Introduction

Environmental requirements make it

necessary to build underground
transmission systems in special area with
special requirements. Limiting values for
the use of overhead lines could be
magnetic field restrictions, or just
visibility of the overhead line, or limited
space. The gas-insulated line (GIL) is one
technical solution to allow the
transmission of electricity under ground
high transmission ratings. The cost
reduction of the second-generation GIL
compared to the first generation, and the
increased productivity in laying of GIL
directly buried or in a tunnel, makes the
GIL a high power rating underground
transmission solution for the future.
 Contents

Ist Generation

 Ist Generation by overhead lines

 Mechanical design of overhead lines

 Main components of over headlines

 Electrical design of over headlines

 Performance of Transmission lines

IInd Generation by GAs Insulated

Transmission lines

 Proven Technology with new performance

 Siemens takes new approaches in power transmission

with GIL

 First GIL connection

 The GIL exhibits the following differences in comparison
with cables.

 Environmental aspects of the use of Sulphur Hexafluoride

 GIL technique

 Basic design of GIL

 The layout of the GIL

 Safety and Gas handling

 Benefits of using gas insulated transmission lines (GILS)

 Advantages of GIL

 275KV Gas Insulated long transmission lines

 Structure of GIL

 Features of GIL
 Acknowledgment

**********************
I would first like to acknowledge Mr. V.K. Sharma, H.O.D. Deptt.
of Electrical Engg., GCET Jammu. His dedication to progress and
excellence in this field has been my inspiration. It is my proud
privilege to express deep sense of gratitude: heartfelt regards
appreciation and indebtness to the staff members of Electrical
Engg. Department for their valuable guidance, deep-routed
interests, inspiration and continuous encouragement
throughout the work. Words do not come easy and I find myself
in difficult position of attempting to express my indebtness to
all my teacher of Electrical Engg. GCET . I should like to take this
opportunity to thank to all my friends for their moral support
throughout this seminar. Finally, I am thankful to my parents
being the source of inspiration for me and boosting my moral
while completing this seminar.

Above all I am grateful to almighty, the most beneficial and

merciful who provided my confidence and determination in
accomplishing this work.

With thanks
IST GENERATION

OVER HEAD TRANSMISSION LINE

MAIN COMPONENTS OF OVERHEAD LINES:-

An overhead line may be used to transmit or distribute

electrical power. The successful operation of an over headlines
depends to a great extend upon the mechanical design of the
line. While constructing an overhead lines, it should be ensured
that mechanical strength of the line is such so as to provide
against the most probable weather conditions. In general, the
main components of an over head lines are :-

1. Conductors :

Conductors are used which carry electric power from the

sending end station to the receiving end station.

2. Supports :

Supports are used which may be poles or towers and keep the conductor
at a suitable level above the grounds.

3. Insulator :
Insulator is used which are attached to supports and insulate
the conductor from the ground.

4. Cross Arm :

Cross Arm are used which provide support to the insulators.

Conductor Materials:

The conductor is one of the important items as most of capital

outlay is invested for it. Therefore, proper choice of material
and size of the conductor is of considerable importance. The
conductor material used for transmission and distribution of
electrical power should have the following properties:

I. High conductivity i.e., low specific resistance.

II. High tensile strength in order to with stands mechanical

stresses.

III. Low specific gravity in order to give low weight per unit
volume.

IV. Low cost in order to used over long distances.

V. Should not be brittle.

All above requirements are not found in a single material.
Therefore, which selecting a conductor material for a particular
case, a compromise is made between the cost and the required
electrical and mechanical properties.

Commonly Used Conductor Materials :

The most commonly used conductor materials for overhead

lines are copper, aluminium, steel cored aluminium, galvanized
steel and cadmium copper.

The choice of a particulars material will depend upon the cost,

the require electrical and mechancial properties and the local
conditions.

All conductors used for over headlines are preferably standard

in order to increase the flexibility. In standard conductors,
there is generally. One central wises and rounds this,
successive layers of wires containing 6, 12, 18, 24-wires.
ELECTRICAL DESIGN OF OVERHEAD LINES :-

Introduction:

We know that, transmission of electric power is done by three

phase, three wires over head lines.

An A.C. transmission line has resistance, inductance and

capacitance uniformly distributed along its length.

These are known as constants or parameters of the line. The

performance of a transmission line depends to a considerable
extant upon these constants. For instance, these constants
determine whether the efficiency and voltage regulation of the
line will be good or poor.

Therefore, a sound concept of these constants is necessary in order to

make the electrical design of transmission line a technical success.

CONSTANTS OF A TRANSMISSION LINE:

A transmission line has resistance, inductance and capacitance
uniformly distributed along the whole length of the line. Before
we pass on the methods of finding these constants for a
transmission line its is profitable to understand them
througoughly.

1. Resistance:

It is the opposition of line conductor to current flow. The

resistance is distributed uniformly along the whole length of
the line as shown in fig below. However, the performance of a
transmission line can be analysed conveniently if distributed
resistance is considered as lumped as shown in fig below.

The choice of a particulars material will depend upon the cost,

the require electrical and mechancial properties and the local
conditions.

All conductors used for over headlines are preferably standard

in order to increase the flexibility. In standard conductors,
there is generally. One central wises and rounds this,
successive layers of wires containing 6, 12, 18, 24-wires.

2. Inductance:
When an alternative current flow through a conductor, a changing
flux is set up and which links the conductor. Due to these flux
linkages, the conductor possesses inductance. The flux linkages per
amperes i.e.,

Inductance i.e., L =  henry

Where  = flux linkages in Weber-turn

I = current in amperes

The inductance is also uniformly distributed along the length of the

line, it can be take to be lumped as shown in fig.

I) Capacitance :

We know that any two conductors separated by an insulating material

constitute a capacitor. As any two conductor of an over head
transmission line are separated by air which act as an insulation,
therefore, capacitance exists between any two overhead line conductors.

The capacitance b/w the conductors is the charge per unit potential
difference i.e.,
CLASSIFICATION OF OVER HEAD
TRANSMISSION LINE:-

A transmission line has three constants R,L & C described

uniformly along the whole length of the line. The resistance and
inductance from the series impedence. The capacitance existing b/w
conductors for single-phase line or from a conductor to neutral for a
3-phase line forms a shunt path through out the length of the line.
Therefore, capacitance effects introduce complication in
transmission line calculations. Depending upon the manner in which
capacitance is taken into account, the overhead transmission lines
are classified as:

SHORT TRANSMISSION LINES:-

When the length of an overhead transmission line is up to about

50km and the line voltage is comparatively low (<20kv), it is usually
considered as a short transmission lne. Due to smaller length and
lower voltage, the capacitance effects are small and hence can be
neglected. Therefore, while studing the performance of a short
transmission lines, only resistance and inductance of the line are
taken into account.

MEDIUM TRANSMISSION LINE:-

When the length of an overhead transmission lline is about 50-
150km and the line voltage is moderately high (>20kv<100kv), it is
considered as a medium transmission line. Due to sufficient length
and voltage of the line, capacitance effects are taken into account.

LONG TRANSMISION LINE:-

When the length of an overhead transmission line is more than

150km and the line voltage is very high (>100kv), it is considered as
a long transmission line.

It may be emphasized have that the exact solution of any

transmission line must consider the fact that the constants of the line
are not lumped but are distributed uniformly throughout the length
of the line. However, reasonable accuracy can be obtained by
considering these constants as lumped for short and medium
transmission line.

In transmission of electrical energy there are two model of

transmission line are considerable in use.
IST METHOD OR MODES:-

NOMINAL T METHOD :-

In this method, the whole line capacitance is assumed to be

concentrated at the mid point of the line and half the line resistance
and reactance are lumped on its either side, as shown in fig below.

Therefore, in the arrangement, full charging current flows over half

the line. In fig one phase of three phase transmission line is shown as
it is advantageous to work in phase instead of line to line values.

Let IR = Load current per phase

XI = Inductive reactance per phase

CosR = Receiving end power factor (lagging)

R = Resistance per phase

C = Capacitance per phase

VC = Voltage across capacitor C

NOMINAL  METHODS :
In this method, capacitance of each conductor (i.e, line to neutral) is
divided into two havles, one half being lumped at the sending end
and the other half at the receiving end as shown in fig. It is obvious
that capacitance at the sending end has no effect on theline drop.
However, its charging current must be added to line current in
order to obtain the total sending end current.

Let I = Load current per phase

R

R = Resistance per phase

X = Inductive reactance per phase

L

C = Capacitance per phase

CosR = Receiving end power factor (lagging)

VS = Sending end voltage per phase

IInd Generation:-

Gas Insulated Transmission lines

Proven Technology with new performance:

Gas insulated Transmission Lines (GIL) is a transmission system to

transmit electrical energy over long distances. Up to the present,
large quantities of electrical energy have been transmitted either via
high-voltage over head lines or underground high voltage cables.
But after years of technical progress with a view to the deregulation
of the energy markets, a different medium is once again coming into
the focus of interest, the the EV Group is a again turning its
attention to it the gas insulated high voltage line or “GIL” for short.
Laid underground, it is capable of transmitting more than twice as
much energy as conventional high voltage cables. The main features
are high power rating (2000MVA) low transmission losses ( .0011%
of transmitted power), long length (100Km and more), high safety
and reliability (2500 system km years with no major failure).

The subtitle of this presentation “Proven Technology with new

Performance” indicates that the GIL is not a new technology, it is
proven in many applications and it shows new performance as an
electric power transmission system. New requirements of the
deregulated electricity market, increase of power delivery into load
centers and metropolitan areas, and the wish of protecting beautiful
and scape from overhead lines, lead to redesign and final cost of the
Gas Insulated Line.

As all of us know that usually the transmission of electrical energy is

carried out by over headlines and cables.
Siemens takes new approaches in power
transmission with GIL:-

Gas insulated line (GIL) is one technical solution to allow the

transmission of electricity underground at high transmission
ratings.

Some years ago, the general use of GIL failed because of the high
costs and was limited to special cases such as feeding power from
subterranean cavern power stations. In view of growing
conurbation’s with a considerable need for energy, the call for
technical options has become increasingly louder. Now that it has
become possible to crucially reduce costs thanks to the new
technology, GIL appears to be very attractive as an alternative to
high voltage of lines, conurbation’s and larger cities, especially when
higher transmission capacities or longer transmission distances are
required.

The experience gathered up to row with the development status that

has been reached in the field of the modernized GIL has shown that
it is highly suitable for transmitting high power (up to 3000MW) at
operating voltages up to 550KV over substantial distances.
Nevertheless, GIL is also suitable as an addition to overhead lines,
for example, whenever a route passes through terrain where above
ground installations are not desired or are not permissible, for
example in protected nature reserves or in the proximity of
airports.
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) and nitrogen (N2) were examined as the
insulating media. It is possible to use N2 because, in contrast to GIS
technology, GIS technology only required an outstanding insulating
gas and no extinguishing gas. Ultimaterly, as mixed gas consisting of
20% expensive SF6 and 80% low cost N2 turned out to be the
optimum. With this mixing ration, the positive insulating properties
of SF6 are largely retained provided the Gills’s operating pressure is
moderately increased. Optmized GIL laying based on experience
gathered with and techniques employed in pipelines construction
makes an essential contribution towards achieving the cost target.

Back in the 1960s with the introduction of sulphur hexafluoride

(SF6) as an insulating and switching gas, the basis was found for the
development of gas insulated switchgear.

On the basis of GIS experience, Siemens developed SF6 gas

insulating lines to transmit electrical energy too. In the early 1970
initial projects were planned and implemented, such gas insulated
lines are usually used within substations as busbars of bus ducts to
connect gas insulated switch gear with overhead lines, the aim being
to reduce clearances in comparison to air-insulated overhead lines.
Implemented projects include GIL laying in tunnels, in sloping
galleries in vertical shafts and in open air installation. The gas
insulated transmission line technique has proved a highly reliable
system in terms of mechanical and electrical failures. Once a system
is commissioned and in service, it can run reliably without any
dielectrical or mechanical failures reported over the course of 20
years. For example, one particular Siemens GIL will not undergo its
scheduled inspection after 20 years. For example one particular
Siemens. GIL will not undergo its scheduled inspection after 20
years of service, as there has been no indication of any weak point.

The environmental influence aspect, which might arise from

transmission losses, electrical and magnetic fields as well as. from
SF6 emissions is certainly also of importance today. As the
conductors and the enclosing tube of the GIL are primarily
dimensioned in accordance with electrical and mechanical criteria,

they have a large diameter and thus a large cross-section, thus

resulting in a low electrical resistance as well as low heat loss to due
to current.
Moreover, the large outer diameter of the GIL when it is laid
underground ensures and extensive contact area with the
surrounding soil. Thus, it has been proved by thermal calculations
that more than 3000 MW of power can be transmitted with the
newly developed GIL without exceeding the permissible soil heat
rise limits. Moreover, thanks to its low capacitance per unit length, a
GIL has a very low charging power and, just like overhead lines,
requires only little reactive current compensation. Single phase
encapsulated GIL’s also have very good EMC properties because
they are screened like a coaxial cable. Thanks to this screening, the
electrical field strength outside the enclosing tube is opposite to the
conductor current, the magnetic field is also reduced to a minimum.
Thus, when a GIL system is laid underground with a rated current
of 4600 A (corresponding to 3000 MW of transmission power at 420
kv).

The use of GIL would be fundamentally interesting wherever larger

quantities of energy have to be transmitted into conurbation’s with
high voltages. GILS can be laid both above ground and
underground. Their transmission behaviour is similar to that of
overhead lines. The installations costs of the GIL lie between those
of overhead lines and cables. Not least, it is environmentally
friendly, it is unsusceptible to climatic influences and it is
completely. recyclable.

FIRST GIL CONNECTION:-

Together with large European power supply companies, in
1995 Siemens began to enhance GIL technology, which has been
know since the early 1970’s to be more precise Siemens has started
the GIL business in 1974 and since then installed a total length of
about 30 kilometers which are all in service without any failure and
with the applications, in Europe, in the Mid East, Far East, and
North America.

The GIL connection at Wehr in Germany was commissioned in 1975

and its total length is about 4 kilometers. This installation was built
to connect the peak energy hydropower storage plant with the 400-
kilo volt transmission net.

From inside of the mountain where the high voltage transformers

are placed in. a cavern, the electrical energy generated by this
hydropower storage plant is transmitted through the GIL
connection to the overhead line outside of the mountain. This
420~Kilovolt transmission system was the first world wide built gas
insulated transmission line and is still in service without any need of
maintenance.

Another GIL connection line at Bowmanville in Canada,

commissioned in 1985 to 1987. This installation was needed to
connect a nuclear power station with the 550Kilovolt transmission
net of Canada for the delivery of electricity to the USA. An
outstanding power rating of BKA rated current and 100 KA of
rated short circuit has been realized as .the world’s highest power
rating transmission system. The total tube length of this application
with a cub-station is 2.5 kilometers”.

For Siemens, More than 30 years of positive experience in the fields

of gas-insulated high voltage switch gear and more then 30 KM of
gas insulted cables in operation were the ideal basis for tackling this
ambitious task.
THE GIL EXHIBIT THE FOLLOWING DIFFERENCES
IN COMPARISON WITH CABLES :-

 For High power transmission systems where overhead lines are

not suitable, alternatives are gas insulated transmission lines (GIL).

 High power ratings (transmission capacity up to 3000MVA per

system).

 Suitable for long distances (100 kilometer and more without

less inspection).

 High short circuit with stand capability’ (including internal arc

faults).

 Multiple earthing points possible.

 Not Inflammable.

The innovations in the latest Siemens GIL development are the

considerable reduction of costs and the introduction of buried laying
technique for FIL for long distance power transmission.

SF6 has been replaced by a gas mixture of SF6 and N2 as insulating

medium.
ENVIROMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE USE
OF SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE:-

Environmental aspects of the use of Sulphur Hexafluoride

Technology, investigates the impact that Sulphur Hexafluoride
(SF6) has upon the ‘environment and provides a preliminary
assessment of the likely future trends in legislation or usage.

SF6 is a man made gas that is extensively used in electrical

equipment for the power transmission and distribution industry, as
an insulating and arc interrupting gas. Applications include gas-
insulated circuit breakers, gas insulated transmission lines, gas
insulated transformers, and gas-insulated substations. About 80%
of the gas produced worldwide are used in the electrical industry.

Non-electrical uses include:- Air-Sole shoes; thermal and sound

insulation (e.g., ) double glazing applications); semiconductor

processing; atmospheric trace gas studies; leak detection; ball
inflation; blanket gas for magnesium refining; and reactive gas in
aluminum recycling to reduce porosity. The highest volumes in non-
electrical applications are used in the processing of magnesium and
aluminum and in sound insulation.
Special handling and control procedures are required in dealing
with the decomposition products developed ,l in use, for example,
products caused by electrical arcing or discharges. These
decomposition products can be highly toxic and corrosive. Another
concern is that SF6 is a potent greenhouse gas and’ thereby
contributes to global warming. There is now a worldwide
movements to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases being released
to the environment. It is therefore extremely important for the
industry to monitor continually best practice procedures in
environmental management’s of equipment containing SF6 and the
regulatory controls that apply. Also, alternative technologies need to
be appraised continually to ensure sustainability and a commercial
advantage in a competitive market that is likely to come under
increasing pressure to reduce the use of this material.
Technologically it is still unsurpassed for most applications.

The report provides information on the properties and

characteristics insulation (e.g., ) double glazing applications);
semiconductor processing; atmospheric trace gas studies; leak
detection; ball inflation; blanket gas for magnesium refining; and
reactive gas in aluminum recycling to reduce porosity. The highest
volumes in non-electrical applications are used in the processing of
magnesium and aluminum and in sound insulation.
Special handling and control procedures are required in dealing
with the decomposition products developed ,l in use, for example,
products caused by electrical arcing or discharges. These
decomposition products can be highly toxic and corrosive. Another
concern is that SF6 is a potent greenhouse gas and’ thereby
contributes to global warming. There is now a worldwide
movements to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases being released
to the environment. It is therefore extremely important for the
industry to monitor continually best practice procedures in
environmental management’s of equipment containing SF6 and the
regulatory controls that apply. Also, alternative technologies need to
be appraised continually to ensure sustainability and a commercial
advantage in a competitive market that is likely to come under
increasing pressure to reduce the use of this material.
Technologically it is still unsurpassed for most applications.

The report provides information on the properties and

characteristics of Sulphur Hexafluoride and its decomposition
products that may arise during use as electrical insulating or in
switchgear applications. Safety precautions that need to be taken
are discussed, as well as considerations to be taken into account in
respect of maintenance of equipment containing SF6.
Environmental aspects discussed include ozone depletion and the
greenhouse effect. SF6 is a potent greenhouse gas. Recent
developments suggest that there may be significant constraints
imposed on the usage of SF6 in the years to come. It is therefore
important for the electricity supply industry and other sectors using
SF6 to continually monitor best practice procedures in
environmental management of equipment containing SF6 and the
regulatory controls apply.
GIL TECHNIQUE :

Second generation GIL is suitable for high voltage transmission

systems up to 550kv, transmission currents up to 4000A and a rated
short time current of 63KA.

One step in cutting the cost for second generation GIL was to create
a modular system with only four different modules to build a
transmission line. One basic module is the so called straight unit,
which is shown in fig. One straight unit has a length of 100-150m,
depending on the temperature range in operation. The straight unit
wil be assembled by GIL segments of 11-14m transport length. The
connection of the enclosure pipe (1) and the conductor pipe (2)
sections is done by orbital welding. The conductor is kept in the
center of the enclosure by post type insulators (5), sliding inside the
enclosure to allow movement of the conductor according to the
temperature rise during operation. Each 100-150m the conductor is
fixed towards the enclosure by a conical insulator (4). Here a plug
and socket sliding contact (31.b) is installed to compensate for the
thermal expansion of the conductor in between the conical
insulators.

This straight unit is so elastic that it is able to follow any routing any
routing with a minimum bending radius of 400m without using solid
angle element. If the straight unit is laid directly into the ground the
outer enclosure is covered with a corrosion protection coating.
If a directional change cannot be met with elastic bending, an angle
element covering angles of 4-90o can be added as a second type of
basic module. The angle element is connected by orbital welding the
straight unit.

The third component is the compensatory, installed at the enclosure.

In the tunnel-laid version or in an underground shaft the enclosure
of the GIL is not fixed, so it will extend with temperature rise during
operation. The thermal expansion of the enclosure will be
compensated for by the compensation unit. If the GIL is directly
buried in the soil, the compensation unit is not needed. Because of
the weight of the soil and friction of the surface of the enclosure the
GIL is fixed in the ground.

The fourth and last basic module used is the so-called disconnecting
unit, which will be used at intervals of 1-1-15km to separate the
GIL into gas compartments. Also the disconnecting unit is used to
carry out sectional high voltage commissioning testing.
An assembly of all these elements as a typical set-up is shown in fig.
Fig illustrates a section of GIL between house the disconnecting and
compensator unit (2). The distance between the shafts is 1000-1500m
and represents one single gas compartment. Also in the middle, the
directly buried angle unit (3) is shown as an example. Each angle
unit also the fixing point, where the conductor is fixed to the
enclosure.
BASIC DESIGN OF GIL :

Inorder to meet mechanical stability criteria, gas insulated lines

need

minimum cross sections of enclosure and conductor. With these

minimum cross sections, high power transmission ratings are given.
Due to the gas as insulating medium, low capacitive loads are
assured so that compensation of reactive power is not needed, even
for long distances of 100KM and more.

Several development tests have been carried out in Siemens test labs
as well as in cooperation with the French utility company Electricite
de France (EF). Dielectric tests have been undertaken on a lab
prototype.
Result of these investigations show that the bulk of insulating gas for
industrial projects involving a considerable amount of such a
substance should be nitrogen, a nontoxic natural gas.

LAYING METHODS :

GIL can be laid above ground on structures, in a tunnel or directly

buried into the soil like an oil or gas pipeline. The overall costs for
the directly buried version of GIL in most cases is less expensive
than the other versions. Usually, for this laying method, a certain
accessbility for working on site is necessary, so that this directly
buried laying will generally be used in open landscape crossing the
countryside, similar to overhead lines, but invisible.

If not enough space is available, laying the GIL in a tunnel will be

the most appropriate method. This tunnel laying method is used in
cities or metropolitian areas as well as for crossing a river or
interconnecting islands. A new method of application is now
available for GIL by using traffic tunnels, for example in
mountainous areas, where existing or newly built road or railway
tunnels can be used to carry the GIL, because of the high degree of
safety offered by GIL.
Above ground GIL is installed on steel structures in lengths of 20-
40m because of the rigid metal enclosure structures, depending on
the mechancial layout of the GIL. That makes it also suitable, for
example for using existing bridges to cross a river.

Directly buried GIL :

The most economical and fastest method of laying the cable cross
country is the directly buried GIL. Similar to pipeline laying, the
GIL will be continuously laid in an open trench. With the elastic
bending of the metallic enclosure the GIL will flexibility adapt to
contours of the landscape.

In the soil the GIL is continuously anchored, so that no additional

compensation elements are needed.

Tunnel laid GIL :

Tunnels are usually the shortest connection between two points and
therefore reduce the cost of the transmission systems. Modern
tunneling techniques have been developed in the past few years with
improvements in drilling speed and accuracy. So-called micro
tunnels of a diameter of about 3m are today an economical solution
in cases when directly buried GILs are not possible.

Fig. Shows a view into a tunnel with two GIL systems, as realised at
PALEXPO at Geneva Airport in Switzerland. The tunnel
dimensioning in this case was 2-4m wide and 2.6m high. For a round
tunnel a diameter of 3m is acceptable.

In both laying methods the elastic bending of the GIL is used, as

shown in fig. for the directly buried version and in fig. for the tunnel
laid GIL. The minimum acceptable bending radius is 400m.

Safety and gas handling :

GIL is a gas-filled high-voltage system. The gasses used, SF6 and

N2, are inert and ‘non-toxic. The filling pressure of the GIL is, at 7
bar, relatively low. The metallic enclosure is solidly grounded and
offers high personal safety because of the wall thickness of the outer
enclosure. The mechanized orbital welding process make sure that
the connections of the GIL segments are gas-light for its lifetime.
For the gas handling of the N2/SF6 and N2 in the gas-mixing device
are available for emptying, separating, storing and filling the
N2/SF6 gas mixtures. Fig shows the closed circuit of the insulation
gas with all the devices used for gas handling.

For emptying the GIL system the gas is pumped out with a vacuum
pump (1) filtered and then separated (2) into pump SF6 and the rest
of the N2/SF6 gas mixture. The rest of the N2/SF6 gas mixture has
an SF6 content of a few percent (1-5%) so that it can be stored
under high pressure up to 200 bar in standard bottle (3). Three sets
of steel bottles (as shown in the illustration (3) can take the gas
content of a 1km section for storage. The pure SF6 will be stored (4)
in liquid condition. To fill or refill the GIL system a gas mixing
device (5) is used, including a continuous gas monitoring system for
temperature, humidity, SF6 percentage and gas flow. The gas
mixing device has input connection for pure N2 (6), SF6 (4) gas
mixture with a few percent of SF6 The mixing device adjusts the
required N2/SF6 gas percentage used in the GIL, e.g. 80% N2.
Jointing Technique :

In order to improve the gas-tightness and to facilitate laying,

flanges have been avoided as jointing techniques. Instead
welding has been chosen to join the various GIL construction
units.

The welding process is highly automated with the use of an

orbital welding machine to ensure high quality of the joints.
This orbital welding machine contributes to high productivity
in the welding process and therefore speeds up laying. The
reliability of the welding process is controlled by an integrated
computerized quality assurance system.

Anti-Corrosion Protection :

Directly buried gas insulated transmission lines will be safe

guarded by a passive and active corrosion protection system.
Comprises a PE or PP coating and assures at least 40 years of
protections. The active corrosion protection system provides
protection potential in relation to the aluminum sheath. An
important requirement taken in to account is the situation of
an earth fault with a high current of up to 63 KA to earth.

REDUCTION OF SF6 CONTENTS:

However, another insulating gas should be added to nitrogen in

order to improve the insulating capability and to minimize size and
pressure. A N2/SF6 gas mixture with high nitrogen content (and
Sulphur Hexafluoride portion as low as possible) was finally chosen
as insulating medium.

To determine the percentage of SF6 an optimization process was

needed to find the best possible ration between SF6 content, gas
pressure and enclosure diameter. The basic behaviour ofN2/SF6
content of only 15-25% and insulating capability of 70-80% of pure
SF6 can be attained at the same gas pressure.
THE BENEFIT OF USING GAS-
INSULATED TRANSMISSION LINES
(GILS):-

Gas-insulated transmission lines (GILS) are used for underground

transport of power in metropolitan areas. They are especially useful
for transporting high loads of power in metropolitan areas. One
benefit is their easy integration into a network of overhead lines
without having to adapt any of the existing protective
configurations. The technology was refined and costs optimized
after and adaptive development phase just a few years ago. GILS
can be laid in tunnels or directly in the ground. Another benefit is
that these lines also produce a much lower level of electrosmog in
the immediate vicinity than conventional cables and overhead lines.
The presentation will provide calculations and measurement of
magnetic induction. Forced cooling is unnecessary even at high
transmission rates > 1000 MVA. Despite the high load and overload
capacity, the calculated magnetic field strength and the nearly
identical measured field strength directly above the transmission.
route are so weak that they already meet the expected limits to be
placed by even stricter, future European guidelines, meaning they
are ready for use in building and/or area utilization applications.
ADVANTAGES OF GIL :

The main advantages of GIL compared to solid insulated cables or

overhead lines are listed below:

* The GIL offers a high power transmission capability as high as

the maximum power of about 2000 MV A possible with overhead
lines.

* Very low capacitive and resistive losses reduce the operating

costs of the GIL system over the file time and allows to build long
transmission lines without compensating the reactive power.

* A high overload capability allows to operate the system far

below the thermal limits and also given reserves in overloading the
system.

* Very low electromagnetic fields allow the use of GIL close to

sensitive living areas or at technical sensitive areas like airports.

* No external influence in case of internal failure and no risk

practical example of this product features bas of fire allow to use the
GIL in combination with railroad or street tunnels of bridges. The
GIL can be installed without any restrictions and guarantees a safe,
personnel access to the tunnel.

* It is easy to connect the GIL directly to the overhead line via

air bushing.
* The GIL can be operated like an overhead line because the
transmission parameters are very close to those of the overhead line.

OUTLINE :

CHUBU ELECTRIC POWER CO., INC. applied the longest Gas

Insulated Transmission Line (GIL) to a 3.3km underground
transmission line, connects between a large scale thermal power
station and a substation.

The GIL cross-sectional area can be made larger than that of XLPE
cable. AS it is excellent in thermal radiation, the transmission
capacity can be as high as that of overhead transmission lines.

Only two lines of GIL can fully function as underground

transmission line above mentioned, requiring a transmission
capacity of approx. 3 million kW while five lines of XLPE cable are
required for the same ed on function.
Lead-in equipment at both transmission ends can be reduced.
Accordingly, GIL was introduced in consideration of economical
efficiency.

STRUCTURE OF GIL’S :

GIL has the following structure.

The aluminum alloy conductor and the sheath as an insulator. Figs.

2 and 3 show the basic cross-section and the basic layout,
respectively.

Following Tables show the main design particulars. The unit basic
length is 14m. The thermal expansion and contraction section and
the gas section are 56m, in all. This underground transmission line
consists of approx. 1,500 units connected in tunnel.
FEATURES OF GIL’S :

* Use of a particle trap structure to capture contaminated

metallic particles in a lower portion of the electric field

* Use of heat-resisting epoxy resin spacers for supporting

conductors.

* Use of a new joint structure of GIL units enables angle

adjustable installation to fit the line of gentle curved tunnel.

* Use of a fully automatic welding machine to speed up and to

improve the quality of welding of sheath on site.

* Use of a gas pressure monitoring system utilizing newly

developed fiber-optic gas-density sensors.

* Further improvement of quality of an after-laying test with a

partial discharge measurement to detect a contaminated harmful
particle and to locate it.
GAS INSULATED SUBSTATION (G.I.S)

What is GIS :

There are sometimes referred to as Gas Insulated Switchgear or Gas

Insulated Systems.

A compact, multicomponent assembly enclosed in a ground metallic

housing in which the primary insulating medium is compressed
Sulphur Hexaflouride (SF6) gas. It generally consists of:

a) Bus bars

b) Circuit breakers

c) Disconnecting switches

d) Earthing switches

e) Current transformers

f) Voltage transformers

g) Cable end boxes.

h) Gas supply and gas monitoring equipment

i) Denismeters

j) Local control

Why is GIS :

The introduction of SF6 gas has revolutionised not only the

technology of circuit breakers but also the layout of substations. The
dielectric length of SF-6 gas at atmospheric pressure (1 bar) is
approximately three times that of air. (Breakdown strength of air at
normal pressure is 30Kv with electrode distance 38mm) It is
incombustible, nontoxic, colourless and chemcially inert. It has arc
quenching properties 3 to 4 times better than air at equal pressure.
This enables the substation to be laid in a much lesser space. Space
requirement is only 10 to 25 percent of what is required in a
conventional substation. Thus where creation of a substation
becomes necessary but adequate space is not available such as big
cities or otherwise highly populated areas, GIS is the solution.
Advantage of GIS claimed over conventional substations are:
a) Because of the entire equipment being enclosed in enclosures,
filled with pressurized SF6 gas, installation is not subject to
environmental pollution, as experienced along coastal areas or
certain types of industries.

b) It is not necessary that high voltage or extra high voltage

switchgear has to be installed outdoors.

c) Since most of the construction is modular and assembly is done

in the works, on site erection time both for supporting structures
and switchgear is greatly reduced.
CONSTRUCTION OF GIS :

GIS equipment is usually of Modular construction. Various

components such as bus bars, disconnecting switches, circuit
breakers, current transformers, voltage transformers, cable
terminations and joints are contained in earth enclosures filled with
SF 6 gas and segregated by gas tight insulating cones.

As per design followed by Sprecher Energies the gas compartments

of the three phases are fully segregated. Each gas compartment,
within a phase, is provided with a gas service connection to which a
vacuum pump, gas refilling tank or a gas recuperating plant can be
connected.

To warrant proper functioning of the SF6 gas system, protective

items, such as absorbers and bursting discs are provided. In
addition densimeters are provided to monitor pressure and
temperature of gas in compartments of each phase. The densimeter
also gives alarm for gas loss. Leakage rate of SF6 gas is normally
guaranteed as < 1 percent per annum.
M/s Asea Brown Boveri generally adopt a common enclosure for all
the three phases for system highest voltage up to 170 kV; segregated
construction for each phase is adopted for higher voltages.

Up to rated voltage of 72.5 kV the SF 6 gas can be used at normal

pressure. For higher voltages the gas pressure may vary from 3.5 to
6 bar. The SF6 gas pressure for arc quenching is 6 to 7 bars.

Maintenance :

The components of the SF6 metal enclosed switchgear generally

allow long maintenance intervals. Under normal operation and
environments only switching or moving parts of the switchgear
require periodical maintenance. M/S Sprecher Energie Switzerland
recommend the following schedule for their B212 Switchgear when
operated under normal conditions.
Location of LAS :

One of the points which needs consideration is the location of

lightning arrestors, whether these should be installed inside
the enclosures or outside. The lightning arrestors to be
installed inside the enclosures have to be gapless type
insulated with SF6 gas and are relatively much costlier. Though
the Las are provided with pressure relief devices the damage to
installation can be heavy if any La burst inside the enclosure.
There are generally types of feeders viz.

(1) Cable feeders

(2) Overhead line feeders

(3) Transformers feeders

In case of cable feeders the lightning arrestors have to be installed

inside the enclosure to protect against the voltage build up at the
junction of the cable and isolating switch because of heavy
difference in the surge impedance.
In case of transformer feeders the lightning arrestors have generally
to be erected close to the transformer i.e. outside the enclosure. In
case of overhead like feeders these should preferably be installed
outside the enclosure. If the installation is bigger than the protected
zone of the line side arrestor, it is advisable to study and optimize
the over voltage protection, particularly if distance is more than 50
meters.
 CONCLUSION

As all of us know that usually the transmission of Electrical

Energy is carried out by overhead lines and cables. Both of
these systems have certain limitations. Limiting values of ‘the
use of overhead lines could be magnetic field restrictions, or
just visibility of overhead lines or limits space. The charging
current and thermal consideration restricts the use of cables on
extra high voltage lines.

Gas insulated line (GIL is one technical solution to allow a

transmission of electricity underground at high transmission
ratings. The cost reduction of the second generation GIL
compared to the first generation, and the increased
productivity in laying of GIL directly buried or in a tunnel,
makes the GIL a high power rating underground transmission
solution for the future.

Because of the low capacitive loading compensation of the

phase angle is normally not needed, even for long GIL system
length. The high safety level of GIL makes it also possible to use
public accessible Tunnels like street, Highway or Railway
Tunnels to implement the GIL system.The cost reduction of GIL
compared to other transmission lines. There is an increased
productivity in laying the GIL, which will be having high power
rating underground transmission solution for future.