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
Methodology to define the arm inductance range in a Modular Multilevel Converter station for HVDC applications based on steady-state and DC pole-to-pole fault
This paper proposes a methodology to define the arm inductance range in modular multilevel converters (MMC) for HVDC applications, considering both steady-state performance and DC pole-to-pole faults. It includes a sensitivity analysis and simplified MMC model for calculating fault currents.
Breakdown and partial discharge in dry air under non-uniform electric field for MVDC applications
Examine the breakdown and partial discharge behavior in dry air under non-uniform electric fields for medium voltage direct current (MVDC) applications. This study compares experimental and simulation results to assess insulation performance.
MVDC technologies for solar application
Explore how medium voltage DC (MVDC) technologies address the challenges of integrating remote and distributed photovoltaic (PV) plants into the grid. This paper discusses the technical solutions, including DC/DC converters and protection systems, necessary for effective MVDC integration.
