Substation asset life extension

Switchgear

 

To use an oversimplified analogy, the switchgear is like the air traffic controller in your substation. It helps distribute power to various destinations, manage the electric load, and protect against faults. Consisting of a metal enclosure mounted with circuit breakers, fuses, and switches, the switchgear unit ensures the current flows where it should and at safe levels.

 

Failure modes

• Loose connections

• Overuse of oil circuit breakers (contaminates breaker oil, weakens dielectric strength)

• Failure of potential transformers and current transformers

• Short circuit

• Fails to operate 

• Partial discharge

• Overload 
   

 

Reliability considerations​

• IR scanning 

• PD detection

• Electrical testing