Analytical and Experimental Studies on Induced Current Switching by a Fault-Proof Gas Insulated Earthing Switch

Fault-proof earthing switches are one of the important modules of a gas insulated substation, as it enables make at 100 percent short circuit current, which is functionally different from maintenance earthing switches. The fault-proof earthing switch shall be designed to make and break electro-magnetically and electro-statically induced currents as per IEC-62271-102. The paper discusses the impact of “test circuit configurations and voltage” on test parameters for gas insulated fault-proof earthing switch utilizing simulation with PSCAD software. Authors record the development of a 145 kV gas insulated fault proof earthing switch by considering novel design features like minimum arcing/pre-arcing time, effective current transfer from arcing contact to ground terminal, etc. The development has been evaluated successfully for electro-magnetically and electro-statically induced current duties as per IEC. Finally, design parameters to be considered for ensuring reliable performance during induced current switching from fault-proof earthing switches are also discussed.