At the Cigré in Paris, Siemens PTD showcased a new compact switch gear, a process bus solution based on IEC 61850, low-noise transformers and a network planning software suite

Erlangen, Aug 28, 2006 - At this year’s session of the Cigré, the International Council on Large Electric Systems, at the Palais des Congrés in Paris (August 28 to September 1, 2006), Siemens Power Transmission and Distribution (PTD) presented an expanded communications solution for a process bus application based on IEC 61850 in addition to innovative high-voltage technology. Other highlights at the Siemens booth during the accompanying exhibition included a new gas-insulated compact switchgear assembly for 72.5 kV, a new dead tank compact switchgear for 72.5 kV, high-voltage arresters, low-noise transformers as well as a complete package of network planning software tools for various applications.

One of the highlights at the Siemens booth was a prototype application used to demonstrate how the communications structure of the process bus based on IEC 61850-9-2 can be simplified considerably in substations using real-time Ethernet and non-conventional instrument transformers. The solution concept from Siemens enables an uninterrupted and redundant data flow synchronized to a time of less than one microsecond directly via the communications bus. A redundant ring in the fiber-optic link, in which the signals are transmitted in both directions simultaneously, ensures that no messages are lost even if the communications route is interrupted.

As a driving force in the further development of IEC 61850, the communications standard for switchgear, Siemens PTD was also represented at a successful demonstration of interoperability at the UCA International Users Group booth. UCA International is a non-profit organization of utilities and manufacturers that drive integration and interoperability of communications technology in the fields of electricity, gas and water technology based on international standards such as IEC 61850.
Press picture: www.siemens.com/ptd-picture/Ethernet

A further Siemens highlight this year was the 3AP1 DTC (dead tank compact) compact switchgear for a rated voltage of 145 kV. This high-voltage device provides all the functions of an outdoor switchgear, consisting of circuit-breaker, disconnecting and earthing switches as well as current transformer. The special feature of the compact switchgear is its modular design: it is made up of components of high-voltage Siemens products that have proven themselves worldwide, including the following:
• The self-compression arc-quenching interrupter unit and the spring drive mechanism of the 3AP high voltage circuit-breaker
• The gas-insulated disconnector/earthing switch as well as the motor drive of the 8DN8 series gas-insulated switchgear
• The outdoor earthing switch from Siemens’ range of disconnecting and earthing switches
In this way, various models of switches can be implemented – depending on the requirements – with a minimum of engineering effort.
Press picture: www.siemens.com/ptd-picture/3AP1

In addition to this compact switchgear, Siemens unveiled a new 72.5-kV switchgear, expanding the company’s product portfolio of gas-insulated switchgear to include a compact and modular type as well. The switchgear assembly has been optimized to meet the technical and economic market requirements, resulting in a switchgear assembly for breaking currents of 31.5 kA and rated currents up to 2,500 A with dimensions up to 30% smaller than the 145-kV variant. Proven components and modular installation principles for indoor and outdoor installation have been retained for the arc extinction and drive systems and in the design of the switchgear itself.
Press picture: www.siemens.com/ptd-picture/GIS

Surge arresters were likewise one of the highlights of the exhibition – for example, the 3EQ4 arrester, which can absorb high vertical forces due to its robust composite housing and can be used at the same time as an insulator post. The pressure relief device prevents the housing from bursting and makes it possible to select the specific blow-off direction. While the pipe made from fiber glass-reinforced plastic (FRP) provides the necessary strength, the vulcanized silicone is responsible for the insulation. As a space-saving solution, the arrester can also be mounted directly above the transformer without additional insulators. The rated system voltage is 500 kV for the 3EQ4 arrester; however, the 3EQ series has also been type-tested for system voltages up to 800 kV. Siemens also presented the 3EK7 medium-voltage arrester with a cage design, which provides surge protection for equipment in electrical distribution systems up to 72.5 kV. The arresters in polymer housing include the arresters of the 3EL series, which can be used as station arresters and as transmission line arresters, and are available for operating voltages from 30 kV to 500 kV.
Press picture: www.siemens.com/ptd-picture/Arrester

Besides providing information on product innovations from the field of high-voltage technology, Siemens PTD also presented innovative solutions for high-voltage direct-current transmission (HVDC) as well as systems for efficient transmission of alternating current (flexible alternating current transmission systems, FACTS) based on electronic power converter connections. These solutions offer essential elements for improving the properties of high-voltage transmission systems for the expansion of the electricity markets dynamically changing around the world. The Siemens experts in Paris used sample turnkey projects to show how they support the entire life cycle of a project or a plant as a partner in all phases – from development and engineering through project management and commissioning all the way to assuming responsibility for maintenance and modernization activities.

Furthermore, Siemens presented the prototype of a phase meter based on a protection device from the Siprotec series and the relevant PC software for calling up, visualizing and analyzing data. For a complete solution provider such as Siemens PTD, the meter and PC software form another module for long-range monitoring of electricity supply systems. The intention is to use the introduced components for monitoring at first, but later for state detection, control and protection of transmission systems. After in-depth research work and field trials in the next two years, these components will be integrated into the existing product portfolio; their use will further minimize the risk of power failures.

Another highlight of the exhibition was the PSS Product Suite with network planning tools for analyzing, planning and optimizing electrical supply systems and with specialized modules for gas, water and district heating. The software portfolio consists of the following items:
• PSS E, system planning software for electrical transmission networks with the largest worldwide circulation.
• PSS Sincal, a network planning system for electrical distribution networks of utilities and industries that provides cross-industry stationary and dynamic calculation methods for planning of power distribution networks as well as for gas, water and district heating networks.
• PSS Netomac, a network planning tool for dynamic processes in electricity supply systems that combines the key analysis methods for the time and frequency range on a uniform interface. In addition, as a result all electromagnetic and electromechanical processes in electricity supply systems can be simulated.
• PSS ODMS, a software program for integrating applications and data, based on the common information model (CIM).
• PSS MUST, a tool for quick calculation of the maximum power transmission capacity of transmission systems.

One topic of discussion this year was the so-called whisper transformers that Siemens has developed for a customer in New York, among others. They are made of four 420-MVA autotransformers (335/136/13.2 kV), which are normally operated at a noise level of around 77 dB(A). Using some noise reduction measures, the experts have managed to reduce the noise level of the transformers to 57 dB(A), which corresponds to a reduction of the noise output by 99%. This will become increasingly important in densely populated areas and in megacities.

In addition, the subject of corrosive sulfur in connection with the use of power transformers was discussed at the Siemens booth. This is a phenomenon whereby conductive copper sulfide can arise under certain operating conditions of the transformer. The copper sulfide is deposited on the coil isolation and can lead to electrical flashovers. Siemens is the first transformer manufacturer to issue a bulletin describing this phenomenon, possible consequences and remedial measures.

The range of products and solutions at the exhibition was rounded out by a package customized to the energy industry from the Siemens Business Services (SBS) and Siemens Building Technologies (SBT) Groups. SBS introduced its solution package for utilities with a focus on maintenance and servicing against the background of an integrated IT solution (integration of industrial management and technology based on SAP). SBT presented security technology and fire safety solutions for industrial applications.

The Siemens Power Transmission and Distribution Group (PTD), headquartered in Erlangen, Germany, is one of the leading global players in its market sector. As a product supplier, system integrator, solution designer and service provider, Siemens PTD ensures - for utilities and industry alike - the efficient and reliable transmission of electrical energy from the power plant to the consumer. With a worldwide workforce of about 25,850 and operations in nearly 90 countries, PTD had sales of 4.3 billion euros in fiscal 2005 (ended September 30).
Further information at: www.siemens.com/ptd.

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Reference number: PTD H 200608.433 e

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Dietrich Biester

Siemens Power Transmission and Distribution (PTD)

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