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Specification of GIS Substations B. Primary Equipment Data

The specification of primary equipment is the first major
and Equipment section of the GIS specification. This section outlines in
detail the types, ratings and configuration of the components
George Becker, IEEE Substations Committee
Hermann Koch, IEEE Substations Committee in the GIS.

The following are the typical sections of the primary

I. INTRODUCTION equipment specifications for the GIS:

• Electrical Criteria (Max. Voltage, BIL, Ampacity, kA)

It is useful to start a GIS project with a brief description of
• Indoor or Outdoor
the planning and the engineering process. Typically, the
• Incoming / Outgoing Terminations
process starts with the network planning performed by the
• Cables/Lines
system engineers. It is therefore important that the system
• Transformers
planning engineers possess a certain minimum knowledge of
GIS to be able to utilize the benefits of this technology. • Interfaces
• Single / Three Phase Enclosure
• Environmental Conditions (Temperature, Elevation)
II. SPECIFICATION DOCUMENTATION • Disconnect and Ground Switch
• Manual / Motorized Operators
A. General • Current and Voltage Transformer Location and Ratings
The specification of the GIS is based upon the single-line • Surge Arrester Locations
diagram, and it will be possible to prepare sketches of • Gas Zone Configurations
different GIS designs and layouts which are available and to • Compartments – configuration
see how these may be used in the actual project, including the • Control and Marshalling Cabinet Locations
relation to site and civil requirements (e.g. indoor, outdoor,
hybrid). Typically the user will refer to the following standards as
the basis for their equipment specifications:
The following are a list of the critical documentation that
should form the parts of a GIS specification: • IEEE C37.123 IEEE Guide to Specifications for Gas-
Insulated, Electric Power Substation Equipment
• Detailed One Line Diagram • IEC 62271-203 Gas-insulated metal-enclosed switchgear
for voltages of equipment of 72.5 kV and above
• Site Conditions (Restrictions, Limitations)
• Primary Equipment Data
• Secondary Equipment Data C. Secondary Equipment Data
• Engineering Studies (as appropriate) The specification of secondary equipment is the next major
• Maintenance and Operation Requirements section of the GIS specification. This section outlines in
• Standards and Regulations detail the required devices used for the control and protection
• Regional Reliability Criteria of the GIS, and usually details the system interfaces with other
• Project Deliverables components of the associated power system.

It is normal and useful at this point to contact The following are the typical sections of the secondary
manufacturers for pre-specification discussions and to obtain equipment specifications for the GIS:
preliminary technical proposals with budgetary prices.
However, at this stage one should note whether the user's • Protection / Control and Monitoring Requirements
basic layout perhaps excludes a certain design. • Local Control / Marshalling Cabinets
• Logic Diagrams for Numerical Relays
Close and continued contacts with several manufacturers • SCADA Interface Points
will also yield good information regarding the experience and • Wiring Connections and Interconnections Requirements
the design concepts of each potential design and arrangement. • Annunciation and Alarms
• Mimic Bus Diagram
Special attention has to be given to the connections
between the GIS and other components of the network, such Overall, the single-line diagram, the preliminary basic
as overhead lines, transformers, cables etc. The type and the technical data and the layout drafts will be fundamental for a
location of these connections will have a major impact on the later inquiry from the manufacturer.
overall layout and cost.

1-4244-1298-6/07/$25.00 ©2007 IEEE.

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III. ENGINEERING AND LOGISTICS STUDIES • SF6 moisture test (at the site only)
• Equipment list check
When the preliminary configuration and the main data are • Nameplate check
determined, further studies have to be performed. These • Component device check
should cover the following: • Point-to-point wiring check
• Control system functional test
• Control wiring HV test
A. Engineering Studies
• Overall appearance inspection
• Transient / Overvoltage (TRV) Conditions
• Insulation coordination studies **A Certified Test and Inspection Report shall be provided
• Ferro-Resonance for each for each GIS Section and Cabinet.
• GIS Resistance and Capacitance
• Seismic Calculations
• Electromagnetic compatibility VI. PROJECT DELIVERABLES
• Civil engineering aspects
• Grounding of the GIS and the secondary equipment The manufacturer shall submit a complete drawing package
• Secondary equipment requirements, such as shielding and to the user for review and approval prior to manufacturing.
mitigation procedures for interference with control, This drawing submittal typically includes the following:
protection, diagnostics and monitoring equipment.
• Physical outline drawings
B. Logistics Studies o Plan view of the complete GIS
o Section views of the typical GIS bays
• Transport, storage and erection facilities.
o Plan and section views of the LCCs
• Demands imposed by the service and maintenance of the
• Foundation plan including grounding connections
GIS and possible future extensions.
• One-line relaying and metering diagram
• Quality assurance, testing procedures during manufacture
• AC three-line relaying and metering diagram
and especially on-site testing.
• Interlocking logic diagram
•
• Wiring connection diagram with opposite end designations
IV. STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS • Static and Dynamic Load Plan
• Control Schematics
• Gas Schematic Diagram per ANSI C37.11
The following are an important list of critical • Control Device Designations per ANSI C37.2
documentation concerning referenced standards and • Wiring Connection Diagram with Opposite End
regulatory compliance criteria that should form the parts of a Designations
GIS specification: • Instruction Manuals

• Compliance with Utility Operations Criteria

• Good Utility Practices (GUP) VII. OTHER PROJECT SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS TO CONSIDER
• Standard Safety Rules and Criteria
• OSHA (Government) Regulations
• Regional Reliability Criteria
• Visible Means of Disconnect
- Capability for Independent Pole Operation
• Power Source Isolation Switches - Independent and Isolated Wiring for Dual Trip Schemes
• Decoupling or Blocking of Devices - Separate and Redundant DC Control Power Sources
• Use of IEEE Standards for reference
• Use of IEC Standards for reference • Compliance with State and Local Requirements
- Permitting
- Union / Non Union Labor
V. TEST AND INSPECTIONS - Visual Impacts
- Site Construction (Protection of Wetlands)
The following tests and inspections are to be performed on
individual shipping units in the factory and then on the • Together with the GIS delivery, a detailed packing list,
complete GIS at the site after installation: installation instructions and certified copies of all test and
inspection reports shall be submitted. Upon completion all
• General assembly inspection drawings are to be updated and submitted as as-built
• HV and partial discharge tests drawings for the user.
• Gas leakage test