the transformer to provide suitable escape routes and doors.

All hinged doors and escape

hatches should include panic bars on the internal face.
Heat will be generated by both the transformer tank and the radiators during service and
the room dimensions, ventilation systems will need to allow for the dissipation of this heat
in their design.
A typical fan assisted radiator bank may require up to 100m3 /second of cooling air for a
200MVA class transformer so the room/enclosure will need to permit a free flow of air to
and from the radiators. If the enclosure has walls then they could typically comprise open
mesh, louvers or a similar construction. If the radiators are in an open location then
measures should be taken to discourage roosting sea birds with their attendant guano
pollution.
The transformer room/enclosure needs to be constructed with an oil retaining bund which
would prevent any escape of oil from entering the sea. The bund deck/floor should be
constructed with falls (typically 1:80 or 1:100) to direct fluids into drains to a remote oil
containment tank. The system should consider and allow for:‐
z The collection of general oil spills from the transformer or radiator together with any
maintenance activities.
z The collection of oil from a transformer or radiator leak where there is a pressure head
to cause it to spray (typically near to the bottom of a radiator)
z A serious leak where, at worst all of the oil from the transformer could be discharged
z A catastrophic failure where burning oil is discharged to the deck/floor causing a pool
fire.
z The drainage system should include flame traps to prevent burning oil from reaching
the remote storage tank
z Rain water from the radiator area
z Water from an automatic, water based, fire suppression system where fitted
z Separation of the oil from water
The oil containment tank must be suitably dimensioned to accept as a minimum the full
volume of oil from the largest oil filled device plus the full volume of water from an
automatic fire suppression system plus spare capacity (suggest 15%). The method of
specifying the tank capacity may vary to meet local regulations.
The drain pipework between the transformer bund and the containment tanks should
discharge fluids at a minimum rate of 7,000 litres per minute
The transformer room should contain a fire detection/alarm system and the substation fire
plan will usually detail if the transformer/enclosure is to be designed as an active fire
protection zone and contain an automatic fire suppression system. Where a fire rating is
assigned to the transformer room walls then any access doors within the wall must be
suitably fire rated to match that of the wall.
Requirements for the transformer lighting, small power, heating and ventilation systems are
detailed elsewhere in these guidelines

3.4 Earthing/Auxiliary Transformers

3.4.1 Aspects of Specification which come from System Studies
[Link] Connected to Transformer or Busbar
There are two places where an earthing/auxiliary transformer can be connected to the 36
kV network. One location is to connect it to the busbar but this will usually necessitate that
it has a circuit breaker to disconnect the transformer in the case of a fault on the unit. It
158
may be that connecting to the busbars will reduce the number of earthing transformers
required. However, if the bars are run split for fault level control then the same number will
be required as if they were connected to the 33 kV windings of the main transformers.
Connecting to the 33 kV windings of the main transformer saves on the need for a circuit
breaker but does mean that for an earthing transformer fault the main transformer will be
disconnected. However if the earthing transformer was on the busbar then it is unlikely that
the system would be allowed to run for any length of time without an earth connected if it
were to be out of service.
The other reason for considering connecting the earthing/auxiliary transformer to the
busbar is discussed in the following paragraph.

[Link] Required to Provide Auxiliary Power for Platform only or also for Turbine
Strings
Usually the earthing transformers will have secondary windings allowing them to also act as
auxiliary transformers for the platform supplies. This saves the cost and weight of providing
separate auxiliary transformers. On the majority of offshore substations built to date the
auxiliary transformers have only been rated to supply the auxiliary supplies of the offshore
substation itself and have not been designed to allow powering up the 36 kV array strings to
feed auxiliary power for the WTGs when the AC supply from the shore is lost. If this
powering of the WTGs is to be provided then this needs significant consideration. Usually it
will not be recommended to use the normal earthing auxiliary transformers as this would
require:‐
a) that they are connected to the 36 kV busbars
b) that they are rated for a high kVA to allow for the reactive power of the array strings
unless additional reactors are provided for this purpose
c) The normal platform diesel would need to be designed very large with the
associated requirement for the fuel storage
If powering of the WTGs in system black conditions is required it is recommended that this
is a separate specially designed system.

[Link] MVA Rating

The MVA rating of the transformers will be decided by the loads to be supplied and the
number of transformers to be operated to supply the auxiliaries simultaneously. It is often
designed such that all earthing transformers are equipped with secondary windings but only
one feeds the auxiliaries at any time. This decision is dependent upon the redundancy
strategy. An alternative is to run with two transformers feeding separate LV boards with an
interconnector in case of failure of one of the transformers. In either case each of the
transformers will have to be rated to carry the full load of the substation auxiliary system.

[Link] Off Load or Off Circuit Tap Range

Normally, off circuit taps will be sufficient and the use of a tap range of +/‐5% in 2.5% steps
as is common for onshore auxiliary transformers will suffice as the 33 kV voltage is usually
controlled by an automatic voltage control scheme.

[Link] Impedance
The zero sequence impedance will be determined by which type of earthing scheme is used
to limit the earth fault current. If resistance earthing is to be used then the zero sequence

159
impedance of the earthing transformer will normally be designed as low as possible. If
however the current is to be limited by the earthing transformer then the zero sequence
impedance will be chosen to limit the current to the chosen value.
The positive and negative sequence impedances will normally be similar to those used for
onshore auxiliary transformers in the range 5‐9%.

[Link] Number Required

The number of earthing transformers will be dictated by the running arrangements as to
how many separate sections of system will require earth connections. The number to be
used as auxiliary transformers can be decided by the redundancy requirements for the
auxiliary system.

3.4.2 Aspects of Specification which come from Generic Operation and

Maintenance Considerations
The key issues which must be taken into consideration when specifying the auxiliary
transformer will be determined by the level of redundancy and supply configuration. Safety
criteria will determine what can be maintained when. Redundancy will enable O&M to be
carried out while keeping supplies on line, however interlocking and isolation from the a.c.
supply board will be required to ensure personnel cannot inadvertently work on live backfed
equipment.

[Link] Oil Management

If the auxiliary transformer is of oil/liquid design then they are normally hermetically sealed
so there is very little to manage in terms of oil handling. These are small capacity devices,
however since they are adjacent to the main tank, a high temperature flashpoint insulating
fluid should be considered.

3.4.3 Repair and Replacement

A fault is likely to result in reduced auxiliary power or more importantly an unearthed
transformer, therefore this affects the transformer availability.

[Link] Major Replacement Strategy

The design phase should cater for the emergency replacement of an auxiliary/earthing
transformer.
The unit is approximately 1‐2 tonnes in weight so could possibly be lifted from a vessel using
the platform crane, however it still needs to be moved around the platform. Access hatches
may be necessary. If it is hermetically sealed there should not be any need for oil
management, unless the faulted unit experienced a rupture and clean up is required.

[Link] Spares
Strategic spares
A spare earthing/auxiliary transformer should be considered. Along with a set of bushings,
the number depends on the total number of that design in the whole wind park.
Routine spares
None

160
End of life replacement.
The platform life is determined by the jacket which has a design life of 25‐40 years
depending on the developer’s requirements. As such the whole platform will return to shore
for overhaul. Therefore end of life replacement offshore is not anticipated only in the case
of a fault.

3.4.4 Aspects of Specification which are Plant Specific

[Link] Special Technical Considerations
[Link].1 Insulation System
Capacity of earthing/auxiliary transformers is relatively small. From the perspective of
required power capacity and voltage level all transformer technologies any of the types of
insulation systems as described in Section [Link].3 could be applicable. The environment
condition of offshore substation should be considered, however. The dry‐type transformer,
without environmental shield like a closed tank, may not be suitable with its sensitivity to
environmental impacts and relatively larger size compared to liquid‐immersed designs.
Another issue with dry type is the mechanical strength of insulation in case of resin
encapsulated transformers. Any crack in the insulation system of cast‐resin type
transformers may lead to breakdown failure. Moreover, cracking of cast structure cannot be
detected before the failure unless partial discharge measurement is made on the
transformer during periodic maintenance. The support part or the lead of winding should be
carefully inspected regularly.

[Link].2 Oil Conservator Type or Sealed Type

Any type of oil preservation systems could be used for earthing/auxiliary transformers, but
hermetically sealed system is preferred in offshore environment as it completely disconnects
insulation systems of transformer from environmental impacts. Also, the construction is
normally more compact. An important feature is smaller requirement for oil maintenance.
Table 3‐11 shows comparison of characteristics for both types of oil preservation systems.

Oil conservator type Sealed type Hermetically sealed

type
More complicated x Simpler (lower cost) O Simpler (lower cost) O
(higher cost)
Atmospheric pressure O Pressuring according ∆ Tank internal volume O
head temperature changing with
temperature (small
pressure rise)
Possible air and O Possible much air ingress ∆ No ingress of air and O
moisture ingress to oil to oil moisture to oil
Opened to severe ∆ Closed from severe air O Closed from severe O
environment environment air environment
atmosphere by air
breather
Good : O ∆ X : Bad
Table 3‐11. Comparison of Oil Preservation Systems

161
[Link].3 Avoiding Excessive LV Voltages during HV Earth Faults with
Earthing/Auxiliary Transformers
In case of an earth fault the earth fault current in the HV‐system of the earthing/auxiliary
transformer flows via the neutral of the earthing/auxiliary transformer and is limited by the
zero‐sequence impedance.
As the earth fault current runs in all 3 phases/limbs, the earth fault current causes a
magnetic zero‐sequence stray flux which is acting in the same direction (in all three limbs).
Depending on its mechanical arrangement, the LV‐winding (e.g. 400V, 415 V) is influenced
to a higher or lower degree by one of the two parts of this zero‐sequence stray flux, which
induces an additional voltage (zero‐sequence voltage) in the LV‐winding.
As this happens in all three limbs of the earthing/auxiliary transformer, the result is a
displacement of all the three phase to ground voltages (in relation to the grounded and
therefore fixed neutral of the LV‐winding).
Note: The phase to phase voltages are not affected by this voltage displacement.
This is illustrated in the following diagrams, figures 3‐9 and 3‐10.

Figure 3‐9. LV‐connection

Figure 3‐10. LV‐voltage‐positions

The solution to this problem is to install an additional Neutral Coupler in order to form a
new independent neutral for the LV‐winding of the earthing/auxiliary transformer.
The Neutral Coupler will be externally mounted to the earthing/auxiliary transformer in a
separate tank.
The connection diagram and LV‐voltages are shown in Figure 3‐11 and Figure 3‐12.

162
Figure 3‐11. LV‐connection

Figure 3‐12. LV‐voltage‐positions

[Link] Physical and Interface Considerations

The auxiliary/earthing transformers may be located within a separate enclosure or within
the main transformer room. They could be mounted on cantilever brackets from the side of
the main transformer tank and the HV connections made using busduct, or alternatively
they may need to be mounted separately and either cable connected or busduct connected.
If it is planned that personnel access to the transformer room will be permitted whilst the
equipment is “live” then the statutory safety clearances, minimum height to insulation, as
defined in the relative IEC Standards should be maintained. Care needs to be taken to
determine the mounting height of the auxiliary/earthing transformer.
The connections to the transformer LV windings would generally be made using either
cables or solid insulated busducts and the method of connection needs to be identified at an
early stage to allow the mechanical design of the transformer to proceed.
As with the main transformer the approach of the cables must be carefully considered and
may need to be varied depending upon whether the transformer is located in an open
position or within a covered room. Cables approaching horizontally or vertically from above
may be acceptable if the transformer is housed within a covered room, however, they may
not be suitable if the transformer is in an open position. For a transformer in an open
position cables approaching vertically from below would be preferred.
There are factors which need to be considered in the design of the auxiliary transformer,
typically:‐

163
z Interconnecting cables between the transformer and items of switchgear would
normally be installed and tested in the onshore fabricator’s yard prior to sail‐out of the
platform.
z Disconnectable cable terminations would be preferred with the female portion of the
termination and insulator included in the transformer cable box.
z The minimum bending radius for cables need to be considered together with working
space adjacent to the transformer for the cable installers. The position of the cable box
will influence the facilities which need to be built into the room/enclosure where any
cable connections enter.

3.4.5 Specific Requirements for Rooms or Enclosures

If the design of the transformer includes open terminal connections the statutory safety
clearances, as defined in the relative IEC Standards should be maintained
The earthing auxiliary transformer may be located within the same room as the main
transformer or reactor, in which case the oil containment conditions for the main plant
would be adequate for the smaller earthing/auxiliary transformer. If however, the
earthing/auxiliary transformer is located within a separate room then facilities will need to
be provided to handle any fluid spills.
The locations for cable entry points need to be identified to ensure that the support steel
for the deck does not interfere with the cable access. The design should identify access
positions for HV and LV power cables or solid insulation busducts, multicore control cables
etc.
As stated in Section [Link] space within an offshore substation platform is always at a
premium and increases in room/enclosure sizes produce a large financial penalty, therefore,
the pressure is to keep the room dimensions to a minimum. The following items should be
considered in the design of the room/enclosure:‐
z The platform designer must determine the minimum amount of space around the
transformer to permit all aspects of planned and unplanned operation, maintenance
and repair works
z Sufficient space must be allowed for handling of any large sized test equipment
The design must allow for access to install the transformer initially and also access for future
replacement of a defective transformer. The transformer should be positioned such that
removal can be effected by the use of a vessel mounted marine crane/jack‐up crane or the
integral platform crane. To facilitate this procedure the roof of the transformer room may
need to be removable
When dimensioning access doors into the room/enclosure they should consider equipment
access during initial installation and lifetime maintenance or repairs, together with
personnel access. Steel doors used offshore may become excessively heavy so
incorporation of removable panels in the enclosure may be an effective alternative to keep
the doors to an acceptable or standard size.
The room/enclosure layout should consider emergency egress from the room in the event
of an incident. Consideration needs to be given to the room dimensions and positioning of
the transformer to provide suitable escape routes and doors. All hinged doors and escape
hatches should include panic bars on the internal face.
Heat will be generated by the transformer during service and the room dimensions,
ventilation systems will need to allow for the dissipation of this heat in their design.

164
If the transformer is mounted in an open location then measures should be taken to
discourage roosting sea birds with their attendant guano pollution.
The fire rating of the enclosure may be influenced by the filling medium for the
earthing/auxiliary transformer and its fire characteristics. A transformer filled with mineral
oil may require a different enclosure rating to one filled with a synthetic ester which would
not support burning after the ignition source is removed. A transformer filled with mineral
oil may require an automatic fire suppression system whilst one filled with a synthetic ester
may not require any automatic fire suppression system.
This should be detailed within the fire plan for the substation.
As a general rule it would be appropriate for the earthing/auxiliary transformer to be either
a dry design or filled with a synthetic ester.
Requirements for the switchroom lighting, small power, heating and ventilation systems are
detailed elsewhere in these guidelines

3.5 HV Switchgear
As a general introduction to HV switchgear, it should be said that the high voltage
switchgear utilized on offshore platforms will be the metal‐enclosed SF6 (Sulphur
Hexafluoride) type which is often referred to as GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear). SF6 is the
standard insulating medium in these applications as it is a very good electrical insulator (and
it can effectively extinguish arcs) which means that electrical distances can be minimized
and the switchgear can be as compact as possible.

3.5.1 Aspects of Specification which come from System Studies

[Link] Voltage and Current Ratings
The voltage to be used for the transmission of power from the offshore substation to the
shore will have been decided largely based upon optimising the submarine cable. Typically
the voltage will be 110 kV, 132 kV, 150 kV or 220 kV. Voltages in excess of this are unlikely
to be utilised unless gas insulated lines become feasible. The current ratings will be
identified by the load flow studies, however, a typical standard rating of 2000A is likely to
suffice for most cases, but ratings of up to 4000 A are available in the market.

[Link] Fault Level Ratings

The fault level will be confirmed by the short circuit studies. If the wind power plant is being
connected directly into the onshore system then the fault level of the switchgear is likely to
be dictated by that utilised by the utility onshore. If onshore transformers are used to
connect into a higher onshore voltage system then the impedance of the onshore
transformers will have the biggest impact on the fault level required for the HV switchgear
on the offshore substation. Normal values are 31.5, 40, 50 and 63 kA.

[Link] LIWL Level

The LIWL level for the HV switchgear is likely to be that normally used for that voltage level
in accordance with IEC60071. The value will be confirmed by the insulation coordination
studies.

[Link] Surge Arrester Ratings and Location

Surge arresters will normally be required on the connection to the offshore transformers.
The surge arresters in some cases may be connected directly on the transformer but in

165