Presented By:
Dr. Yannick Kieffel
GE Grid Solutions
TechCon 2019
Abstract
This paper presents the return of experience gained with g³ products over the past two years through two specific examples. The first example is a 145kV g³ GIS that has been installed in Switzerland. The second example is the 420kV g³ GIL that has been installed in England and in Scotland. Gas handling process, on-site tests, and analysis are described through these two examples. On top of that, the full environmental life cycle assessment is presented to highlight the environmental benefit of the new equipment versus the SF6 version.
I. Introduction
In recent years, extensive work has been done on SF6-free gaseous environmentally-friendly solutions presenting the advantage of a high dielectric strength and switching current capabilities close or equal to SF6 with the benefit of a low global warming potential (GWP). Beyond SF6, it has been evidenced that CO2 is the most promising arc-quenching gas. However, CO2 shows dielectric performance which is quite low compared to SF6 making the use of pure CO2 not feasible in High Voltage switchgears unless one changes drastically the dimension and/or the nominal pressure of CO2 so it can function as SF6 equivalent equipment. CO2 dielectric performance must, therefore, be improved with an additive that has superior dielectric strength.
In this regard, GE Grid Solutions, in partnership with the 3M Company, has developed an environmentally gas mixture, based on heptafluoro-iso-butyronitrile (CF3)2-CF-CN (or fluoronitrile), also known as 3MTM NovecTM 4710 Dielectric Fluid [1] and mixed with carbon dioxide and oxygen. Gas mixtures of this fluoronitrile with CO2 and O2 were found to be an optimal solution for disconnector and circuit breaker applications. This specific gas mixture called “g³– green gas for grid” has been proven to be the most technically and economically promising solution with the advantage of meeting requirements of minimum outdoor temperatures as defined in international standards (like -25°C or -30°C) [2, 3].
High voltage (HV) electrical transmission equipment developed for and filled with the g³ mixture features the same ratings and same dimensional footprint as the state-of-the-art SF6 ones, with a drastic change of environmental impact: GWP (Global Warming Potential) is reduced by more than 98% compared to SF6 which has a GWP 23,500 times greater than CO2 and a lifetime in the atmosphere of 3,200 years, putting it at the top of the Kyoto Protocol list [4].
The SF6-free equipment portfolio is now enlarged, with equipment covering the HV range from 145kV to 420kV. 15 utilities have decided to move forward and to install equipment with this alternative gas. GE has a number of projects on 18 sites that together will reduce the impact of the installed gas masses by more than 380,000 tons of CO2 equivalent. These projects include more than 60 bays of 145 kV GIS, more than 2,000 meters of 420 kV GIL, and 6 AIS 245 kV Current transformers. Initial applications are now commissioned and in service.
II. CHARACTERISTICS AND BEHAVIOUR OF g³
The physicochemical characteristics of the fluoronitrile/ CO2/O2 mixture have been determined through a wide range of investigations. They showed for instance that the homogeneity and the composition of the gas is stable over time and the behavior of the mixture at low temperatures and liquefaction temperature of the mixture depends on the partial pressure of the different components. Regarding electrical behavior, the fluoronitrile i.e. (CF3)2-CF-CN, provides the dielectric strength to the mixture thanks to its nitrile triple function combined with fluorine. CO2 handles the arc interruption process. O2 plays a major role in the gas chemical decomposition, especially in case of heavy arc interruption. The influence of O2 content into g³ has been the target of several investigations focusing on gas decomposition and the formation of powders [5]. For instance, the amount of carbon monoxide is lowered by 2 or 3 depending on O2 ratio, and the formation rate of other gaseous by-products is also significantly reduced. Furthermore, the oxygen content also positively influences the solid powders composition formed in the breaker after power arc interruption as it is shown in Fig. 2.
III. ONSITE GAS HANDLING MANAGEMENT
Generalities
Since SF6 has replaced oil and air as insulating fluid in the high voltage switching equipment, site handling of insulating fluid has been significantly simplified. Tools enabling SF6 gas handling on-site are well established for decades now. Standards for handling the SF6 gas have been established for years and revised several times.
Constraints have also developed over the last decades with the introduction of more and more severe rules and precautions for handling SF6 in order to limit the release into the atmosphere. Manufacturers and users have adapted their procedures and international standards and guides have also been adapted accordingly.
The alternative gases to replace SF6 that have been installed recently at several sites are made of a gas mixture and handling gas mixture on site is not new. For some specific applications, like very cold climate, gas mixtures based on CF4 and SF6 have been installed in many applications. Gas mixtures based on SF6 and N2 have also been installed for many years on long gas-insulated line applications, either for cold climate conditions or to reduce the SF6 content of the installed equipment. In these cases, the filling of the electrical equipment was performed either by partial pressure method or by using a specific on-site gas mixer.
For g³ mixture, composed of fluoronitrile, carbon dioxide and oxygen, the most efficient way to manage gas handling is to deliver on-site bottles of liquefied gas mixture already prepared. Then we obtain the gaseous state by vaporization and expansion of the gas.
In the case of a single-component gas, this process is relatively simple. When the gas is composed of at least two separate components, it should be ensured that vaporization occurs evenly. The homogeneity of the different components must be maintained throughout the filling process. Indeed, the liquid and gas phase compositions are different with the fluoronitrile being mostly liquid and oxygen remaining in the gas phase, CO2 being partly liquid and gas. Moreover, the composition of the two phases, said liquid and gas, evolves with temperature, pressure, and total density making impossible the use of the gas or liquid phase independently.
Liquid to gas transition: g3 specificities
The homogeneity of the g3 mixture is obtained by using its supercritical state, where the mixture occupies the entire physical volume and behaves like a single gas having the density of the liquid (see Fig. 3). The transition to the supercritical state is done by heating the liquid under pressure to pass the critical point defined by its critical temperature and pressure. Its critical temperature and pressure being dependent on the molar fraction, the critical molar volume, and the critical temperature of each compound in the composition of the mixture and can be estimated from the formula established by C.C. Li [6].
IV. PROJECTS RETURN OF EXPERIENCE
Example 1: The 145kV g³ GIS
The first example is about the world’s first 123 kV GIS switchgear which runs with g³ close to the lake of Zurich in Switzerland and is owned by Axpo Power AG. The installation of the high-voltage GIS started in October 2017, see Fig. 1. The site acceptance tests were performed on the 21st of November 2017 with witnesses from utilities from France (Rte), the Netherlands (TenneT) and Switzerland (Axpo & Romand Energie) [7]. The official energization was done in August 2018.
The switchgear F35g-145kV was designed and tested according to the relevant IEC standards. The whole switchgear including all components like circuit-breakers, disconnectors, voltage transformers, etc. can operate at minimum ambient temperatures down to -25°C. The ratings and bay size of the SF6 and the g³ version are identical.
The main challenge to cope with the new gas was the circuit breaker. The mass of the pressure-compensated alternative gas is two times lower than for SF6. Therefore, the speed of the gas inside the breaking chamber was influenced significantly. Due to the steeper pressure-temperature relation of CO2 compared to SF6, the pressure rise in the nozzle during arc extinguishing needed to be carefully evaluated, and certain areas of the nozzle needed to be reinforced to cope with the new requirements.
Overall the breaker is still a single-moving, single-chamber, self-blast breaker element using the spring drive FK3-2 same as with SF6 even though the changes described above were implemented.
Leak detection and gas quality check
The integral tightness test was performed at the factory using dedicated measuring equipment with the evaluation of the fluoronitrile and CO2 losses (Fig. 4). On site, the tightness was checked using standard SF6 leak detectors which were qualified for the CO2 and fluoronitrile detection [8].
Site acceptance tests
The standard on-site tests as described in the actual IEC standards were performed. These included the application of a one-minute 50 Hz withstand voltage including partial discharge measurement according to IEC 60270 [9]. All the tests are reported in the following reference [8].
Other tests like the gas quality measurement were performed, as well as the ratio measurements on the voltage transformers. No specific tests related to the alternative gas mixture were needed.
Example 2: The 420kV g³ GIL
The second example is about the 420 kV GIL application using fluoronitrile/CO2 gas mixture that was installed for the first time in 2016 in south of England for National Grid at Sellindge substation [10]. Two feeders totaling 300 meters of GIL were installed and commissioned, as shown in Fig. 5.
A second 420 GIL was installed in Scotland for SP Energy Networks, at Kilmarnock substation in 2018 during severe climatic conditions.
On-site g³ handling experience
Special gas-handling carts have been developed in order to bring the gas in the correct conditions described in a previous section, before transferring it to the high-voltage equipment. These gas carts have been developed in coordination with companies that are familiar with handling gas mixtures, like DILO and AIR LIQUIDE and have been used for the first time in 2016 during installation of the first 420 kV GIL application using fluoronitrile/CO2 gas mixture in South of England for National Grid at Sellindge substation. Two feeders totaling 300 meters of GIL have been installed and commissioned, as shown on the following Fig. 5.
This represents a total of 750 kg of gas mixture. 40 bottles (B50 type) have been used and heated using the gas cart as shown on Fig. 6. The gas filling operation was made with the gas cart installed outdoors with ambient temperature around 5°C. The accuracy of the gas filling was ensured, with an accuracy of the concentration of less than 0.1%.
The second 420 GIL project was installed in Scotland for SP Energy Networks, at Kilmarnock substation in 2018 during severe climatic conditions. Temperatures down to -8°C were encountered during installation, with strong winds and some snowfalls, as shown in Fig. 7. The gas handling represented 30 bottles (B50 type), totaling more than 630 kg of gas mixture.
The gas quality was measured using the GA11 analyzer manufactured by Wika specifically for g³ measurements in GIL or circuit breakers, see Fig. 8. It combines the accurate analysis of fluoronitrile ratio using sound’s speed measurement, with humidity measurement using capacitive sensors and O2 ratio using a specific optic sensor. All built-in into one portable device.
Despite the severe climatic conditions, the gas filling operation was performed successfully and gas analysis confirmed it. Percentage of gas mixture was measured with the same accuracy as the newly delivered gas. Humidity was measured just after commissioning and was below -10 °C dew point in all compartments except two (the dew point at filling pressure was between -10°C and -5 °C). Measurement was performed again several weeks later. Values have decreased, and gas was finally measured with a dew point lower than -10 °C at filling pressure. This confirmed the correct efficiency of the humidity absorbers installed in each compartment.
Table 1 shows examples of Novec ratios and humidity levels from the cited installations (Sellindge in the UK and Kilmarnock SS in Scotland).
On the Kilmarnock project, in order to connect the overhead line to the gas/air bushings, the customer requested to reduce the pressure in the GIL compartment, as per their standard safety procedures. The gas mixture contained in the three sections of GIL including the gas bushings was recovered using the special gas cart and pushed back into the B50-type bottles in liquid form. Once the overhead line was connected to the gas bushing, the GIL compartment was refilled using same procedure as the initial gas filling. Gas was measured again to check that gas composition was still correct as well as humidity level. All measurements were correct.
With this second GIL project, correct gas handling of alternative gas mixture based on fluoronitrile and CO2 was proven whatever the outside climatic conditions. The process of gas filling, recovery, and refilling was also demonstrated.
V. PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS, HEALTH AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Regarding safety aspects, the g³ mixture is delivered on-site ready to use. Except for gloves and glasses, just as for SF6, no specific personal protective equipment is required to handle g³. Sniffers of Novec 4710 and CO2 are commercially available, and just as for SF6, they allow for detection of any leakage on the equipment to ensure that the gas concentration in the room is in accordance with the occupational exposure limits for workers.
In case of operation of the breaker, carbon monoxide (CO), generated from the degradation of CO2, is by far the major degradation product observed. It is presumably one of the primary contributors to the toxicity of the arced g³. As a result, CO is the component which is recommended to be monitored when handling arced gas.CO detectors are widely available commercially and are easy to use by operators when handling the gas.
VI. FULL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPARISON OF SF6 AND g³ PRODUCTS
A comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of two products, F35-145kV SF6 and F35g-145kV SF6 and F35g145kV g³ complete bays was carried out in order to evaluate the environmental impact of the g³ solution on 16 environmental indicators, compared to SF6. The results are presented in Fig 9.
The comparative LCA shows that F35g-145kV brings a huge reduction to the climate change impact compared to the SF6 product. Indeed, as the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of g³ gas is reduced by 98 % compared to SF6 (467 versus 23’500 for SF6), the impact of gas losses during the use phase is considerably reduced. This is of course the main advantage that is brought by the SF6-free solution. What is interesting to see is that even when considering the complete product over its whole life cycle, and not only the gas itself, the impact on the climate change indicator has been reduced by 73% compared to the SF6 product (considering 0.2% of leakage rate per year – the reduction would be even bigger if we considered a greater leakage rate in the study).
The ozone depletion indicator is the only indicator where the F35g-145kV (SF6-free) has more impact than its SF6 equivalent. As seen in the previous section, the main impact on this indicator comes from the production of PTFE material that is used in the circuit breakers. Yet, the SF6-free product has 1kg more PTFE than the SF6 product. That’s why the F35g-145kV is 15 % more impacting than the F35-145kV on ozone depletion on the global life cycle of the product. This may seem high at first glance, however when considering the absolute result, the increase is only 2.8 g of CFC-11 equivalent over the whole 40-year life cycle of the product. Overall it can be concluded that the increase of this indicator is not significant because the SF6 switchgear was already using very low quantities of PTFE.
On the 13 other indicators, the difference of the impact of the two products is less than 5 %, below the range of the uncertainty of the LCA analyses.
This study demonstrates that there is no pollution transfer due to the shift to g3 technology: the impact on the climate change indicator has been reduced by 73% compared to the SF6 product, without increasing impact on other indicators like resource depletion. This has been achieved thanks to the fact that there is no oversizing of the g³ product compared to the SF6 product (it uses the same enclosures, resulting in the same overall footprint of the switchgear), while maintaining the same performances.
VII. CONCLUSION
Characteristics and behavior of the g³ mixture are fully known and controlled. Adding O2 to Fluoronitrile/CO2 has shown numerous benefits on the gas behavior, especially in circuit breakers. Several SF6-free products are now available, from air-insulated current transformers, 420kv gas-insulated lines, to complete 145kV GIS bays, including circuit-breaker. The portfolio of available SF6-free products will continue to expand in the near future.
The handling specificities of the gas mixture are managed using specifically designed gas carts, considering the supercritical properties of the carbon dioxide buffer gas. The on-site experience on several projects has proven the efficiency of the process, even in severe climatic conditions.
Finally, the comparative life cycle assessment with SF6 products demonstrates that g³ technology allows reducing considerably the impact on climate change, without pollution transfer on other environmental indicators like resource depletions. This result has been achieved as we keep the same performances with the same size of enclosures, resulting in the same overall footprint as SF6 products.
References
[1] IPCC Fifth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2013 (AR5).
[2] Kieffel, Y, et al. “SF6 alternative development for high voltage switchgears”, Cigré Paper D1-305, Paris, 2014.
[3] Kieffel, Y., et al. “Green Gas to Replace SF6 in Electrical Grids” IEEE Power and Energy Magazine 14 (2), p. 32-39, 2016
[4] http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1132124O/3m-novec-4710-dielectric-fluid.pdf
[5] Kieffel, Y., et al., “SF6 Alternative Development for High Voltage Switchgears” EIC 2015
[6] Regulation (EU) N° 517/2014 of The European Parliament and of The Council of 16 April 2014 on fluorinated greenhouse gases.
[7] Owens, J.G., ” Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions through use of a Sustainable Alternative to SF6″ EIC 2016
[8] Gautschi D, “Application of a fluoronitrile gas in GIS and GIL as an environmental friendly alternative to SF6” CIGRE 2016, B3-106
[9] Pohlink et al, “Characteristics of fluoronitrile/CO2 mixture-an alternative to SF6”, CIGRE 2016, D1-204
[10] http://www.think-grid.org/gas-insulated-substations-are-switching-g%C2%B3-sf%E2%82%86-free-solution
[11] Laruelle, E, et al., “Reduction of greenhouse gases in GIS pilot project in UK”, Cigré Paper C3-304, 2016.
