2010 IEEE T&D Conference and Exposition
Surge Protection Highlights
This is a page dedicated to the 2010 IEEE T&D Exposition relative
to Surge Protection. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Send it
to jonathan.woodworth@arresterworks.com
A New Version of the IEEE Flash Program
Open-sourced Software for Calculating the Lightning Outage Rate of a Line. T. E. McDermott, Senior Member, IEEEFor many years, the IEEE operated separate working groups to develop guides for overhead transmission line and distribution line lightning protection. The transmission line guide came with a simple program to estimate lighting flashover rates called "IEEE Flash". The latest version of Flash is freely available, but it does not account for newer developments, most importantly line arresters. Since the two working groups have been consolidated, a new effort is underway to develop Flash 2.0 that covers both transmission and distribution lines.
The project is open source under the BSD-new license, and maintained at SourceForge. http://www.sourceforge.net/projects/ieeeflash/
Members of the development team include:
- T. E. McDermott, MelTran
- W. A. Chisholm, Kinectrics / UQ-Chicoutimi
- G. Leone, Stanley Consultants
- D. Maragal, NYPA
- J. D. Schoene, EnerNex
- T. A. Short, EPRI
IEEE FLASH 2.0 FEATURES
It is a design goal of Flash 2.0 that EMTP simulation shall not be required. However, rudimentary integration with EMTP is an option. The program is to provide quick estimates of line and arrester performance, commensurate with uncertainties in the data and models, and suitable for use by utility engineers. With implementation Excel 2007 it is expected that a newer generation of students and researchers can readily extend the program.A summary list of IEEE Flash 2.0 follows:
- Consolidated treatment of transmission and distribution lines.
- Shielding analysis using an electrogeometric model, or alternative module.
- Insulation strength described by a volt-time curve, or alternative module, with CFO added by wood, fiberglass, and similar secondary or tertiary insulating materials.
- Impact of tower surge impedance, span length, corona, and conductor characteristics.
- Estimates of backflash rates and the performance of tower or pole grounding methods.
- Estimates of induced voltages and flashovers from nearby strokes, using a modified Rusck formula.
- Estimates of line arrester impact on flashover rates.
- Estimates of line arrester failure rates.
- Generate an EMTP input file, for further analysis.
- Tom says that Flash 2.0 in its Excel version will be available by early July 2010.
Siemens is now offering the Externally Gapped Line Arrester (EGLA)
An arrester that has been available from Sediver, Toshiba, and NGK for years is now available also by Siemens. A 132kV rated double SVU (Series Varistor Unit) arrester was on display. US based Product Manager Ulrich Bauch explained that they do not have literature at the moment because most designs are specials and each installation requires different configurations however they are ready to work with any inquires.
Hubbell Displays a New High BIL Insulating Hanger
This new insulating hanger is designed for installation in environments where there is extreme contamination. Any user that has experienced distribution arrester insulating hanger tracking could benefit from this design. The light gray part of the insulating hanger is silicone rubber material and the dark gray part is glass filled polyester.This insulating hanger design has been in use quite effectively in the Florida environment for years.
With this insulating hanger installed, the necessity to replace an arrester within few months after its disconnector has operated is avoided. Contact Arrester Product Manager Steve Brewer for more information.
Hubbell Displays the Improved Protecta-lite
The transmission line arrester line has been simplified with fewer parts and less risk of parts wearing out. Several steel plated components were replaced with one copper strap. The strap makes installation easier and reduces the wear points. Vibration and wear are more important on transmission line arresters due to the fact that they are more exposed to wind and vibration.
Tyco Displays Their Retro-fitable Wildlife Protective Device (WPD) for Arresters
As the demand for higher system reliability increases, the need for better wildlife protectors increases. Tyco is answering the demand by introducing a WPD that will not come off, and will reduce the probability of an animal induced outage. And it can be easily installed on existing arresters without an outage.
ABB Displays their EXCOUNT II Arrester Condition Monitoring System
The EXCOUNT II conditioning monitor is their top-of-the line product combining modern looks with the most advanced watts-leakage monitoring system on the market. The EXCOUNT-II enables users to keep track of overvoltages in the network as well as providing state-of-the art on-line condition monitoring of arresters.
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ELPRO Displays Disks and Arresters
Elpro International had a complete display of distribution and station products. They are a supplier of ZnO Disks and Arresters.
Richards Manufacturing Displayed a New 35kV Elbow Arrester
Richards Manufacturing has introduced an Elbow arrester to the market. It is designed for a 600 amp interface.
ArresterWorks and Arrester Museum was at Booth 657
Send Comments to jonathan.woodworth@arresterworks.com
DTR Corporation Displays the Only Distribution EGLA at the Show
DTR Corporation had a full line of distribution arresters on display as well as the only distribution Externally Gapped Line Arrester at the Expo. The EGLA is located at the back left of the photo and is mounted with a ring around the mating insulator.
Contact SW Song the International Sales and Marketing Manager at DTR for more details