HIGH VOLTAGE ENGINEERING
FOR
B.E.(EEE) STUDENTS
OF
ANNA UNIVERSITY
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
1
INTRODUCTION OF THE FACULTY
NAME
: Dr. M.A. PANNEERSELVAM
QUALIFICATION
: B.E., (ELECTRICAL)
M.E (HIGH VOLTAGE
ENGINEERING)
Ph.D (HIGH VOLTAGE
ENGINEERING)
AREA OF
SPECIALISATION
: ELECTRICAL MACHINES
&
HIGH VOLTAGE
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor, ENGINEERING
Anna University
2
NO. OF PAPERS
PUBLISHED
: ABOUT 30 IN BOTH NATIONAL
& INTERNATIONAL JOURNALS
NO. OF Ph.D’s PRODUCED
: 4
CANDIDATES WORKING
FOR Ph.D. CURRENTLY
: 4
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
3
LIST OF REFERENCES
1. High Voltage Engineering -4 th
Edition- M.S. Naidu and V.KamarajuTata Mc.Graw-Hill Publishing Co.
Ltd.,- New Delhi- 2009.
2. High Voltage Engineering -3 rd
Edition- C.L. Wadhwa - New Age
International(P) Ltd. Publishers New Delhi, Bangalore …- 2010.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
4
3. High Voltage Engineering J.R.Lucas - Sri Lanka - 2001.
4. High Voltage EngineeringKuffel,E and Abdullah,M - Pergomon
Press, Oxford-1970.
5. High Voltage Engineering
Fundamentals - 2 nd Edition Kuffel,E , Zaengl,W.S and Kuffel,J Butterworths, London- 2000.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
5
6. High Voltage Measurement
Techniques - Schwab,A.J - M.I.T.
Press, Cambridge - 1972.
7. High voltage Technology Alston,L.L - Oxford University Press,
Oxford-1968.
8. High Voltage Laboratory
Techniques- Craggs, J.D. and Meek,
J.M - Butterworths, London- 1954.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
6
9. Indian Standards Specification
on High Voltage Testing of Electrical
Apparatus ( IS 1876-1961, IS 2071
Part I-1974, IS 2071 Part II-1974,
IS 2071 Part III-1976, IS 2026 Part
III- 1981, IS 3070 Part I-1985,
IS
2516 Part II/Sec.2-1965 and IS 698 ).
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
7
THE SUBJECT DEALS WITH
THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:
1.OVERVOLTAGES
2.BREAKDOWN IN GASES, SOLIDS ,
LIQUIDS AND VACUUM DIELECTRICS
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
8
3.GENERATION OF VERY HIGH
VOLTAGES AND CURRENTS
4.MEASUREMENT OF VERY HIGH
VOLTAGES AND CURRENTS
5.HIGH VOLTAGE TESTING &
INSULATION COORDINATION
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
9
UNIT 1 : OVERVOLTAGES
1.0 NATURE OF OVERVOLTAGES
1.External overvoltages / Lightning
overvoltages
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
10
2.Internal overvoltages /
Switching surges
3.Power frequency overvoltages
due to system faults
4.DC overvoltages
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
11
1.1 LIGHTNING OVERVOLTAGES
Due to lightning and thunder storms
overvoltages are injected onto the
transmission lines.
CLOUD
- - - - ++++
- - - -++++
- - - - +++++
- - - +++++
++++--++++--- ++++----++++--DISCHARGE
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
TYPE - I
12
DISCHARGE
--------- - - -- - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - ------
++++++++
++++++++
+++++++++
++++++++
+++++
CLOUD
CLOUD
TYPE - II
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
13
--------- - - -- - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - ------
++++++++
++++++++
+++++++++
++++++++
+++++
I AMPS
/2
/2
-----------------Ƶ
Ƶ
I AMPS
/2
/2
+++++++++++++++++++
Ƶ
Ƶ
TYPE - III
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
14
PROPAGATION OF LIGHTNING CHANNEL
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
15
1.1.1 Voltage developed due to
lightning stroke:
EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
16
For a lightning stroke current of
200 kA and assuming a surge
impedance of 400 Ω for overhead
line, the voltage developed is
equal to( I x Z/ 2 ) = 200 x 103 x
400/2 = 40 x 106 = 40 MV.
1.1.2 Traveling waves on
transmission lines :
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
17
TRANSMISSION LINE WITH SURGE IMPEDANCE ‘Z’
The velocity of traveling
waves on overhead lines is
300 m / μs and on cables is
approximately 150 m / μs.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
18
1.1.3 Impulse voltage wave
shape:
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
19
Specification for impulse
voltage: ( AS PER INDIAN STANDARDS )
t1  Time to Front  1.2 s
t2  Time to Tail  50 s
Vp  Peak voltage
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
20
Tolerances allowed:
For Front time, t1  ± 30%
For Tail time,
t2  ± 20%
Oscillations around the peak ,Vp,
±5%
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
21
1.1.4 Types of impulse voltages :
FULL IMPULSE
CHOPPED IMPULSE
FRONT OF WAVE
IMPULSE
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
22
1.2 INTERNAL OVERVOLTAGES
(SWITCHING SURGES)
1.2.1 Reasons for switching
surge voltages:
• Sudden opening of a line
• Sudden closing of a line
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
23
•Connection of inductance /
Capacitance
•Sudden connection and removal
of loads , etc.
Any sudden disturbance taking
place in a transmission line will
cause switching surge .
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
24
For the range of values of the
inductance and capacitance of
overhead lines the frequency of the
switching surges are generally in
the range of kc/s and they exist for
a duration of milliseconds.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
25
1.2.2 Switching surges on
transmission lines:
Ex.1 Opening of an unloaded OH
line:
Simply opening of an unloaded line
transmission line may result in
switching surge as shown in the fig.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
26
Assume the switch ‘AB’ is opened
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
27
at time, t = 0, when the AC voltage
is at its peak. During the next half
cycle the voltage at terminal ‘A’
changes to negative peak of AC
voltage , wheras the voltage at
terminal ‘B’ remains at positive
peak. Hence the voltage across the
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
28
B
2 Vp
t=0
A
switch becomes 2 Vp .If the switch
is unable withstand this voltage it
breaks down and a switching surge
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
29
of magnitude 2 Vp travels on the
line. At the terminations it gets
reflected and refracted and builds
up further to a higher level.
Another example for generation
of switching surge is the
operation of a circuit breaker as
shown in the next figure.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
30
Ex.2 Operation of a circuit
breaker:
RE STRIKING
VOLTAGE
2Vp
RECOVERY
VOLTAGE
ARC VOLTAGE
FAULT CURRENT
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
31
RESTRIKING VOLTAGE
ACROSS A CIRCUIT BREAKER
The maximum voltage across the
breaker contacts = 2 Vp =2√2 VRMS
The voltage after reflection and
refraction at the terminals of the
transmission line may reach a
maximum of 5 t0 6 times the
system voltage.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
32
1.3 PF OVERVOLTAGES DUE
TO LOCAL SYSTEM FAULTS
1.3.1 Local faults in the systems
are :

Line to ground fault (3)
 Double line to ground fault (3)
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
33
 Double line fault (3)
 Triple line fault (1)
 Triple line to ground fault (1)
Of the total 11 faults above, a
double line to ground fault is
more dangerous with respect to
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
34
overvoltages developed.
Coefficient of earthing (COE) of a
system is defined as the ratio of the
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
35
voltage of the healthy phase to
ground to that of the line voltage
in the event of a double line to
ground fault.
The value of COE varies between
1/√3 to 1.0(i.e., 0.59 to 1.0) depending
upon the neutral impedance.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
36
When the value of ‘COE” is less
than 70 % ,the system is said to be
an effectively or solidly earthed
system.
When the ‘COE’ is more than 70 %,
the system is said to be a non
effectively earthed system.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
37
Systems above 230 kV are generally
effectively earthed.
For System ratings above 230 kV
the Switching surge voltages attain
very high values and become more
severe than impulse voltages.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
38
Hence,the insulation design (i.e.,
insulation coordination) is based
on switching surges rather than
impulse voltages.
1.4 DC OVERVOLTAGES
During the past 2 to 3 decades
HVDC systems came into existence.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
39
HVDC systems have converters
and inverters at the sending end
and receiving end respectively
employing thyristers.
Switching surges are produced
due to thyristers’ operation.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
40
1.5 TRAVELLING WAVES ON
TRANSMISSION LINES:
LONG TRANSMISSION LINE
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
41
Assuming a lossless line (i.e.,
R=0,G=0) when the wave has travelled
a distance ‘x’ after a time ‘t’, the
electrostatic flux associated with the
voltage wave is, q = CxV ------------(1)
The current is given by the rate of
charge flow , I = dq/dt = VC dx/dt---(2)
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
42
Here dx/dt is the velocity of the
travelling wave represented by,
I = VC v
-------------------(3)
Similarly, the electromagnetic flux
associated with the current wave,
Φ = Lx I
---------------------(4)
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
43
The voltage is the rate of change of
flux linkages,
V = LI dx/dt = LIv --------------------(5)
Dividing Eqn.(5) by (3),
V/I= LIv/VCv = LI/CV
V2/I2=L/C. i.e.,V/I=Z=√(L/C) --------(6)
Next multiplying Eqn. (5) and (6),
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
44
VI = VCv x LIv = VILC v2
v2 = VI / VILC = 1/ (LC)
v = 1 / √ (LC) -----------------------(7)
Substituting the values for ‘L’ and
‘C’ of overhead lines we get,
v = 1 / ((2x10-7 ln d/r x 2πε/(ln d/r))
= 3x108 m/sec. = 300 m/μ sec.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
45
which is the velocity of light.
Hence, travelling waves travel with
velocity of light on overhead lines.
In cables, since εr >1, the velocity of
travelling waves is lesser than
overhead lines and is approximately
150 m/ μ sec.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
46
Open ended line:
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
47
The voltage wave and current
waves travelling towards the open
end are related by, V / I = Z.
Since the current at the open end
is zero, the electromagnetic energy
vanishes and is transformed into
electrostatic energy:
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
48
i.e.,½ L(dx) I2 = ½ C(dx)e2
i.e.,(e/I)2 = L/C = Z2 . i.e., e=IZ=V.
Hence, the potential at the open end
is raised by ‘V’ volts and becomes
V+V=2V.
The
incident wave = V, the reflected wave
= V and the refracted (transmitted)
wave = V+V= 2V
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
49
The refracted(transmitted) wave =
Incident wave + Reflected wave.
For an open ended line the reflection
coefficient for voltage wave is +1
and the reflection coefficient for
current wave is -1.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
50
VOLTAGE AND CURRENT WAVES OPEN ENDED LINE
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
51
Short circuited line:
For a short circuited line , the
reflection coefficient for voltage
wave is -1 and for current wave is +1.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
52
VOLTAGE AND CURRENT WAVES FOR SHORT CIRCUITED LINE
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
53
Reflection and transmission
coefficients for line terminated with
impedance ‘R’ :
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
54
Let the incident voltage and current
waves be V and I, the reflected waves
V’ and I’ and the transmitted waves V’’
and I’’.
It is
seen in the earlier sections that
whatever be the value of terminating
impedance,whether it is open or short
circuited , either the current wave or
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
55
voltage wave is reflected back with
negative sign, i.e., I’ = - V’/Z
I=V/Z , I’=-V’/Z and I’’=V’’/ R.
Since I’’=I+I’ and V’’= V+V’,
we
have,
V’’/R = V/Z – V’/Z =V/Z – (V’’-V)/Z
= 2V/Z – V’’/Z.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
56
V’’(1/R +1/Z)= V’’(R+Z)/RZ = 2V/Z
V’’= V 2R/(R+Z) and
I’’ = I 2Z/(R+Z)
Hence , the refraction coefficients
for voltage and current waves for
open ended line respectively are:
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
57
2R / R+Z
and 2Z / R+Z
Similarly, the reflection
coefficients for voltage and
current for open ended line are
respectively:
(R-Z) / (R+Z) and - (R-Z) / (R+Z)
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
58
Bewley’s Lattice Diagram:
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
59
1.6 COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT
TYPES OF OVERVOLTAGES
1 Lightning overvoltage :
Lightning overvoltage is an external
overvoltage as it is independent of
the system parameters. It injects
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
60
current on to the transmission
lines producing a voltage ranging
from kV to MV . It has a wave
shape of 1.2/50 μs and exists for a
period of microseconds. The very
high rate of rise of the impulse
voltage striking the line is
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
61
equivalent to applying a voltage
at very high frequency of the
order of Mc/s.
2 Switching Surge :
Switching surges are internal
overvoltages as they are
dependant upon the system
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
62
parameters (i.e., the voltage level,
the values of R,L and C of the line).
Their magnitudes range from 4 to 6
times the system voltage and they
have damped oscillations of kc/s
and exist for durations of
milliseconds.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
63
3 Power frequency overvoltage :
Due to local system faults such as
‘double line to ground faults’ the
voltage of the healthy phase to ground
will increase from phase voltage to line
voltage depending upon the neural
earthing impedance of the system.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
64
1.7 PROTECTION OF
TRANSMISSION LINES AGAINST
OVERVOLTAGES
1.5.0 Transmission lines are
protected from lightning and
switching surges by adopting
the following methods :
1.Use of shielding wires
2. Reduction of tower footing
resistance and use of counter poises
3.Using spark gaps ( sphere gap
and horn gap )
4.Connection of surge absorbers
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
66
5.Overhead lines connected to
cables
6.Using protector tubes ( Expulsion
Arresters )
7.Using non-linear resister
lightning arresters ( Valve
Arresters)
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
67
1.7.1 Shielding wires:
 Shielding wires are ground wires
connected above phase wires.
 The shielding angle should be
less than 300 for effective
protection of the transmission line
against lightning stroke.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
68
SHIELDING ARRANGEMENT
OF TRANSMISSION LINES
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
69
1.7.2 Reduction of tower footing
resistance and use of counter
poises :
Dr M SHOWING
A Panneerselvam,
Professor,
ARRANGEMENT
COUNTER
POISES
Anna University
70
1.7.3 Spark gaps :
When Spark gaps are connected
between phase to ground the gaps
breakdown due to lightning
overvoltage and lightning energy is
diverted to ground through gaps.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
71
Spark gaps are of the
following types:
Rod gaps
Horn gaps
Sphere gaps
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
72
Sphere gaps are generally
preferred as they have ,
Consistency in breakdown
Less affected by humidity and
other atmospheric conditions.
Lesser impulse ratio
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
73
ROD GAP
HORN GAP
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
74
IMPULSE HORN GAP
SPHERE GAP
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
75
IMPULSE RATIO:
Impulse ratio is defined as
the ratio of peak impulse
breakdown voltage to that of
peak
power
frequency
breakdown voltage of a given
insulation.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
76
Sphere gaps have impulse ratio
around unity and hence they offer
better protection against lightning
overvoltages and helps in
reduction of insulation
of
equipment connected in the system.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
77
1.7.4 Surge absorbers :
•Power loss takes place due to corona
at excess overvoltages and helps in
the reduction of such overvoltages.
•In addition the front time of the
impulse voltage is increased resulting
in reduced stress on the equipment.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
78
IMPULSE VOLTAGE AT DIFFERENT TIMES ON A TRANSMISSION
LINE
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
79
Connection of resistance in series
and Ferranti’s surge absorber :
FERRANTI’S
SURGE ABSORBER
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
80
1.7.5 Connection of UG cable
to overhead line :
The reflection coefficient,
R = ZC – ZL / ZC + ZL . Taking ZL as
400 ohms and Zc as 60 ohms
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
81
The reflection coefficient , R
= 60 – 400 / 60 + 400 = -340 / 460 =
-0.739
The voltage transmitted into the
cable 1.0 - 0.739 = 0.261 pu = 26 %
of the incident voltage.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
82
1.7.6 Protector tubes ( Expulsion
Arresters ) :
Spark gaps have the following
draw backs:
 They offer protection against
overvoltages by diverting the
lightning energy to ground but
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
83
they cannot arrest the power follow
currents.
 They are always used as secondary
protection except for very small
system voltages.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
84
The drawbacks of expulsion
arrestors are:
They require certain minimum
energy to produce gas to quench the
arc.
For very high current values they
may explode due to very high
pressure of gas generated.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
85
EXPULSION ARRESTER
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
86
1.7.7 Non linear resister lightning
arresters( Valve Arresters ) :
These arresters act as valve in the
sense that they offer very low
impedance for lightning voltages and
offer very high impedance for power
frequency currents.
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
87
VALVE ARRESTER
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
88
CHARACTERISTIC CURVES
FOR VALVE ARRESTORS
VOLTAGE TIME CHARACTERISTICS
RESIDUAL
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
VOLTAGE
89
REPRESENTATIVE
PHOTOGRAPHS
OF
LIGHTNING DISCHARGE
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
90
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
91
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
92
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
93
Dr M A Panneerselvam, Professor,
Anna University
94