EirGrid 400kV and 220kV Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) - Functional Specification
EirGrid 400kV and 220kV Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) - Functional Specification
Functional Specification
R0 24/05/2022 First Issue Vitali Garon Daniele Giustini, Leon Notkevich, Aidan Corcoran,
Niall McMahon Neil Cowap Richard Blanchfield
COPYRIGHT © EirGrid
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be modified or reproduced or copied in any form
or by means - graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or
information and retrieval system, or used for any purpose other than its designated purpose,
without the written permission of EirGrid
Contents
1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE 3
2 HEALTH AND SAFETY 10
3 SERVICE CONDITIONS 10
4 SCOPE OF THIS SPECIFICATION 11
5 POWER SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS 12
6 MAIN STATCOM CHARACTERISTICS 13
7 STATCOM PROTECTION AND CONTROL REQUIREMENTS 22
8 MAIN STATCOM COMPONENTS REQUIRED FUNCTIONS AND FEATURES 24
9 ENGINEERING STUDIES 30
10 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS 32
11 TESTING AND COMMISSIONING 38
12 INSTALLATION 45
13 COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIFICATION 47
14 DOCUMENTATION 47
15 TRAINING 49
16 APPENDIX A: STUDIES AND REPORTS TO BE PROVIDED BY THE CUSTOMER 50
After the networks studies are complete it is unlikely that an SVC will be able to satisfy the
criteria of the grid code.
1.4 LEGISLATION
Equipment offered shall be compliant with the provisions of the latest applicable versions of
all relevant Irish legislation and directives of the European Union.
These include the following or latest versions/ amendments as appropriate:
SI No. 132 Safety signs regulations 1995 (implements EEC Directive 92/58)
SI No. 291 Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations
SI No. 299
2007
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application)
SI No. 445
(Amendment) Reg. 2012
Reg (EC) No Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals
1907/2006 (REACH)
Reg (EC) No Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures
1272/2008 (CLP)
Reg (EU) No Fluorinated greenhouse gases and repealing regulation (EC) No
517/2014 842/2006
Reg (EU) Format of labels for products and equipment containing fluorinated
2015/2068 greenhouse gases
Reg (EU) Format for notification of the training and certification programmes of
2015/2065 the Member States
Minimum requirements and the conditions for mutual recognition for the
certification of natural persons carrying out installation, servicing,
Reg EU
maintenance, repair or decommissioning of electrical switchgear
2015/2066
containing fluorinated greenhouse gases or recovery of fluorinated
greenhouse gases from stationary electrical switchgear
Directive Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and
2011/65/EU electronic equipment (ROHS)
Directive
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)
2012/19/EU
Directive Harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to
2014/30/EU electromagnetic compatibility
Vol. I and II ("ADR 2019") European Agreement Concerning the
ECE/TRANS/275
International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road
Minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of
Directive
workers to the risks arising from physical agents (electromagnetic
2013/35/EU
fields)
International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation
ICNIRP
Protection (ICNIRP)
Equipment shall carry the CE Mark in accordance with Directive 768/2008/EC and the EU
Construction Products Regulation (No. 305/2011 – CPR) and adequate documentation to
demonstrate full compliance should be retained.
In order to prove compliance, the equipment shall carry the CE Mark in accordance with
Direction 768/2008/EC and the EU Construction Products Regulation (No. 305/2011 – CPR)
where required.
The proposed STATCOM shall comply with the EirGrid Grid Code requirements.
The Grid Code is the technical document which establishes the rules governing the operation,
maintenance and development of the transmission system and sets out the procedures for
governing the actions of all transmission system users.
Number Title
Number Title
IEC 60099-1 Surge Arresters Part 1: Non-linear resistor type gapped arresters for AC systems
IEC 60099-3 Surge Arresters Part 2: Artificial pollution testing of surge arresters
IEC 60099-4 Surge Arresters Part 4: Metal-oxide surge arresters without gaps for AC systems
IEC 60146-1-1 Semiconductor Converters – General requirements and line commutated
converters Part 1-1: Specification of basic requirements
IEC 60146-1-3 Semiconductor Converters – General requirements and line commutated
converters Part 1-3: Transformers and Reactors
IEC 60146-2 Semiconductor Converters – General requirements and line commutated
converters Part 2: Self-commutated semiconductor converters including direct
DC converters
IEC 60168 Tests on indoor and outdoor post insulators of ceramic material or glass for
systems with nominal voltages greater than 1 kV
IEC 60255 Measuring relays and protection equipment - Series
IEC 60270 High-voltage test techniques - Partial discharge measurements
IEC 60273 Characteristics of Indoor and Outdoor Post Insulators for System with nominal
voltages greater than 1000 V
IEC 60437 Radio interference test on high-voltage insulators
IEC 60507 Artificial Pollution Tests on High-Voltage ceramic and glass insulators to be used
on AC systems
IEC 60529 Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60551 Determination of transformer and reactor sound levels
IEC 60549 High voltage fuse for external protection of shunt capacitors
IEC 60721-2-6 Classification of environmental conditions - Part 2: Environmental conditions
appearing in nature. Earthquake vibration and shock
IEC 60747-6 Semiconductor devices Part 6: Thyristors
IEC 60747-9 Semiconductor devices discrete devices Part 9: Insulated-gate bipolar transistors
(IGBTs)
IEC 60794-1-1 Optical fibres General
IEC 60794-1-2 Optical fibres General Specification basic optical cable test procedures
IEC/TS 60815 Selection and dimensioning of high-voltage insulators intended for use in
polluted conditions - Series
IEC 60865 Short circuit currents – Calculation of Effects
IEC 60871-1 Shunt Capacitors for AC. power systems having a rated voltage above
1000 V - Part 1: General
IEC 60871-2 Shunt Capacitors for AC power systems having a rated voltage above
1000 V - Part 2 Endurance testing
IEC 60871-3 Shunt Capacitors for AC power systems having a rated voltage above
1000 V - Part 3: Protection of shunt capacitors and capacitor banks
Number Title
IEC 60871-4 Shunt Capacitors for AC power systems having a rated voltage above
1000 V - Part 4: Internal fuses
IEC 60943 Guidance concerning the permissible temperature rise for parts of
electrical equipment, in particular for terminals
IEC 61000-4-1 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-1: Testing and measurement
techniques – Overview of IEC 61000-4 series
IEC 61071 Capacitors for Power Electronics
IEC 61462 Composite hollow insulators – Pressurized and un-pressurized insulators
for use in electrical equipment with rated voltage greater than 1000 V –
Definitions, test methods, acceptance criteria and design
recommendations
IEC 61642 Industrial a.c. networks affected by harmonics - Application of filters and
shunt capacitors
IEC 61869 Instrument transformers – Series
IEC 61936-1 Power installations exceeding 1 kV AC - Part 1: Common rules
IEC 61954 Static VAR compensators (SVC) - Testing of thyristor valves
IEC 62199 Bushings for DC application
IEC (Draft) High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 1: Common
17A/1085/CD specifications for alternating current switchgear and controlgear
IEC 62474 Material declaration for products of and for the electro technical industry
IEC 62751-1 Power losses in voltage sourced converter (VSC) valves for high-voltage
direct current (HVDC) systems - Part 1: General requirements
IEC 62751-2 Power losses in voltage sourced converter (VSC) valves for high voltage
direct current (HVDC) systems - Part 2: Modular multilevel converters
IEC TR 62757 Fire prevention measures on converters for high-voltage direct current
(HVDC) systems, static var compensators (SVC) and flexible ac
transmission systems (FACTS) and their valve halls
IEC (Draft) Voltage sourced converter (VSC) valves for static synchronous
22F/380/CD compensator (STATCOM) - Electrical testing
IEC TR 60757 Fire prevention measures on converters for high-voltage direct current
(HVDC) systems, static var compensators (SVC) and flexible ac
transmission systems (FACTS) and their valve halls
IEC/TS 60815-1 Selection and dimensioning of high-voltage insulators intended for use in
polluted conditions. Definitions, information and general principles
IEC/TS 60815-2 Selection and dimensioning of high-voltage insulators intended for use in
polluted conditions. Ceramic and glass insulators
IEC/TS 60815-3 Selection and dimensioning of high-voltage insulators intended for use in
polluted conditions. Polymer insulators for a.c. systems
IEC/TR 61000- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Limits. Assessment of emission limits
3-6 for the connection of distorting installations to MV, HV and EHV power
systems
Number Title
IEEE 519 IEEE Recommended Practice and Requirements for Harmonic Control in
Electric Power Systems
IEEE Standard 18 Standard for Shunt Power Capacitors
IEEE Standard IEEE Guide for Application and Specification of Harmonic Filters.
1531
EN ISO 3746 Acoustics – determination of sound power levels and sound energy levels
of noise sources using sound pressure – survey method using and
enveloping measurement surface over a reflecting plane.
EN ISO 9614 Acoustics – determination of sound power levels of noise sources using
sound intensity – Series
ET:103: 2015 National Rules for Electrical Installations Power installations exceeding
1 kV AC.
IEC ISO 3746 Acoustics - Determination of sound power levels and sound energy levels
of noise sources using sound pressure - Survey method using an
enveloping measurement surface over a reflecting plane
Number Title
CIGRE Technical Brochure 074 Electric Power Transmission and the Environment: Fields,
Noise and Interference. Cigré. Working Group 36.01
(Corona and Field Effects)
CIGRE Technical Brochure 663 Guidelines for the procurement and testing of STATCOMS
CIGRE Technical Brochure 717 Protocol for reporting operational performance of FACTS
Where a particular subject is not covered by one of the above standards then a recognised
national standard shall apply.
This specification shall take precedence in case of conflict between it and any of the listed
standards.
In addition, there shall be compliance with the provisions of all relevant Directives of the
European Communities relating to work equipment, i.e. in regard to safety of personnel who
operate and maintain the equipment, in regard to Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) of the
equipment (Directive 2004/108/EC) and in regard to ‘the minimum health and safety
requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents
(electromagnetic fields)’ (Directive 2004/40/EC).
3 SERVICE CONDITIONS
Service conditions shall be as set out in the EirGrid OFS-SSS-400 Onshore Compensation
Compound General Requirements specification.
• Power transformer
• MV switchgear
• Capacitor banks
• Reactors
• STATCOM units
• DC supply systems
• Protection systems
• STATCOM VSC
• Interfaces with substation SCADA
• Cooling system
47.5 – 49.5 STATCOM have to operate and remain connected for 60 min
47.0 – 47.5 STATCOM to remain connected for 30 seconds each time the
frequency is below 47.5 Hz.
0.7 – 0.3 GH 2s
1
The voltage refers to the connection point to the transmission network (i.e. the HV terminals
of the coupling transformer). The durations defined in Error! Reference source not found.
aim to provide post fault support for sufficient periods to incorporate the time required by
automated systems to function and to enable Control Room manual switching on the
transmission system for post fault management
2 The operating characteristic diagram is shown in the Project Specific Technical Schedule
b) For voltages exceeding the magnitude in , the customer shall describe the
recommended action the STATCOM shall take. For these circumstances (transient
over voltages) a control action is preferred to a protective trip.
c) The short time capability of the STATCOM in the inductive range shall be declared by
the Customer.
• A settling time less than 200 ms, such that oscillations greater than 1 % of step
change in current ceased 200 ms after the disturbance.
• First overshoot and undershoots no more than 5 % of the step change in current
This requirement is for all system conditions quoted in this document and in the Project
Specific Technical Schedule. The Customer shall indicate the actual response and validate
this in FAT and SATs.
• System harmonic impedances (“performance” conditions loci) seen from the relevant
AC substation busbar
• The maximum allowable Harmonic Voltage Distortion Gain from operation of the
STATCOM
Any predicted exceedance of the specified gains shall be mitigated by the Customer (by
installation of harmonic filters or other suitable measures). These mitigations shall form part
of the STATCOM installation.
e) Building HVAC equipment intakes and extracts which are silenced and the control
system arranged to minimise the impact at the receiver, e.g. the first extractor fans to
operate for increasing temperature shall be located away from the receiver.
The noise levels of transformers shall be measured in accordance with IEC 60076-10. The
noise level shall be for sound pressure level at 2 m away from the principal radiating surface
with all forced air cooling equipment in service.
Where no other specification is given, the following limits shall apply:
Table 3 Permissible Sound Levels
Station Fence 50
In the event that the noise assessment determines that some or all of the noise mitigation
methods are not necessary at first, the design of the STATCOM shall allow these mitigation
methods to be installed in the future. This is especially pertinent in respect of air-cored
reactor sound shields. Additionally, the design and layout of any mitigation methods shall be
consistent with safe operation and maintenance.
• Measured losses: Those losses which can be verified by test measurements either in
works or at site at which the STATCOM is installed.
• Calculated losses: Those losses which can only be proven by calculation and cannot
be further verified by testing. No re-evaluation of the calculated losses shall be
allowed following contract placement except where justified by the Customer and
agreed by the TSO.
Full details of the calculation methods used to derive both the ‘calculated’ and the ‘measured’
losses, and the proposed means by which measured losses are to be established shall be
provided as outlined in Appendix A – Phase 1.
The lifetime costs of the proposed equipment shall be considered as part of the overall
economics of the proposed solution. This will include an annual capitalised value of the
losses in € for the STATCOM. The anticipated operation and monetary value of the losses of
the STATCOM will be provided in the form of a duty cycle graph and table as defined in the
Losses section of the Project Specific Technical Schedule.
• The STATCOM primary equipment and associated civil works shall have a minimum
design life of 40 years.
• The protection and control systems associated with the STATCOM shall have a
minimum design life of 25 years.
• The power electronic devices shall have a minimum design life of 25 years.
A minimum of maintenance shall be required during this time. Any components the customer
considers to be unable to meet this life expectancy shall be listed in the deviations schedule
in document Project Specific Technical Schedule as well as the reason for non-compliance.
The Customer may propose additional design life where it demonstrates an overall cost
benefit and complies with Reliability, Availability and Maintainability requirements.
- The overall availability shall exceed 98%. (“overall” includes scheduled, forced
outages and any outages associated with any burn-in and warranty periods).
The Customer shall provide details of their proposed approach to facilitate the design life of
the STATCOM installation including features permitting the replacement of components such
as protection and control, power electronic systems or devices with the minimum of down
time for the STATCOM installation. Should this include mid-life refurbishment, the scope of
such refurbishment shall be provided along with details of how the required outage shall be
minimised.
The Customer shall supply a detailed reliability, availability and maintenance (RAM) study
demonstrating compliance with this requirement inclusive of primary, secondary and auxiliary
system performance. The Customer shall identify the consequences of unreliability in their
STATCOM design and propose mitigation measures to maintain availability until the next
scheduled outage. Further, the Customer shall provide a statistical availability study
demonstrating compliance with the power electronic valve availability requirement. This
study shall include the source of the component failure rate statistics and consider the
configuration and performance of the components of the valve cooling system and the
associated pumps, transducers, controllers, etc.
A sufficient level of redundancy shall be provided to achieve the availability requirements as
outlined above. The statistical availability study shall include any necessary mitigation
measures where appropriate to achieve these availability requirements and to prevent
potential downtime which may be anticipated during the early phase (burn-in) of the asset.
Consideration shall be given to minimising outage requirements for operation and
maintenance (including any mid-life refurbishment or replacement) activities through, for
It shall be possible to remove any single protection system from service without leaving any
section of the STATCOM unprotected or endangering the STATCOM plant.
Suitable space shall be provided in the relay room to enable replacement equipment to be
built and installed off-line which will minimise future outage requirements.
All protection interfacing with the connecting Substation with respect to interface trips, CBF
starts, alarms and signals will be proposed during detailed design stage when the STATCOM
supplier is confirmed and shall be reviewed and agreed with EirGrid.
7.2.4 INTERLOCKING
The STATCOM shall provide outputs to the substation interlocking system to ensure safe
operation of other substation switchgear. The interface interlocking requirements will be
proposed by Customer and submitted to EirGrid for review and acceptance.
The solid-state switching devices shall be assembled into discrete power electronic modules
which can be rapidly exchanged with the minimum disturbance to current-carrying
connections and the water cooling circuit. Any requirement for dismantling other parts of the
overall valve assembly shall be minimised. Any special tools required for the replacement of
these parts shall be provided to EirGrid.
The in-service failure of any single valve component shall not prevent the continued operation
of the STATCOM at full rated MVAr capacity. If a fault occurs, the control system shall
immediately identify its existence and (where appropriate) adjust the control strategy to
mitigate the impact of that of the fault and log the date and time of its occurrence. An
indication of the fault location shall be provided in the control system.
The Customer shall provide information on how the redundancy is to be implemented
(including details on the number of integrated redundant valve modules capable of seamless
change over on valve failure) and demonstrate that the voltage stresses applicable to the
non-bypassed components are within acceptable limits.
A sufficient level of redundancy shall be provided to achieve 99.5 % availability (excluding
planned maintenance) and allow valves to operate for a period of three years between
scheduled maintenance. This requirement drives the level of valve redundancy needed in the
STACOM.
A detailed design report covering all aspects of the valve design, including protection
functions, shall be provided by the Customer at the design stage.
The valve & ancillary system protection also called Valve Based Electronics (VBE) shall be
provided to detect and clear faults associated with equipment failure that may cause the
operation of STATCOM to be compromised, harm the STATCOM valves or compromise the
integrity of the main components of the STATCOM equipment, such as failure of STATCOM
valves and Cooling Plant.
The STATCOM valve hall/housing and any other associated outdoor enclosures/connections
shall be designed to allow normal operation under the full range of environmental conditions
specified in OFS-SSS-400 Onshore Compensation Compound General Requirements.
Particular attention shall be paid to the temperature ranges, level of salinity in the air,
humidity levels and the risk of condensation developing inside the housings/enclosures. The
design shall ensure that moisture ingress is limited to a level which will not cause damage to
valve components (either immediate or long term) or lead to a flashover of any insulation.
Where HVAC is employed to control the climate in the valve accommodation the
performance, operation and maintenance shall be included in the overall STATCOM
reliability/availability assessment for the required 99.5% availability requirement. Redundancy
shall be provided where HVAC is critical to STATCOM operation.
The Customer shall demonstrate that the design of the valve and its enclosure meets the
recommendations of IEC/TR 62757 and follows best practice in managing the risk of fire.
continuously at the worst-case operating point under all environmental conditions specified in
OFS-SSS-400. Unless otherwise agreed, dry-type coolers shall be used and chillers or
evaporative coolers shall not be accepted.
The cooling plant shall be designed to minimise auxiliary power consumption of the
STATCOM over its normal duty cycle. The plant should automatically shut down when the
STATCOM is taken out of service.
The cooling plant shall be accessible for routine inspections, without the need to isolate and
earth the primary plant.
Isolation valves shall be provided at locations accessible from ground level and external to
any enclosure. These valves shall be lockable.
Vent valves shall be provided at the highest point and drain valves at the lowest point of the
cooling system to enable fluids to be drained from the system prior to any intrusive access or
maintenance and to facilitate refilling.
The cooling fluid in the external cooling circuit shall not freeze when exposed to the minimum
ambient temperature specified in OPS-SSS-400. To achieve this, pipework may be thermally
insulated or the cooling fluid may be treated with an additive to prevent the risk of freezing.
The coolant mixture used in the cooling circuit shall be compatible with the pipework and all
other materials into which it will come into contact for all conditions of temperature, pressure
and flow rate that will be experienced in service. Data sheets and other supporting
documentation shall be provided, on request, to confirm compliance with this requirement.
Where the valves are designed to be cooled by deionised water, the cooling design shall
ensure that no cross contamination of the separate cooling sub-systems (e.g. a deionised
water system to a water/glycol mixture system) is possible.
The growth of algae and bacteria within the cooling system must be inhibited.
External piping shall be manufactured from stainless steel and shall be designed to minimise
leakage.
The Customer shall provide a design report detailing the required flow rates, pressures and
resulting temperatures in respect of the cooling system under float conditions (i.e. zero MVAr
transfer) and also the MVAr transfer corresponding to maximum thermal losses. As part of
the design report the Customer shall assess the necessity of a bund for containment of
potential spillages.
This information shall be calculated based on the minimum number of cooler banks in service
and the maximum specified ambient temperature
Depending on the design, the valve cooling system or a part thereof may be required to
comply with regulations relating to the design and operation of pressure systems. The
Customer is responsible for assessing whether the regulations apply and defining
maintenance and examination requirements.
Any spillage or losses of coolant which may contain a pollutant or contaminant must be
contained to allow proper disposal.
Coolant losses during operation shall be minimised and shall not require operator intervention
(e.g. topping up) any more frequently than once every 2200 hours (~3 month) of operation.
Redundancy shall be provided to ensure that the STATCOM can continue in normal
operation, at maximum ambient temperature, following failure of a pump (primary or
secondary), a three-way valve or a heat exchanger. All redundant equipment must be
provided with a means of local isolation for maintenance purposes.
To maximise lifetime and cooling plant availability the apportionment of running hours
between rotating plant (fans and pumps) shall be automatically assigned by the control
system. Changeover between cooling pumps shall be achieved in a smooth manner enabling
the cooling plant to continue in operation without reduction in performance whilst the
changeover is occurring.
Where the cooling plant includes items of equipment that are only required to operate
infrequently or at certain times of the year, the cooling plant design shall ensure that such
components will satisfactorily operate when required following a long duration of inactivity. It
is expected that this will take the form of some periodic running under automatic control.
Instrumentation for coolant flow pressure, temperature and conductivity shall remain within
calibration for a minimum period of two years and shall be arranged to be fail safe. Transient
indications and alarms associated with these devices shall be stored / logged before
resetting.
Once the cooling system, cross-site pipework and connections to the valve have been
installed and assembled on site, the fully assembled system shall be subjected to an over
pressure test to prove the system.
8.3 REACTORS
The following requirements apply to air cored reactors used between the VSC converter and
the STATCOM MV busbar, to provide fixed inductive elements to the STATCOM system and
for tuning harmonic filters.
8.3.5 TOLERANCES
The customer shall meet the tolerance values set out in in Project Specific Technical
Schedule.
8.4.1 DC CAPACITORS
DC capacitors installed in the power electronic modules shall comply with BS EN 61071. The
Customer shall provide a design study to justify the choice of DC capacitor rating and
resultant stress levels including the effects of any harmonics.
9 ENGINEERING STUDIES
9.1 PRE-MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING AND DESIGN VERIFICATION STUDIES AND
STATCOM MODELS
• EMT Analysis:
A full model with complete representation of the power electronic devices, protection,
functionality and control strategies shall be provided in ATP/EMTP and PSCAD formats. In
addition, a "faster" average model version (where the power electronic converters are
replaced with equivalent voltage sources designed to maintain the balance of power) shall be
provided in ATP/EMTP and PSCAD formats.
• Harmonics:
A detailed frequency domain model of the STATCOM capturing its frequency dependant
behaviour (passive Z(f)) and active harmonic emissions at all operating points/modes shall be
provided in Power Factory format.
Each of the above models must be accompanied by detailed documentation explaining the
model structure and use. Project specific parameters must be identified. A validation report
must also be provided for each model.
10 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
10.1 EARTHING
Earthing arrangements shall be in compliance with EirGrid’s functional specification OFS-
SSS-407.
The Customer shall discuss with the STATCOM manufacturer requirement for a special
earthing system (i.e. open loops requirements) and prepare a report for EirGrid review.
Where required, an earthing transformer shall be used to earth the secondary side of the
transformer. The primary winding of the earthing transformer shall be directly earthed unless
the customer can justify using an alternative means of earth fault protection. STATCOM
auxiliary supplies may also be provided from the earthing transformer (to be decided during
detailed design).
If the earthing system of any of the STATCOM components are isolated from one another the
open connection shall be protected against over-voltages.
• Electromagnetic forces include those arising from fault or short time loading conditions
• Forces due to expansion and contraction due to both ambient temperature and load
variation.
The customer shall indicate how long after award of contract they will supply the mechanical
loading report and foundation drawings.
The Customer shall confirm that all paint systems employed for corrosion protection of steel
parts meet or exceed the requirements of ISO 12944-5 (Corrosion Protection of Steel
Structures), to provide high durability (minimum of 15 years) coating with category C5-M
corrosion protection, suited to environments with high condensation, pollution and salinity as
per ISO 12944-2.
Minimum requirements for the painting and corrosion protection systems for Hot Dip
Galvanised Steel are as follows:
• Hot dip galvanising of steel shall be fully compliant with the requirements of EirGrid's
specification OFS-SSS-420 Hot-dip galvanising of iron and steel articles other than
wire”.
• Paint system for hot-dip-galvanised steel surfaces shall meet or exceed the
requirements of Paint System A7.13 of ISO 12944-5, to provide high durability
(minimum of 15 years) coating with category C5-M corrosion protection, suited to
environments with high condensation, pollution and salinity as per ISO 12944-2.
The process for painting hot-dip galvanised steel is detailed below:
Table 4 Table Process for Painting Hot-Dip Galvanised Steel
Sweep blast Aluminium oxide or other inert A light texture on the zinc layer with no
abrasive medium more than 3 % of the zinc removed by the
process
Priming As per Paint System A7.13 of As per Paint System A7.13 of ISO 12944-5
ISO 12944-5
Undercoatin As per Paint System A7.13 of As per Paint System A7.13 of ISO 12944-5
g ISO 12944-5
Finish As per Paint System A7.13 of As per Paint System A7.13 of ISO 12944-5
coating ISO 12944-5
The minimum requirements acceptable to EirGrid for individual items are as follows:
a) Hot-Rolled Steel, Mechanism Boxes, Marshalling Cabinets, Fasteners larger than
12 mm Diameter and pipes:
i. Hot dip galvanising, in accordance with EirGrid Specification; and
ii. Painting system as per painting and corrosion protection for Hot Dip Galvanised
Steel stated above.
b) Smaller Fasteners, Cable Clips and any nonferrous material or stainless steel of
suitable grade for the environmental conditions stated in EirGrid OFS-SSS-400
Onshore Compensation Compound General Requirements specification.
c) As a minimum all exposed non-stainless ferrous parts, including supporting steel work
for STATCOM, kiosks, nuts and bolts, shall be hot-dip-galvanised to comply with
EirGrid specification, OFS-SSS-420.
• The required tests of appearance on the painting and corrosion protection system for
hot dip galvanised steel are detailed below and shall be carried out as part of type and
routine tests.
Table 5 Painting and Corrosion Protection System Tests
• The required type and routine tests of performance characteristics on the painting and
corrosion protection system for hot dip galvanised steel are detailed below:
Type Tests
2 mm None None
ROUTINE TESTS
Type Tests
None
10.7 PADLOCKING
All items which require padlocking shall be provided with a hole, approximately 7 mm
diameter for accepting padlocks with a shackle diameter of 30 mm, shackle length of 23 mm
and 6.3 mm diameter cross-section for this padlocking.
All labelling shall be subject to review by EirGrid to confirm clarity and understanding of all
texts.
Addition labelling requirements are outlined in OFS-SSS-402 Control and Protection Cabinets
and Marshalling Kiosks.
The acceptance of any equipment may be made conditional on further tests being performed
at an independent testing station and EirGrid may witness such tests. The equipment
available for type tests shall be identical in all respects to those to be supplied to EirGrid.
In the event of a type test failure, EirGrid shall not be charged for any additional type tests.
All of the routine tests prescribed in the relevant IEC Publication shall be made on each
assembled unit before shipment.
In addition, routine tests on the first fully assembled bay shall include verification of the IP
rating and operational tests before shipment. EirGrid shall witness these tests.
Measurement of insulator creepage on a representative sample shall be included in the test
results.
Routine tests for STATCOM designs shall be in accordance with IEC 61954, Draft BS EN
62927 (IEC 22F/380/CD)
As outlined in CIGRE Technical Brochure 663, the following type test shall be carried out as a
minimum requirement where applicable:
11.5.2 DC CAPACITORS
All DC capacitors shall be tested according the relevant standard such as IEC 61071 and the
manufacturer’s standards..
11.5.4 REACTORS
The type test on the reactor must be in accordance with IEC 60076-6 Section 8. The
customer shall provide test results as follows for the proposed reactors. These shall be
carried out as indicated.
Full details of any modifications (no matter how minor) which have been made to the
STATCOM since the full set of type test was carried out shall be submitted together with the
reports on the tests which were carried out to prove the modification.
The acceptance of any equipment may be made conditional on further tests being performed
at an independent testing station and EirGrid may witness such tests. The equipment
available for type tests shall be identical in all respects to those to be supplied to EirGrid.
In the event of a type test failure, EirGrid shall not be charged for any additional type tests.
• IEC 62927: Voltage sourced converter (VSC) valves for static synchronous
compensator (STATCOM) - Electrical Testing.
• Note: IEC 62927 shall be used if available, if not then the latest draft version of this
standard.
A list of all tests to be performed including on all auxiliary plant and material associated with
the valve shall be submitted to EirGrid for review and comment. The Customer shall provide
test reports of all type tests.
The customer shall perform factory system tests using the RTS to demonstrate the proper
operation of the control and protection system by connection of the actual plant to a real time
simulator and material to be supplied. The test scope and procedures for RTS shall be
submitted to EirGrid for review and acceptance.
An adequate representation of EirGrid’s power system under static and dynamic conditions to
which the STATCOM will be connected, shall be used for the tests/studies. The Customer
shall provide information on the simulator studies, at least 26 weeks before the
commencement of the RTS studies.
EirGrid reserves the right to appoint a representative or consultant to inspect and attend the
simulator study tests. The Customer shall give EirGrid adequate notice in writing of the date
of commencement of the simulator tests (minimum 4 weeks). The Simulator Study Results
report shall be submitted 3 weeks after completion the tests / studies.
• Trial Operation
o STATCOM start-up test
o Measurement of Audible Sound
o Power Quality / Harmonics Measurements
o Performance monitoring during normal operation
12 INSTALLATION
While installation is the responsibility of the Customer, EirGrid requires a copy of the
installation instructions be provided. The instructions shall be in English and shall cover all
aspects of equipment installation up to and including putting into service. The Customer shall
ensure that the information supplied is clear and specific to the equipment being provided.
For indoor and outdoor mounted components platforms or catwalks with handrail shall be
provided where necessary. A catwalk serving two or more operating positions shall have two
stairways to the operating floor.
The general layout of the plant shall be such as to permit replacement or maintenance of any
sub-components of the plant. Fixed platforms or catwalks shall have removable sections to
permit replacement or maintenance of any sub-components if required. The layout shall also
allow for the provision of vehicular access for maintenance purposes if required.
The general layout of the plant shall be such as to permit replacement of any complete
STATCOM components by crane or other suitable lifting machinery. Access arrangements
shall be subject to review by EirGrid.
Lifting eyes shall be provided on all STATCOM components and also on removable catwalk
sections which cannot be lifted safely by other means.
The exact location and layout of the STATCOM on site will be agreed with EirGrid taking into
account the physical constraints of the site and the system constraints in de-commissioning
any existing equipment.
To ensure safety of personnel during maintenance:
• All parts of main circuits to which access is required shall be capable of being earthed.
Provision shall be made for carrying out primary injection tests on all current transformers.
Provision shall be made to allow component testing according to the maintenance procedure.
14 DOCUMENTATION
All documents and communication shall be in English.
• Details of routine, type and special tests to which all units will be submitted before
dispatch.
• Reference list for equipment similar to the proposed STATCOM including details of
quantities already in service, location and contact person.
• Data sheets and FAT reports for complete equipment and for all individual
components including weight of all units.
• Guaranteed rated values and characteristics i.e. the Project Specific Technical
Schedules that accompany the submission, modified where necessary.
• Summary of type tests, routine tests and special tests, with copies of the Test
Certificates.
15 TRAINING
The Customer shall submit a training plan which shall describe in detail how the Customer
proposes to train EirGrid staff for operation of future EirGrid assets.
Training requirements will be detailed further in OFS-GEN-009 - Operation and Maintenance
General Specification.