High Voltage Substation Equipment
“In the High Voltage Substation Equipment research department, we respond to the constraints of DC networks whilst respecting the environment.”
Marie-Hélène Luton, Department Director – High Voltage Substation Equipment
We develop substation technologies to respond to the constraints of future DC networks as well as those of current AC networks. This includes using circuit breakers to clear fault currents from meshed DC networks, as well as developing interconnection nodes to transfer energy. Our circuit breaker technologies and protection strategies are designed to reduce the cost of infrastructure and preserve the stability and availability of the network.
Gas-insulated switchgear is essential to networks, yet it is currently highly dependent on sulphur hexafluoride gas (SF6) – at the top of the list of greenhouse gasses – as the insulating medium. We study, model and optimise alternatives for gas-insulated switchgear. In addition, we research and implement new solid and gas insulation systems to provide enhanced electrical performance and resilience whilst maintaining low environmental impact.
To validate performance, we rely on SuperGrid Institute’s dielectric and power test laboratories. The characterisation platform enables us to define insulating material properties.
Our research projects include:
Recent publications
Definition of Standard Tests for MVDC Solid State Transformer in PV application
Qualification tests derived from existing standards to meet the requirements of MVDC Solid State Transformer in PV applications.
Possibilities and requirements on operation of future MVDC networks
This paper focuses on different Medium Voltage Direct Current configurations for a representative suburban distribution grid.
Evaluation of the interference effects of HVDC fault on a buried pipeline
This paper investigates the interference effects of HVDC fault on the pipeline’s induced transient overvoltage.
