Shunt Reactor Switching Transient Analysis

Nolan, Patrick (2018) Shunt Reactor Switching Transient Analysis. [USQ Project]


Abstract

For many years electrical energy providers across the globe have used shunt reactors to reduce steady-state overvoltage conditions on medium to extra high voltage networks. Shunt reactors are predominantly inductive and, when placed at strategic locations within an electrical network, reduce network voltage levels through Var absorption. Steady-state overvoltage conditions generally occur at the ends of long transmission lines during low load periods and may impact network operations or reduce plant life expectancy. The demand for a shunt reactor can vary between high and low load periods, and a circuit breaker may be required to switch the highly inductive reactor load current on a regular basis. Although the load current associated with shunt reactor switching is small in comparison to fault current, significant transient voltages may be present during circuit breaker opening. To safely deenergise a shunt reactor under normal operating conditions the circuit breaker must overcome the transient recovery voltage after the reactor load current has been interrupted.

Designing or reviewing a shunt reactor installation requires an understanding of complex switching phenomenon and an ability to accurately model/predict the transient recovery voltage. The transient overvoltage conditions produced during shunt reactor switching may cause damage to the reactor, circuit breaker and other equipment exposed to the transient overvoltages. Failure to identify potential problems and implement suitable control measures within a shunt reactor installation can lead to rapid aging of equipment and increased likelihood of explosive failures, which affects network security and employee safety. The aim of this project is to provide insight into the transient overvoltage phenomena and its sensitivity to the system electrical characteristics. Such an improved understanding will allow design engineers to make better decisions when modelling and designing primary plant to meet onerous demands that occur during reactor switching. The project will also review existing methods of managing transient overvoltages and hence reduce the risk of damage to electrical plant


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Item Type: USQ Project
Item Status: Live Archive
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021)
Supervisors: Hewitt, Andrew; Plaza, Damon
Qualification: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Power)
Date Deposited: 05 Sep 2022 23:50
Last Modified: 29 Jun 2023 02:21
Uncontrolled Keywords: shunt reactors; electrical energy; transient overvoltage
URI: https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/40776

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