Electrical Substation Practice

Unit II
33 KV Substation

Need of 33 KV/11KV Substation :

1. 33/11 kV substation is used to step down the 33kV voltage level to 11 kV.
2. It is used to distribute power from one substation to another.
3. It is used to isolate lines in case of faults and maintenance.
4. These substations act as a point of voltage regulation.
33/11 KV Substation accessories & Ratings :
1. Capacitor Bank:
Purpose: 1. For power factor correction: Capacitors are source of reactive power. When connected in shunt
they reduce the effect of high inductive loads in the system and improves the power factor. Low power
factor leads to higher losses, hence power factor improvement is essential.
2. For improving power transfer capability: When connected in series they reduce the overall line reactance
and thus improve the power transfer capability of lines.
3. For increasing voltage levels: During high loading conditions the receiving end voltage may dip
significantly. So shunt capacitor banks are used to increase the voltage levels.
Location: Capacitor bank is installed in the switchyard at one end of 11 kV bus.

A capacitor bank is a system consisting of several capacitors connected in series or parallel to form an
energy storage system. This system helps in correcting the power factor lag and phase shift in an AC power
supply, thus increasing the efficiency of electrical energy transfer. Since majority of the industrial loads are
of inductive nature, they require certain proportion of reactive power for them to function. This reactive
power is provided by the capacitor bank installed parallel to the load. Capacitor banks act as a source of
local reactive power and thus less reactive power flow through the line. The capacitor bank is usually
provided with switching device like circuit breaker and isolator, protection device like fuse and discharging
resistor.
The capacitor bank is useful in following ways:
1. For power factor correction : Capacitors are source of reactive power . When connected in shunt they
reduce the effect of high inductive loads in the system and improves the power factor. Low power factor
may lead to higher losses.
2. For Improved power transfer capability: When connected in series they reduce the overall line reactance
and thus improving the power transfer capability.
3. For increasing voltage levels: During high loading conditions they receiving end voltage may dip
significantly. So shunt capacitor banks are used to increase the voltage levels.

2. Relay Panel:

Purpose: Separate relay panel for 33kV and 11kV are provided. Each relay panel consists of relays, circuit
breaker actuating mechanism, meters and visual indicators.
It is used for following purposes:
1. Remote switching of circuit-breaker.
2. Automatic switching off circuit breaker in the event of fault.
3. Visual indication of type of fault and faulty phase.
4. Meter indication about system status regarding system voltage, feeder current, frequency etc.
Location: Relay panel is located inside substation building in control room.
Control panels installed within the building which provide mounting for mimic bus, relays, meters,
indicating instruments, indicating lights, control switches, test switches and other control devices. The
 panel contains compartments for incoming lines, outgoing lines, busbars with provision for
sectionalizing, relays, measuring instruments, etc.
3. Battery charging unit:

Purpose:
1. Provide DC auxiliary supply to protection system in substation.
2. It ensures all the essential electrical systems in a substation continue to operate in the event of a power
outage.
3. To supply power for control room lighting.
4. To charge the batteries when AC supply is available.
Location: It is located inside substation building near batteries.

4.SCADA:
Purpose: To collect data regarding system status and supervise the system.
Location: It is located inside substation building near control panel.

5. Circuit-Breaker (CB):
A circuit breaker is a switching device built ruggedly to enable it to interrupt/ make not only the load current
but also the much larger fault current, which may occur on a circuit. A circuit breaker contains both fixed
contacts and moving contacts. The purpose of circuit breakers is to eliminate a short-circuit that occurs on a
line. Circuit breakers are found at the arrivals and departures of all lines incident on a substation. When the
circuit breaker is closed these contacts are held together. The mode of action of all circuit breakers consists
in the breaking of the fault current by the separation of the moving contacts away from the fixed ones. An
arc is immediately established on separation of the contacts. Interruption of the current occurs after the arc at
these contacts is extinguished and current becomes zero.
Elements of a Circuit Breaker: Circuit breakers contain the following elements, irrespective of the medium
for arc quenching and insulation: − main contact at system voltage; − insulation, such as porcelain, oil or
gas, between the main contacts and ground potential; − operating and supervisory accessories, of which
tripping facilities are most important. A wide variety of closing and tripping arrangements (using relays with
variable time delay) and a number of operating mechanisms (based on solenoids, charged springs or
pneumatic arrangements) are available now-a-days. The types of breakers used in a 33 kV substation are oil
CB; vacuum CB; and SF 6 CB, the vacuum CB are most common now-a-days.
1 .Highest System Voltage -36 kV(rms)
2 .No. of Poles- 3
3 .No. of Trip Coil- 2
4 .Frequency -50Hz
5 .Basic Insulation Level -170 kV (p), 70KV (rms)
6 .Operating Duty -0-0.3sec-CO-3min-CO
7 .Total Break time for any current upto the rated breakin gcurrent- 3 cycles max (60ms)
8 .Control Circuit Voltage -110 V DC +10% to-20%
9 .Continuous Current rating at Ambient temperature ( 50° C) of Incomer and Outgoing- 1250 Amp
10. Continuous Current rating at Ambient temperature ( 50° C) of Bus coupler -1600Amp
11 .Short Circuit Breaking Current -25 KA for 3 Sec
6. Voltage Transformer (VT or PT):

The Voltage or Potential Transformers (VT or PT) are used as Bus P.T. for voltage indication, and supply of
voltage to meters, high speed Directional / Non Directional relays etc. for feeder protection.
• The Potential Transformers are electromagnetic, outdoor type, single phase, oil filled, self-cooled, having
shaded porcelain bushing, suitable for operation under the service conditions without protection from sun,
rain and dust.
 • The Potential Transformer are capable to withstand line discharge effect and also the ferro-resonance
effect.
• The Potential Transformers are suitable for up right mounting on steel structures.
• The P.T. is usually oil immersed type provided with class A insulation or epoxy resin cast type.
• It shall be of hermetically sealed type construction to prevent air & moisture from entering the tank.
• The core of the PT is of high grade non-aging, silicon laminated steel of low hysteresis loss and high
permeability to ensure high accuracy at both normal and over voltages conforming to IS:3024.

7. Isolator:

1) Isolators are mechanical switching devices capable of opening or closing a circuit: − when a negligible
current is broken or made, or − only a small charging current is to be interrupted, or when no significant
voltage difference exists across the terminals of each pole.
2) Isolators can carry current under normal conditions and short circuit currents for a specified time. In open
position, the isolator should provide an isolating distance between the terminals.
Rated voltage of the Isolator 36 KV
Standard declared voltage kv/rms 33KV
Standard withstand positive kV (peak) 195 kv
Power frequency wet withstand voltage 75 KV

8. Power Transformer :
"33/11 kV power transformer" refers to a transformer designed to step down voltage from 33,000 volts (kV)
to 11,000 volts, commonly used in electrical distribution systems where high voltage transmission lines need
to be reduced to a safer level for distribution to homes and businesses; essentially acting as a bridge between
the transmission network (at 33kV) and the lower voltage distribution network (at 11kV).
Phase: three
Cooling Method: ONAN, ONAF/ OFAF
Frequency: 50 or 60Hz
Vector Group Of Power Transformer Used In 33 11kv Substation is: Dyn11, Yd11, Ynd11, or others
Capacity Range: 100KVA to 31500KVA
Primary Voltage: 30KV to 38.5KV
Coolers: corrugated wall or radiator
Oil preservation: hermetically sealed or conservator/free breathing
Tap changer: Off-circuit or On-load. 3 steps; 5 steps; 7 steps; 9 steps; 13 steps; 17 steps

9. Lightning Arrestor :

A lightning arrester (alternative spelling lightning arrestor) (also called lightning diverter) is a device used
on electric power systems and telecommunication systems to protect the insulation and conductors of the
system from the damaging effects of lightning. The typical lightning arrester has a high-voltage terminal and
a ground terminal. When a lightning surge (or switching surge, which is very similar) travels along the
power line to the arrester, the current from the surge is diverted through the arrester, in most cases to earth.
Nominal system voltage/Highest system voltage (kV rms) -33 kV / 36 kV
Rated voltage of Surge Arrester (kV rms)- 30 kV rms
Continuous Operating Voltage (C.O.V.) (kV rms) -24 kV rms
Nominal discharge current (8/20 micro sec wave) (kA Peak) -10 kA Peak
Long Duration Discharge - Class 2
High Current Impulse Withstand Capability (4/10 micro second wave) (kA Peak) -100 kA Peak

10. CT:

Type of CT : Single Phase, Outdoor, Resin Cast (Cycloalphatic), Dry Type Current Transformer
ii) Type of mounting : Pedestal Type
 iii) Nominal System Voltage : 33kV
iv) Corresponding Highest System Voltage : 36kV
v) Frequency : 50 Hz with  3 % tolerance
vi) Neutral Earthing : Solidly Effectively Earthed vii)Lightning Impulse Withstand Voltage (kVp) :170
viii)One minute dry/wet power frequency Withstand Voltage primary (kV rms) : 70

In a 33/11kV substation, the type of Current Transformer (CT) typically used is an oil-immersed, outdoor
type CT designed to handle high voltage levels like 33kV, usually with a suitable ratio to accurately measure
the current at the 33kV busbar and on feeder lines; these CTs are often constructed with a porcelain housing
and high-quality silicon steel cores for accurate measurement and high short circuit withstand capability. For
33 kv Transformers for Single Breaker Controlling two transfo. mers up to 2 x 5 MVA, the CT ratio shall
be 200/100/5/5/5 A.

11. Insulator

An electrical pin insulator is a type of insulator commonly used in high-voltage electrical systems to support
and insulate power lines. It is typically installed on the crossarms of utility poles or transmission towers. The
pin insulator consists of a non-conducting material, often ceramic, which is resistant to electrical current
flow.
The design of an electrical pin insulator includes a cylindrical or conical shape with a groove or internal
cementing for the attachment of the conductors. The top of the insulator is equipped with a metal pin that
secures it to the crossarm. This configuration helps to prevent electrical current from traveling down the
pole.
The insulator's main purpose is to provide insulation and prevent electrical leakage to the grounded
structure. It protects the electrical system from faults caused by environmental factors such as moisture, dirt,
and pollution, ensuring the safe and reliable transmission of electricity. Regular maintenance and inspection
of these insulators are essential to guarantee their long-term effectiveness and performance in the electrical
system.

12. HT Fuses :

Horn Gap Fuse

In a 33/11kV substation, "HT fuses" refer to High Tension (High Voltage) fuses which are typically "HRC"
(High Rupturing Capacity) fuses designed to protect the high voltage side of the power transformer, usually
rated at 33kV, from fault conditions by interrupting the circuit when excessive current flows through
them; essentially acting as a safety mechanism in case of a major fault on the line.
Rated Voltage 36 kV
Rated Frequency 50 Hz
Continuous current Rating 100 Amp
Lightning Impulse Withstand Voltage (Positive & Negative Polarity) Across the Isolating distance 195 kV
(Peak)

13. Station Transformer :

1. Provide low voltage for AC power system inside substation such as lighting, air conditioners etc.
2. Provide power to DC power system such as protection relays, batteries, SCADA & telecom system.
3. Provide power for switchyard lighting in substation.
4. Provide auxiliary supply to motors in substation.
Layout & Single line diagram of 33kv/11kv Substation :

Fire fighting Equipment for different situations in substation :

1. Deluge System: This system uses open spray heads attached to a piping system connected to a water
supply through a valve that is opened by means of a detection system installed in the same area as the
spray heads. When the valve opens, water flows into the piping system and discharges through all spray
heads attached to the system. This type of system uses high volumes of water which may lead to other
post fire clean up issues or contaminated runoff.
2. Fixed Water Spray System: This system is similar to a deluge system; however, the water discharge
points are designed to create a spray pattern unique to the particular area or equipment being protected.
The water spray head locations and spray pattern are tailored to the asymmetrical shape of the equipment
being protected. The added benefit of the equipment specific design is the control of fire spread through
increased wetting of the equipment under the influence of the fire. Electrical transformers containing oil
are commonly protected by fixed water spray systems.
3. Water Mist System: This system is similar to the fixed water spray system with an added benefit of
using significantly less water by employing special discharge heads creating water droplets called mist.
A water mist system is generally defined by the droplet size created. Droplet sizes typically are less than
1000 microns and delivered by a high-pressure pump. The water droplets create a mist that allows a
given volume of water to create a larger surface area exposed to the fire. Smaller droplets facilitate larger
heat absorption to cool the fire.
4. Pre-action Water Mist System: This system uses automatic sprinklers attached to a piping system
containing air with a supplemental detection system installed in the same areas as the sprinklers. System
activation may require both a signal from the detection system and the heat activation of a sprinkler. Pre-
 action systems are used to protect areas where the risk of false discharge or leakage must be kept to an
absolute minimum. This system has recently seen increased occurrence of use in transformer fire
suppression because of water conservation, greater immunity to false initiation and greater ability to
control fire spread.
5. Fire Buckets: Fire-fighting equipment used in a 33 kV sub-station: 1) A Fire Bucket is filled with sand
or water and is used to extinguish fires. Sand is often used where there is a risk of spilled flammable
liquid which might ignite and spread by flowing across the ground. The sand is deployed to act as a
barrier to the flowing liquid. Both plastic and metal fire buckets are available. They are easy to use, no
training is required, all one has to do is to grab it, fill it with sand or water and throw it at the flames.
6. Foam type fire extinguishers: Foam extinguishers are used to extinguish Class B fires and are located
near flammable liquids. There can be two types of foam type fire extinguishers depending upon its
contents- A) Chemical foam type fire extinguisher B) Mechanical foam type fire extinguisher These
extinguishers work by creating a cooling effect on the fuel that is responsible for causing the fire. When
it is poured on burning liquid, the fire is extinguished by creating a barrier between the fuel and the
flame with the help of the foaming agent which blankets oxygen.
7. Dry Chemical Powder fire extinguishers: A Sodium bicarbonate powder is used to extinguish almost
all types of fires. It is mainly located near electrical equipment. Dry powder extinguisher contains
sodium bicarbonate powder in the outer container. Small container with carbon dioxide is placed beneath
the plunger mechanism. When the plunger is pushed, it releases the carbon dioxide gas, which in turn
forces the dry powder out of the discharge nozzle. It can be used for class A, class B and class C fires.
Break Down Voltage (BDV) test on power transformer oil.
Standard procedure to be carried out of Break Down Voltage (BDV) test on power transformer oil is as
given below-
1. Collect the 300-400 ml oil sample of transformer oil from the bottom valve of the transformer in a glass
or plastic vessel of the BDV testing kit.
2. Pour the oil sample in oil pot of the machine.
3. Keep the oil pot in open air for 5 Minutes so that air bubble if any gets out. Further, the vessel should be
disturbed to get out of the air bubbles and for homogeneous distribution of impurities.
4. Now put the oil sample in the machine.
5. Increase the KV at the rate of 2 KV/Sec and observe the oil sample through a glass window.
6. Continuously observe the oil sample through an inspection window while increasing the voltage.
7. Note down the KV at which sparking is observed in the oil. The voltage at which sparking observed is the
breakdown voltage of oil.
8. Repeat the step No. 4, 5, 6 and 7 for the same sample for six times and note down the breakdown KV in
each case.
9. Take the average of BDV values observed in step 7 and 8.
10. If Breakdown value of oil is above 30 KV, transformer oil is good.

Causes of failure of Power Transformer ( 33/11 KV ) and Preventive Maintenance Procedure :

OR
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE OF CURRENT TRANSFORMERS:

(a) Visual Inspection Current transformers are normally filled with oil and have oil impregnated paper
insulation for both primary and secondary winding. Careful inspection is to be made for any trace of oil
leakages. Oil leakages are more prone through cemented joints or secondary terminal box due to improper
sealing of terminal studs. As CTs have less oil quantity small leakage may lead to exposure of paper
insulation and subsequent moisture absorption. If bellows are provided in CTs, the position of bellow
indicates either leakage of oil or expansion due to internal gas generation. Both the conditions are serious for
the life of the CTs and immediate action to be initiated for rectification. Visual inspection is also to be
carried out on the healthiness of terminal connections, condition of porcelain, development of cracks,
chippings, cleanliness of insulator surface etc.
(b) Maintenance of Gaskets Marshalling boxes, CT terminal boxes are to be properly sealed to prevent any
dust, rain water and insects. Door gaskets are to be changed periodically to give proper sealing. All door
bolts/ latches are to be properly tightened and never left loose.
(c) Secondary Terminals Connections Stud type terminals are preferred in Marshalling box cable
terminals. This gives better grip even if more than one wire is connected to one terminal. But pin type
terminals are also provided in some cases. Since tightness of wires may become loose due to vibration,
climatic condition, it is required to check tightness of terminals periodically to avoid maloperation/ non-
operation due to improper contacts. All terminals of unused CT secondary terminals are to be properly
shorted to avoid development of abnormal voltage and subsequent failure of CTs. The tan δ test tap is to be
properly earthed to avoid damage to insulation.
(d) Primary Terminals Thermovision scanning indicate proper connection of primary terminal. If
thermovision is not carried out, physical checking of terminal connection is to be done with proper torque.
All corona shields are to be provided and any damaged corona shield to be replaced with new one. As CT
primary carries heavy current, any loose joint may lead to arcing and welding of terminal connectors.

CAPACITANCE VOLTAGE TRANSFORMERS/ POTENTIAL TRANSFORMERS/ CAPACITOR

COUPLING
(a) Visual Inspection The bel10ws provided in most of the CVTs are not visible from outside. CTs/ CVTs
and CC are also oil fil1ed equipment’s and oil leak is to be observed. If oil leak is observed in anyone stack,
the entire CVT is to be replaced. CVTs are tuned units and replacement of anyone stack is not recommended
to avoid phase angle errors.
(b) Electro-Magnetic Unit Electro-Magnetic Unit (EMU) of CVT houses the secondary transformer,
Compensating reactor and ferro resonance suppression circuit. The colour of oil indicated through the gauge:
glass gives some indication of the healthiness of the internal components. Any abnormal heating may also be
observed through Thermovision scanning.
(c) Secondary Voltage Deviation in secondary Voltage of CVT is clear indication of failure of capacitor
elements. Necessary action to be taken to replace CVT if secondary voltage in anyone CVT is abnormal
(may be +2V and -4V). Continuing the equipment in service beyond this stage may lead to failure/ bursting
of CVTs.
(d) Other Maintenance Maintenance of Marshalling box gaskets, tightening of secondary terminal
connections and tightening of primary terminal connections, etc., are also to be ensured for healthy
operation. It is to be ensured that al1 extra holes at Marshalling boxes are properly plugged and kept vermin
proof. The anti-condensation heater and the thermostat are to be kept in working condition to keep inside of
the panel dry.

Maintenance of Circuit Breaker :

Maintenance of Isolator / Earth Switches :
Procedure to carry out Preventive Maintenance of 33kV/11kV Air Break Circuit Breaker:
1. Isolate properly the air break circuit breaker or take it from the circuit away.
2. Use a vacuum cleaner for thorough de-dusting (dry cloth can be used also).
3. Insulation: Remove and clean interphase barriers. Clean all insulating materials with vacuum and/or using
cleaning agent.
4. Check control terminal blocks / wires for any damage or sparking or looseness. Use WD-40 cleaning
agent for cleaning purpose.
5. Contacts: Ensure that all contacts are clean, smooth, and in proper alignment.
6. On silver contacts, discoloration is not usually harmful unless caused by insulating deposits. Clean silver
contacts with alcohol or silver cleaner using non-abrasive cloths.
7. If possible, a contact resistance test should be performed to determine the quality of the contacts.
Measure contact resistance of power terminals (under test mode).
8. Draw out contacts on the circuit breaker and the stationary contacts in the cubicle should be cleaned and
inspected for overheating, alignment, and broken or weak springs. Coat contact surfaces with contact
lubricant to ease mating.

Routine Maintenance of 33/11 KV Substation :

1. The readings of the current, voltage, power, frequency, power factor, connected load, energy consumption
and other related parameters through various meters etc. shall be checked and recorded in the log book /
register. Necessary action is to be taken if the readings are not normal.
2. Inspection and rectification of terminations e.g. checking the lugs / terminals points of the electrical
panels, switches, starters, indication lights, contactors, switchgear etc. and repair / replacement as per
requirements.
3. Inspection and monitoring of the UPS, battery charger, battery bank and associated controls.
4. Cleaning of the interiors of the switchgears, panels by vacuum / air blower / wiping them to make neat
and dry condition during shutdown.
5. Routine maintenance of switchyard includes cleaning of all outdoor equipment like CT, PT, isolators, post
insulators etc. and checking of all conductor connections and tightening the same if required. The switchyard
to be maintained clean by removing regularly the grass and other plants.
6. Monitoring and maintenance of transformers includes checking of oil level in conservator & if required
top up of makeup oil, regular inspection for any leakage, checking of thermometer, recording of
temperature, cleaning of breather assembly, removal of moisture by heating of silica gel if so required,
inspection & checking of explosion vent etc.
7. Maintenance of lighting systems.
8. Upkeep of all the electrical equipment and keeping them in neat and clean condition.
9. Checking the inter-locking of the various equipment and trip circuits.
10. Maintenance of Earthing system as watering the earth pits for proper earth resistance, checking the joints
& continuity of earth conductors visually and also measuring the earth resistance of each earth pits and to
ensure that they are in the tolerance range.
11. Maintenance of switchgears, VCBs / ACBs as required. Checking of all the circuit breakers connected
with the switchgear panels and their operating mechanism / contacts etc. and make them in perfect
condition.
12. Maintenance of all the electrical equipment including relays, transformers, capacitor banks, motors etc.
as per requirement of the OEM’s manuals.
13. Inspection of cable trenches and cable ducts etc. concerned with the power, control and communication
cabling of the systems.
14. Maintaining records of power failures with reasons.
15. Observing the yard and control room continuously and reporting any problem or faults to the higher
authority which require major / minor improvements / repairs.
16. Maintaining system handing over and taking over charge sheets.
17. With prior intimation / permission to higher authority, changing the taps of transformers as and when
required.
18. Maintain the proper co-ordination with all operators for efficient, reliable operation of 33kV / 11kV
substation.
19. Follow permit system (Line Clearance) and maintain a permit book to facilitate system maintenance
without accident / mishaps.
20. Routine Surveillance of 33kV / 33kV switch yard, indoor / outdoor equipment like control relay panels,
station metering panel, switchyard control panel, AC & DC distribution boards, power transformers, SF6 /
vacuum circuit breakers and their respective control panels, isolators, air compressors, CTs, PTs, LAs,
distribution transformers etc.
21. Recording of all tripping of breakers and other events that occur in the order of sequence with the time
of occurrence correctly and record them in Log Book.
22. Observing all safety precautions and ensure safety to men, material and the equipment during the
contract period.
23. Attending to all emergencies which may arise during the contract period such as equipment failures, fire
accidents, etc.
24. Attending to all telephone calls and issue receipt message promptly.
25. Preparing daily reports and periodic returns in the prescribed format in duplicate and submit to the
concerned authority.
26. Routine maintenance includes all work required in cleaning all equipment from dirt, dust, cleaning the
fixed and moving contacts of starters and replacement of burnt contacts.
27. Visual inspection, minor repairs, adjustments of equipment, lubrication of bearing etc. to ensure proper
operation and safety.
28. Replacing small parts (replacement of carbon brushes etc.) that show deterioration.
29. Checking, testing & maintaining safety equipment, such as safety barriers, fire extinguishers & alarm
systems.
30. Checking & measuring the Oil & winding temperature and ensure that temperature rise is within
permissible limit.