High

performance
ratings in a
modular design

High Voltage Products | Gas-insulated switchgear

ELK-3, 550 kV
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More than 50 years of

gas-insulated switchgear
innovation

Hitachi Energy is global technology leader with a combined Hitachi Energy provides a complete range of GIS for all ratings
heritage of almost 250 years, employing around 38,000 people and applications from 72.5 kV to 1200 kV matching current and
in 90 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, the business future requirements for modern switchgears. As a market leader
serves utility, industry and infrastructure customers across the in high-voltage GIS technology, Hitachi Energy has a global
value chain, and emerging areas like sustainable mobility, smart installed base around 40,000 bays.
cities, energy storage and data centers. With a proven track
record, global footprint and unparalleled installed base, Hitachi GIS is a compact metal-encapsulated switchgear consisting
Energy balances social, environmental and economic values. It of high-voltage components such as circuit-breakers and
is committed to powering good for a sustainable energy future, disconnectors.
with pioneering and digital technologies, as the partner of
choice for enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid GIS type ELK-3 is the ideal solution for reliable energy supply
up to a rated voltage of 550 kV. Based on a few building blocks
Hitachi Energy offers a wide range of high-voltage products up with standardized dimensions, its space saving and modular
to 1200 kilovolt (kV) that help enhance the reliability, efficiency design offers a small footprint and easy operation at high
and quality of power in transmission and distribution grids, performance ratings. The ELK-3 offers high level of flexibility
power plants and industries while minimizing environmental for optimizing substation layouts.
impact.

In a power system, switchgear controls, protects and isolates

electrical equipment to boost the reliability of power supply.
With gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) technology, key
components including breakers, switches, contacts and
conductors are protected with insulating gas. Hitachi Energy
has always been and continues to drive innovation in GIS
technology in ratings, operations, switching technology,
smart control and supervision, and compactness.
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Hitachi Energy is a pioneering

technology leader that works
closely with utility, industry,
transportation and infrastructure
customers to write the future of
industrial digitalization and
realize value.
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ELK-3, 550 kV
Clear-cut advantages and outstanding qualities

The ELK-3 series for 550 kV is Benefits

• Reliable and well-proven technology
designed to increase • High performance ratings for future power demands
performanceand enhance reliability • Modular components enable maximum flexibility
• Excellent accessibility and serviceability
for future power demand. • Simple and reliable
• Customized layout configuration
• Advanced features for digital substations
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Reliable and well-proven technology Customized layout configuration

Innovative technology, intelligence and flexibility, combined with Improved performance in minimum space. For main circuits
the very highest quality: these are the outstanding features of and control & protection. That’s what Hitachi Energy's ELK-3
the successful ELK-3 range. It meets all the latest international technology so revolutionary in making. Therefore, it drastically
standards and will more than satisfy your expectations. cuts your operating costs and saves construction costs at the
Constructive and creative, economical and ecologically safe. same time.
As it is well thought-out as it is mature, it can be used for
virtually any application. Advanced features for digital substation
The ELK-3 can be equipped with monitoring, measurement,
High performance ratings for future power demands control, protection and communication features for smooth
Enhanced performance and greater efficiency. Plus another integration into substation automation system using IEC 61850.
major benefit of Hitachi Energy’s GIS: the state-of-the-art
control & protection technology is open and completely
integrated, which increases the range of possible
applications and makes it easier to operate.

Modular components enable maximum flexibility

The ELK-3 range is so well de­signed that it requires much
less space than comparable GIS systems or an aquivalent
AIS substation. The system’s modular architecture permits
individual solutions that can be adapted to changing needs
at any time.

Excellent accessibility and serviceability

Maximum system security with a minimum of maintenance.
Another quality feature of the environment-friendly ELK-3
system. And because it is modular, it can be ex­tended or
adapted at any time to meet your present and future
requirements.

Simple and reliable

Single-phase encapsulated assures minimal dielectric and
dynamic stresses. Fewer and simpler parts in conductors and
contacts reduce complexity. Current transformers are located
outside the gas compartments without the need for agas-tight
feed to the secondary terminals.
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Disconnector and maintenance earthing switch

See page 9

Connecting elements

See page 11

Fast-acting earthing switch

See page 9

Current transformer

See page 10

Circuit-breaker and operating mechanism

See page 8
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Circuit-breaker and operating

mechanism

The circuit-breaker Operating mechanism

Each circuit-breaker in the ELK-3 GIS comprises three Each pole of the circuit-breaker is equipped with a
single- phase metal-enclosed breaker poles. Each pole hydromechanical spring operating mechanism. The compact,
consists of the operating mechanism, the interrupter column modular design of the circuit-breaker operating mechanism,
with two interrupting chambers and the enclosure with the basic consists of:
support structure. To guarantee simultaneous interruption, the
• Housing
chambers are mechanically connected in series. One grading
• Position indicator
capacitor for each chamber assures an equalised voltage
• Power-pack for energy storage without any kind of external
distribution across the interrupting chambers. In case of an
hydraulic pipe
overhaul, the interrupter column can easily be removed from
• Monitoring module for control purpose
the enclosure.

It combines the advantages of the hydraulic operating

The circuit-breaker is of the single-pressure type and works on
mechanism with those of the spring energy storage type, which
the latest arc-quenching technology. During an interruption,
furthermore enjoys due to its working principle the following
a compression piston in the chamber generates the SF6-gas
advantages.
pressure required to extinguish the arc between the contacts.
• Interrupting security despite broken disc spring
A Product Certificate for the ELK-3 circuit-breaker • Working principle guarantees additional safety margins for
signed by independent authority assures: Conformity of all circuit-breaker performance in service
type-tests with standards, conformity with the design and
construction, conformity of routine testing and conformity of The operating mechanism guarantees easy access to all
all internal manufacturing processes according the certified components inside the drive for overhaul and repair. Sealing of
quality management system. the pressure operated hydraulic circuit against the atmosphere
is achieved entirely by highly reliable static seals.

Circuit-breaker Operating mechanism

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Disconnectors and earthing

switches

The disconnector switch The earthing switch

The disconnector is based on a modular design. It is The earthing switch can be mounted at any position by using
available either as in-line or angular disconnector. The a connection element, thus ensuring the greatest flexibility
angular disconnector integrated in the busbars ensures the in switchgear layout. It is used to earth insulated sections
highest degree of flexibility in layouting. It is also possible to of the installation to protect personnel during overhaul and
accommodate a maintenance earthing switch in the same assembly work.
enclosure.
The fast-acting earthing switch it is also employed for
The operating mechanism is of modular design. The modular earthing capacitance (cables, transmission lines, etc.).
design enables rapid replacement of complete modules, thus The controlled “Open”-operation results from a slow linear
ensuring greater service friendliness and excellent access for contact motion directly driven by an electric motor. This
maintenance and repair. enables optimal switching movement during contact opening.
The fast “Close”- operation is spring-actuated. After a closing
Benefits command, the electric motor will compress the spring. After
• Reliable SF6-gas insulation across the isolation distance reaching the required state of charge, they are automatically
• Reliable switching capacity for small capacitive currents released until the next closing command is activated.
and bus-transfer currents
• High capacity for carrying rated and short-circuit currents Benefits
• Reliable switching of small capacitive and • Reliable earthing of main circuit
bus-transfer currents • Insulated operating mechanism
• Manual operation by hand crank possible • Capable of switching induced capacitive and inductive
• Reliable 3-pole operating mechanism currents
• Location of drive unit outside SF6-gas compartment • Manual operation by hand crank possible
• Separated mechanically coupled position indicator • Location of drive unit outside the SF6-gas
• Viewing port for checking position and condition • Position indicator mechanically coupled to the moving
of contacts contact
• Fully type-tested for conformity to latest IEC and ANSI • Viewing ports for checking position and condition
standards of contacts
• Safety elements such as padlocks can be provided
• Fully type-tested for conformity to latest IEC and ANSI
standards

Disconnector switch Fast-acting earthing switch

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Voltage and current transformers

The voltage transformer The current transformer

Used for system protection or revenue metering, Hitachi The ring core current transformers concentrically enclose
Energy’s powerful transformers offer years of trouble-free the primary conductor. The core support is provided by the
service. Even for heavy-duty applications. They are based on pressure-proof enclosure, which is insulated from the basic
the electromagnetic transformer prin­ciple, where primary and flange to prevent the return current from passing through the
secondary windings are galvanically separated from one cores.
another.
Benefits
The single-pole inductive voltage transformers are connected to • Simple ring-core type windings integrated in the main
the switchgear with a standardised connecting flange and a current path
partition insulator. The primary winding is wound on top of the • SF6-gas as main insulation according to Hitachi Energy’s
core and the secondary windings. The latter are connected to well-proved-GIS technique
the terminals in the external terminal box through a gas-tight • Secondary windings on ring-cores, located outside of the
multiple bushing. SF6-gas compartment and mechanically protected
• Efficient damping of the very fast transients transmitted to
Benefits the secondary side
• Utilisation of SF6-gas as insulating medium, together with • Any accuracy class defined by international standards is
plastic foil in the windings possible
• High secondary output and accuracy • Maintenance-free
• Ratio and number of secondary windings according to actual
GIS plant requirements
• Effective damping of very fast transients, transmitted to the
secondary side
• Rectangular type core of low loss magnetic sheets
• Horizontal or vertical mounting possible
• Separate gas volume with density monitoring
• Secondary fuses on request
• Maintenance-free

Voltage transformer Current transformer

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Terminals and connecting

elements

The connecting elements The cable termination

Switching systems need to be as varied as the purposes for Cable connections, which are part of the cable manufacturer’s
which they are intended. That is why Hitachi Energy supplies scope of supply, consist typically of wan epoxy resin barrier
connecting elements in all shapes and sizes: cross-shaped, insulator and can be either of dry type or of fluid-filled type.
elbows and T-elements, as well as simple straight sections,
are the links that join up individual GIS components. Benefits
• Interface according IEC 62271-209
Compensators of various types allow for heat expansion, • The GIS and the high-voltage cable can be galvanically
vibrations during operation and tolerances in the lengths of separated and the high-voltage tests
specific components. Moreover, lateral disman­tling units be carried out independently
guarantee hassle-free assembly and dismantling. • Removable link easily accessible
• Flange available to attach a test bushing
The terminal connections • Easy mounting of the cable at any rotation angle
Hitachi Energy’s GIS range includes the connecting elements • Maintenance-free
for peripherals such as the SF6-air bushings, the enclosures for
the cable terminations and the enclosures for the transformer The SF6-air bushing
terminals. The SF6-air bushings are available in two different versions: with
clas­sical porcelain insulators or in the standard version, with
The transformer termination fibre-reinforced resin insulators with silicon sheds.
The transformer connection enables transformers to be
connected directly to the switchgear using bellows. Benefits
• High creepage current resistivity
Benefits • Self-cleaning silicon sheds
• Effective compensation of vibrations • Single pressure SF6-gas insulation
• Connection between the SF6 switchgear and the transformer • Explosion and vandal-proof
• Isolation of the SF6 switchgear from the transformer for • Resistivity against sandstorms
testing possible • All fitting positions possible
• Interface according IEC 61639 • Low weight
• Maintenance-free • Maintenance-free

Terminal connections SF6 -air bushings silicon insulator SF6 -air bushings porcelain insulator
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Advanced features to enable

digital substations

The local control cubicle (LCC) Benefits

All monitoring features are integrated into the LCC to provide • Integration into substation automation systems, using
guided local control of all motorized switching objects via HMI IEC 61850 interface to low power instrument transformers
of Hitachi Energy's Relion® series bay control IED, or via (LPIT) via IEC 61850-9-2LE process bus
conventional control mimic. Hitachi Energy's Relion® series of • All monitoring features are integrated into the local control
protection and control IEDs allows flexible combination of cubicle to provide guided local control of all motorized
control and protection functionality in one device. switching objects via HMI of Hitachi Energy's Relion® series
bay control IED, or via conventional control mimic. Hitachi
Energy's Relion® series of protection and control IEDs allows
flexible combination of control and protection functionality in
one device
• Modular Switchgear Monitoring (MSM) supervises SF6 density
within the GIS
• Primary and secondary system status supervision and alarm
visualization
• Station wide interlocking and double-operation interlocking
is implemented via fail-safe IEC 61850 GOOSE, or via
parallel wiring
• Point-on-wave controller PWC600 for highest operation
precision

Station level
Substation automation
solutions with IEC 61850 Remote control
station bus

IEC 61850
station bus

Bay level
Relion® 670 series control
and protection IED as well
as REB500 busbar
protection system, with
IEC 61850 and PWC600 LCC MSM PWC600 REB500 Relion ® 670 series IED
for station and process bus
IEC 61850-9-2
process bus

Process level Merging unit SAM600

LPIT transmits the signal to
the merging unit in the LCC
and is connected to the
IEC 61850-9-2 process bus
for sampled analog values
for protection and metering Current Voltage
GIS LPIT transformer transformer
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Configurations

1½ breaker arrangement

Ring arrangement
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Dimensions

ELK-3, 550 kV Double busbar arrangement

4700
5800
min 1500 8100

Dimensions in millimeters (mm)

ELK-3, 550 kV 1½ breaker arrangement

22000

6800
7800

11200
4700

3900

Dimensions in millimeters (mm)

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Ratings

ELK-3, 550 kV Product-ID 1HC0071250M0100

Rated voltage kV 550

Rated frequency Hz 50 / 60

Rated short-duration power-frequency withstand voltage (1 min) kV 740

Rated lightning impulse withstand voltage (1.2/50 µs) kV 1675

Rated switching impulse withstand voltage (250 / 2500 µs) kV 1300

Rated normal current at (40 °C) A 6300 / 5000

Rated short circuit-breaker current kA 63 / 80

Rated short-time withstand current (up to 3 s) kA 63 / 80

Rated peak withstand current kA 171 / 216

Circuit-breaker mechanical endurance class M2 (10,000 CO)

Circuit-breaker capacitive switching class (k=1.4) C2

Temperature range (ambient) °C -30 … +55

Type of installation indoor / outdoor

Hitachi Energy
High Voltage Products
Gas-insulated switchgear
[email protected]

www.hitachienergy.com

©Hitachi Energy 2021. All rights reserved.

Specifications subject to change without notice. 1HC0000742 E01 / AJ21