Mansoor 27.03.

2012

COMPARISON BETWEEN AIS COMPACT AND HYBRID SWITCHGEAR Mixed technology switchgear as defined by IEC 62271-205 includes both AIS compact and Hybrid (AIS busbars and switchgear in GIS). Though AIS compact is more cost effective it fails to address the issue of safety, flexibility and lower maintenance requirements expected of compact and future switchgear. One example is the Disconnecting breaker which is a live tank circuit breaker whose breaking contacts act as a disconnector i.e the distance between the CB contacts is large enough to meet the disconnector electrical requirements and avoid an additional disconnector in the bay. 1. As per the study done by CIGRE Metal enclosed circuit breakers are more reliable and have less maintenance than non-metal enclosed circuit breakers 2. The Current transformers in AIS are generally oil filled which requires a daily check and more frequent analysis of CT accuracy and condition whereas a resin clad CT does not change its intrinsic properties once installed and maintenance cycle is much longer. 3. Oil filler instrument transformer is a source of fire and explosion which damage surrounding equipment and porcelain clad circuit breakers. 4. Conventional current transformer is the weakest link in a AIS SS and using the same for compact SS reduces the overall safety and reliability of the substation. 5. The present regulations and safety requirements mandate a separate disconnector for isolating transmission lines and busbars for safety of personnel and equipment which is not possible in DCB. 6. The number of switching elements are more for a double busbar system which has two DCBs and four earthing switches to isolate and earth all live parts which necessitates more number of equipment to maintain and a higher chance of failure. 7. Protection and relaying is complicated in a double bus system as two sets of current transformers are used and two DCBs are operated which requires both the breakers to operate simultaneously and trip the faulty feeder. 8. In a hybrid switchgear the complete switchgear and instrument transformers are in SF6 gas (CT are resin clad) and further possibility of lighting arrestor also in sf6 metal enclosed. 9. Direct High voltage cable connection is not possible in AIS compact a separate Cable to Air bushing is to be used whereas the cable can be directly connected to the hybrid switchgear. 10. The number of high voltage connectors are more in AIS compact which is a source of constant power loss and thermal breakdown 11. Number of foundations are more ( for CTs and VTs) . 12. Life cycle cost of hybrid switchgear is the lowest as calculated by CIGRE.