UPEC 2011 46th International Universities' Power Engineering Conference 5-8th September 2011 Soest Germany

Switching transients in long AC cable connections to offshore wind farms

F. Moore Cardiff University moorefp@cf.ac.uk A. Haddad Cardiff University haddad@cf.ac.uk H. Griffiths Cardiff University GriffithsH@cardiff.ac.uk M. Osborne National Grid UK mark.osborne@uk.ngrid.com
Abstract- Overvoltages arising from energising a 45km 132kV submarine cable connection to an offshore wind farm were calculated using EMTP. Energisation of the submarine cable and remote 132/33kV transformer connected as a transformer-feeder was first simulated. The resulting overvoltages were compared with overvoltages caused by energising the cable and transformer separately. Index Terms-- ATP, ATPDraw, Cables, EMTP, Offshore, Overvoltage, Switching, Transients, Wind

breakers in the offshore substation. This paper describes the development of a computer model for the AC connection to an offshore wind farm. This paper focuses on the overvoltages arising from energisation of wind farm connection. Energisation of the submarine cable and offshore 132/33kV transformer together as a transformerfeeder is compared with energising the two items separately. II. OFFSHORE CONNECTION MODEL Figure 2 shows a model in ATPDraw, for the interface between offshore and onshore transmission networks.
400kV OHL (Double Circuit) Network Source 400kV OHL (Double Circuit)

I.

INTRODUCTION

In the UK, there are currently over 30GW of offshore wind generation projects at various stages of development [1]. These result from government targets and incentives for renewable energy [3][4]. The location of these large wind farms means that long lengths of submarine cable are required to connect the wind farms to the onshore transmission network. It is important to investigate how these long lengths of cable will influence the transient overvoltages seen on the onshore transmission network. Figure 1 shows a 33kV wind farm array connected to the 400kV onshore transmission system using 132kV submarine cables.
Onshore Transmission Network (400kV)

Network Source

Network Interface

400/132/13kV Transformer
13kV Shunt Reactor

Harmonic Filter

V
Onshore 132kV Circuit Breaker

Onshore Interface Substation (400/132kV)

V
132kV Submarine Cable (45km) Offshore 132kV Circuit Breaker

V V

Submarine Cables (132kV)

132/33kV Transformer

Offshore Substation 132/33kV To Wind Farm (33kV)

Zy Earthing Transformer

Figure 1 Typical Offshore Network Configuration (Compensation plant and harmonic filters at 400/132kV interface substation are omitted for clarity)

Figure 2 Offshore Connection Model in ATPDraw with a 400kV Onshore Network. (Lettered circles mark where voltage measurements were taken during simulations.)

The design of this offshore network requires a trade off between cost and operability. Reducing plant on the offshore platform substation has significant cost benefits. The 132/33kV offshore transformers could potentially be connected directly to the 132kV submarine cables as transformer-feeders, removing the need for 132kV circuit

A single 132kV submarine circuit, similar to those shown in Figure 1, is modelled to allow energisation studies to be carried out. The different aspects of the model are detailed in the following section. No overvoltage protection was included in the model.

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A. 400kV Onshore Network The onshore transmission system is represented using two network equivalents connected by a 400kV double circuit overhead line. The offshore wind farm is connected by turning in one of the 400kV overhead circuits. Each network equivalent is a voltage source behind an impedance comprising; an inductance, representing the network fault level in parallel with a resistance representing the network surge impedance. It was assumed that the fault level contribution is shared equally between the two equivalent sources. The network fault level is assumed to be 17.5GVA, or just over 25kA which is typical for the UK Transmission system [4]. B. Transformers and Earthing There are two power transformers represented in the model; the 400/132/13kV (Yyd) autotransformer at the onshore substation and the 132/33kV (Yd) transformer at the offshore substation. Both are modelled using the BCTRAN component. Saturation is represented using nonlinear inductors connected to the lowest voltage winding in each transformer. Core losses are modelled as resistances within each BCTRAN component. Winding capacitances are connected externally. Earthing transformers are installed on the 33kV side of the 132/33kV transformer to provide an earth to the delta connected 33kV network. These are Zy transformers, which are also used to supply power to the platform substation. The earthing method used in this model is similar to that in Lillegrund Wind Farm [5]; a 130kVA Zy transformer with zero sequence impedance of 30 is connected with a 67 resistance between the neutral point and earth. The 33/0.415kV Zy transformer is represented using the Saturable Transformer component, with winding impedances calculated from test certificate measurements according to [6]. Saturation of the Zy transformer has been ignored, and the flux-current relationship is linear; represented by a single point based on the magnetising current. C. Overhead Lines and Submarine Cable The 132kV submarine cable is a three core design, with XLPE insulation and 630mm2 copper cores, and 45km in length. Figure 3 shows the cross section of the cable.

dependent JMARTI model is used, with transformation matrices calculated at 5 kHz. The frequency fitting is started at a low frequency as suggested by [7]. The 400kV double circuit overhead lines are each 60km in length, again represented using the JMARTI model. National Grids L6 type overhead line is used; it consists of bundles of four 400mm2 Zebra conductors per phase and a single 400mm2 Zebra earth wire conductor. D. Filters and Compensation A harmonic filter is connected at 132kV, on the autotransformer side of the 132kV circuit breaker. The filter used is a 20MVAR C-type filter, which is typical of similar offshore wind farm connections. It is tuned to the 3rd harmonic, which is most common [8], and a unity quality factor has been assumed. The component values used were selected using information from [9]. Reactive compensation is likely to take two forms; shunt reactors to compensate the cable capacitance, and compensation for voltage control (SVC or Statcom). The 13kV delta tertiary winding of the 400/132kV autotransformer provides an ideal low voltage point of connection for reactive compensation. In this model, earthed shunt reactors are connected to the 13kV transformer tertiary; sized to compensate for the total capacitance of the cable and filters. The shunt reactors are assumed to be air-cored so they are represented as linear inductors. For the sake of simplicity, no compensation for voltage control has been included. III. SIMULATION A. Circuit Breaker Operations Studied The following scenarios were investigated using systematic switching: 1) Energisation of transformer-feeder circuit from the onshore circuit breaker 2) Energisation of 132kV cable from the onshore circuit breaker. 3) Energisation of the 132/33kV transformer from the offshore circuit breaker. 4) Energisation of the 132kV cable with trapped charge. In the first scenario, with the offshore circuit configured as a transformer-feeder, the submarine cable is connected directly to the 132/33kV transformer at the offshore substation. The circuit is isolated by opening the 132kV circuit breaker onshore, and the 33kV transformer breaker in the offshore substation. This type of arrangement is very common on UK distribution networks. This configuration means that the cable and transformer have to be energised together when the onshore circuit breaker is closed. The other three scenarios assume that a 132kV circuit breaker is located on the offshore substation between the submarine cable and the 132/33kV transformer so that the circuit can be energised in sections; first by energising the

Figure 3 Cross section of the 132kV submarine cable

The lead phase sheaths and the steel wire armour are assumed to be continuously earthed. The frequency

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UPEC 2011 46th International Universities' Power Engineering Conference 5-8th September 2011 Soest Germany

132kV cable from the onshore circuit breaker, then by closing the offshore 132kV circuit breaker to energise the 132/33kV transformer. When the 132kV cable can be de-energised without the transformer attached to the remote end, there is a likelihood of leaving a trapped charge on the cable (provided there is no circuit component to provide a discharge path to earth). A trapped charge was introduced to the simulation by starting the simulation with the onshore circuit breaker closed towards the 132kV cable. After 1ms the circuit breaker is opened. The circuit breaker is modelled as an ideal switch which opens when the cable charging current is zero, leaving a voltage remaining on the cable (in this case, phase B is left at 1pu, phases A and C are left at -1pu). The magnitude of this trapped charge is extreme, and represents the worst case when re-closing the onshore circuit breaker onto the cable. B. Statistical Switching Statistical switching was used to determine the range of overvoltages from different circuit breaker pole closing times across the 20ms/50Hz waveform. Switching across one third or half of the waveform would probably be acceptable if symmetry is assumed; however, trapped charge is explored by simulating a single breaker opening event prior to statistically re-closing the circuit breaker. In this case, switching across the whole waveform is required. The approach taken for the simulations described in this paper is similar to that used in [10] and the dependent model described in [11]. A master switch determines the instant at which circuit breaker closing is initiated. The closing time of this master contact varies according to the uniform distribution over a range of 0 to 1/f. After the master switch closes, each of the three associated phase contacts closes after an average delay of 20ms. This delay is varied according to the Gaussian distribution, with a standard deviation of 0.833ms corresponding to a maximum pole span of 5ms. The end result is random switching events spread across one 20ms waveform, centered on 30ms. A total of 3500 operations were simulated for each circuit breaker operation studied. In order to ensure the results were directly comparable, the same statistical switching times were used for each switching scenario studied. IV. RESULTS: STATISTICAL Table 1 summarises the highest overvoltages found at each network for the four different energisation events simulated. The overvoltages are calculated as per unit quantities; the unit voltages used are the peak AC voltages shown in Table 2 . It can be seen that the highest overvoltages of all were seen at the 13kV tertiary winding of the 400/132kV autotransformer. These overvoltages occurred whenever the cable was energised.

Table 1 - The highest overvoltages found at the different network voltages during statistical switching simulations.
Plant Energised Network Voltage 400kV 132kV 33kV 13kV
Transformer-Feeder (Cable & 132/33kV Transformer) 132kV Cable 132/33kV Transformer 132kV Cable (with Trapped Charge)

1.15 1.95 1.85 5.2

1.15 1.85 NA 3.8

1.05 1.9 2.6 1.2

1.25 2.75 NA 8.75

The highest overvoltages seen on the 33kV network, 2.6pu, occurred when the 132/33kV transformer was energised by the closing of the offshore 132kV circuit breaker. The maximum overvoltages seen by the 132kV network were consistently around 1.9pu, for all operations except the energisation with trapped charge. Energising the 132kV cable with trapped charge produced greater overvoltages of up to 2.75pu on the 132kV system. Under all energisation operations, little impact was seen on the 400kV transmission network. The results of the statistical simulations for each scenario are shown as cumulative probability curves in Figure 4. The results show the distribution of the overvoltages calculated using statistical switching. The minimum standard rated switching impulse withstand voltage (SIWV) is 850kV for the insulation used on the 400kV transmission network [12]. This equates to 2.6pu, whilst the highest overvoltage seen on the 400kV was only 1.25pu. Standard SIWV voltages for 132kV, 33kV and 13kV are not directly listed IEC 60071-1. The SIWV needs to be calculated applying a test conversion factor to the standard corresponding lightning impulse withstand voltages (LIWV) [12]. This test conversion factor depends on the insulation type. By dividing the LIWV by the test conversion factor of 1.25 for GIS, and then a safety factor of 1.15, we can calculate the SIWV. Using the test conversion factor for GIS will give more conservative answers than other insulation media. A safety factor of 1.15 is used for enclosed insulation systems. Table 2 summarizes the relevant insulation strengths.
Table 2 Standard insulation strengths taken from IEC 60071 [12][13], alongside corresponding pu values.
Short Duration Power Frequency Withstand (PU)* Short Duration Power Frequency Withstand ( kV, rms) SIWV ( kV, peak) Voltage (L-L, kV) Unit Voltage (kV, peak) LIWV (kV, peak)

400kV 326.6 NA 850-950 1050-1425 NA NA 132kV 107.8 275 NA 650 3.6 4.2 33kV 26.9 70 NA 170 3.7 4.4 13kV 10.6 38 NA 95 5.1 6.23 *RMS values of short duration power frequency withstand voltages have been given a pu value by assuming they are sinusiodal AC, and referring them to the unit voltage. **Calculated by dividing LIWV by test conversion factor (1.25) and by safety factor (1.15), then by refering to the base voltage.

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SIWV (pu)**

UPEC 2011 46th International Universities' Power Engineering Conference 5-8th September 2011 Soest Germany

400

Cumulative Probability (%)

200

Voltage [kV]

100 80 60 40

Transformerfeeder

200 0 -200 -400

Voltage [kV]
70

120

(a)

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30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70

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Time [ms]
Voltage [kV] Voltage [kV]
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Time [ms]

(A) Onshore Transformer 400kV Terminals

(D) Offshore Transformer 132kV Terminals

45 30 15 0 -15 -30

20 0 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5

(b)

Voltage (pu) Cumulative Probability (%)

120 100 80 60 40 20 0 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4

132kV Cable

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(B) Onshore Transformer 132kV Terminals

Voltage [kV]
30 20 10 0 -10 -20 -30 -40
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(E) Offshore Transformer 33kV Terminals

Time [ms]

Time [ms]

(C) Onshore Transformer 13kV Terminals

Voltage (pu) Cumulative Probability (%)

120 100 80 60 40 20 0 1 1.5 2 2.5 3

132/33kV Transformer

Figure 5 Voltage waveforms during transformer-feeder energisation using onshore 132kV CB (Results shown for poles closing at 33.6ms, 36ms, and 36.9ms)

Voltage (pu) Cumulative Probability (%)

120 100 80 60 40 20 0 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9

132kV Cable with Trapped Charge

Voltage [kV]

200 0 -200 -400

Voltage [kV]
30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70

Voltage (pu)

400kV 132kV 33kV 13kV

The high frequency oscillation in Figure 5C is a result of oscillation between the coupling capacitance and the shunt reactors. The oscillation is removed when the shunt reactors were separated from the transformer tertiary winding by a length of cable, although the initial voltage spike was still apparent. Further work is probably needed to ensure that the capacitive coupling between windings is accurately represented. Figure 6 shows the waveforms as the 132kV cable is energised on its own. The behaviour is largely similar to the scenario with the transformer-feeder energisation. The 132kV waveforms from the transformer-feeder energisation in Figure 5 show some additional distortion due to saturation of the transformer during inrush.
400 30 20 10 0

Figure 4 Cumulative probability curves of overvoltages calculated for different voltages on the network using the statistical energisation studies.

-10 -20 -30

30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70

V. RESULTS: WAVEFORMS This section shows waveforms resulting from randomly generated switching operation 431, which resulted in circuit breaker poles closing at 33.6ms, 36ms, and 36.9ms for each scenario studied. Figure 5 shows the voltages at various points during the energisation of the circuit as a transformer-feeder. As the circuit breaker poles close onto the uncharged 132kV cable, there is instantaneous depression in voltage on the 132kV side of the 400/132/13kV transformer, this can be seen in Figure 5B. The sudden change in voltage on the 132kV terminals, results in significant overvoltages being introduced to the 13kV tertiary winding due to the capacitive coupling between the windings. This can be seen in Figure 5C.

Time [ms]

Time [ms]

(A) Onshore Transformer 400kV Terminals

200

(C) Onshore Transformer 13kV Terminals

160

Voltage [kV]
30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70

Voltage [kV]

100 0 -100 -200

80 0 -80

-160

Time [ms]

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Time [ms]

(B) Onshore Transformer 132kV Terminals

(D) Offshore End of 132kV Cable

Figure 6 Voltage waveforms during 132kV cable energisation using onshore 132kV CB. (Results shown for poles closing at 33.6s, 36ms, and 36.9ms)

Figure 7 shows the voltage waveforms when 132/33kV transformer is energised from the 132kV offshore circuit breaker. Unlike Figure 5B, little voltage depression is apparent on the 132kV terminal of the 400/132/13kV

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transformer in Figure 7B. The distortion visible here is harmonic distortion due to transformer inrush. Figure 7D and Figure 7E show high frequency oscillations as the 132/33kV transformer being energised one pole at a time.
400
150 100

Voltage [kV]

Voltage [kV]

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(A) Onshore Transformer 400kV Terminals

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Time [ms]

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(D) Offshore Transformer 132kV Terminals

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Transformer-feeder circuits are common on UK distribution networks because of the reduced number of circuit breakers required. On the offshore platform, where space and weight are at a premium, this is particularly desirable. One crucial difference is that on the offshore transformer, the 132kV cable connection to the transformer would likely be enclosed due to space restrictions on the platform, rather than terminated using open bushings. This could potentially be difficult operationally, as flexible earths cannot then be applied to earth the transformer HV locally. Under all scenarios considered, little effect was seen on the 400kV system. Even in the extreme case of trapped charge, only overvoltages of up to 1.25pu were introduced.

Voltage [kV]
30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70

Voltage [kV]

50 0 -50 -100 -150

20 0 -20 -40 -60

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(B) Onshore Transformer 132kV Terminals

Voltage [kV]
8 4 0 -4 -8 -12
30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70

(E) Offshore Transformer 33kV Terminals

Time [ms]

(C) Onshore Transformer 13kV Terminals

Figure 7 Voltage waveforms during 132/33kV transformer energisation using offshore 132kV CB. (Results shown for poles closing at 33.6ms, 36ms, and 36.9ms)

Figure 8 shows the waveforms as the 132kV cable is energised with trapped charge. The behaviour is largely similar to the scenario with the 132kV cable energised without trapped charge; however, the overvoltages are more extreme.
60

When the onshore circuit breaker is closed onto the submarine cable, significant overvoltages can be introduced to the 13kV tertiary winding of the onshore transformer. With trapped charge, the overvoltage on the tertiary winding reached 8.75pu in one simulation. Further refinement of the model may be required to ensure the tertiary voltages are accurately calculated. Despite the imperfections in the existing model, overvoltages in the tertiary winding due to capacitive coupling with the 132kV winding are a potential concern. These overvoltages could perhaps be reduced using surge arresters, but further work is required to confirm this. Trapped charges on the 132kV cable cause the worst overvoltages on the 400kV, 132kV, and 13kV systems. These could be avoided by providing a path for the cable to discharge to earth. This could be accomplished by repositioning shunt reactors so that they are permanently connected to the 132kV cable, or running the network as a transformer-feeder, as examined in this paper. Attaching inductive VTs would also provide a discharge path. However the discharge capability of inductive VTs may introduce some restrictions on how frequently the circuit may be switched out and re-energised. VII. FUTURE WORK The first step would be to check the accuracy of the capacitive coupling on the 400/132/13kV transformer, and improve the modelling of plant connected to the 13kV tertiary winding. In the existing model, the earthed shunt reactors provide the only path for earth fault current. A better alternative may be to install a Zy earthing transformer and leave the neutral point of the shunt reactors unearthed. The capacitive coupling between windings used in this model is potentially simplistic, and needs further examination. The next logical step is to simulate faults on the network and circuit breaker opening operations. Other network topologies and alternative positioning of shunt reactors are to be investigated.

Voltage [kV]

Voltage [kV]

200 0 -200 -400

30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70

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(A) Onshore Transformer 400kV Terminals

300

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Time [ms]

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(B) Onshore Transformer 132kV Terminals

(D) Offshore End of 132kV Cable

Figure 8 Voltage waveforms during energisation of 132kV cable with trapped charge using onshore 132kV CB. (Locations shown are lettered as in Figure 2. Results shown for poles closing at 33.6mS, 36mS, and 36.9mS)

VI. CONCLUSIONS Overvoltages on the 132kV and 400kV systems caused by energising the submarine cable together with the 132/33kV transformer were of similar magnitudes to those caused when the cable and transformer were energised separately. Energising the 132/33kV transformer separately using a circuit breaker located offshore caused greater overvoltages on the 33kV system.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution and support from National Grid. REFERENCES
[1] The Crown Estate, http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/roundsone-two and http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/round3 (Accessed November 2010). [2] Electricity Networks Strategy Group, Our Electricity Transmission Network, A vision for 2020, March 2009, available from http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100919181607/htt p:/www.ensg.gov.uk/assets/1696-01-ensg_vision2020.pdf [3] National Grid, Offshore Development Information Statement, available from http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/Electricity/ODIS/ [4] National Grid Seven Year Statement 2010 (SYS), Appendix D http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/Electricity/SYS/current/ (Accessed May 2010). [5] A Eliasson, E Isabegovic, Modeling and Simulation of Transient Fault Response at Lillgrund Wind Farm when Subjected to Faults in the Connecting 130 kV Grid, Chalmers University of Technology, Masters Thesis, 2009. [6] P. Riedel: Modelling of zigzag-transformers in the three-phase system, presented at the EMTP Users group meeting, Marseille, France, May 1990. [7] O Hevia, Alternative Transients Program - Comparison of transmission line models, www.iitreeunlp.org.ar/caue/Archivos/emodlin.pdf [8] R. C. Campos, D. O. Lacerda, and M. F. Alves, Mechanically Switched Capacitor with Damping Network (MSCDN) Engineering Aspects of Application, Design and Protection, Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition Latin America (T&D-LA) IEEE/PES. pp. 310 315, November 2010. [9] Y Xiao, J Zhao, S Mao, Theory for the design of C-type filter, 11th International Conference on Harmonics and Quality of Power, pp. 11- 15, 12-15 Sept. 2004 [10] P Gomez, "Validation of ATP Transmission Line Models for a Monte Carlo Study of Switching Transients," Power Symposium, 2007. NAPS '07, pp.124-129, Sept. 30 2007-Oct. 2 2007 [11] D.W. Durbak, A.M. Gole, E.H. Camm, M. Marz, R.C. Degeneff, R.P. OLeary, R. Natarajan, J.A. Martinez-Velasco, Kai-Chung Lee, A. Morched, R. Shanahan, E.R. Pratico, G.C. Thomann, B. Shperling, A. J. F. Keri, D.A. Woodford, L. Rugeles, V. Rashkes, A. Sarshar Modeling Guidelines for Switching Transients, Report prepared by the Switching Transients Task Force of the IEEE Modeling and Analysis of System Transients Working Group http://www.ee.umanitoba.ca/~gole/wg15.08.09/switch.pdf [12] IEC 60071-1, Insulation Co-ordination Part 1: Definitions. Principles and Rules, 2006. [13] IEC 60071-1, Insulation Co-ordination Part 2: Application Guide, 1996.

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