Condition Assessment of Substation Surge Arresters
ARRESTERS
CONDITION ASSESSMENT OF SUBSTATION SURGE ARRESTERS
The metal oxide surge arrester (MOSA) is a comparatively inexpensive component within a modern power system. Typically, it is specified, purchased and installed – but then overlooked when planning condition monitoring of assets at a substation. However, an arrester is actually one of the key components for protection of very expensive equipment such as power transformers and HV cables. Moreover, explosive failures involving porcelain-housed arresters present an increasingly unacceptable risk factor – not only for maintenance staff at the station but also for nearby other apparatus. In addition, ageing arresters mean reduced overvoltage protection, especially for older equipment, and this results in accelerated degradation of their insulation systems.
68
INMR® Q3 2011
INMR Issue 93.indd 68
coNditioN aSSESSmENt
oF
Indeed, experience has shown that it is far more cost effective to replace the arrester before it fails than to deal with an unplanned resulting outage. For example, failure statistics compiled by utility industry insurers show a notable increase in significant transformer events over the past 15 years, with about 45% of failures due to electrical disturbances. Some 16% of these are due to lightning. This raises the concern whether critical substation apparatus have sufficeint protection levels. The following article, contributed by Hans-Ove Kristiansen and Kjetil Liebech-Lien of Doble TransiNor in Norway, discusses the important topic of surge arrester assessment with the goal of diagnosing and preventing incipent failures so that remedial action can be taken.
SubStatioN SurGE arrEStErS
19/08/11 3:57 PM
IN-SERVICE DEGRADATION OF AN ARRESTER (MOSA)
Overloading typically occurs after
in the blocks exceeds the arrester’s capability (i.e. the energy that it can dissipate to the surroundings). The arrester will then become thermally unstable (often referred to as ‘thermal runaway’) and fail.
Photo: INMR ©
Surge arresters at substations are exposed to a variety of stress factors originating both from the network and from their service environment. These
• Long-term ageing at normal service voltages, e.g. when the specification is inapproprtiate for actual system voltage and overvoltage stress; • Internal partial discharges.
stressors can then cause premature ageing or even damage to their varistor blocks. The main types of such degradation can be classified as either: • Degradation of insulation properties • Degradation of protective characteristics There are several mechanisms that can cause degradation or, in the worst case, failure of MOSAs: • Sealing defects leading to moisture ingress; • Surface discharges due to contamination; • Overloading due to temporary or transient overvoltages;
fault situations, with high temporary overvoltages in the network. If the rated voltage of the arrester has been selected too low, this will increase the risk that it could become overloaded – even at a temporary overvoltage it should have been dimensioned to withstand. One consequence of degradation of the arrester’s protective characteristic is an increase over time of the resistive component of the continuous leakage current flowing through it. This, in turn, will cause an increase in power losses and hence raise the temperature of the metal oxide (ZnO) blocks. At some point, the resistive leakage current can then exceed a critical limit where the energy accumulated
coNditioN aSSESSmENt
INMR Issue 93.indd 69
oF
FAILURE MODES 1. An arrester equipped with a porcelain housing can, in the worst case, explode and cause severe consequential damage. Of course, if the arrester has a polymeric housing, the risk of heavy, sharp objects being scattered is far lower. 2. The arrester could trigger an earth fault (e.g. due to internal flashover). Such an arrester can at times be difficult to identify. 3. Aged or overloaded arresters offer reduced protection against overvoltages, (e.g. during severe transient overvoltages due to multiple lightning strokes or highenergy temporary overvoltages).
SubStatioN SurGE arrEStErS
Q3 2011 INMR®
69
19/08/11 3:57 PM
Catastrophic failure of porcelain-housed MOSA.
The arrester can fail before it has suppressed the overvoltage, meaning that the apparatus being protected will be damaged.
METHODS TO MONITOR DEGRADATION Several methods and indicators are currently used for in-service monitoring, diagnosis and assessment of MOSAs. These vary both in handling complexity and level of information provided. The two main approaches are online and off-line measurements. Off-line measurements provide a testing environment with full control over parameters that affect reliable and repeatable measurements. This approach requires de-energizing the arrester and using a portable voltage source or, alternatively, taking the arrester to a laboratory.
end fittings, damage to the external housing or evidence of high levels of surface contamination. Still, this gives little or no information about the arrester’s internal condition and ideally should be combined with other methods so as to obtain a reliable and complete assessment of condition. 2. Surge counters (with or without mA meters) These provide measurements of total leakage current but, while frequently installed on MOSAs, are of little practical value as a diagnostic tool to assess the arrester’s real condition.
By contrast, on-line measurements are done on a temporary or continuous basis and use portable instruments as well as permanently installed devices. Such methods have the advantage of providing condition assessment data without need to remove the arrester from service. A combined approach involving additional off-line tests could then be used to verify conclusions from on-line measurements should there be any doubt.
1. Visual inspection This is a common and even valuable approach to locate any external abnormalities. For example, experienced service crews can visually detect deterioration of seals at the
INMRÂŽ Q3 2011
INMR Issue 93.indd 70
coNditioN aSSESSmENt
4. Measuring leakage current This is the most commonly used
Fig. 1: Typical current voltage characteristic of MOSA.
Among the most common in-service methods are:
70
3. Temperature measurements Infrared thermo-vision inspection of arresters is a frequently used multipurpose substation maintenance technique, including for arresters. Indeed, experience shows that thermal imaging can be effectively used to track surge arrester degradation. However, such measurements are indicative only to the extent that they are sensitive enough to identify increased block temperature by detecting its impact on the surface of the arrester housing.
Fig. 2: Equivalent electric circuit for a MOSA.
oF
SubStatioN SurGE arrEStErS
19/08/11 3:57 PM
diagnostic method for arrester condition assessment and a variety of on-line and off-line methods are available. In the field, this parameter is normally measured only at the earthed end and the arrester must therefore be equipped with insulated base and leads separated from earth potential. The method with indirect determination of the resistive leakage current component by means of third harmonic analysis with compensation for voltage harmonics (THRC) is one of the best available for on-site, inservice information and also diagnostic efficiency.
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES & DETERMINATION OF ‘THRC’ Current-Voltage Characteristics Under normal service conditions, the arrester carrys a small but continuous leakage current, typically in the range of 0.2 to 3 mA. This current is dominated by its capacitive component, while the resistive component might be in the range of only 5 to 20% of this amount. Moreover, the resistive component is temperature and voltage dependent, as seen from a typical current-voltage characteristic curve shown in Figure 1. Therefore, the ZnO elements of the MOSA can be represented by the equivalent electric circuit shown in Figure 2, where equivalent resistance is non-linear. The typical operating voltage, U (phase-to-ground), for a MOSA is in the range of 50 to 80% of its rated voltage, Ur. (Definitions might vary depending on whether ANSI/IEEE C62.11 or IEC 99-4 is used). Leakage Current The current-voltage characteristic shown in Figure 1 is representative for a MOSA when stressed by a pure, sinusoidal voltage (fundamental frequency component only). Total leakage current flowing through the ZnO blocks can then be divided into its: • fundamental capacitive component; • fundamental resistive component; • the 3rd harmonic resistive current component (due to the non-linear resistance of the ZnO elements and
72
INMR® Q3 2011
INMR Issue 93.indd 72
said to be generated by the arrester itself). The resistive components (i.e. the 1st and 3rd) at any specific voltage and temperature will reflect the currentvoltage operating point characteristic of an arrester and change during ageing. Both these components can therefore be used as a measure of the arrester’s operating condition. However, for field measurements in three-phase configurations, the best practical solution is to determine the 3rd harmonic component of the resistive current. The leakage current for any particular arrester can vary across a wide range due to: 1. harmonic content of the system voltage; 2. actual temperature of the ZnO elements caused by both ambient conditions and any discharges; and 3. operating voltage. Effects of Harmonic Content The presence of harmonics in the operating voltage can generate a 3rd harmonic capacitive component in addition to the 3rd harmonic resistive component. These two components cannot be separated if only measuring the total 3rd harmonic leakage current.
A method for compensating the effect of harmonics in the operating voltage (THRC) has been widely used now for many years. Effects of Temperature & Operating Voltage The influence of block temperature and operating voltage can be quite significant. For this reason, measuring both is recommended. Ambient temperature measurements can be used to estimate block temperature by keeping in mind that the time constant for temperature changes of blocks is a few hours. Doing so allows recalculating measured values of the resistive leakage current – referred to as so-called standard reference conditions, i.e. to an ambient temperature of 20° C and an operating voltage 0.7 times the rated voltage. This way, measurements performed at different temperatures and/or operating voltages can be directly compared.
Table 1 illustrates variations of the leakage current with temperature and operating voltage for the same condition of a specific MOSA in the case of a 420 kV system. For instance, if two measurements have been performed at ambient temperatures of This 3rd harmonic capacitive leakage 0° C and 40° C and the same voltage current component could be of the respectively, the actual measured same size or higher than the 3rd values might deviate by more than harmonic resistive component generated 100% relative to one another. This by the arrester. The evaluation error in would be the case even though the this case could be large. For example, normalized values at 20° C should if the third harmonic content in the be the same as long as the arrester’s voltage is 0.5% or even 1%, the condition is unchanged. evaluation errors in the third harmonic component will be in the ranges of ± RISK ASSESSMENT & TESTING STRATEGY 50% and ±100% respectively. Furthermore, since the harmonic content varies with load and thereby with time, it will not be possible to tell if an apparent increase in resistive leakage current is the result of real ageing (increase in the resistive leakage current) or due simply to varying harmonic content in the operating voltage (which is of no concern). Measurements on transmission grids (300 kV to 420 kV) have shown that the 3rd harmonic content is typically in the range of 0.2 to 1%.
coNditioN aSSESSmENt
oF
In the case of MOSAs, the best practice of risk assessment is based on the trend and level of the resistive leakage current under standard reference conditions. If the resistive leakage current exceeds a certain threshold value, the following steps should be taken in final evaluation/ judgement: 1 If the resistive leakage current is unrealistically high (i.e. in the mA range and many times higher than for MOSAs of the same type), check
SubStatioN SurGE arrEStErS
19/08/11 3:57 PM
Temp. [° C]
Table 1: Influence of Temperature & Operating Voltage on Resistive Leakage Current
0
0
0
20
20
20
40
40
40
Operating voltage[kV]
380
400
420
380
400
420
380
400
420
Measured resistive leakage current [μA]
31
39
47
47
48
70
67
82
99
Measured value normalized to 20°C and U/Ur=0.7[μA]
46
46
46
46
46
46
46
46
46
recommended levels for the resistive leakage current for each type; 3. Define action limits (e.g. good condition, re-test/monitor continuously, replace); 4. Define measurement frequency (e.g. normal, often, continuous monitoring, or only after special fault situations); 2 Consider re-testing the MOSA in • Make an individual comparison of all 5. Define verification actions after one or two days to confirm the high replacement (laboratory test, three arresters of the same type in reading. If confirmed, proceed to dissection/inspection); a three-phase configuration. If one steps 3 or 4. The reason for re6. Evaluate measurements, action shows consistently and significantly testing is that the MOSA could limits, regularity of measurements higher levels than the other two, this have been subjected to a transient and verification tests to optimize test might indicate ageing. overvoltage causing a higher current strategy. for several hours due to the energy • Compare the resistive leakage absorbed. currents in all arresters of the same CASE STUDIES type in the grid: Firstly, if one or 3 Monitor the MOSA continually to a few arresters show significantly Testing 420 kV MOSAs at follow the development of resistive higher levels than the others of Transmission Utility leakage current. If this increases the same type, this may indicate Single measurements were performed from its already high level, proceed ageing and requires closer followat a transmission utility on 24 MOSAs to step 4. up. Secondly, if a number of having three different brands, with arresters show low values at the results shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5. 4 Contact the manufacturer and same level, these may be used as consider replacing the arrester. good/acceptable levels for this type As seen in Fig. 3, seven of the arresters of arrester. Thirdly, if one or more recorded low resistive leakage currents, The threshold value for resistive arresters have been in service for leakage current will vary from arrester i.e. around 20% of the maximum only a couple of years, the measured recommended level, suggesting that to arrester, depending on type, and can values are expected to be close to be established in different ways. their condition was good. However, one baseline readings. arrester showed approximately 90%, Some manufacturers provide so-called i.e. several times the values of the two In general, MOSAs should ideally be neighboring phases as well as the main ‘maximum recommended levels’ for tested subsequent to any unusual the resistive leakage current for each arrester population. This unit would fault situations as well as after type of arrester. When such values are therefore have to be monitored closely, periods with especially difficult given, the corrected values for resistive with frequent measurements or by climatic or pollution conditions leakage current can be compared continuous monitoring to check for any affecting the grid. In this regard, the further increase of current. The four directly to maximum recommended following strategy is recommended levels (which could be in the range of remaining arresters showed values of (but can be modified based on local 45%, 50%, 60% and 70%. The unit 100-500 µA, depending on type). experience): showing 70% should ideally be tested If maximum recommended resistive more frequently, for instance every six 1. Classify and identify all arresters leakage current values are not months. (name of substation, bay/line available from the manufacturer, risk and phase, nameplate data, assessment or threshold values for Four out of the six units presented manufacturer, type designation, year/ in Fig. 4 showed readings around that particular type of arrester can be date of commissioning etc., historical 20%, i.e. good condition. The last established based on experience, as data/failure rates, importance etc.); follows: two arresters showed readings around 2. Establish threshold levels/maximum 50 to 55%, i.e. their condition is that the arrester base and earth lead are properly insulated from the pedestal. If the arrester base is noninsulated, circulating currents will be induced in the earth system and cause incorrect measurements of leakage current.
• Measure the resistive leakage current just after commissioning and use this as the arrester’s baseline reading. If the leakage current eventually increases by a factor larger than 3 to 4 times this baseline value, this is indicative of severe ageing.
coNditioN aSSESSmENt
INMR Issue 93.indd 73
oF
SubStatioN SurGE arrEStErS
Q3 2011 INMR®
73
19/08/11 3:57 PM
Fig. 3: Twelve arresters of type A at two substations. Operating voltage: 415 kV; ambient temperture: 18° C.
Fig. 4: Six arresters of type B at one substation. Operating voltage: 415 kV; ambient temperature: 27° C .
Fig. 5: Six arresters of type C at same substation. Operating voltage: 410 kV; ambient temperature: 18° C.
satisfactory. New measurements should two years in service and all showed probably be performed in 1 to 2 years, resistive leakage currents in the range of 35 to 40% of the maximum depending on the arresters’ age. recommended level, i.e. evidence of good operating condition. As is evident from Fig. 5, one arrester showed a resistive leakage current Testing Remaining 300 kV MOSAs After significantly higher than the others. While no maximum recommended level Failure A transmission utility experienced a was available for this type of arrester, catastrophic failure and explosion of a it seems reasonable to assume that 300 kV MOSA after about 9 years of the resistive leakage current should not exceed the limit of 700 µA, based service. Two remaining arresters were then tested with the following results: on the other units. Assuming the insulated base and the insulation of • One unit showed 545% the arrester earth wire are checked • The second showed 60%. and found satisfactory and that there is no indication of temporary heating One of the remaining arresters was due to transients, the arrester should clearly severely aged and therefore be replaced as soon as possible. The immediately taken out of service other five arresters are clearly in good to avoid a second failure. The to satisfactory condition. arrester was then sent for laboratory verification, which revealed that the Testing of 145 kV MOSAs at reason for the ageing appeared to be Chemical Factory poor coating of the blocks that caused This factory had six MOSAs installed internal partial discharges and a partly at a 145 kV switching station. All conductive surface. were of the same make and type and were first commissioned in 1984, i.e. Testing 110 kV MOSAs probably as first generation designs. Since the factory is located in a coastal Measurements were performed on 18 MOSAs of the same type at a area, the arresters could be exposed to higher than normal pollution, which 110 kV substation. Two arresters had significantly higher readings (230% might cause accelerated ageing of and 400% respectively) than the rest. their ZnO blocks. There was little to The utility contacted the manufacturer no information about their condition, and both units were removed from except that the surge counters had service and sent for laboratory testing. not operated since 1989 and showed This showed that moisture ingress had just a few counts. Still, the factory caused internal heating and increase of owner had concerns since any failure and resulting outage would cause high resistive leakage current. production losses. Measurements of resistive leakage current were performed and showed the following results (stated as percent of maximum recommended leakage current): • 2 units were at around 130% • 3 units were around 90 to 95% • 1 unit was at 70%
Fig. 6: Measurements on 18 arresters.
74
INMR® Q3 2011
INMR Issue 93.indd 74
Since the resistive leakage currents were in each case either significantly above or close to the recommended maximum, the factory owner decided to replace the arresters and avoid any risk of failure. The six replacement units (of the same make but of different type) were then tested after
coNditioN aSSESSmENt
oF
CONCLUSIONS
Leakage current measurements based on THRC have proven a reliable and efficient methodology to assess the service condition of gapless metal oxide surge arresters, in accordance with IEC recommendations. Implementing a testing strategy for substation arresters in the grid will not only optimize their lifetime utilization but also ensure that bad or aged arresters are replaced before they fail. This will contribute to increased reliability and safety while also eliminating the substantial costs associated with failure and unplanned outages.
SubStatioN SurGE arrEStErS
19/08/11 3:57 PM