CHAPTER 2

BACKGROUND THEORIES OF GAS INSULATED SWITCHGEAR (GIS)

IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

2.1. Introduction to Gas Insulated Switchgear

Switchgear development has evolved to enhance safety and reliability in voltage
switching and current interruption. Initially, air under high pressure was used to quench
arcs, followed by oil-immersed contacts for better performance. The introduction of
SF6 in the 1960s provided superior insulation and arc quenching. Since 2010,
alternatives like fluoronitrile, fluoroketone, and technical air, combined with vacuum
circuit breakers, have been developed to reduce environmental impact.[1]
Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) is a high-voltage switchgear where components
like circuit breakers are enclosed in a metal housing filled with SF6 gas, providing
effective electrical insulation. Ensuring reliable and economical power transmission,
gas insulated switchgear is essential for high-demand industrial areas, accommodating
voltages from 1 kV to 1100 kV with a compact, space-saving design that meets stringent
standards for reliability.[1]
Figure 2.1. describes Gas Insulated Switchgear used in Thaketa Power Plant.

Fig 2.1. Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS)

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2.2. Working Principle of Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS)

SF6 switchgear is vital for electrical power distribution, interrupting current
flow during faults. When a fault occurs, breaker contacts open, creating an arc. High-
pressure SF6 gas enters the chamber, absorbing free electrons and forming heavy ions,
which extinguish the arc by increasing the gas's dielectric strength. The gas is then
stored and reused, ensuring efficient and reliable operation of the switchgear,
safeguarding electrical systems.[1]
The operational of Gas Insulated Switchgear is generally divided into four
categories
(1) Normal Conditions: Under normal circumstances, the circuit breaker contacts are
closed, allowing current to flow through them.
(2) Fault Occurrence: When a fault occurs in the electrical system (e.g., a short circuit
or overload), the contacts separate, creating an arc between them.
(3) Arc Quenching: During this arc flash, high-pressure SF6 gas enters the chamber
where the arc is happening. SF6 has exceptional insulation properties and quickly
absorbs free electrons in the arc path, forming ions that do not carry electrical charge
due to their weight. As a result, the dielectric strength of SF6 increases significantly,
extinguishing the arc.
(4) Recovery: After extinguishing the arc, the pressure of SF6 decreases. The gas is
stored in low-pressure and high-pressure tanks for reuse.
Gas Insulated Switchgear systems provide comprehensive circuit interruption,
insulation, and protection. They also support metering and operation functions, along
with effective isolation. Safety features are integral, ensuring reliable and secure
performance across various operational scenarios.[1]

2.3. Gas Insulated Switchgear Applications

Due to their small, compact, and armored structure, gas insulated switchgear
substations are the first choice for this type of installation in areas with limited space
and or exposed to high levels of pollution, dust, chemicals, salt layers, etc. that might
produce flashovers in other types of substations.
Among its applications, we have industrial townships, hydro stations,
underground substations; High polluted areas, city building extensions, offshore
platforms, roofs, railways, power transmission, as renewable power generation units
toward the electric system, large towns with little space and mountain regions.
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2.4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Gas Insulated Switchgear

These units are ideal for space-constrained, high-pollution areas. Their compact
design blends with surroundings, while providing high reliability and reduced
sensitivity to environmental damage and seismic activity. They mitigate risks from
wildlife and eliminate oil-related hazards. Supporting various busbar configurations,
they offer easy maintenance, simplified installation, quiet operation, and lower costs.
Some models also reduce external electromagnetic interference.
Gas Insulated Switchgear systems have higher installation costs than AIS, can
be difficult to maintain in remote areas due to SF6 gas sourcing challenges, and may
lead to costly internal faults.[1]

2.5. Operating Life of Gas Insulated Switchgear

Since its 1968 debut, gas insulated switchgear has shown exceptional reliability,
with a projected service life exceeding 50 years. Despite early issues like gas leaks, it
has proven more dependable than air-insulated substations due to its protection from
external elements. CIGRE reports indicate no significant aging effects, even in first-
generation systems, suggesting a potential lifespan of 60 years. The main reason for
replacing older gas insulated switchgear systems has been the need for higher power
capacity.[1]

2.6. Low Fault Probability High Reliability

High reliability is essential for gas insulated switchgear design and operation.
Over 40 years, research has improved gas insulated switchgear by addressing failure
mechanisms and enhancing designs. Advances in dielectric understanding and
manufacturing quality have boosted gas insulated switchgear reliability. Top
manufacturers now use comprehensive quality controls, including 100% partial
discharge testing for insulators, functional assessments, high voltage tests, and rigorous
gas-tightness checks, ensuring consistent gas insulated switchgear performance.[1]

2.7. Protection against Aggressive Environmental Conditions

Air-Insulated Substations are susceptible to environmental damage, particularly
in coastal, desert, and industrial regions where corrosive elements and dust accelerate
deterioration. In contrast, Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) offers superior protection
through its enclosed, gas-tight structure, shielding high-voltage components from
contaminants and environmental wear. While air-insulated systems rely on coatings for
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protection, gas insulated switchgear provides a more reliable solution by isolating

internal components from external pollutants.[1]

2.8. Seismic Resistance

Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) is known for its compact design and low center
of gravity, which enhance its structural integrity and seismic resilience. Its robust
metallic structure is designed to endure significant seismic activity, making it ideal for
earthquake-prone areas. Seismic waves usually fall below gas insulated switchgear
resonance frequencies, but reinforcement bars can shift these frequencies to prevent
resonance and ensure stability. The seismic design of gas insulated switchgear is
validated through type testing and detailed project-specific calculations, ensuring
reliable performance in seismic events and improving safety in active regions.[1]