A

REPORT
ON

​ SWITCHYARD EQUIPMENT IN AN ELECTRICAL

SUBSTATION  

By

PARVATHY UNNIKRISHNAN 2017A3PS0149P

AASHYA KUMAR 2017B5A30981P

At

POWER GRID CORPORATION OF INDIA LTD

BANGALORE

A Practice School –I Station of

BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE,

PILANI (Rajasthan)

June,2019
 A
REPORT
ON
SWITCHYARD EQUIPMENT IN AN ELECTRICAL
SUBSTATION

By

PARVATHY UNNIKRISHNAN 2017A3PS0149P

AASHYA KUMAR 2017B5A30981P

Prepared in partial fulfillment of the

Practice School-I Course No.
BITS C412/BITS G639

At

POWER GRID CORPORATION OF INDIA LTD

A Practice School –I Station of

BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE,

PILANI (Rajasthan)
(June,2019)
 BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE,
PILANI-(Rajasthan)

Practice School Division

Station
Centre :Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd,Bangalore
Duration:2 months
Date of Start​:​21-05-2019 ​Date of Report Submission: 15th June,2019

Title of the Project: ​“​ Switchyard Equipment in an electrical Substation​”

Name:​Parvathy Unnikrishnan ID No:​2017A3PS0149P

Name:​Aashya Kumar ​ ID No:​2017B5A30981P
Name:​Srujana Designation of the Expert:​ Assistant Manager

Name of the PS Faculty: ​Prof. Swapna Kulkarni

Key words: ​ Lightning arrester,wave trap,circuit breaker,isolator,transformer,earth

switch,busbar.
Project Areas: ​ Electrical Background
Abstract: ​This report focuses on the different components available in a substation. It explains
the function performed by each component .It also discusses the role it plays in the proper and
efficient functioning of a substation. Some preventive measures taken in transformers are also
explained such as online dissolved gas analysis test and online drying of transformer oil.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 
 

We would like to acknowledge everyone who played a role in the making of this 

report.We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Bruhananda sir. We would 

especially like to thank Srujana ma’am for lending her expertise on the field. We would 

also like to thank our PS instructor Prof. Swapna Kulkarni for the constant support 

rendered to us. 
 Table of Contents

1. Introduction……………………………………………………...1
2. Different components in a substation…………………………..2
2.1. Transformers………………………………………………..2
2.2. Lightning arresters……………………………………….. .3
2.3. Circuit Breakers…………………………………………….4
2.3.1 Air circuit breakers…………………………………...5
2.3.2 Oil circuit breakers…………………………………...5
2.3.3 SF6 circuit breakers………………………………….6
2.3.4 Vacuum circuit breakers……………………………..6
2.4. Isolators……………………………………………………..6
2.5. Earth switch...………………………………………………8
2.6. Wave trap…………………………………………………...9
2.7. Shunt Reactor………………………………………………12
2.8. Bus bar……………………………………………………...13
2.8.1 Single bus bar arrangement………………………….13
2.8.2.Single bus bar arrangement with bus sectionalised...14
2.8.3.Main and transfer bus arrangement………………...15
2.8.4. Double bus breaker arrangement………………….16
2.8.5. Sectionalised double bus bar arrangement……….. 17
2.8.6.One and a half breaker arrangement……………….18
2.8.7.Ring main arrangement……………………………...19
2.8.8.Mesh arrangement………………………………….. .20
3. Basics of Transformers………………………………………...21
4. Types of transformers………………………………………….22
5. Dissolved Gas Analysis…………………………………… …...27
6. Online drying of transformer oil……………………………....31
7. Conclusion……………………………………………………....32
8. Bibliography……….…………..……………………………….33
1.INTRODUCTION

In an electrical grid, the flow of power takes place through electrical substations. These

substations comprise of different components such as busbars, transformers, isolators, circuit

breakers, lightning arresters, reactors, wave traps etc. It is basically a system which has a lot of

incoming and outgoing circuits. The incoming circuits supply power to the substation and the

outgoing circuits represents the power delivered by the substation. The different components are

arranged in a particular design depending on the different parameters of the substation. Such as

the power of the substation, the duties performed by the substation etc.

The power grid was introduced in the early 20th century. Since its inception it has achieved

plenty of strides in its field. Simple fuses were replaced by oil filled circuit breakers.Digital

relays took over the function of electromagnetic relays. Moving further into the current century,

the entire system is turning digital.The adoption of new technologies has led to more

accuracy,reduced costs,speed and increased capabilities.

This report brings into focus the different types of components in a substation to understand their

functions and applications. The different variations of each component available in the market is

discussed. Through this one can understand the advancements made in the field which has

enabled for the efficient working of the substation.

 1

2.DIFFERENT COMPONENTS IN A SUBSTATION

2.1.TRANSFORMERS

A transformer is a static device that transfers energy from one electrical circuit to another

electrical circuit using magnetic induction. Transformers help in stepping down or stepping up of

voltages.There are different types of transformers available in a substation.Like current

transformers (CTs), capacitive voltage transformers (CVTs) and interconnected transformers

(ICTs).

Current transformers are instrument devices which produce a scaled down current in the

secondary winding which is proportional to the current being measured in the primary. These

devices are used for protection, control and measurement.A current transformer is divided into

different types such as wound CT, toroidal CT and Bar-type CT.

Capacitive voltage transformers are special types of power transormers.CVTs are also a type of

instrument transformer. It comprises of three parts: a capacitive potential divider, auxiliary

transformer and inductive element.The voltage output of the capacitive potential divider acts as

the input to the auxiliary transformer. This auxiliary transformer further steps down the voltage.

Interconnected transformers ICTs help in linking voltages at two different points in the

transmission line.These devices are usually bidirectional.

2
 Fig no. 1: Transformer 1

2.2.LIGHTNING ARRESTERS

Lightning arresters are used to divert a high voltage flow, such as lightning, into the earth. It does

so by providing a path of low impedance between the ground and the line. These are placed close

to the component which is being protected and is connected in parallel.

There are many types of lightning arresters but the one which is predominantly being used in

substations is the metal oxide lightning arrester. This arrester comprises of two ZnO discs which

are placed in the ends of a porcelain conductor. A potential barrier is formed at the boundary of

each disc unit which controls the flow of current.In the case of normal voltage the semiconductor

acts as an insulator.But in the case of high voltage it starts acting as a conductor.Thus, in case of

lightning it provides an alternate path (of low impedance) for the current to go into the ground.

Thereby preventing any damage to the insulation and conductors.

1
Source: electrical4u.com 3
 2
Fig no.2

2.3.CIRCUIT BREAKERS

It mainly functions as a switch.It can be operated automatically or manually.It has two types of

contacts, one stationary and the other movable. The two contacts are in contact in normal

functioning of the circuit,i.e., when the neutral wire and high wire are carrying the same current.

On the occurrence of a faulty current it prevents damage by opening the electrical circuit. It does

this by energising the trip coil, which further causes the contacts to separate from each other.

This separation results in the formation of an arc which is extinguished using a suitable method.

Without quenching this arc the current is not fully interrupted.

Unlike a fuse, a circuit breaker can be reset and does not have to be replaced each time.

The main criteria used to classify circuit breakers is on the basis of the medium used for arc

extinction. Some of the different classifications included are:

2
Source: electrical4u.com 4
 1. Air circuit breaker

2. Oil circuit breaker

3. Sulphur Hexafluoride circuit breaker

4. Vacuum circuit breaker

The most useful method is the one that has a higher dielectric strength.This helps in quenching

the arc at a faster rate.

2.3.1.Air circuit breaker

In this case air is act as the insulating medium.

This is further divided into two branches

1. Air blast circuit breakers

2. Air magnetic circuit breakers

In the latter magnetic control is provided during arc extinction.

2.3.2.Oil circuit breaker

In this type, oil is used as the arc quenching medium. It works better than the air circuit breaker.

Both the types of contacts are immersed into the oil. During the separation of the contacts the arc

is initialised. Due to which the oil is vapourised and decomposes into hydrogen gas.

Oil circuit breakers can further be divided into two types based on the pressure and amount of oil

used.

2.3.3.SF6 circuit breaker

The dielectric strength of SF6 is 100 times that of air and oil. Hence it serves as a better circuit

5
breaker in comparison to one which uses air or oil as their medium for arc quenching.

2.3.4.Vacuum circuit breakers

Vacuum due to its high dielectric properties acts as a good interrupting medium for arc

extinction.

Apart from this there are other criteria for classification of circuit breakers. Some of the criteria

are voltage (low voltage and high voltage), external design (dead tank and live tank) and

installation location (indoor and outdoor).

Fig no.3: Circuit breaker 3

2.4.ISOLATOR

They are also used to isolate a certain section of the circuit. But unlike a circuit breaker, an

isolator is used in the no load condition, i.e., when no current passes through the circuit. This is

because no arc quenching methods are employed.It is also called a disconnector. It is manually

operated and is very useful for the repair or replacement of circuit breakers.

3
Source: dir.indiamart.com 6
Isolators must be open after the opening of a circuit breaker and it must be closed prior to the

closing of a circuit breaker. This is on account of the fact that an isolator cannot be open in case

of a live wire. Thus, it does not have any current making or current breaking capacity.

There are two modes of operation of an isolator. In the first case it is operated by hand and in the

second it is motorized. The latter is costlier and hence is used in substations where the voltage

used is above 145KV.

Isolators can be classified based on the position they occupy in the substation.

1. Bus side isolator : It is connected to the main bus directly.

2. Line side Isolator : It is connected to the line side of the feeder.

3. Transfer Bus Side Isolator :It directly connects to the transfer bus side.

They are also classified as

1. Single break isolator

2. Double break isolator

3. Pantograph type isolator

As the name suggests, in a single break isolator only one side terminal connects or disconnects.

Whereas in the double break circuit breaker both side terminals perform this function as the

central terminal is movable.In the Pantograph type isolator also both the side terminals connect

or disconnect due to the force of stress or tension.

7
 Fig no.4: Isolator 4

2.5.EARTHSWITCH

Earth Switch is basically used for the safety purpose in a switchyard. These are used for the

parts of the circuit where earthing is necessary. It acts as a mechanical switching device capable

of withstanding short circuit currents for a short period of time. Earth Switches are not rated for

the normal current in the circuit. They can be operated manually or for most of the times they are

motorised.

It is the tendency of the charge to get trapped in the lines even when they are switched off. This

happens due to their own capacity. This could be dangerous especially when someone goes

nearby for the maintenance purpose, hence, the role of earth switch comes into play. It sends the

trapped charge into the ground when the line is switched off. They help to neutralise that excess

charge trapped.

4
Source: electrical4u.com 8
The isolator and the earth switch work in the alternate sense. When the isolator is open the earth

switch should be closed so that the current due to induction can be earthed and when the isolator

is closed, earth switch should be open.

5
Fig. 5 Earth Switch

2.6.WAVE TRAP

Transmission lines also carry carrier signals between 30 KHz and 500 KHz. these signals are for

remote control, voice communication, remote-metering and protection. A substation is an

unwanted destination for these high frequency carrier signals. These high frequency carrier

signals may destroy the power systems working at low frequencies, hence wave traps are

installed in a substation that create high impedance for these high frequency signals and protect

5
Source: hapam.pl 9
the power systems. Wave traps are also known as line traps. Wave traps consist of an inductor

coil which connects wave trap to the high voltage power system through a series connection.

Three major components comprise a wave trap circuit:

● Main Coil

● Tuning Device

● Protective Device

Main Coil

Main coil is made up of Stranded Aluminium Cable. It is the outer part of the wave trap circuit.

A cooling duct is required in between aluminium layers to provide protection against

overheating. A cooling duct is made up of spacer bars. Spacer bars are made of epoxy resin and

fiberglass. The aluminium coil acts as the power inductor in the system through which rated

continuous current flows. This main coil acts as a low impedance path for the current flow. The

trap coil or the main coil are designed by calculating the total current carrying capacity of the

transmission system. So as the voltage increases the size of the coil increases. As the inductive

reactance is proportional to the product of frequency and the inductance of the coil, so as the

frequency increases, the inductive reactance increases. This is how it creates high impedance for

the high frequencies, hence restricting them from entering the power circuits.

Tuning Device

The tuning device is placed inside the main coil. It is made up of coils, capacitors and resistors.

This device is used to adjust blocking frequency or the bandwidth. It is used to provide blocking

10
frequency with a specific range and is connected in parallel with the main coil and the protective

device. Weather proof systems are used to protect the tuning devices from the weather conditions

and these are filled with resins or foam.

Protective Device

Protective Device is also connected in parallel with the main coil and the tuning device. It is used

to protect the main coil and the tuning device from the sudden and surge voltages. It lowers

down the level of over voltage leaks.

For the power frequency, the impedance of the line trap or wave trap is very low, thus not

interfering with the normal workings of the power systems and hence resisting any significant

voltage drop.

6
Fig 6. Wave Trap

6
Source: qualitypower.com 11
2.7.SHUNT REACTOR

A shunt reactor in the switchyard is used to absorb reactive power. By absorbing the reactive

power, it increases the efficiency of the system. Its purpose is to compensate reactive power in

high voltage transmission lines and in cable systems. Shunt reactor is a compact device that can

be directly connected to the power line. Circuit breakers are used to switch the shunt reactors.

They can also be manually switched, then no circuit breakers are required.

Theses are usually connected in parallel within a power system. These are used to absorb the

reactive power produced by the capacitive effect of the power system. Variable rating is also

used to adjust the variable reactive power in the system. These can be either air cored or iron

cored.

7
Fig 7. Shunt Reactor

7
Source: electrical4u.com 12
2.8.BUS BARS

It is a group of conductors that act as a collecting point for the electric power coming from the

incoming feeders and then it distributes the electric power to the outgoing feeders. It is a junction

point for all the incoming and outgoing currents. It also consists of the isolator and the circuit

breakers. So when a fault occurs, the first thing that gets tripped off is circuit breaker so that the

faulty section can be disconnected easily and can be sent for repair. It is available in many shapes

such as rectangular, cross-sectional, round and many more. In the power system, rectangular

busbars are mostly used. These are made up of copper and aluminium.

There are many types of bus bar arrangements that can be used in a power system. There are

different factors like reliability, flexibility and cost that determine the selection of a bus bar

arrangement for a power system. The various electrical considerations for the selection of a bus

bar include:

● Bus bar arrangement should be simple and its maintenance should be easy.

● Maintenance system should not affect the continuity of the power system.

● The installation for the bus bar should be easy.

The different types of electrical bus bar arrangements are:

2.8.1.Single Bus Bar Arrangement

There is only one bus bar in this kind of arrangement and it is very simple and easy. Rest of the

substation equipments like transformers, generators and the feeders are connected to this single

bus bar. This kind of arrangement is used in small substations where continuity of the current

supply is not crucial and it comes with its own advantages that are it is simple in operation which

13
requires less maintenance and also it costs less. The one major disadvantage of this kind of

arrangement is that it has very less flexibility so that if a fault occurs in this bus bar, the whole of

the system would be disturbed and the continuity of supply would stop. So it is mainly used in

small power systems.

8
Fig 8.

2.8.2.Single Bus Bar Arrangement with Bus Sectionalised

In this circuit breaker with two isolators is connected between the sectionalised parts of the bus

bar so that if a fault occurs, the faulty section of the bus bar can be removed by isolating it with

the help of isolators. Hence the system is protected from the complete shutdown.

8
Source: Circuitglobe.com 14
The advantages of this kind of bus bar arrangement are that the maintenance of the individual

section is possible without disturbing the supply of the system. Also a current limiting reactor

that is used to decrease the occurrence of a fault is installed in the system.

A disadvantage of such kinds of arrangement is that an extra circuit breaker and isolators

increase the cost of the system.

9
Fig 9.

2.8.3.Main and Transfer Bus Arrangement

In this kind of arrangement, two types of bus bars are used which are main bus bar and auxiliary

bus bar. A bus bar coupler is used to connect the isolators and the circuit breakers with the bus

bars. Another function of bus bar is to transfer the load from one bus bar to another in case an

overloading occurs. This transfer of load can be done by closing the bus coupler and hence

keeping the two bus bars at the same potential.

9
Source: circuitglobe.com 15
There are many advantages of such kind of arrangement. When a fault occurs in any of the bus

bar, the entire load gets shifted to the other bus bar and hence maintaining the continuity of the

supply. The maintenance cost of such kind of arrangement is also less as it can be easily done

without disturbing the supply.

10
Fig 10.

2.8.4.Double Bus Breaker Arrangement

In this kind of arrangement two bus bars and two circuit breakers are used and it does not require

any bus coupler. It is the most flexible and reliable arrangement as on the occurrence of fault, the

load from one bus can be shifted to another and the continuity of the supply goes on. The

maintenance cost of such systems is usually high.

10
Source: circuitglobe.com 16
 11
Fig 11.

2.8.5.Sectionalised Double Bus Bar Arrangement

In such an arrangement, the main bus bar is sectionalised and it is used along with the auxiliary

bus bar. Any section can be removed and the rest of the circuit can be connected to auxiliary bus

bar thus maintaining the continuity.

11
Source: circuitglobe.com 17
 12
Fig. 12

2.8.6.One and a Half Breaker Arrangement

In such kind of arrangement three circuit breakers are used for two circuits so this counts for one

circuit using one and a half circuit breakers. This kind of arrangement is usually preferred in

large substations and since power grid is a large substation, it requires one and a half breaker

arrangement. It has also got many advantages like it protects against the loss of supply. Also the

additional circuits can be easily added.

12
Source: circuitglobe.com 18
 13
Fig. 13

2.8.7.Ring Main Arrangement

In such type of arrangement the starting point is connected to the end point. This helps to provide

two paths for the power supply. In this kind of arrangement, the fault is localised. A circuit

breaker can be maintained in this kind of arrangement. This doesn’t affect the supply in the

circuit. Some of the disadvantages of this kind of arrangement are that it creates difficulty in the

addition of new circuit. Also if any of the circuit breakers are opened, it creates the condition of

overloading.

13
Source: circuitglobe.com 19
 Fig . 1414

2.8.8 Mesh Arrangement

The bus bars form a mesh in between which circuit breakers are installed. Such type of

arrangement needs two circuit breakers to trip off in order to remove the faulty part. The current

starts flowing from the node point of the mesh. Four circuit breakers are needed to control such

type of circuits. When a fault occurs, two circuit breakers have to be removed which leaves the

mesh open. This kind of arrangement is usually used in the substations with large number of

circuits.

14
Source: circuitglobe.com 20
 Fig 1515

3.BASICS OF TRANSFORMERS

A transformer is an electrical device that works on the principle of Faraday’s law of Induction.

That is it converts electrical energy from one form to another. It does this by connecting two or

more circuits by forming a magnetic circuit in between which is known as the process of mutual

induction.

Mutual Induction is the process in which a voltage is induced magnetically from a current

carrying coil to another coil in the close proximity to it. By this process, transformers are capable

of either increasing or decreasing the voltage and current levels.

15
Source: circuitglobe.com 21
A single phase transformer consists of two windings known as primary winding and secondary

winding. Primary connections usually take the power and secondary connections deliver it.

These two windings are not in contact and are connected via soft iron core through which

magnetic flux flows.

If the voltage level increases on the secondary side then it is known as step up transformer and if

it decreases, it is known as step down transformer.

This depends on the turns ratio which is the ratio of number of windings on the primary to the

number of windings on the secondary. The voltage transferred to the secondary from primary is

proportional to the number of turns on the secondary. If the number of turns on the primary is

more than the number of turns on the secondary, it is a step down transformer and if the number

of turns on primary are less than on secondary, it is a step up transformer.

4.TYPES OF TRANSFORMERS

Types of transformers that are mainly found in a substation are:

● Autotransformers

● Instrument Transformers

● Potential Transformers

● Current Transformers

Autotransformers

A single coil is needed for auto transformers to work. The magnetic core consists of single

winding. This winding is common to both primary and secondary circuits. Tap connections are

22
needed along the winding to divide the number of turns in accordance to the primary or

secondary circuits.

The circuit which is connected to the AC power source is designated as primary.

Autotransformers can be used for both purposes that is it can perform the function of step up and

step down. If primary gets all of the winding and secondary gets the portion of the winding

through the tap connections, then the voltage is stepped down. If the primary is connected to the

supply voltage with only portion of the winding connected to it through the tap connection and

the secondary gets all of the winding then this action is known as a stepped up. The voltage

stepped up depends on the ratio of number of turns connected to the primary to the total number

of turns.

If a step down transformer is considered, then if I1 is the current flowing in the primary circuit

and I2 is the current flowing in the secondary circuit, then the current flowing in the portion of

the winding which is connected to both the circuits is the difference between I1 and I2. If the

small amount of step up or step down is required then the turns ratio can be made smaller

according to the need. Then the current flowing in the common portion of the winding is also

smaller as the difference between the current would be smaller. Then the winding used can be

made of a smaller conductor.

Therefore, an autotransformer comes out to be a much cheaper one in comparison to the normal

two coil transformer of the same rating. But since in an auto transformer, the primary and

secondary circuits are connected so it would not be safer to step down high voltage to the voltage

required. Autotransformers are mainly used in large induction motors. So in order to get full

23
voltage at the end, various tap connections are made in between to step up the voltage

consecutively without causing any harm to the transformer. This avoids the large inrush current

when starting motors are at full line voltage. This transformer is also used for buck boost that is

when the small amount of voltage needs to be stepped up or down.

Fig. 16 Autotransformer16

Instrument Transformers

Instrument transformers are mainly used as measuring instruments to measure electrical

quantities such as voltage and current.

The basic function of instrument transformer is to step down AC voltage system and current.

Usually a power system has a very high voltage and current and to design measuring instruments

to measure such high voltages and currents would be costlier and difficult. Measuring

16
Source: Transformers: Basics, Maintenance and Diagnostics,U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Reclamation.
24
instruments are generally designed for 5A and 110V. So such types of measurements where high

voltage and currents are included can be made possible by using instrument transformers with

the small rating measuring instruments. Therefore these measuring transformers are very popular

in modern power systems.

There are two types of instrument transformers:

● Current Transformers (CT)

● Potential Transformers (PT)

Current Transformer

Current transformer is mainly used to step down high voltage current flowing in the power

system. These are used to bring the current to such a level that it can be measured by small rating

Ammeter. Primary winding of the current transformers consists of very few turns. Sometimes

istead primary, bar primary can also be used. Primary windings are connected in series with the

power circuit. Hence it can also be called as series transformer. Secondary consists of larger

number of turns and it is directly connected to the Ammeter. The secondary current of the

transformer almost works on short-circuited condition as the resistance of the ammeter is very

low. One terminal of the secondary is connected to earth. This is done to avoid large voltage on

the secondary with respect to the earth. This protects the system from high voltage. When the

ammeter is disconnected, secondary is short circuited with the help of a switch to avoid the

accumulation of high voltages.

25
 Fig. 17 17

Potential Transformer

Potential transformer is used to step down high voltage in the circuit so that voltage can be

measured by a small rating voltmeter that is of 110-120V.

Primary winding of a potential transformer has larger number of turns. Generally, the primary is

connected across the line. Hence, it is also known as parallel transformer. Secondary winding of

potential transformer consists of very few turns and is connected to the voltmeter. The secondary

circuit of a potential transformer almost works in the open-circuit condition because the

resistance of the voltmeter is very high. The line end of the secondary is also connected to earth

to avoid accumulation of high voltages for safety purpose.

17
Source: Electrical4U.com
26
 Fig. 1818

5.Dissolved Gas Analysis

A transformer is a very important and complex component in an electrical substation. Due to

heating, the insulation of the transformer and other components decomposes releasing different

gases. Now these gases are dissolved in the transformer oil which further decreases its dielectric

properties. Transformer oil serves as an insulator and as a coolant. By determining the ratio of

different components in the transformer oil, one can determine the electric fault that has

occurred. It can be used to distinguish faults such as partial discharge (corona), overheating

18
Source: Electrical4U.com 27
(pyrolysis) and arcing. These three categories differ based on the intensity of energy dissipated

per unit time per unit volume by the fault. This technique is extremely useful. It helps save a lot

of money. Earlier it was recommended to perform the DGA test on the transformer annually.

This routine checkup of the nature of the transformer oil helps us in providing a detailed report

of the condition of the internal health of a transformer over its lifetime. Now this process is

implemented digitally. Thus, it gives up to date results which further helps in rectifying the error

immediately on its onset.

The two main causes for the generation of gases in the transformer oil are thermal decomposition

and electrical disturbances. Even during the normal functioning of a transformer various gases

are produced. But in the event of an electrical fault the production rate of these gases is

accelerated. The insulating oils comprise of a mixture of different hydrocarbon molecules. The

decomposition process for these molecules in thermal and/or electric faults is quite complex. In

the event of such a fault occurring the chemical bonds between C-C and C-H molecules are

broken. Thus, resulting in the liberation of various gases such as methane, ethane, ethylene,

acetylene and hydrogen.

The transformer insulation comprises of the insulating oil and cellulose (which is the insulation

present in the windings of the transformer). When the cellulose decomposition occurs gases such

as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are produced.

The rate at which these gases are produced depends on the temperature and the volume of the

material at that temperature. Temperature is an important criterion as the solubility of a gas

28
varies according to the temperature. Due to this volume effect a small volume of heated

insulation at a higher temperature can produce as much gas as a large volume at a moderate

temperature.

The quantity of the gases present in the oil determines the nature of the fault and the severity of

the condition. Partial discharge or corona is a low-level electric discharge caused by ionic

bombardment in fluids. The main gas released in this fault is hydrogen. A small amount of gas is

released at all times. In thermal fault, by varying the temperature, the gases being discharged also

varies from methane to ethane and then further to ethylene. Whereas arcing on the other hand is a

high energy fault which causes the dielectric strength of the oil to decrease. The major gas

produced in this case is acetylene.

A DGA test provides various benefits. Some of these advantages are listed below

1. Advance warning of developing faults

2. Determining the improper use of units

3. Status check on new and repaired units

4. Convenient scheduling of repairs

5. Monitoring of rate of fault development in the units

The DGA test comprises of the following steps. Initially a sample of the oil is collected and the

dissolved gases are extracted. These extracted gases are further separated, identified and

quantitatively determined. This is done using gas chromatography (GC). Historically this process

has been confined to laboratory conditions. This is because GC is a highly sensible but unstable

process. It is influenced by local conditions such as temperature, pressure, movement, gas flow

29
rates etc. A substation operator would have to collect the oil sample, note down the prevalent

conditions such as temperature, nameplate information and other details related to the

transformer, package the sample and then send it to the lab. Due to the costs incurred (site visit,

logistics and analysis), sampling and analysis was conducted only once a year. But now a shift

can be seen towards online DGA testing which runs an analysis with a frequency as quick as

once every hour.

Online Dissolved gas analysis has enabled quick performance reviews of the internal health of

the transformer oil. This has helped achieve significant reductions in the maintenance and repair

of transformers. It has also minimized the occurrence of catastrophic faults. Thus, saving a lot of

money.

Online DGA test has made a sea of changes in transformer maintenance and servicing. It is a

more practical and effective way towards transformer monitoring. It gives a peace of mind to the

owners in the knowledge that these devices are operating in peak condition. It can now be

performed based on a pre-programmed schedule without any user intervention. Initially a simple

GC based version was developed which were packaged in ways to enable them to work in a field

environment. This version although gave less accurate results. But through the passage of time

newer technologies has been developed. A latest advancement in this field has been

PhotoAcoustic Spectroscopy. This was developed in 2002. Using advanced detection techniques

usually found in urban pollution testing, by 2012 this became the most trusted technology for

online and portable DGA applications. Online DGA systems, apart from the above listed fault

gases also monitor non-fault gases such as N2 and O2. Most online DGA tools also provide the

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facility of measuring moisture in oil. Some studies have even proven that the online DGA

techniques provide more accurate results than laboratory based DGA testing. This is probably

due to the gap in time it takes to carry the sample from the site to the laboratory.

More and more advances are made in this technology. Different tools for online DGA is now

available in the market. From initial models which tested for total combustible gas or single gas

(hydrogen) monitoring to models which measure multiple gases are now available in the market.

6.Online Drying of Transformer Oil

Transformer and the cellulosic paper used as insulation can be damaged by water.​ ​Moisture in

the insulation system is generated during the normal aging process – the long-chain carbon

molecules in the oil transform, H​2​O is released as decomposition product.​ Moisture also enters

the transformer due to external contamination. To keep this water in check, in earlier days

vacuum dehydration process was in use. But now it has been discovered an even more effective

technique. This technique of online dry out of the transformer oil has helped reduce the overall

cost. This is an innovative process used to ensure the maintenance of the electric properties of

the transformer oil as well as drying the transformer core. It does so by the continuous

circulation of oil in a live transformer without disturbing DGA (as it does not change the

dissolved gas content). This is a cyclic process. This system is in place to extend the life of a

transformer. It improves the breakdown voltage of the oil. This is a low investment technique

that provides one with plenty of benefits in the long haul.

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It records the temperature, vacuum and moisture online. These systems inform the user about the

optimal time for changing the absorbent media or filter. The filters help in removing particulate

matters which prevents the accumulation of sludge and thereby results in an increase in dielectric

strength. The device can be connected directly or close to the transformer. One system can be

connected to multiple transformers at the same time.

7. CONCLUSION

The different components are arranged in a particular sequence.This sequence is determined by

taking into account many factors such as how much power a certain substation has to

provide,The duty it has to perform etc.Considering all these factors and analysing the various

types of component a design of the substation is made which ensures the efficient running of the

station and power distribution at a reduced cost.

Transformer are vital instruments in a substation. A high moisture content speeds up the ageing

of the insulation and so leads to a shorter lifetime of the whole transformer. But a high moisture

content can also lead to the immediate failure of a transformer by causing the formation of

bubbles or when free water appears. Therefore, keeping the transformer dry is a major factor

when looking at high reliability and extension of lifetime. So there are measures like online

drying of transformer oil to enable this.DGA test is a method used to detect the occurrence of

faults in a transformer. This helps alert the user of developing faults, scheduling of repairs etc.

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