Protecting equipment from external harm is a major focus of the Siemens Energy Pretact concept for grid resilience. When earthquakes occur, they can pose a threat to substation equipment. The main concerns are the possibility of an outage (with society’s demand for electrical service in a post-earthquake situation) and the potential cost of replacing damaged equipment.
IEEE 693 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) is the most common standard for seismic qualification requirements of high-voltage substation equipment worldwide. A qualification by shake-table testing is technically the best way to ensure the structural integrity and the continuous functionality of a component. This method shakes the specimens in such a way that they are subjected to conditions representative of true earthquake ground motions.
Successful 8VN1 Blue GIS earthquake test
The 8VN1 Blue GIS from Siemens Energy is an innovative, compact switchgear product. 8VN1 comes with Zero Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6 gas) or other fluorine gases as an insulating and interrupting medium. Instead of greenhouse gases, it uses compressed synthetic air (so called clean air) technology to provide insulation between live parts and the earthed metal housing. For short-circuit and continuous current interruption proven vacuum interrupter technology is used to achieve very reliable and long-term stable power switching functionality.
Recently an 8VN1145 kV Blue GIS successfully passed the 1.0g high performance level IEEE 693 seismic qualification tests. During the testing procedure, the unit withstood the performed seismic activity without sustaining any damage and without displaying any impaired functionality. During the earth quake test multiple on-off vacuum interrupter switchings were done successfully.
This successful seismic qualification test demonstrates the impressive design of the Blue GIS 8VN1 and the contribution that this product can make to overall grid resilienceDr. Ulf Katschinski, Vice President of the business unit Switching Products and Systems of Siemens Energy Transmission
Environmentally friendly, technically advanced and incredibly resilient
The 8VN1 Blue GIS has many benefits to offer. Besides being compact and technically more advanced than SF6 insulation, it features a design with Zero F-gases, which provides clear environmental benefits. In addition, this successful earthquake test of the Blue GIS 8VN1 at 145 kV level makes it an indispensable switchgear solution for substations located in areas prone to earthquakes.
By producing innovative Blue GIS with validated earthquake withstanding capabilities Siemens Energy is contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals number 7 and number 9: “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all” and “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”.
Pretact
The Pretact® concept of Siemens Energy Transmission was introduced to maximize the resilience of modern power grids. It comprises a comprehensive set of modular features to prevent and protect transformers and high-voltage products better from operational issues as well against natural disasters or forced outages. In addition, highly flexible “mobile resilience units” provide a chance to react quickly in case of an emergency or planned maintenance.
UN sustainability goals
As a leader in innovations with comprehensive, connective and sustainable portfolio, Siemens Energy Transmission is supporting the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals number 3 “good health and well-being”, 7 “Affordable and clean energy”, 8 “Decent work and economic growth”, 9 “Industry, innovation and infrastructure", 11 “Sustainable cities and communities”, 14 “Life below water” and 15 "Living on land".
Siemens Energy Transmission
Transmission products play a vital role in the energy value chain. Siemens Energy Transmission offers all key elements including power transformers, gas-insulated and / or air-insulated switchgear and components, individually or bundled, with related engineering. With our global factory network and leading innovations we provide the highest level of quality and reliability to support our customers in achieving their objectives.
