High Voltage Substation Equipment
“In the High Voltage Substation Equipment research department, we respond to the constraints of DC networks whilst respecting the environment.”
Alain Girodet, 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
Join us at CIGRE 2024: The leading global event for power system expertise!
Join us at CIGRE 2024 in Paris from August 25-30 to explore the latest in power system expertise. Visit us at stand no. 265 to discover innovative solutions for DC power grids, including our HyBreak MVDC Circuit Breaker and Superconductive Fault Current Limiter. Participate in our HVDC grid quiz, attend our expert presentations, and learn about groundbreaking technologies that enhance reliability and resilience in transmission & distribution systems.
Superconducting fault current limiters – the future of grid protection?
With countries racing to produce more renewable energy and electrifying transport and industry, higher nominal and fault currents in our power grids increase the risk of severe grid accidents. Energy infrastructures must evolve to meet these challenges. At SuperGrid Institute, we have developed a cost-effective, high-performance, and compact solution: the superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) prototype. Ask us about it!
Impact of renewable energy generation on power reserve energy demand
This work focuses on analysing the relationship between reserve energy demand and load, wind, and solar generation.