The ‘Cyprus Dachshund Dog Curve’ is a new way to show power system operating
curves for peak hours.
As always, climate change is in the news around the world. Major heat waves are
affecting the Northern Hemisphere this year as well as massive rainfall in regions
that would not normally see such heavy saturation. Greece and Canada are suffering
from important wild res as well. These wide-ranging climate issues have severe
consequences for power systems and physical infrastructure, roads, railways, etc. As
power system experts, we must all be prepared for any and all types of
meteorological variations; the normal weather patterns experienced around the
world are no longer valid.
I would like to introduce you to a new section within the ‘Life of the Association’.
Since the creation of Next Generation Network and Women in Engineering groups, it
is now time to begin introducing some of the members. There are Q&A interviews
with a member of each group in which they give their perspective on CIGRE
Michel Augonnet
By Apostolos Papakonstantinou
In 2022 major interventions took place in the legal framework to establish the
activity of electricity storage, with law 4951/2022 introducing the following:
Ministerial Decision 84014/7123, issued in the same year, established grid access
priority rules for FtM storage facilities and for RES plants with integrated storage.
The 1st (out of 3) bidding process of the FtM grid-storage scheme (SA.64736) was
successfully conducted in July 2023, for a total of 400 MW. The remaining 2 rounds
will be completed in 2023. All projects are scheduled to enter operation before 2026.
In addition, individual aid to the 680MW/6-h Am lochia PHS Project has also been
approved (SA.57473), aiming to support high RES penetration through arbitrage and
curtailment mitigation, as well as contribute to resource adequacy. The aid
comprises both an investment grant and a 2-way CfD [6].
Static limitations are also foreseen for RES plants, initially in the form of output
power caps, principally for PVs. Combined with BtM batteries, such restrictions are
very effective in reducing occupation of available hosting capacity, while maintaining
energy ef ciency (i.e. minimizing rejected energy). At the same time, the market
value of available solar generation is increased through time-shifting towards high
demand and market price intervals. As an example, the average daily grid export
pro le is shown below for a PV plant capped at 50% of its installed capacity, without
embedded storage and with a small (0.5 h duration) of BtM batteries.
References
Introduction
The increased energy generation from PV systems has already signi cantly reduced
the net-load demand (the load satis ed only by conventional units) during mid-day,
creating the well-known ‘duck’ curve [1].
The signi cant net load reduction during mid-day has introduced several new
challenges to system operators worldwide, such as frequency stability issues and
reduced short-circuit levels due to the reduced number of synchronous generators
necessary to supply the net load. Power systems operating with a small number of
synchronised units are more vulnerable to frequency and voltage stability problems
during outages. At the same time, the ramp rate requirements of conventional
generation units are increased to satisfy the evening peak demand when the net load
is restored due to the PV generation reduction [2].
For example, Figure 1 depicts the generation pro le of a low-demand period in the
Spring of 2023 for the islanded Cyprus power system. When the net load reduces
below the minimum stable generation limit of the synchronised thermal units (black
dotted line), RES curtailments (shown in red) are performed to balance the system
and ensure its stable and secure operation. This phenomenon repeats on multiple
days during low- demand periods, and the frequency has gradually increased in
Cyprus over the last few years.
The generation/demand imbalance will increase even more in the coming years
since government policies, especially in the EU, continuously push for increased RES
penetration. In contrast, a noticeable change in load demand during the problematic
period (mid-day) is not likely within the decade. It is worth noting that the amount of
RES curtailments is proportional to the number of synchronous generators (or, more
speci cally, their minimum stable generation limit) and RES installed capacity and
inverse to the system load demand.
The new curve is inspired by the basic characteristics of the dachshund dog. This dog
bread has a very long straight main body and very short legs compared to its size.
The latter represents the low demand of the system, which affects the amount of RES
curtailment requirements. The long straight body represents the duration of the RES
curtailments, which is directly related to the installed capacity of RES and the
daylight hours. In addition, the dog’s head and tail can be similar to the net load
evening and morning peak demand, respectively.
It should be noted that this silhouette of the net load curve occurs regularly in
Cypres’ power system (and other systems with similar features) since the energy
from the installed PV systems on the island is substantial compared to the system
demand. This is evident from Figure 2, where the average net load curve for the rst
four months of 2023 is presented. It is shown that the average curve has been
attened in the mid-day because of the regular RES curtailments.
It should be noted that the curtailments and the issues mentioned above can be
avoided with the use of energy storage devices. That is, the curtailed energy (see red
area in Figure 1) can be stored and retrieved later to provide peak shaving (see
hours 19:00- 21:00 in Figure 1). However, this requires signi cant investments (with
limited usage) on behalf of the system operators and consumers and would not
change the silhouette of the curve.
On the other hand, with the proper planning and operation of the system, the
situation can improve and the challenges can be addressed without costly
investments. For example, the energy curtailed from RES can be used to provide
frequency support (virtual inertia, frequency containment reserves, etc.) during
under-frequency events [3]. This support can allow for avoiding the synchronisation of
conventional units for small demand increases and thus decrease the MSGLs.
Furthermore, traditional problems associated with RES penetration, especially
during low-loading conditions, can also be mitigated. Network congestion due to
excessive reverse power conditions can be avoided and voltage issues can be
mitigated. These bene ts can potentially increase the hosting capacity of RES, since
hosting capacity is mainly limited by the worst-case operation conditions that
appear during low loading conditions.
While the proposed curve is currently prevailing only in low-inertia, islanded power
systems, as the PV penetration increases in many countries, the net load in the mid-
day will unavoidably reduce. RES curtailments might be avoided in interconnected
power systems with the ability to export energy. However, the planned massive RES
capacity increase will force future power systems to operate with fewer synchronised
units close to their MSGLs, leading to RES curtailment and similar net-load
silhouettes as in Figure 2.
Conclusions
The massive PV penetration has forced system operators to perform RES
curtailments to balance generation and demand during low-demand / high-RES
conditions. These curtailments have changed the basic characteristics of the well-
known ‘duck’ curve and resulted in the ‘dachshund dog’ curve. While this effect is
dominant in islanded systems, it is expected to gradually become commonplace in
most RES-dominated systems.
in the Cyprus Power System: Current and Future Challenges’, MEDPOWER 2022,
October 2022.
[3] P. Therapontos, R. Tapakis, P. Aristidou, ‘Assessing the Impact of Primary
Frequency Support from IBRs in Low Inertia Isolates Power Systems’, IEEE General
Meeting 2023, July 2023.
Background
However, the African continent only contributes to 3% of the global emissions but
loses 5-15% in GDP each year due to climate change impacts [1]. Although the
African continent contributes insigni cantly to climate change via GHG emissions, it
Figure 2 - CSIR Analysis on future South African energy landscape 1 (CSIR, flaticon.com)
1 Full sector modelling still to be completed for South African energy sector decarbonization pathway/s
Solar PV technology consists of solar PV modules which generate DC power from the
energy radiated by the sun. This power is generally transmitted to an inverter, which
converts DC to AC, and is then transmitted to the power grid. This can be rooftop
mounted or ground mounted installations which can also be behind-the-meter or
directly connected to LV, MV or very rarely (HV) grid depending on the installed
capacity. Africa is leading the globe in solar resource potential and this coupled with
the abundant land availability, provides signi cant advantages for deployment.
Wind technologies consists of wind turbines which generate electricity using the
wind and are either installed onshore (i.e. on land) or offshore (i.e. in the sea). The
turbines are connected to a generator which is then connected to a converter then to
the internal reticulation system and transformer and this is then connected to the
grid. Most plants are onshore since offshore is still nascent in the market with higher
LCOE. However, where land is becoming a hinderance, offshore solutions are being
encouraged.
Hydropower consists of turbines immersed in water which turn with moving water
and is connected to a generator that generates electricity. This concept can be
coupled with dams that have an elevation difference to allow for storing of electricity
– generally referred to as pumped storage. Since water is a scarce resource and most
Concentrated solar power (CSP) technology differs from solar PV technology in that it
uses mirrors to concentrate solar energy to a single source and produce heat that
can be converted into electricity. It also has thermal energy storage which is
considered advantageous over other renewables. However, the LCOE of this
technology is still high and is not considered for deployment.
Energy storage
With the increase of variable renewable energy in the grid, energy storage is
becoming more important to maintain grid stability, provide ancillary services,
provide energy arbitrage and avoid system blackout. This coupled with renewables
can also electrify customers that are located far away from a grid point of connection.
Microgrids using this concept is becoming popular for this purpose. However, where
grid expansion can be done, the feasibility of microgrids is incomparable. Currently,
pumped hydro and Lithium Ion based battery storage is leading in the globe. Second
life batteries from electric vehicles are also becoming popular in behind the meter
solar PV and storage solutions.
Conclusion
This article re ects on key energy technologies that are to be considered for the just
energy transition in Africa. Aspects relating to social and economic imperatives for
such technologies must be considered when selecting pathways for the transition to
be just. There are many regulatory barriers that were not touched on which should
be considered. Furthermore, other developments such as establishment of energy
markets, system operators, aggregators and wheeling of electricity should be
considered. It is also envisaged that the development of green hydrogen solutions for
decarbonization of hard-to-abate local and export markets is going to become a
gamechanger in the African continent.
Today, two major variants of HVDC are available, which differ in the AC to DC
conversion technology. Line Commutated Converter (LCC) HVDC is based on
thyristor technology. In early schemes, the power generated from large-scale
hydropower generating stations was transferred via HVDC systems using LCC-HVDC
technology. Nelson River HVDC system (Canada), HVDC Itaipu (Brazil), and Cahora-
Bassa HVDC system (Mozambique-South Africa) are a few examples of LCC-HVDC
systems.
The second variant is Voltage Source Converter (VSC) technology which was
introduced early 21st century. VSC converters utilize Insulated Gate Bipolar
Transistors (IGBT) as the switching device, and they are arranged in a modular
format. These converters are also known as modular multi-level (MMC) VSC
converters. Unlike thyristors, which can be turned on through a gate pulse but not
turned off, an IGBT can be turned on and turned off, thereby providing VSC
technology with superior controllability compared to LCC technology. A VSC
converter is shown in Figure 1.
VSC technology offers many features that are suitable for the integration of
renewable energy generation such as Wind and Solar, and, with their small footprint,
the VSC is very attractive for the integration of offshore wind. With the rapid
development of VSC technology and offshore wind generation technology, HVDC
systems are being widely used to interconnect offshore wind generation into AC
networks. After the completion of the rst HVDC system connecting offshore wind
power plant “BorWin1” in 2012, numerous schemes have been put in service and
Since the offshore HVDC converters are being entirely fed by wind generation, the
offshore converters are operated in “islanded mode,” and they control the frequency
and AC voltage at the point of connection. Since the offshore converter is operated in
islanded mode, the onshore converter needs to be operated in DC voltage control.
Most of these VSC HVDC systems can provide services such as frequency support,
emergency power control, dynamic voltage/reactive power support, etc. Another
important aspect is the self start-up of the system known as “black start.” The
existing offshore systems cannot be black started from the offshore side since the
wind farms are not capable of black starting themselves. Therefore, the onshore
HVDC converter is rst energized from the onshore AC grid that is already energized,
and then, the offshore AC terminal is energized by the offshore HVDC converter.
Finally, the wind turbines are connected one by one to the HVDC terminal.
Today, VSC HVDC systems are more popular than LCC HVDC systems because of
their superior capabilities. However, due to unique requirements, such as long
distances and high power transfer, LCC-HVDC systems are also being considered for
some projects. The HVDC project Kimal-Lo Aguirre in Chile is one such example.
Many offshore wind farms are being developed in Europe and North America. To
provide higher transmission exibility and reliability, many of the new wind farms
will be connected to the onshore networks through offshore energy hubs or “energy
islands.” The electric power produced by several wind farms is brought to an energy
island, which is connected to multiple onshore energy markets via HVDC or AC
connections. Some of the examples are “VindØ” – wind island [4] connected to
Denmark, “North Sea Wind Power Hub” project [5] connected to Germany,
Netherlands, and Denmark, “MOG2-Nautilus-Triton project” [6] connected to Belgium,
UK, and Denmark, and “Bornholm Energy Island” [7] connected to Denmark and
Germany. As described in the North Sea Wind Power Hub project website, by 2050
the North Sea energy islands will interconnect many countries as shown in Figure 2.
And in the USA, there is more than 16 GW of wind capacity planned for the Atlantic
Coast.
Multi-terminal VSC HVDC systems with many onshore and offshore converters will
be utilized in these projects. The offshore HVDC converters will be operated in
islanded or grid forming control modes. At the offshore terminals, multiple grid
forming converters may be tightly connected (zero or very low impedance between
them) and the grid forming control techniques need to be carefully designed to avoid
interactions among them and to properly share the active and reactive power among
the converters. Similar to synchronous generators, frequency droop characteristics
can be used to share the active power and AC voltage control with a reactive power
droop can be used to share the reactive power without interactions. Compared to the
synchronous generators which transiently can supply large short circuit currents,
VSC HVDC converters have limited short circuit current handling capability, mainly
due to the IGBT current limits. Therefore, the converter current during transients
needs to be controlled to remain within the maximum current limit. At the same
time, proper recovery after a system fault (AC or DC) needs to be achieved. Therefore,
the fault-ride-through design of offshore HVDC converters needs special attention.
Furthermore, the controllers of the wind farms need to be coordinated with the HVDC
controllers to achieve the required performance. In these projects, a close
collaboration between the HVDC manufacturers and wind farm manufacturers is
necessary to ensure these requirements are met. Onshore HVDC converters are
required to maintain the DC voltage of the multi-terminal DC system, while
maintaining required power injections to the onshore grids. Therefore, a exible
system using a DC voltage droop control would be the proper choice as many
converters are contributing to regulate the DC voltage. The power injection at each
If the HVDC systems are connected from the DC side, it is necessary to have fast DC
breakers to isolate the faulty sections during a DC fault while keeping the rest of the
system running. Several fast-acting DC breakers have been introduced to the market.
As part of the PROMOTioN project [8], which evaluated the feasibility of the offshore
energy islands, some of the DC breakers have been already tested. However, more
work still needs to be done to increase the fault current interruption capability.
Another major concern is temporary load rejections such as onshore AC faults. The
power generated by the wind farms needs to be absorbed by some means to keep the
offshore converters running during the fault. In the existing offshore HVDC systems,
a “DC chopper” connected in parallel with the onshore converter is used. It is
fundamentally a resistive load connected through a fast-acting switch, typically an
MMC VSC valve. The energy delivered to the onshore converter is diverted and
absorbed by the resistor until the fault is cleared. Some of the HVDC projects being
planned are considering an “AC chopper” connected at the offshore AC terminal to
get the same support. This is a relatively cheaper solution, mainly because it utilizes
thyristor valves instead of IGBT valves. Furthermore, the AC chopper may be utilized
to keep the system running during a DC line fault as well. In a multi-terminal system,
this would be an added advantage, as fewer wind farms would need to be tripped
during a DC line fault. The main constraint in offshore applications is the space
availability on the offshore platforms for the installation of the AC chopper.
Innovative solutions are necessary to solve such limitations.
In the future, many VSC HVDC systems will bring the power generated from isolated
renewable energy sources (onshore/offshore wind/solar) to the AC grids. As the
amount of renewable generation increases, the conventional fossil-fuel based
generation will be retired.
Therefore, these HVDC converters will be connected to weak AC grids with low
synchronous generation. Since the recti ers connected to the renewable generation
are already operating in grid forming control, the inverters connected to the weak AC
grids need to be operated in grid following control to regulate the DC voltage. If the
AC system is very weak, it may be necessary to consider additional supporting
devices at the HVDC terminal. Synchronous condensers can be used to provide
increased short circuit strength, inertia, and voltage support. This is a well-known
technology already used in many LCC-HVDC systems connected to weak AC grids.
There are high ef ciency, high inertia synchronous condensers now available for
these purposes. Battery storage can also be used to get some inertia and frequency
support. If it is necessary to keep the HVDC converter current capacity for active
power transfer, the reactive power support can be obtained from other devices such
as STATCOMs. It is necessary to perform detailed planning studies using suitable
models and considering expected critical operating conditions to determine the most
suitable and cost-effective solutions. The TSOs, manufacturers and consultants need
to collaborate to achieve the future targets of 100% renewable energy-based power
systems.
island-bornholm-owf
[8] www.promotion-offshore.net/about_promotion/the_project/
by Yingqiang Shang
Background
XLPE cables are prone to insulation aging faults such as water trees and electrical
trees during long-term operation. Once treeing defects occur, they could lead to
discharge or breakdown in XLPE cable, seriously threaten the security and reliability
of the power transmission network [1]. Non-destructive testing methods can achieve
online monitoring of cable internal faults to a certain extent, however, existing cable
non-destructive testing methods such as X-ray, ultrasonic-imaging and Terahertz-
tomography have different disadvantages, including radiation risks, relying on
couplant and dif culties in penetrating metallic materials [2]. Electrical tomography
(EMT) is an imaging technique based on the principle of electromagnetic induction
which was rst developed in the 80s of the 20th century. EMT technology is known
for its unique advantages of non-invasive, non-contact, and permeable through
metal media [3]. It is particularly good at visualizing 3-D reconstruction of low-
conductivity objects, which is promising in non-destructive testing of electrical and
water tree faults in XLPE cables.
The hardware of the EMIT system includes 8-way sensor array, coil excitation and
signal measurement circuit, data acquisition card, DC power supply and FPGA board,
and the software is embedded in LabVIEW program. EMT adopts the working mode of
coil excitation and receiving measurement, and the measured target, i.e., XLPE
cable, does not need to contact with the measurement system directly, eliminating
the in uence of electrode contact. In order to obtain more independent
measurement values as much as possible, the system generally adopts the
measurement mode of multi-excitation and multi-detection, and arranges multiple
sensors around the measurement area to form an array mode. Alternating current is
applied to the excitation coil to generate parallel or sector excitation magnetic eld
in the measurement space. The secondary magnetic eld modulated by the
measured object is detected through the receiving coil, and the medium distribution
in the measurement space is reconstructed after data inversion.
Methodology
Typical measurement case of EMT technology is shown in Fig. 2.
1. Non-destructive testing
EMT does not damage the internal structure of the cable, therefore the introduction
of impurities and other risks to damage the safe operation of cable equipment can be
avoided. Whereas there is no radiation risk to personnel compared with other non-
destructive testing technology. In addition, electromagnetic tomography can achieve
more excellent non-destructive testing with low cost and ease of use.
2. Accurate imaging
In the trial project, the imaging reconstruction error of cable internal defects is
reduced by using a self-developed algorithm of fusion deep neural network, and the
response speed of defect identi cation and the precision reconstruction of low
conductivity area are further improved. It is expected that micro discharge channels
with the sizes of micrometers can be detected by EMT technology.
Challenges
It is noteworthy that the Assessment of EMT technology by Beijing electric power
company is a demonstration program, looking forward to the desire for applying EMT
technology in power transmission projects with XLPE cable rated 110 kV and above,
technical challenges remain in terms of system design and inverse algorithm
improvement:
Conclusion
EMT technology offers a high-precision non-destructive testing and reconstruction
method for observing treeing defects in XLPE cables, which can locate and imaging
the treeing defects in insulation layers with high accuracy. In addition, the operation
of the EMT device is safer than that of X-ray detection, with other advantages
including low cost, portability, non-contact, anti-electromagnetic interference. It is
expected that the application of EMT technology could guarantee the security and
reliability of XLPE cable powered transmission tunnels.
Acknowledgement
The author would like to express his sincere appreciate for advises from Prof. Wu Lu
from Shanghai University of Electric Power. Also to 3 engineers who provide helps
during the trial project, They are: Shiling Wei, Qing liu and Yang Zhao
[1]
X. Chen, Y. Xu, X. Cao, S. J. Dodd and L. A. Dissado, “Effect of tree channel
conductivity on electrical tree shape and breakdown in XLPE cable insulation
samples,” in IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, vol. 18, no. 3,
pp. 847-860, 2011.
[2] Z. W. Zhang, J. Xu, R. Jia, Y. H. Wu, H. Guan, S. Y. Han, C. L. Zhang and Y. J. Zhao,
The details as to the Scopus registration and the current rating of CSE are given
below:
If you would like to publish in this prestigious, Scopus registered, magazine please
email rob.stephen((@))cigre.org .
To make it simple, cable systems are composed of cables, joints to connect two cable
lengths and terminations to connect the cable system to the grid – overhead lines
(OHL), transformers, air or gas insulated substations. Joints and terminations are
called accessories. Their speci city is that most of them are mounted on site even if
they are manufactured in a factory. This is an important factor in the reliability of the
total cable system. It is the reason why the cable community dedicates a lot of time
to reach the high reliability requested to be included in the grid.
It is essential to select the accessories to be exactly compatible with both the cables
and the network elements to which they are connected and also with their place in
the grid.
This publication is divided into two Volumes covering land and submarine
applications, HVAC and HVDC systems, transitions from lapped cable systems to
extruded cable systems, from OHL to underground cables, and from cables to
substations. It provides the reader with recommendations for testing, installation,
maintenance and remaining life management. The rst Volume of the Book,
dedicated to components, provides information regarding Recommendations and
Guidelines from CIGRE for Design, Workmanship and Testing of Accessories for AC
extruded cables only. The second Volume is dedicated to Land and Submarine AC/DC
Applications, it includes accessories for HVDC extruded cables and for submarine
applications.
As hazardous conditions could occur, it is important to provide all parties that could
be involved (utilities, manufacturers, installers, testing institutes. . .) with guidelines
for safe work on cable systems, including a clear terminology.
In this chapter, different types of cable arrangements and installation are covered.
Tunnels, open trench, ducts, Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), ploughing and
offshore installations are considered. Special safety precautions and appropriate
equipment are indicated for different setups.
The book compiles the results of the work achieved by several Working Groups and
Task Forces of CIGRE Study Committee 21/B1 (Insulated Cables), and Joint Working
Groups and Joint Task Forces with other Study Committees. Many experts from Study
Committees 21/B1, 15/D1 (Materials and Emerging Test Techniques), 33/ B3
(Substations), C3 (System Environmental Performance), and C4 (System Technical
Performance) have participated in this work in the last 30 years in order to offer
comprehensive, continuous, and consistent outputs.
Introduction
In accordance with the statutory provisions of the CIGRE WA NC, the body was
required to nominate and elect 16 Study Committee (SC) members to represent the
region in the respective International CIGRE structure.
The kick-off meeting was arranged in June 2023 by the West African Power Pool
Secretariat, with support from the World Bank, to enlighten the prospective SC
members of the role that would be expected from them. Their responsibility to
facilitate the communication and participation between regional West African
experts and the respective CIGRE Study Committees was highlighted. The session
Meeting Program
The meeting venue was in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire at a venue linked to the Mövenpick
Hotel. The sessions over the three days were facilitated and hosted by the CIGRE
West African National Committee. The opening ceremony was followed by several
presentations relating to the expected responsibilities and roles that are expected
from the elected Study Committee members. This was followed by a more detailed
breakdown of the scope of work and related activities of each of the 16 CIGRE Study
Committees. An overview of the platforms used by CIGRE, such as the KMS platform
and gaining maximum bene t from the e-CIGRE site, concluded the formal
presentations at the session. The election of the respective Study Committee
members to represent the West African National Committee and region followed.
In his opening address, Mr Paul Assie’ KOUANDE, Advisor to the Director General of
CI-ENERGIES emphasised the role that the CIGRE WA NC will play in the evolution of
their electricity sector. He noted that there is an expectation that as experts in the
electricity sector, that the various Study Committees will transform the challenges
facing the region into opportunities for development of a technically and nancially
viable electricity system.
The meeting was chaired by Abdulkadir Gwaram ADAMU from Nigeria. 60 Experts
from 12 Collective WA NC members were present at the meeting, together with
representatives from the WAPP Secretariat and the WA NC. Kurt Dedekind,
representing the CIGRE Africa WG at the meeting, and Samuel Nguefeu from SC B3,
facilitated the CIGRE related presentations and discussions during the rst two days.
The kick-off meeting concluded with the election of the 16 Study Committee
members that will be representing the West African National Committee as their
regional representatives. Each of the elected Study Committee Regional Activity
Groups that were also established at the session, were then able to highlight some of
the immediate challenges facing the region. These topics of interest will be shared
with the respective international Study Committee Chairs for their consideration.
The members will initially be absorbed by each of the CIGRE Study Committees as
Observer members.
We wish the newly constituted West African National Committee much success in its
journey towards becoming a major contributor to the CIGRE family and its workings.
As for my bucket list, it includes various personal and professional aspirations. Some
of the items on my list include traveling to different countries and experiencing
diverse cultures, participating in international conferences and presenting my
research, completing a postgraduate degree in a specialized area of energy, and
actively engaging in volunteer work related to energy access in underserved
communities.
I believe that sharing these goals and aspirations helps to solidify them and keeps
me motivated and focused on achieving them.
If you are a WiE or NGN member and wish to be featured in an upcoming ELECTRA
edition, please contact ELECTRA Editorial Team. If you are reading these and wish to
join CIGRE, please visit this page .
Lozada: I have been at ISA for more than 10 years, all the way from the internship I
completed while in college to the position I have today as an Innovation Specialist.
The main driver throughout all these years and the several jobs I have had has been
the desire to have a profound impact on the lives of the millions of people we serve in
Latin America by proving sustainable, affordable, and reliable electric energy to
them.
As a last note, I would like to invite any CIGRE community startups and companies to
drop me a line here if they have great solutions to make operations safer, the grid
more exible and resilient, and electric power more reliable and more economical.
This is what CIGRE is all about: sharing information to improve networks worldwide.
If you are a WiE or NGN member and wish to be featured in an upcoming ELECTRA
edition, please contact ELECTRA Editorial Team. If you are reading these and wish to
join CIGRE, please visit this page .
Jerzy LEPECKI arrived in Brazil in 1939, at the age of 10. He came with his family in
search of a new life away from the war. Initially, the LEPECKIs went to Curitiba (PR)
where there was a large concentration of Polish immigrants and then to Belo
Horizonte (MG), where the family rebuilt their lives. In the capital of Minas Gerais
State, he graduated in Civil Engineering from UFMG and began his engineering
career as an intern at Centrais Elétricas de Minas Gerais (Cemig). He did three
specializations in the United States. At Cemig, Lepecki became head of the Electrical
Calculations and System Planning Sector.
Upon leaving the company, LEPECKI founded a company for building distribution
networks and another for designing high-voltage electrical power installations. Later
he worked at Centrais Elétricas do Pará (Celpa), where he held the positions of
Technical Director and President. Subsequently, he assumed, in sequence, the
functions of Director of Operations, Technical Director and Member of the Board of
Centrais Elétricas de São Paulo (Cesp).
Iraklio - Crete
27 June 2023
The 15th DEMSEE Congress was a notable success this year, on 27 of June, in Iraklio,
Crete. Initially, it was scheduled for the 26-27 of June, but the Greek elections on the
25th resulted in the cancellation of the initial starting day. More than 35 delegates
were present during the program – many of whom Cigreans. Focus was on the
Electric Power System (EPS) of Crete which: (a) is interconnected with the mainland
system via the World’s longest AC undersea cable at 150 kV which can provide up to
34% of the maximum power demand in Crete, and (b) incorporates FACTS devices,
namely: STATCOM of total rating ± 64 MVAr located at the 150/20 kV Substation
“Iraklio III”. The chosen Focus Theme for the conference was “Future Smart Grids
and Markets”.
For the AC interconnection with mainland power grid, two undersea triplex cables,
each with capacity 200 MVA, XLPE insulation, and 132 km length Peloponeese –
Crete 980m max depth, connected with ground cables on both sides of 42 km total
added length. Each cable was manufactured in 4 segments (3X630 mm2 Cu-stranded
conductors), so there are 3 undersea cable joints, for each cable, that were installed
at a maximum depth of 450 m. A temperature-monitoring system, using optical
bbers has been incorporated. Total project investment: 356 Meuro.
The Quality of the power supply by the EPS in Crete has been remarkably upgraded
and is now up to the standards of the Greek mainland System. The serious power-
supply quality problems that consumers were faced with in previous decades are
now gone for good. Considerable operational savings have been achieved so far! And,
with the expected operation of the HVDC bi-pole (± 500 kV) 1 GW undersea cable
Attica-Crete interconnection, at the end of 2024, the EPS of Crete will serve as a hub
for a high penetration of RES, plus the quality of power supply will reach the very top
European Standards. The undersea cables for HVDC, each with length 335 km from
Korakia (Crete) to Pachi – Megara, weight: 40 kg/m (total ca 14 ktonnes). With
additional ground cables, the total interconnection length is 400 km, with maximum
sea depth 1200 m. Voltage-Sourced Converters (VSCs) rated each at 500 MW.
Energy Markets are now in the time of the so called Transition Period during which
the changes necessary to achieve zero-carbon emissions – the target for 2050 – must
be implemented. Efforts are made for non-polluting transports both in land and sea.
The Heraklion Port Authority studies the possibilities for clean maritime transports
based on the Iraklio Port Facility. With such a development the citizens of Iraklio will
be spared of the pollution by ships (see picture 3). Electricity, green hydrogen, and
ammonia could be used in this direction.
In Humanity’s urgent task to avert Climate Change, Electricity could be a crucial tool,
for many reasons. For: maximizing the utilization of RES. For: the smart electric
vehicles and transports. For: achieving maximum ef ciencies in the operation of
cities and industry. For: smoothing out time-variations of the electric power demand
curves with the interconnected Large-Area Power-grids (LAPs). For providing high-
quality, ef cient and robust power supply through the operation of smart-grids and
microgrids. Last, for the production of green hydrogen.
A vision of the scienti c community for more than sixty years has been the
generation of electricity by thermonuclear reactor plants. Impressive efforts have
been made to this end. But, the control of the thermonuclear plasma at star-
temperatures has proven to be impossible up to now. However, recent advances,
including the application of Arti cial Intelligence (AI) seem to lead to concrete steps
forward. It now seems that in ten years from now we may be able to x the date for
the rst pilot thermonuclear plant construction for electricity generation.
Nowadays, that “prosumers” have replaced many a producer and a consumer, the
Public becomes a key factor with a vital role to play for the changes needed in the
operations of the grids and the electricity markets. So, clearly, there is a decisive
Social Dimension in all this, and the Energy Communities provide a new concept for
social intervention for the optimization of the operation of Electricity Grids and
Markets.
Reference
The reference discussed for System Voltage and VAr support:
[1] Thales M. PAPAZOGLOU et. al., CIGRE Working Group C2.13, Voltage and VAr
Support in System Operation, CIGRE Technical Brochure TB 504 , August 2012.
Acknowledgement:
CIGRE is promoting DEMSEE Congress by hosting the relevant information is its
website.
The Secretary General of CIGRE, on behalf of the Administrative Council, invited the
members of the Association to participate in an electronic vote for the Ordinary and
Extraordinary General Assemblies organised by the CIGRE Association in June 2023.
Members invited to take part in this General Assembly were individual and
collective members up to date with their 2022 membership subscriptions.
917
Collective members 1 (companies)
128
Collective members 2 (universities)
12,502.5
Equivalent members
Participation
It is worth noting that attendance at this AGM reached its highest level since postal
voting was introduced in 2017.
The second resolution was approved by 10.62% of invited voters, with 0.01% against
and 0.28% abstaining. It was approved by 97.40% of the expressed votes.
Thank you to all the members who voted, for their renewed con dence, and for their
contribution to the life of the association.
A special kudos to our Japanese members, who were the most numerous to vote.
L'article 7 des statuts du CIGRE stipule que les Assemblées générales ordinaires et
extraordinaires peuvent avoir lieu par correspondance, et peuvent être réalisées par
voie électronique, ou par d'autres moyens conventionnels ou modernes.
Les membres invités à participer à cette Assemblée générale sont les membres
individuels et collectifs à jour de leur cotisation 2022.
917
Membres Collectifs 1 (compagnies)
128
Membres Collectifs 2 (universités)
12,502.5
Membres Equivalents
Participation
Il convient de noter que la participation à cette AG a atteint son plus haut niveau
depuis l'introduction du vote par correspondance en 2017.
La deuxième résolution a été approuvée par 10,62% des électeurs invités, avec
0,01% de votes contre et 0,28% d'abstentions. Elle a été approuvée par 97,40 % des
votes exprimés.
Merci à tous les membres qui ont voté, pour leur con ance renouvelée et pour leur
contribution à la vie de l'association.
Un coup de chapeau particulier à nos membres japonais, qui ont été les plus
nombreux à voter.
CIGRE runs the world’s foremost knowledge development programme, with the
purpose of fostering engagement and knowledge sharing among power system
professionals globally, to enable the sustainable provision of electricity for all.
It’s all part of our mission for the betterment of the power system, by enhancing the
expertise of the people within it.
ELECTRA is the journal that provides the latest news and summaries of this work.
B2 — Overhead Lines
C3 — Power System Environmental Performance
C4 — Power System Technical Performance
On October 3rd, six tutorials related to B2/C3/C4 will be held. From October 4th to 5th,
technical oral and poster sessions will be held during the two days of the Colloquium.
Keynote speeches will be given during the Opening Ceremony and Special Sessions.
The Welcome Party, Lunch and Coffee Break will be held for you to enjoy light
refreshments and socialize with other Colloquium participants. The Exhibition will
be held from the afternoon of October 3rd to 5th.
So far, over 110 synopses have been submitted and we expect a large number of
these to become papers by July 21st, when nal acceptance will be con rmed.
There will be a signi cant focus dedicated to the Next Generation Network and the
Women in Energy throughout the session, with the following events already
underway:
October 5th (afternoon): 2nd NGN/WiE Forum (Keynote Speech). Message to young
or female engineers from the experienced veterans of CIGRE.
The purpose of the forum on the second day is to motivate young and women
engineers for their future work and activities by having three veteran CIGRE
members give career speeches or their experiences in CIGRE. At the end of the
event, there will be a Q&A session where the audience will have an opportunity to
ask questions to the veterans.
Registration for this event is still open, and can be accessed via this link .
The theme of the Symposium is "The End to End electricity system: transition,
development, operation and integration". The exhibition space has been booked out
with currently 48 different exhibitors including several international companies.
Keynote speakers for the opening and the WiE breakfast have been con rmed (refer
for further detail on sponsors and keynote speakers). Based on current known
registrations, we are expecting in excess of 700 delegates to attend.
Over 300 papers will be presented including the local SEAPAC (South East Asia
Protection Automation and Control) and CIDER (Conference on Integration of
Distributed Energy Resources) events. Symposium registration gets the delegate
access to all the Symposium presentations as well as SEAPAC and CIDER.
The NGN Networking event will be held at Hotel Shangri-la. The aim of this event
is for NGN members to gather together early during the symposium and get to
know one another. The preference is for this to occur in an informal environment
to break the ice, and encourage participation and engagement during the more
formal NGN Forum and Presentations the following day.
The aim of this event is for key NGN members to prepare and present on a
particular suite of topics. A panel discussion will close the event, with
opportunities for questions from the audience.
The aim of this event is for any NGN members in attendance to present their
work to an international audience, and be given constructive feedback from a
panel of judges.
Note we are still accepting submissions. Please contact the NGN for further
information.
Registration for this event is still open, and can be accessed via the following link .
SC C1
Overview
T he Paris Agreement and climate neutrality goals for about the year 2050 are
driving energy transition planning in most countries worldwide. Renewable energy-
dominated 2050 power systems which serve e-mobility, heat pump and electri ed
industrial loads much higher than today, are becoming routine study subjects in
planning already today. Therefore, power system development, investment analysis
and asset management, i.e., the Study Committee (SC) C1 scope, are at the heart of
planning for and managing this enormous transition that the entire world must go
through together, at the same time, with the same goals and challenges. As one
example, because of this common global climate and energy transition challenge,
cooperation in a global electricity network seems increasingly desirable, and SC C1 is
nalising its highly successful rst global grid feasibility study in a follow-up
Working Group (WG C1.44 ).
Together with other SCs, SC C1 has described the role of system development and
economics in the new CIGRE Green Book future “Electricity Supply Systems of the
Future”. Uncertainties play a key role in planning for 2050 climate neutrality,
concerning future cost reductions in photovoltaics, onshore and offshore wind
energy, electric vehicles, batteries, electrolysers, UHV transmission technology, EHV
cables, HVDC systems. The only one certainty is the world’s climate neutrality goal to
be attained: whatever scenarios we analyse and however strongly they diverge from
each other over coming decades, the goal remains a climate-neutral energy system
by mid-century. At least with respect to greenhouse gas emissions, the scenarios
need to converge by about 2050 towards zero, even if the exact mix of locally and
globally traded electricity, of electric vs. hydrogen-based transport, of thermal or
hydrogen-based seasonal storage, of nuclear vs. renewable generation will differ by
scenario.
The mission and 2022 progress of SC C1 is very much in line with this important role
of power system development & economics for the world’s climate neutrality goals,
i.e., to support electricity system planners and asset managers worldwide in
anticipating and successfully managing system changes to address emerging needs,
opportunities and uncertainties while respecting multiple constraints, starting from
reliability of supply and security of operations. SC C1 aims to provide particularly
strong value with its recommendations on methods and descriptions of practices
during the ongoing electricity system paradigm shift, brought about by the swift
introduction of CO2-free renewable energy sources aided by rapid evolution in
generation patterns and economics, and also by digitalisation, demand response,
and in social, environmental and regulatory frameworks and expectations.
SC C1 Organisation
The four main areas covered by SC C1 are:
Grid planning
System economics and business investment
Interconnections and Energy Sector Integration
Asset management
Each area is covered by an C1 member acting as Advisor, and all of them are
gathered in a Strategic Advisory Group (SAG), which supports the Chair, Antonio
Iliceto (IT), together with the Secretary Peter Roddy (UK).
The main sections of this Annual Report describe how SC C1 and its Working Groups
(WGs) have addressed in 2022 the effects and the management of the paradigm
shifts in each area.
SC C1 now meets twice per year; once in person and one remotely:
At the September meeting, the creation of new WGs was agreed (subject to approval
by Technical Council):
DOWNLOAD
Strategic Plan
The C1 Strategic Plan was published in July 2021 and updated as part of the CIGRE
new Startegic Plan, catering for new trends of an “End-to-End system of systems”,
referring to the integration of energy sectors coupled with the eelectricity one
(mobility, heating,, hydrogen); also the website description of C1 activities and
workplans is being updated accrodingly. Key enhancements implemented since the
last revision of the plan include:
Recent years have seen a rapid increase in the number of renewable generators in
the form of roof top solar, large scale solar farms, small and large wind farms along
with associated new transmission projects. A wide range of customer side
technologies are also now available to help customers manage their energy use.
Recognising the range of new participants this has created, Working Group C1.41 has
produced a Technical Brochure aimed at reducing the gap in understanding between
energy personnel and their stakeholders. It draws on a selection of twenty case
studies and provides a range of tools and examples to help with this task. One key
aim is to facilitate the permitting process for new work in a transparent and
constructive way as this is a growing hurdle for grid development.
Multi-energy systems (MES) couple various energy sectors and networks such as
electricity, gas, heating, cooling, transport, water, and waste, to unlock energy
exibility and provisions for cost-effective operation while realizing low-carbon
smart electricity grids. These systems are the key for unlocking new types of energy
exibility as well as techno-economic and environmental opportunities for the future
complex energy system. The TB includes a conceptual architecture for MES
application, an assessment of the role of aggregators in energy or ancillary services
markets, and a summary of the state-of-the-art of system modelling and tools
applied for MES from the level of a single building to the level of the neighbourhood,
district, city, region or state.
Overview
As highlighted in the overview, system development of a secure, sustainable and
affordable power system has become central to the world’s climate neutrality goals.
Planning methodologies and evaluation tools continue to evolve in order to live up to
the enormous climate change challenge, the many associated uncertainties, but also
the great opportunities and bene ts which electri cation can bring in both emerging
and mature economies. Sector coupling with mobility, heating/cooling, smart cities,
climate-neutral industries and hydrogen are becoming increasingly important to
system planners and to SC C1. There are also institutional (e.g., transmission and
distribution operator cooperation) and stakeholder involvement challenges that
need to be overcome to deliver the network of the future.
Work in progress
JWG C1/C4.36 reviews large city & metropolitan area power system development
trends taking into account new generation, grid and information technologies.
Metropolitan areas are increasing in size, population, surface area, political and
economic importance. The WG considers new technologies to replace ageing assets
rather than replacing assets on a like-for-like basis. This will include cross industry
coordination and cooperation considerations, taking into account power ows to and
from the distribution network; application of innovative measurement devices;
development of electric vehicles; active and reactive power ow control technologies
and their increasing automation; economic drivers for large city & metropolitan area
development; large scale HV and UHV cable route penetration; rooftop PV
penetration etc. Criteria and principles for large cities power system operation and
development will be proposed. A draft TB has been circulated for comment and is
scheduled for publication in mid-2023; communication with the Russian co-
Convenor is problematic due to international sanctions.
JWG C6/C1.42 addresses planning tools and methods for systems facing high levels
of distributed energy resources. It identi es the impact of large deployments of
distributed energy resources (DER) at the distribution level and repercussions on the
transmission grid, as well as the tools, methods and bene ts of aggregating DER at
the distribution and transmission levels. The WG investigates the potential of co-
simulation tools allowing the analysis of the impact of distribution-connected DER on
the transmission grid considering static and dynamic aspects. It identi es and
de nes the planning and operation tools required at the distribution and at the
transmission levels. The WG surveys distribution and transmission utilities for
present practices and additional needs focusing on already known techniques, tools,
methods and data for valuing DER and customer exibility, practices and techniques
in developing scenarios, both for transmission and for distribution (where e-mobility
presents large uncertainties). The TB is scheduled for publication in late 2023.
The aim of WG C1.47 (Energy Sectors Integration and impact on power grids) is to
address both the technical, business, economic and regulatory issues for the
developing of concrete use cases of energy systems coupling, and assess state-of-
Overview
The work in this area addresses uncertainties and increasing penetration of
renewable energy from the investment viewpoint. Business management involves
investment decisions in all aspects of the system, including generation,
transmission, distribution, storage, and demand with its exibility. It complements
grid planning with broader analyses of whether and how investments can actually be
made, and infrastructure be built, in conjunction with private investors. More
speci cally, the work in this area describes how investment drivers and decision-
making processes are changing, how to communicate with the many relevant
stakeholders, and how transmission and distribution investments relate to each
other.
Work in progress
WG C1.23 describes transmission investment decision points and trees, by de ning
target networks at the end of a speci ed planning period to meet all the necessary
criteria and requirements. To account for uncertainty, multiple potential target
networks can be generated which further require a number of decision trees. This
WG established if and how target networks are being used, and if they are used to
generate decision trees and key decision points. In particular, it investigated
processes used to determine the timelines of the decision points in the different
countries and the methods used. A draft TB has been circulated for comment and is
scheduled for publication in mid-2023, following a number of interruptions.
WG C1.48 - the main objectives are to: (a) collect and analyse numerous studies
related to technical and economic aspects of hydrogen supply chain and use, as well
as supporting national policies and implementation strategies; (b) present different
use cases in industry, transport, heating sectors and as energy storage and other
system services including renewable electric energy supply needs, land and water
requirements, and (c) recommend technology solutions for grid code compliance and
to enable market-based provision of various local and system wide exibility
services by large scale electrolyser plants. Liaison experts from SC C6, B1 and C5
have been invited. The following topics will be explored and elaborated within the
Overview
This area of SC C1 work examines the increasing interdependence and integration
faced by system developers, on top of the usual complexity already implicit in grid
planning, which arises from the power grid being at the centre of the energy
transition towards the climate-neutral energy system, both as a fundamental enabler
and as the most impacted element. The new dimensions of system development
tackled in this C1 work area are:
Work in progress
WG C1.33, convened by the C1 Chair, investigates interface and allocation issues in
multi-party and/or cross-jurisdiction interconnections: it addresses the origination
and design phase of such projects, focusing on the speci c issues arising from the
WG C1.44 builds on the highly successful work of WG C1.35’s global grid feasibility
study, to analyse more deeply the impact of large and cheaper storage and the effect
of demand response as further elements to be co-optimised together with
investments in transmission and in generation, and to begin addressing the
necessary trading rules for a global grid. The TB is scheduled for publication in mid-
2023.
Asset Management
Overview
The work in this area addresses emerging issues in asset management related to
operational, tactical and strategic aspects, in a context of increasing sophistication of
risk and economic modelling and increasing convergence of asset management and
planning data and methods. At present there are three WGs.
Consistent with its system planning-related mission, the SC C1 Chair Antonio Iliceto
contributed, within the CIGRE Technical Council, in founding a Forum on Hydrogen
and holding/organising 3 internal webinars, last one with the testimonial of ENTSO-E;
C1 Chair is CIGRE liason of cer in IEC ACTAD (Advisory Committee on T&D within the
IEC organisation), in which he is co-Convenor of a speci c Task Force on structured
exchanges on respective workplans between the two organisations . At yearly
meetings (Paris 2022 and Geneva 2023) He has proposed a new structure and
memberships supporting the set-up for achieving the assigned goal in an ef cient
manner. C1 Chair is proposing to extend the same task also to IEEE, taking advantage
of a new liason of cer from their side.
C1 is also promotor and contributor to collaboration activities with ETIP SNET, the
European platform for coordination of Innovation actions for smart grids. The two
organisitions regulary promote respective agship events, allowing complimentary
booth participation. In Paris 2022 General Session, it was also co-organised a
workshop on EV and their impact on power grids.
Antonio Iliceto, C1 Chair, is also the co-Convenor of the WG Initiative for Africa; this
WG reports directly to the Technical Council and is in collaboration with World Bank.
This initiative aims at disseminating CIGRE knowledge base and support their
deployment also for rural electri cation in Africa; another aim is to establish new
regional CIGRE Committees in the main African regions. West Africa has been
established already, east Africa is next in the pipeline.The launch of CIGRE Academy
is taking place on July 28 and 29 2023 in Tanzania, hosted by Dar es Salaam
University , in collaboration with C6; the two Chairs will be present in person and will
present in detaile dway the TB 835 on Rural Electri cation, carried out by TSC c6
with also a contribution of C1 Chair. The topic is particularly releavnt for African
audience. The in person workshop will be also attened on-line by other students,
scholars and utilitiies’ engineers from the whole African footprint, aiming as primary
target to the widest possible Capacity Building. The workshop will be enriched with
ample Q&A sessions, with facilitated networking, and I twill be the occasion to step
up with new volounteers te idea of setting up the East African National Committee.
The workshop will be opned with a patronage message by CIGRE Secretary General.
Under the guidance of Keith Bell from C1, the CIGRE policy of Tutorials has not only
been updated but also widely applied in the Paris Session and in Symposia.
Kyoto Symposium , April 2022: C1 organised and chaired one session and led a
Tutorial on TSO-DSO coordinated grid planning (C1.40)
CIGRE SEERC meeting May 2022: Tutorial on Interface & allocation issues for
interconnection projects, by C1 Chair.
Contact
Contact of the Chair and/or the Secretary of the Study Committee
SC C2
Introduction
Analyzing the year 2022, from the point of view of the Operation of Electric Power
Systems, could just be a continuation of the stabilization process that we should be
experiencing with the resumption of normality after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The growth of intermittent renewable generation with wind power plants, including
offshore plants, and photovoltaic plants could happen only to meet the loads, also in
growth, or in natural recovery.
However, the growth of Distributed Energy Resources, close to and even promoted by
the consumers themselves, are guaranteeing challenges since the unpredictability of
demand, or even lower-than-expected consumption values, have been changing load
curves and usage generation available in the bulk system.
It was not enough that the operators had to face the variability of the generation
availability of these plants, but they also had to live with the excess of this
availability and the frustration of the full generation capacity available.
The use of electrochemical accumulators (batteries) is also on its way and is gaining
ground, although the expected reduction in their cost is not yet a decisive factor for a
large increase in use.
The use of surplus energy for the production of hydrogen also continues to expand,
reducing the frustration of wasting available energy that cannot be accommodated
by demand.
And the focus of technicians concerned with the safe operation of the system could
not disregard the reduction of inertia levels which, even though it has ceased to be
the most urgent focus in the problems that arise, remains with its characteristic of
dangerous hidden risk.
On the other hand, the capabilities existing in equipment associated with the new
energy transition elements are beginning to be better used as voltage control
resources and even blackstart capabilities or important support in system recovery.
In the same way, in the activities of CIGRE and, in particular, of our Study Committee
C2, 2022 was also a year for us to get closer to the reality that existed in pre-
pandemic normality.
Not that there was any expectation that everything would go back to the way it was
before, but the arrival of the idea that we would nally return to an in-person CIGRE
Session, at the Palais de Congrès, in the second half of 2022, lled us with
excitement.
And all the intense preparation work for the CIGRE Session 2022 was of great reward
for SC.C2.
Still during the CIGRE Session, we were able to perform again internal discussions
with face-to-face Study Committee and Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) meetings.
An excellent Tutorial was delivered during the 2022 CIGRE Session, successfully
concluding the work of Working Group C2.40.
And, to conclude, it was the rst opportunity for the SC C2 Chair to participate in
person in a Technical Committee meeting since he assumed the position in 2020, in
the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But, evidently, the work of SC.C2 did not stop at the CIGRE Session from July 2022 to
June 2023.
Although we were not of cially in the group of Study Committees taking part in the
Muscat International Symposium, some technical papers related to System
Operation were proposed and submitted to review by SC C2 volunteers. These full
This symposium took place in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, in March 2023. We take
this opportunity to once again thank the reviewers.
And, regarding the events, before closing the topic, we highlight all the work
developed in the preparation of the Cairns International Symposium that will take
place in September, in Australia, on the leadership of our SC.C2 and SC.C5, with the
participation of more of ten other Study Committees. We already have, for our SC.C2,
29 full papers ready and reviewed thanks to the work of our volunteer reviewers.
Thank you so much again. In addition, our Study Committee has scheduled two
Tutorials and some important meetings for the Cairns event.
Finally, our preparatory actions for the CIGRE Session 2024 are already underway.
In addition to the events, the actions of ongoing Working Groups are following their
way, and we are adding to this list two new Working Groups that have already started
their activities, bringing great interest from several specialists. These new WGs will
deal with the very current themes of insertion of Off-shore Wind Power Plants and
Arti cial Intelligence (AI) applications focusing on Power System Operation and
Control.
We are still alive and very active, as are our challenges and our growing need to cope
with them. And it is the inexhaustible technical capacity of our participants that has
been guaranteeing and keeping us con dent to maintain the high level of results of
our Study Committee.
Structure
An overview of the structure of SC C2 is given in Figure 1. The SC has 27 regular
members and 12 observer members, 7 active Working Groups of which 2 are Joint
Working Groups with other CIGRE SCs, and 3 Advisory Groups.
The Strategic Advisory Group, consisting of the SC Chair, Secretary and other SC C2
experts, deals with SC strategy and updates the scope of the Technical Directions.
The Publication Advisory Group is responsible for the revision of synopses and
papers for CIGRE activities where SC C2 plays a role. The Tutorial Advisory Group
(TAG) coordinates the development, planning, quality assurance and delivery of
tutorials for conferences, symposia, colloquia and webinars. There are around 195
experts from 42 countries actively involved in SC C2 activities.
Figure 1 - SC C2 Structure
The Working Group C2.18 and the Joint Working Group C2/C5.06 address topics in
this TD 1.
Working Groups C2.26 and C2.44 and the Joint Working Group C2/B4.43 address
topics in this TD 2.
However, it is relevant to point out that some of the WGs touch upon more than one
technical direction.
The Working Group activity was focused on nalize the Technical Brochure “Decision
Support for System Operators”, which complements the work documented in the TB
750 titled “Wide Area Monitoring Systems – Support for control room applications”
while describing additional developments done in the meantime in the eld as well
as describing more details with respect of Wide Area Monitoring including Control
and Protection application tools.
The Technical Brochure is based on a pragmatic approach, starting from the different
physical phenomena that require a decision by the control room staff, describing it
from a scienti c perspective and discussing the solutions applied by the System
Operators in real life. The document describes also the state of art of on/of ine
Figure 3 reports and example of real event with aim to show the signi cant
improvement of quality of the analyses and deep comprehension of system
behaviour during large disturbances.
Figure 3 - Complete Event overview based on PMU data (CE system split on January 8th, 2021).
The Working Group started its work in August 2018. By the end of 2019, the nal
version of Document No. 1 was completed and constitutes the rst chapters of the
Technical Brochure, the expected nal product of the WG. This document clari ed
the existing situation on the subject based on the scenarios presented by the 16
companies surveyed. From there, the group began to work on the 9 items considered
important for greater detailing of updated training based on simulator exercises.
Research and analysis of the results of the responses were carried out and, today, the
versions of each of these items are each of the chapters of the Technical Brochure,
which is practically ready and, very soon, will be presented to the Secretary and
Chair of the Study Committee for the start of its approval process.
The forecast is that by the end of 2023, the Technical Brochure will be published.
The main goals of this WG are to i) conduct an impact assessment of the usage of
novel and state-of-the-art AI technologies on System Operations and Operators
decision-making, ii) the identi cation of associated risks and core requirements for
system operations (in terms of digitalization, data, and IT processes), iii) survey
ongoing developments in power system industry to capture operational learning or
experiences so far with AI, and iv) identify current trends for further development
and integration. The WG started its activity in March 2022, and de ned the following
main topics for the technical brochure (planned to be published by December 2023):
Moreover, the WG conducted a survey “on the impact of the growing use of ML/AI in
the operation and control of power network” between November 2022 and March
2023 and received 109 unique respondents from 26 countries, (plus 9 undeclared),
where the majority were from U.S.A. and China, but with an excellent worldwide
spread. According to the survey, around 60% of operators expect the impact of the
value of ML in enhanced human decision-making and forecasting, and 40% expect
ML will improve using data. ML already is used on around 50% of innovations for
Risk assessment 26 65 9
Grid monitoring 27 65 8
Operations processes 34 60 6
Simulation 36 57 7
Market management 36 57 7
Unplanned, extreme 35 60 5
emergency
Reporting assistance 45 49 6
Table 1 – Operators’ ratings of low/high priority use cases for AI. The high-priority use cases are considered promising,
and some uses involve already AI solution.
Together with the Technical Brochure, the WG plans to deliver a paper about a
roadmap for ML-driven algorithmic advancements in electrical networks.
The Working Group has 26 experts (R&D / Academia from the AI community and
power systems, system operators, industry, regulators, and policy makers for
digitalisation) from 18 different countries.
The WG was approved by the Technical Council in June 2023 and is presently
accepting nominations. The kick off meeting will take place during the Cairns
Symposium, in September 2023.
The JWG started its work in October 2021 and expects to deliver the Technical
Brochure by the end of 2023. The JWG organises 2 hours on-line meetings every 3 or
4 weeks, this works well and keeps the momentum, however the physical meeting
during the 2022 Paris session proved that actual physical presence adds a lot to the
cooperation.
In 2022 the JWG launched a survey and started to process the 21 responses
received. The knowledge gained in that way was discussed in detail and now this
knowledge together with other input is used while drafting the Technical Brochure.
The responses did not (as hoped) provide full clarity on the questions “what is an
intervention“ and “what is an emergency”, this is further debated in the JWG and will
be addressed in the Technical Brochure. The responses to the survey and also
further investigations learn that there are not many practical situations where
system operators intervened in market processes during emergency situations and
therefor there is little real life experience with the impact such interventions have.
As mentioned above the Technical Brochure is expected by the end of 2023 and will
contain all results of the JWG work.
On Wednesday, June 28th 2023, Antoine Marot, Convener of WG C2.42, and members
of the WG delivered a webinar on the results of the survey on impact of growing use
of machine learning and arti cial intelligence in the operation and control of power
networks.
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Publications
Working Groups C2.18, C2.26 and C2.39 and Joint Working Group C2/C5.06 are
nalising their Technical Brochures, which are expected to be published in 2023.
Future Activities
The next events for SC C2 are:
Franco Crisci and members of WG C2.24 will present the tutorial titled
“Mitigating the risk of re starts and the consequences of res near overhead
lines for system operations” during the 2023 CIGRE Symposium in Cairns,
Australia, in September 2023.
Babak Badrzadeh and members of WG C2.26 will present the tutorial titled
“Power system restoration accounting for a rapidly changing power system and
generation mix” during the 2023 CIGRE Symposium in Cairns, Australia, in
September 2023.
Conclusions
Speaking about Power System Operation and Control, it is impossible not to get more
and more motivated, now that the Pandemic is over, with the challenges that the
changes of the Energy Transition impose on us.
Developing new knowledge, perhaps, has never been so important. And development
already leads us to the need to share everything we need to create to ensure safety
in the operation, which raises the spirit of CIGRE in our routines.
May the new knowledge be absorbed and applied by the teams of professionals who
carry out their routines in the System's Control Rooms. By the way, these rooms that
are changing their characteristics so much, with an evolution marked by high speeds
and technological depths.
That CIGRE remains stronger and stronger within each one of us.
Contact
Contact of the Chair and/or the Secretary of the Study Committee
SC C3
Highlights
The lack of face-to-face meetings has really slowed down SC3 activities and we still
trying to get relaunch the work. Some steps have already been taken.
The Study Committee has had many new members since 2020, as many changes
have taken place. The meeting that took place in 2022 Paris Session was the rst
face-to-face meeting with all of them since the start of the pandemic situation. In
2022 the group has been struggling to get back to the work although some WG haven
´t produced any TB.
The interesting discussion that took place during 2022 session, with great
presentations and participation from the audience must be pointed out.
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Workstreams
SC C3 has currently 31 regular members (including the Chair and the Secretary) and
8 observers, representing 36 countries.
The scope of the SC3 is categorised into three main Technical Directions, that provide
strategic guidance for WGs, that focus on speci c questions.
The WGs are focused on identifying the interaction between nature and
infrastructure and de ning tools and measures to minimise their negative impact
and enhance their positive contribution. There are some regarding this topic:
Technical Brochure 876- Figure 1-9: pin-type insulators (Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) on a pole,
arti cial illustration).
Source: Patrimonio natural y líneas eléctricas en la Región de Murcia. Proyecto LIFE06NAT/E/000214).
Reprinted with permission.
WG C3.12 “Greenhouse Gas Emissions inventory and report for transmission system
operators”. The purpose of the WG was to review and recommend harmonized
procedures and methods for accounting and reporting GHG emissions that can be
used by TSO’s worldwide, but the work of this group was temporary suspended due to
a lack of members. The TOR was updated, and a new title was proposed: “Managing
GHG emissions of T&D activities. Accounting, reducing & reporting progress”. The
SAG is looking for a new Convenor and participants to relaunch the works.
WG C3.20 “Sustainable Development Goals in the electric power sector”. The general
aim of the WG is to develop recommendations on how the electric power sector
should implement SDGs within their business strategies in order to reach a
maximum contribution to the achievement of these goals. The objective of the WG is
to publish a technical document in 2023.
C3.AG: “EMF and Human Health”. The group provides CIGRE with information and
advice on topics regarding EMF and all health aspects related to electrical
installations and the use of wireless communication. The scope of the advisory group
includes:
Regarding the place of Women, SC C3 usually has a very signi cant participation of
women: 46% of the members are women and the two last SC3 chair have been
women.
Conclusions
Sustainability issues, especially those related to climate change, circular economy,
protection of ora and fauna and social acceptance, are increasingly considered and
integrated into the work of the CIGRE community. For this reason, it is more
important than ever to strengthen the collaboration of SC3 with the other SCs.
CIGRE must be vigilant to identify the needs of the electricity sector and increase its
contribution, to move towards a sustainable system, paying attention to our planet
and people and SC3 has a key role to play in promoting this change.
To achieve that, we count on the dedication of the SC3 members, observers and WG
experts.
Contact
Contact of the Chair and/or the Secretary of the Study Committee
TB 905 WG B2.68
Corresponding Members
U. COSMAI (IT), W. GHOUAT (CA), D. HAVARD (CA), S. HEURTAULT (FR), T. KAVANAGH
(IE), H.J. KRISPIN (DE), M. LEE (AU), A. MANENTI (IT), J. Mc CORMACK (AU), A. MOLLOY
(GB), T. OLUWAFEMI (CA), J.P. PARADIS (CA), A. RONDINEAU (FR), N. SAHLANI (US), H.
SAKAI (JP), D. SUNKLE (US), W. TROPPAUER (AT), S. UEDA (BR), P. VAN DYKE (CA), C.
WINTER (DE), L. YANG (CN), X. YANG (CN)
Reviewers
A. ANAND (IN), V. LOVRENCIC (SI)
This Technical Brochure (TB) (Volume 1) provides the state of the art for
conventional conductors and attached ttings regarding:
The aim is to give a complete state of the art on the subject. The new information
concerns:
Corrosion
The assessment and prediction of conductor corrosion (Figure 1) is dif cult due to its
complex geometry, variety of materials, and environments.
A greater number of aluminium layers surrounding the core will better protect the
core against penetration of pollutants but also retains more water and pollutants.
Studies show it is better to design conductors intended for corrosive environments
with strand diameters above 3 mm (Figure 2). Greasing is a physical barrier for
moisture, salts and pollutants until it decreases over time.
Pollutants: chlorides ions (sea), sulfates ions (industrial), distance from emission
(Figure 3).
Rainfall, humidity, wet and dry cycles, temperature, possibly magnetic eld.
Parameters to look at are zinc thickness (steel), residual tension strength, pitting
depth, ductility, electrical resistance (aluminium), diameter of strands and cable,
grease.
Figure 3 - Spatial and temporal scales of variability for atmospheric main constituents [Seinfeld and
Pandis, 2016]
Fatigue
This topic is largely covered in literature but still not so well understood. This section
is a synthesized review on state of the art, highlighting essential aspects, gaps in
knowledge, and on-going research. The primary types of vibration are described:
About fretting fatigue behaviour (aeolian vibration), there is no exact model for
fatigue endurance determination. The endurance limit is determined as maximum
vibration amplitude applied without strand failure below 500 Megacycles (Figure 4).
A survey revealed that only 6% of TSOs use the safe border line method to evaluate
conductor residual life, while the majority (59%) adopted the bending strain criteria
to assess the induced damage severity on conductors. Most data available are from
ACSR conductors (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced with round wires) in short
radius metallic clamps.
There is still much unknown about degradation mechanisms, and even more for the
combination of phenomena.
Figure 4 - ACSR Crow S-N fatigue curves with different clamp con gurations [Paradis and Van Dyke,
2020]
Classi cations
Corrosion classi cation of the atmosphere can be made by multiple methods
(Table 1). Classi cation results are represented by corrosion rates at different sites
and can be shown on a map as demonstrated in Figure 6. For fatigue, there is no
clear mapping method, but a wind and ice map is provided for the United States
(Figure 7).
Usage of models No feedback For design or to check Not for ageing evaluation
design when damage
appears. On-going
research to develop
numerical tools listed in
TB.
Table 1 - Models
Tests
All tests in TB are summarised for conductors and ttings including type of tests,
testing standards, purpose, relevance, and limitations.
It is dif cult to predict long-term effects with the few short-term ageing tests
available. Tests for speci c conditions in corrosion, wind, and high altitude are
provided in TB.
This TB proposes a new approach for sequential testing (Figure 8 and Figure 9) and
two examples: one for conductors, another for spacers.
On-site tools
A review of sensors is included in the TB, covering optical, infrared, UV, acoustic,
radiographic, electromagnetic, temperature, and motion sensors (Example Figure
10).
Figure 10 - Determination of a reluctance chart along the longitudinal axis of a mid-span joint
[C. Wallace, M. Taylor, 2013]
Monitoring needs to be combined with meteorological data for overhead lines. There
is limited equipment available that is dedicated to conductors and ttings due to
height, electric and magnetic eld, and environmental conditions. Actual corrosion
monitoring is designed for at structures. Ice and fatigue monitoring are possible.
The most recent devices for fatigue afford real time measurement spanning more
than two months.
This TB provides an update on suspended robots and unmanned aerial vehicles for
inspection.
Life Length
Conductor life is considered normal between 50 to 70 years. End of life has been
observed from 10 years to 100 years (Table 3).
The longest life observed for ttings is for suspensions ttings and joints. The
shortest life was observed for AWM (aircraft warning marker) and BFD (bird ight
diverter). Dampers, spacers and IPS (interphase spacer) service life are in the
middle.
Replacement criteria
For conductors and earth wires, the rst replacement criteria are “results from
samples”, then “age”, and “unacceptable high number of failures”.
For OPGW (Optical Ground Wires) and others, the rst replacement criteria are
“unacceptable high number of failures” and “results from samples”.
For other ttings, most common actions are “knowledge from testing” and “monitor
and analyse frequency of failure”. However, for dampers, spacers, AWM, BFD, and IPS
often “nothing” is done.
For cables, dampers, AWM, BFD: “replace single components when speci ed limit
exceeded”
For compression ttings, dead-end string ttings, IPS: “replace single
components when speci ed limit exceeded” and “replace all components after
failure”.
Least common strategy is to “replace all components of the same type”, except for
spacers.
Main challenges
Spacers, IPS, AWM, BFD Consequence if failure Methods of estimating Financial consequences
remaining life time and tool inspection
TB 906 WG C6.36
MEMBERS
Scope
T his Technical Brochure documents a DER benchmark model framework and a set
of initial benchmark DER models for quasi-static time-series (QSTS) power ow
simulations. Speci cally, benchmark models for photovoltaic systems, smart
inverters, and energy storage systems are provided – with the expectation that the
library of DER benchmark models will be expanded by subsequent Working Groups.
The reasons for specifying the DER benchmark models for QSTS simulation mirror
the reasons the simulation type is nding increasing use in planning active
distribution systems. While dynamic and EMT simulations allow a more detailed
assessment of DER distribution impacts, QSTS simulations are easier to set up and
require less expertise and less detailed system and DER models. While EMT models
could be used as a reference for QSTS models, this can be problematic for
distribution planners who do not commonly perform EMT simulation. Furthermore,
benchmarking QSTS models against EMT models is not always practical considering
The framework and DER benchmark models provided in the TB are intended as a
common reference for distribution engineers, vendors, academia, and other industry
stakeholders to understand and verify the performance of existing models as well as
support standardization in industry models.
Description of the TB
The Technical Brochure is composed of six chapters and four appendixes. Following
the brief introduction and description of QSTS, provided in Chapter 1, the brochure
outlines a framework and requirements for de ning DER benchmark models in
Chapter 2. Applying this framework, benchmark models for photovoltaics (PV),
energy storage systems, and smart inverters are provided in Chapters 3 through 5.
The body of the brochure concludes with a vision of the needs and areas for
continued development of DER benchmark models in Chapter 6. Additionally, the
brochure contains four appendixes capturing supporting information such as code
scripts and load pro les in support of the benchmark models.
The DER benchmark model structure de nes the scope and classi cation of DER
types for benchmark model. This structure ensues the salient DER types are
identi ed and provides the necessary framework that aggregates components and
compartmentalizes DER devices at levels that minimizes duplication in the models
while readily permitting the combination of DER models to represent installation
consisting of multiple DER types.
Recalling the DER benchmark models presented in this Technical Brochure are
intended to address distribution system modelling and simulation needs, these
models only need to capture DER operation that is interdependent with the
distribution system. Aspects extraneous to this relationship can then be represented
as equivalents values or inputs.
The scope of DER controls to be included in the benchmarks is also addressed by the
structure. While recognized as important to capture in QSTS studies, controls
external to the DER device were determined to require their own set of models and
similar benchmarking activities are recommended in future efforts.
The model speci cation requirements describe the key aspects of a DER benchmark
model for QSTS simulation. By providing the DER speci cation requirement,
uniformity can be ensured across the different benchmark models provided in this
brochure as well as subsequent derivations for other DER technologies. The
speci cation requirements consist of the following:
Benchmark Models
The TB’s chapters documenting the individual benchmark models follows the
previously outlined model speci cation structure – including an illustrative
simulation case with the benchmark model and all system components included in
the simulation fully documented. Given the varying composition, operation, and
application between DER types, simulation cases were customized to each DER
rather than de ning a universal test case.
Simulation of the benchmark model was performed using the simple network model,
shown in Figure 2, consisting of a 12.47 kV distribution feeder supplying two large
customer loads and an ESS system. The network information and details on the large
customer loads, including their temporal load pro les, are fully documented in the
TB. Figure 3 illustrates the ESS operation over a 24-hour QSTS simulation. In this
example, the ESS successfully reduced the highest peak loading, factoring in the
rating and ef ciency, but was unable to keep the main line loading below the target
due to insuf cient energy capacity. Nonetheless, activating the ESS reduced the
duration of the main line overloads from four hours to one hour 15 minutes. The
simulation results illustrate the importance of properly capturing the ESS minimum
state of charge, as well as operational losses, which resulted in the de ned ESS
parameters being unable to fully mitigate the line overload in this example.
Additional metrics, such as the frequency of the discharge cycle, can also be derived
from similar QSTS simulations.
Figure 3 - BESS state-of-charge (top) and the feeder main line loading with BESS enabled and disabled
TB 907 WG B3.41
MEMBERS
Mobile substations generally, although not exclusively, utilise GIS technology with
many designs based on compact switchgear assemblies with the addition of
integrated protection and control facilities. Thus, in addition to individual standards
covering the design and testing of the functional components of the substation, the
following existing standards are partly relevant to mobile substations:
These standards, however, do not necessarily consider the speci c requirements for
design, construction and testing of mobile substations and it was identi ed that
recommendations were required on this issue.
The early adopters of mobile substation technology have now gained valuable
experience regarding the design, testing, implementation and use of mobile
substations and CIGRE Study Committee B3 decided that it would be valuable to
capture this experience. WG B3.41 was established to undertake this task and the
resulting Technical Brochure presents the conclusions of the work.
The main focus of the Technical Brochure is on the incorporation of GIS technology
into mobile substations. The WG does not aim to give guidance on speci c design
and testing requirements for other types of equipment such as transformers or
Protection & Control (P&C).
1. Type A mobile substation: “short term emergency type unit” typically used for:
Chapter 2 presents some guidelines for the speci cation and design of mobile
substations emphasizing the speci c conditions not considered in conventional
substations such as the requirement for relocation, the road regulations, the
mechanical vibrations during transport, the compromise between clearances onsite
and carriage size and the earthing connections when installing the mobile substation
inside or outside an existing substation.
Chapter 3 discusses the speci c requirements for the testing of mobile substations.
For example a conventional substation requires the testing of the HV components
both at the factory (FAT) and onsite. Mobile substations might require different
considerations of testing, for example due to additional transport between factory,
assembly location and nal destination, or in order to enable a shortening of the
installation and commissioning time on site. This can be seen at gure 2.
The WG gives some considerations for the testing of mobile substations regarding
the balance between the impact of the testing on the cost and the deployment time
and the risk appetite of the user depending on their circumstances (as in the case of
Figure 3 - Risk Appetite and On-Site Testing Options (Note: Tests are cumulative, Left to Right)
Chapter 4 presents some aspects regarding the asset management of the mobile
substations such as the storage, the maintenance, the gas handling, the
decommissioning of the mobile substation and its later redeployment.
In Chapter 6 the Working Group gives some recommendations for the applicability of
existing standards such as the IEC 62271 (high voltage switchgear & controlgear) &
IEC 60076 (transformer) series. The Working Group has thoroughly reviewed these
standards and found them to be generally suitable for application to mobile
substations and it has not identi ed any requirements for additional mandatory type
or routine testing.
Conclusion
Mobile substations are becoming an established solution and international use is
growing. The technology is now considered proven.
The Working Group has identi ed many cases where mobile substations have been
effectively deployed to meet user requirements across a wide range of applications.
Various drivers and bene ts have been reported. They can be con rmed by
numerous case studies analysed by the WG spanning the range from mobile
substations used for emergencies, intermediate type units, and semi-stationary type
units. These case studies demonstrate mainly positive experiences, users,
manufacturers, and engineering companies have made. Challenges experienced
during the projects are also discussed.
Mobile substations are very adaptable to cover different requirements for different
applications users may have. To bene t from this exibility to use a mobile
substation according to the speci c need in a required time frame, it is
recommended to follow the considerations discussed in the Technical Brochure.
This exibility is also related to risks when transporting, installing, and testing
mobile substations on site. This risk situation needs to be understood before
energizing the mobile substation. An increased risk appetite can be acceptable in
emergency situations where power needs to get restored quickly and time for
intensive on-site testing is not available. Previous deployments, known road
conditions, shock indicator readings will in uence a certain con dence level that
needs to be considered for the risk evaluation.
Existing technical standards have been reviewed and considered as t the purpose.
There is no recommendation for adjusting or upgrading these standards for the use
of mobile substations.
TB 908 WG B1.64
MEMBERS
Corresponding Members
B. BRIJS (BE), A. GODARD (FR)
Introduction
International commitments to reduce greenhouse gasses alongside with
government funding has led to a step change in the competitiveness of the
renewable energy market in recent years. Wind and solar power are the renewable
technologies with the largest growth rates and are expected to generate roughly 70
% of the world’s energy needs by 2050, while coal powered electricity plants are
expected to drop to 10 %.
Replacing offshore gas powered generators with renewable power from shore and
fossil fuelled generation onshore with power from offshore wind are just two
examples of the measures to reduce carbon emissions where power cables play an
important role and constitute a signi cant part of the total project cost.
Increased wind turbine size and installed power, more specialised installation
vessels, project synergies, experience and optimised supply chain are some factors
that contributed to a cost reduction of 18 % of installed offshore wind between 2010
and 2019. In addition to upscaling the wind farms, another trend is moving them
further away from the shore.
With AC-transmission reaching distances of more than 200 km, having accurate
cable parameters is essential for nding the correct system design and calculating
capital and operational expenditures. Using accurate cable parameters for the cable
design results in potentially large cost savings when compared to designs calculated
using IEC 60287-1-1.
Chapter 2 “Cable losses overview” describes the physics responsible for the losses in
the cable. It explains how the different parts of the cable interact with each other
with the aid of illustrations from Finite Element Analysis. The background of the
formulas of IEC 60287-1-1 are discussed and compared in a qualitative way to the
current understanding of the physics behind the losses in three-core armoured
cables.
Mechanical stress in the armour wires in uences the magnetic permeability. This is
not a focus for this TB, but the topic is brie y discussed, and the effect highlighted
based on test results.
Chapter 6 “Finite Element Analysis” gives a detailed account of the different subjects
related to the 3D Finite Element Analysis for three-core armoured power cables
presented in this TB. The sensitivity of mesh size and the geometrical properties are
discussed to provide recommendations for modelling using 3D FEM (Finite Element
Method).
Chapter 7 “Discussion” presents a brief study with calculations of the thermal rating
for three cables with different parameters with the calculated losses from method 1
and the IEC method. The chapter illustrates the bene ts of performing accurate
cable calculations by comparing the resulting cable designs calculated with method
1 and the IEC method and discussing the different possibilities for cable design
optimisation.
Results from the FEA of a double layer at wire armoured cable are compared with
the measurements. The purpose of this discussion is to suggest a method of
calculating the parameters of at wire and/or double layer armoured cables as none
of the methods presented in this TB have this capability.
Topics that have seen new development during the course of this work, but which
have not been included in this TB due to time constraints are discussed, along with
potential future improvements.
Appendix E “Comparison of results” compares all the results from the cases
calculated using FEA, methods 1 and 2 and IEC 602871-1. For each cable, the
common cable parameters for a set of cases are given in a separate table to make
comparison between the cases easier.
After checking that the fundamental properties of the methods capture all the
mechanisms of the physics responsible for the cable losses, the range of cables for
which the methods have been evaluated by measurements, is extended. This
allowed a comparison of the results obtained with the analytical formulas and FEA
for cables with a wider range of parameters than of those that were measured.
Appendix F “Cable data” presents data for the cables that are measured and for
which a comparison with FEM and analytical methods has been made.
Conclusion
The physics responsible for the losses in a cable are presented, gradually increasing
in complexity, starting with a single conductor and nishing with a complete three-
core cable with stranded armour. The effect of sea water conductivity on the cable
losses is veri ed to have an insigni cant impact based on both analytical
consideration and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The background of the formulas of
IEC 60287-1-1 is discussed and compared in a qualitative way to the current
understanding of the physics behind the losses in three-core armoured cables.
Two calculation methods, “method 1” and “method 2”, are presented in the TB.
Method 1 is an analytical method developed by the WG members, while method 2 is
a numerical method referenced and used in the TB as published prior to the WG. The
main difference between them is that method 1 considers the conductor proximity
effect on the magnetic eld, while method 2 formulas do not include the conductors.
These differences are re ected in the results – method 1 more accurately accounts
for losses induced in sheaths and armour for most cases, while method 2 is slightly
overestimating the sheath and armour losses. Both methods handle magnetic and
non-magnetic armour.
The calculation methods are veri ed by loss measurements. Figure 1 compares the
measured cable losses from six different cable designs with the values obtained by
different calculation methods. The calculated losses from the methods are in good
agreement with the measured losses, except for IEC 60287, which signi cantly
overestimates the losses in the cables with magnetic armour.
3D Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used extensively in the comparison of more than
one hundred cases. The developed model is used to aid in the understanding of cable
losses and for veri cations of physical phenomena during the development of
method 1. 3D FEA is the recommended method for cables with double layer or at
wire armour since none of the other calculation methods includes these options. This
is one of the identi ed areas for further work.
2D FE models are not able to capture the 3D nature of the mechanisms responsible
for the losses in the cable. Table 1 compares the losses calculated using 2.5D and 3D
for four different cable designs. For unilay cables (with long crossing pitch) the
agreement is good. For contralay cables the 2.5D method underestimates the losses.
The underestimation increases with decreasing conductor resistance and increasing
permeability of the armour, while for smaller conductors carrying less current and
armour with low permeability, the accuracy of the 2.5D method improves.
Table 1 - Percent difference between results calculated using 2.5D FEA and 3D FEA for different cable designs. Negative
values indicate an under estimation of the losses by the 2.5D method.
Figure 2 - The real (continuous line) and the imaginary (dashed line) part of the magnetic permeability
for 7 different grade 65 armour wire samples
Table 2 - Comparison of the aluminium conductor cross sections required by calculations according to method 1 and IEC
60287-1-1 to achieve the same ampacity.
For a cable with copper conductors, Table 3, the difference becomes even greater due
to the increased skin effect in the conductors. The reduction of conductor cross
section of 600 mm2 as seen for the rst cable, would impact the cost of the cable with
approximately 27 % for the materials alone. The potential cost savings may become
even greater when considering the cost of manufacturing and the impact of the 19 %
(2277 tonnes for a cable with a length of 100 km) reduction in weight on the number
of required installation campaigns.
Table 3 - Comparison of the copper conductor cross sections required by calculations according to method 1 and IEC
60287-1-1 to achieve the same ampacity.
MEMBERS
D. NESTEROV (BE), F. PETIT (BE), T. DOBBIN (BR), J. ZHOU (CA), A. DISSANAYAKA (CA),
D. WEERAKOON (CA), X. XIE (CN), T. RAUHALA (FI), O. JANHUNEN (FI), V. COSTAN
(FR), A. ATALLAH (DE), D. VIERHEILIG (DE), A.S. TREVISAN (DE), R. DIMITROVSKI (DE),
M. HUMER (DE), T. GERAERDS (NL), V. SEWDIEN (NL), M. CHEAH (ES), J. RENEDO (ES),
E. LAVOPA (GB), A. PASHAEI (GB), O. AGAMALOV (UA), E. PRATICO (US), D. HOWARD
(US), Y. CHENG (US)
Corresponding Members
B. BADRZADEH (AU), W. WINTER (DE), K. MA (CA), K. VENNEMANN (DE), S. MURRAY
(IE), E. AHLUND (IE), J. JOO YONG (KR), D. RAMASUBRAMANIAN (US), H. CHOU (US), S.
KYNEV (US)
SSO is divided into two main categories: Subsynchronous Resonance (SSR) and Power
Electronic Device Interactions (PEDI). The SSR is further divided into Electrical and
Torsional. This is to differentiate between the SSR that is purely electrical, where the
torsional systems are not involved and those where a torsional system is involved.
The Electrical type SSR could be due to the resonance in the network when there are
series compensation devices in the network, or it could be due to the negative
resistance offered by a generator at a network resonance frequency. In both these
cases shaft systems are not involved. The Torsional type SSR is divided into three
types: Shaft Torque Ampli cation, Torsional Interactions with the Network (TI-N) and
Torsional Interactions with another device (TI-D). The new category of SSO
introduced in this chapter is the Power Electronic Device Interactions (PEDI). These
are control interactions of two types: Control Interactions with the Network (CI-N)
and Control Interactions with another Device (CI-D). All these types of SSO discussed
in the chapter have been experienced by power utilities and are well documented.
This Technical Brochure proposed a systematic approach to study and resolve the
SSO issues in power systems. The proposed SSO study procedure has been divided
into four sections: screening studies, detailed studies, mitigation measures, and
monitoring and protective measures.
Summary
In summary, this Technical Brochure provides a general guideline for SSO studies in
power electronic dominated power systems. It is recommended to adapt the
proposed study procedure as required and the evaluation should be based on an
engineering judgement as there are no solidly de ned criteria.
TB 910 WG C1.43
MEMBERS
To better understand the current challenges utilities are facing in selecting-, and
using an APM platform, the WG examined available publications. Section 3 of the TB,
describes some of these challenges and sites examples of systems being used within
utilities.
The WG developed a set of requirements using the expertise of its members which
included mostly utility industry experts. At the same time, the WG incorporated the
perspective of utilities outside the WG. For this purpose a survey was conducted,
which included responses from 33 utilities across the world. Section 4 of the TB
presents the results of the survey using spider charts for mean values and highlights
regional differences.
Ten (10) strategies were de ned and described in detail. For each of these, the
following information is provided in Section 5 of the TB:
Each utility has its unique set of challenges and requirements; therefore the
material in this Technical Brochure should be treated as a general guide.
Although a majority of utilities surveyed indicated that they do have an APM
platform, the platform met only about 50% of their needs which indicated that
more “homework” needs to be done before selecting the APM platform
None of the vendors assessed had the capabilities needed to address all the
identi ed requirements while all the vendors combined did
Using an APM system is expected to improve data collection, improve the risk-
based decision-making process, and facilitate development of Asset Management
Plans to satisfy ISO55000x standards requirements
This TB provides a starting point for utilities in developing their own Asset
Sustainment Strategies and their corresponding unique set of requirements for an
APM system. It is recommended to focus future efforts in the following areas: