High Voltage Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Testing
Type Tests
Once of the crucial steps in development of GIS equipment are type tests. They are done to check the performance of the GIS equipment. The ratings defined in the type tests will also be declared as default data when the GIS equipment is in the production cycle.
Type tests at least include:
-Measurement of the resistance of the main circuits
-Tightness tests
-Temperature rise checks
-Short-time withstand current and peak withstand current tests
-Dielectric checks
-Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test
-Check of the degree of protection of the enclosure
-Switch operating mechanical life tests
-Check of making and breaking capacities
-Verifications to check performance under thermal cycling and gas tightness tests on insulators
-Proof tests for enclosures
-Low and high temperature verifications
-Pressure test on partitions
-Fault-making capability of high speed earthing switch
-Circuit breaker design tests
Routine Tests
Routine tests, typically referred to as production verifications, are done to make sure that each GIS installation works as it has been designed and type-tested for. The routine verifications are done for each GIS installation after assembly and present a major quality gate before the GIS installation leaves the factory. The test options are based on the type test results, which means that, within defined tolerances, the routine tests need to reflect the type test parameters.
Routine tests are defined in IEEE C37.122 and involve:
-Pressure checks on partitions
-Measurement of the resistance of the main circuits
-Pressure tests of enclosures
-Mechanical operation checks
-Checks on auxiliary and control circuits
-Dielectric verifications
-Tightness verification
-Verifications on auxiliary circuits, equipment, and interlocks in the control mechanism
References
IEC 6227-1 (2011) High-Voltage switchgear and Controlgear – Part 1: Common Specifications.
IEEE C37.122 (2010) IEEE Standard for Gas-Insulated Substations.
IEEE C37.122-1 (2013) Guide for Gas Insulated Substations Rated Above 52 kV.