Challenge of Substation Auxiliary Power Supply

Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) is a crucial component of electrical power systems, providing a compact and reliable solution for controlling and distributing electricity. To ensure the reliable operation of GIS, permanent partial discharge (PPD) monitoring plays a vital role. Here are five key benefits of implementing PPD monitoring for gas-insulated switchgear:

1. Early Detection of Insulation Defects: PPD monitoring allows for the early detection of insulation defects within the GIS. Partial discharges are localised electrical discharges that occur within the insulation materials, indicating potential weaknesses or faults. Any abnormalities can be detected early by continuously monitoring and analysing PPD signals, enabling timely maintenance or repair actions.
2. Preventing Catastrophic Failures: Insulation defects, if left undetected and unaddressed, can lead to catastrophic failures in gas-insulated switchgear. These failures can result in power outages, equipment damage, and even safety hazards. PPD monitoring helps prevent such failures by providing real-time insights into the condition of the insulation, allowing for proactive maintenance and minimising the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
3. Optimised Maintenance Strategies: Traditional maintenance practices for gas-insulated switchgear often involve periodic inspections or time-based maintenance schedules. However, these approaches may lead to unnecessary maintenance or overlook critical issues. PPD monitoring enables condition-based maintenance, where maintenance activities are planned based on the actual condition of the insulation. This approach optimises maintenance strategies, reduces downtime, and extends the lifespan of the GIS equipment.
4. Improved Asset Management: PPD monitoring facilitates better asset management for gas-insulated switchgear. Continuous monitoring of the insulation condition collects valuable data on partial discharge activity over time. This data can be analysed to gain insights into the overall health and performance of the GIS equipment, identify trends, and help make informed decisions regarding asset maintenance, replacement or upgrades. This proactive approach enhances the reliability and efficiency of the power system.
5. Enhanced Safety and Reliability: PPD monitoring significantly enhances the safety and reliability of gas-insulated switchgear installations. By actively monitoring and managing insulation defects, the risk of electrical faults, arc flash incidents, and equipment failures is minimised. This ensures the uninterrupted supply of electricity, reduces the potential for accidents, and improves overall system reliability.

In conclusion, permanent partial discharge monitoring for gas-insulated switchgear offers several significant benefits. From early defect detection and preventing catastrophic failures to optimised maintenance strategies, improved asset management, and enhanced safety and reliability, PPD monitoring is a valuable tool for ensuring the efficient operation of GIS installations.

At ITL we provide PPD solutions, or if you are looking for just an on-site substation/transformer PD survey, we got you covered. Just reach out to one of our team, and we will be happy to help.