Strategic Plan of CIGRE Study Committee A3

Strategic Plan

Study Committee A3

2011-2020

(Updated March 2014)

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Strategic Plan of CIGRE Study Committee A3 High Voltage Equipment

Mission Statement

The mission of Study Committee A3 is to facilitate and promote progress in engineering and the international exchange of technical/scientific information and the increase of knowledge in the field of DC and AC transmission & distribution substation equipment, as well as to add value to this information and knowledge by means of synthesizing state-of-the-art practices and developing recommendations.

SC A3 is responsible for the theory, design, construction, and application of equipment components, equipment, and equipment systems applied to both AC and DC systems from distribution up to highest transmission voltage levels. This includes the behaviour and interaction with, and duties imposed by, the network and other system equipment under normal and abnormal conditions, testing and testing technologies, quality assurance, reliability and maintenance, environmental impact, disposal and recycling.

The equipment covered by SC A3’s scope includes all devices for switching, interrupting, or limiting currents (circuit breakers, reclosers, sectionalizers, load switches, disconnecting switches, earthing switches, fault current limiters, etc.) independent of technology. It also includes surge arresters, shunt and series capacitors, busbar, bushings and equipment insulators, instrument transformers and all other high and medium voltage equipment not specifically covered under another equipment study committee’s scope. All kind of insulation and interrupting media (in air-, gas- and solid insulated equipment) in indoor as well as outdoor substations are considered.

Approval

Approved by the Study Committee A3 Vienna, 2011, September 8th Update: 2012, May 30th Update: 2014, March 12th

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of Strategic Plan The purpose of the Study Committee A3 Strategic Plan is to describe the mid-to-long term directions and goals of the Study Committee in order to orient its internal activities and its relationship to the Technical Committee, other CIGRE Study Committees and external organizations.

1.2 Relationship to CIGRE Strategic Directions and other Study Committees The Technical Committee of CIGRE has issued “Strategic Directions 2010-2020” in 2010, which has been approved by the CIGRE Administrative Council and is the basis for preparation of the International Study Committee Strategic Plans. The activities of Study Committee A3 cover all substation equipment and their behaviour in transmission and distribution systems that are not always solely within the scope of A3 and often require coordination with other Study Committees or related external organisations such as IEC, IEEE and CIRED in order to investigate the behaviour and stresses in networks, components and materials relating to High and Medium Voltage Equipment. Keeping close communications with these working bodies, Study Committee A3 continues to develop new studies on emerging challenges required for technical, economical and sustainable solutions in the areas of new technical requirements to equipment, best use of assets, and phenomena appearing in changing system conditions. Study Committee A3 also pursues the technical background for development of new and existing standards on subjects requested by the IEC. For the purpose of knowledge and information dissemination, Study Committee A3 has intensified its educational and tutorial activities on all its relevant subjects, not only within the CIGRE community, but also to IEEE, IEC, and many related international conferences and exhibitions. This provides CIGRE greater internal and external visibility and builds new relationships with other industry groups. Study Committee A3 welcomes any requests for future tutorials or workshops.

1.3 Time Horizon The Strategic Plan covers a period of 10 years. Actual activities are laid down in an Action Plan covering a three-year horizon. Periodic updating of the Strategic Plan is done during the odd-years Study Committee meetings, taking into account Study Committee A3 members suggestions and the Technical Committee’s and other Study Committees Strategic Plans. The Action Plan will be reviewed annually.

2 OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

2.1 Target Groups Historically the target groups of the High Voltage Equipment areas of CIGRE have been Manufacturers, Academia and Power Utilities. In addition, the particular needs of Testing and Standardization Organizations have been also well represented.

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Many of the historically represented power utilities now have transmission infrastructures that have matured and experience reduced growth. The management of mature infrastructures creates the need for life management, integration of old and new technologies, adapting existing networks to new roles, and preserving knowledge in a reducing workforce. The expansion of transmission infrastructures remains an important issue in countries with changing system conditions and developing networks. Issues associated with Ultra High Voltage (UHV), AC & DC equipment technologies, the environment, and training of an expanding workforce needs to be addressed in these countries. Long-distance bulk transmission forces utilities in a number of countries to implement electrical grids with rated voltages of 1000 kV and above for AC transmission and 800 kV and above for DC transmission, which creates a real demand for standardization in the field of UHV technologies. In 2006, SC A3 established a WG to study technical requirements for substation equipment exceeding 800 kV. The WG summarized the state-of-the-art of UHV technologies resulting in identifying opportunities for optimising requirements and both the size and cost of UHV equipment as well as studying switching phenomena in UHV and EHV systems in order to support standardisation of UHV switchgear in IEC SC 17A. HVDC transmission has been expanding due to rapid development of power electronics technology, partly caused by the need for connection of offshore or remote wind farms and /or large hydro power generators. SC B4 leads the HVDC investigations and provides a platform for greater engagement of other SCs on HVDC grid issues. SC A3 has established a JWG on economical and reliable DC switchgear potentially applicable to future HVDC grids. Industries in many parts of the world are undergoing significant structural change. This transition of the electricity system has created new organizations and structures that are all interested in High and Medium Voltage Equipment issues.

The target groups for Study Committee A3, therefore, include: - Utilities

- Equipment Suppliers - Universities and Research Institutes - Asset Managers - Maintenance Providers - Investors and Contractors - Grid Planners and Regulators - Independent System Operators - Consultants and Experts - Standardization and Testing Organizations - Environmental Bodies

2.2 Industry Issues The Electric Power Industry consists of both developing and mature infrastructures that need to fulfil technical, economic, social, and environmental requirements. The management of High and Medium Voltage Equipment issues provides an opportunity to meet those needs in a sustainable manner.

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Study Committee A3 monitors the evolution of technology, environmental and socioeconomic factors in a changing Electric Power Industry. These factors have a direct impact on the progress and development of transmission and distribution systems and thus on High and Medium Voltage Equipment. The present trends, which influence the technological development of High and Medium Voltage Equipment, include the following: - The interaction of High and Medium Voltage Equipment with future transmission and distribution networks including the increased applications of distributed generation - Deregulation and power trading requiring energy flow optimization in networks and increased focus on overload capabilities and properties - Upcoming HVDC and Hybrid AC & DC Power Networks - A less distinct borderline between transmission and distribution - A growing demand for larger capacity equipment - Testing requirements and methods for AC and DC High and Medium Voltage Equipment which considers network stresses and the characteristic behaviour of the various types of equipment technologies and the topology of test circuits - An increasing maximum short-circuit power in networks - The application of intelligent equipment that allows integration within advanced control and protection schemes - New technologies and possible alternatives to High and Medium Voltage Equipment presently used including new switching devices, fault limiters, insulation systems and measurement of voltage and current - The integration of High and Medium Voltage components into functional units - Applications of controlled switching including the impact on network operation - A growing influence of HV electronic devices in AC and DC applications, including power electronics, converters and drives. - International standards for High Voltage Equipment that meet industry needs - A growing demand for the reduction of life cycle costs, placing more emphasis on reliability, monitoring and increased life expectancy - Reliability and availability of High and Medium Voltage Equipment in service - Overstressing concerns of High and Medium Voltage Equipment in service - A growing awareness of environmental issues, including the concern over sulfur hexaflouride as a greenhouse gas - The contribution of High and Medium Voltage Equipment to environmental sustainability through the use of new materials, techniques and management systems - The reduced depth of expertise within the industry requiring greater international training and education cooperation.

3 FOUR MAJOR STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS The Technical Committee has worked out Four Major Strategic Directions:

- Prepare the “strong and smart” power system of the future - Make the best use of the existing equipment and system

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- Answer the environment concerns and sustainability - Development knowledge and information

In its investigation it has defined the following factors as shaping the network of the future:

- Changes in electricity demand - Active distribution networks - Massive exchange of information - Integration of HVDC / Power electronics - Impact of massive change in energy carriers, including energy storage - Challenges caused by environmental needs and concerns - Influences of regulation, legislation and targets of the various countries - New and emerging technologies are the enabler for significant changes - Maintaining and expanding the existing power system

Study Committee A3’s Strategic Plan transfers these more general statements into the field of High and Medium Voltage Equipment for both distribution and transmission systems.

3.1 Prepare the “strong and smart” power system of the future Study Committee A3 is to be the primary forum where utilities, researchers and manufacturers can discuss and promote new technologies and innovative methods to address industry needs. This is to be achieved by:

- The early formation of appropriate Working Groups and Task Forces - Selection of preferential subjects with a focus on new technology - Considering standardization to enable the early adoption of new technology in close cooperation with IEC SC17A

New technologies of particular interest to Study Committee A3 include:

- Equipment for Ultra High, High and Medium Voltage AC networks - Equipment for Ultra High, High and Medium Voltage DC or Hybrid networks - New and environmentally friendly insulating and interrupting media - Integrated bay equipment - Improved control of network switching devices - Diagnostic and monitoring techniques - Requirements for substation equipment in changing network conditions - Current and voltage measurement - Application of new dielectric materials in equipment - Increased application of semiconductor technologies - Superconductivity for fault current limitation and interruption

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3.2 Make the best use of the existing equipment and system Promote management systems and technologies that will optimize the performance of existing high voltage equipment in distribution and transmission systems. This will be achieved by:

- Investigating the reliability of High and Medium voltage equipment - Consideration of all aspects of Life Management (including Lifetime extension) - Deterioration and ageing processes of substation equipment - Improvements to condition monitoring and diagnostic techniques - Consideration of network developments, trends (legal, regulatory, institutional, technical) and stresses that may impact installed High and Medium Voltage Equipment and today’s standards - The influence of more severe weather conditions and new environmental impact on equipment and its specifications - Observation and participation of the activities of other Study Committees in areas of interaction

3.3 Answer the environment concerns and sustainability Increase the consideration of environmental issues in the development and management of High and Medium Voltage Equipment for distribution and transmission systems. This is to be achieved through: - Consideration of environmental impact at all stages of design, engineering, manufacturing, operation, maintenance, recycling and disposal of High Voltage Equipment - Potential and present limitation of Vacuum switchgear at transmission voltages

- Possibility to reduce the use of SF6 in testing - Reduction of equipment related losses - Study of environmentally friendly current interruption and insulating media - Reduction of visual and spatial impact, reduction of size, underground, submersible, integrated - Better usage of existing plants, longer lifetime, availability and efficiency

3.4 Development of knowledge and information The scope of Study Committee A3 is equipment and its interaction on substations and networks. The general public and the political decision makers do not normally see the specific equipment but the complete electricity supply. Therefore SC A3 sees the substation and equipment as the bodies to be dealt with. Study Committee A3 will support these SCs, but concentrate the communication with our target group. The number of engineers who understand High and Medium Voltage Equipment is in decline in many regions while in other regions there is insufficient resource of expertise to meet the demands of a growing industry and changing network conditions. There is also a risk that the existing knowledge base may be diminished as the number of experts in the industry declines. Dissemination of expertise and education in the field of equipment phenomena and application, are therefore an important communication task for Study Committee A3.

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Study Committee A3 will provide tutorials based on the investigations summarized or published by the related WGs at various opportunities such as international conferences and exhibitions. SC A3 will also support the CIGRE Green Book (reference book) project to transmit an image of CIGRE as an organization which pursues greater internal and external visibility and builds new relationships with other industry groups, in addition to knowledge and information sharing and development.

Inside CIGRE

- Maximizing the use of electronic mail and other IT tools within the Study Committee - Ensuring Working Groups promptly produce articles and brochures

With Target Groups

- Improved linkages within IEEE, IEC and CIRED - An effective SC A3 website that will form a focus for committee communication and a resource for distribution of SC and WG information to target groups - Regular publication in Electra - Organisation of workshops to enhance the communication of SC A3 activities - Encouragement of Study Committee Ambassadors to present CIGRE material at seminars

Education

- Tutorials and workshops developed by Working Groups - Working Groups that capture and share existing knowledge through the production of application guides - Encouraging Study Committee Ambassadors to present CIGRE material at universities supported by a CIGRE Green Book (reference book) project - An effective web site - The use of video and other multimedia IT tools - Promotion of university research

3.5 Study Committee A3 Goals As a precondition to fulfil expectations and attain its vision within its scope of work, it will need to:

- Become the primary international organization for providing unbiased information on High and Medium Voltage Equipment for both distribution and transmission systems - Be recognized as a truly global committee addressing the High and Medium Voltage Equipment needs of developing, newly industrialized, and industrialized countries - Bridge the gap between the various organizations and segments of the Electric Power Industry interested in High and Medium Voltage Equipment - Be recognized as a progressive committee promoting sustainable solutions to High and Medium Voltage Equipment issues - Be the organization that conducts the preparatory work for High and Medium Voltage Equipment standards developed by standardisation organisations

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4 STRUCTURE OF STUDY COMMITTEE A3

4.1 Study Committee Meetings The Study Committee meets every year. In even years a one-day meeting is held in Paris in conjunction with the CIGRE General Session. In odd years a two-day meeting takes place in the country of one of the Study Committee members, upon invitation of that country’s CIGRE National Committee. Study Committee A3 has the responsibility of organizing the Session of Group A3 of the Paris Conference, by selecting the preferential subjects, reviewing the submitted papers, appointing Special Reporters, editing the Special Report and chairing the Technical Session. After the Session the Study Committee edits a summary containing the presented substantive points of the Session. Study Committee A3 will organize a half-day Poster Session during the Paris Conference with participation by authors of the Session papers and the attendances to allow more in depth discussions of the papers. The Convenors of all WGs will also present their progress at the Poster Session and exchange the information on specific subjects with those interested. Study Committee A3 may also organize colloquia on specific subjects in odd years at irregular intervals. They are held in a country of a Study Committee member upon invitation of the country’s CIGRE National Committee, in general in combination with the Study Committee meeting. The Chairman of the Study Committees chooses the Secretary, who assists the Chairman in the preparation of the Study Committee meetings, Colloquia and Symposia, and in writing the Annual report. Upon the Chairman’s instructions, he draws up the Agenda and Minutes of Study Committee meetings. The Secretary also arranges for circulation of all Study Committee internal documents to Committee Members and the Central Office.

4.2 Working Groups Study Committee A3 sets up Working Groups to perform technical work on specific subjects upon the approval of the Technical Committee. All Working Groups are established for a limited duration (usually less than 3 to 4 years) to maximize the potential to cover a wide range of issues with a limited resource. The Study Committee members appoint the Conveners of Working Groups, who is usually chosen from the country which promotes the subjects. Working Group Conveners participate in Study Committee meetings and are invited to the Strategic Planning Advisory Group. The Study Committee follows the progress of the Working Group activities and decides on the publication of their reports (Technical Brochure). The Convenors have the responsibility to maintain CIGRE’s reputation by delivering high-quality unbiased information in the publications. The Study Committee assigns Document Advisers who will advise the Chairman and the Convenors to improve the quality of the documents upon request. The output of a WG is usually a Technical Brochure, which must be approved by the Study Committee before it is released.

4.3 Advisory Groups Permanent Advisory Groups have been established to assist the Chairman in the definition of the direction to be followed by the Study Committee. The Study Committee A3 establishes the Strategic Planning Group (AG A3.01), the Tutorial Planning Group (AG A3.02) and the

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Green Book Planning Group (AG.03). The decision to set up an Advisory Group is the responsibility of the Study Committee Chairman.

Strategic Planning Advisory Group (AG A3.01) The Strategic Planning Advisory Group monitors industry developments, trends and crosschecks them with the Study Committee’s strategy. It advises the Study Committee on issues that impact its activities and ensures that the Committee responds effectively to these developments. This Strategic Planning Advisory Group coordinates the Working Groups, reviews their progress, and supports them in technical and organizational aspects. Study Committee A3 has close links with relevant IEC and IEEE standardisation committees via common memberships and cooperation agreements and provides significant technical & scientific support for standardisation activities. The Strategic Planning Advisory Group assigns and invites liaison with the IEC and IEEE and identifies areas of complementary and synergistic activity where CIGRE can add value or investigate the background of the state of-the-art specifications. The Strategic Planning Advisory Group consists of the Study Committee Chairman, Working Group Conveners and others nominated by the Study Committee Chairman including the Document advisers. It meets once a year between the Study Committee meetings.

Tutorials Planning Advisory Group (AG A3.02) The Tutorials Planning Advisory Group has the task of arranging for the dissemination of the technical information developed and gathered within the Study Committee and its Working Groups. It will plan, develop, manage and deliver workshops, colloquia and tutorials in coordination with local organisations as well as other international conferences and exhibitions.

Green Book (CIGRE reference book) Planning Group (AG A3.03) The Green Book Planning Advisory Group has the task of planning, promoting and organising the Green book(s) preparation on specific subjects relating to Study Committee A3’s scope upon the decision of the Strategic Planning Advisory Group as well as the advice of the Technical Committee.

Cooperation with CIRED and the Current Zero Club Some of the activities of the Study Committee extend into the medium voltage area. Therefore there is a need to ensure these activities are coordinated with CIRED, the main medium voltage technical organization. The Study Committee will nominate a representative who will coordinate activities with CIRED. The Current Zero Club discusses scientific research into current interruption phenomena and technologies, which is a specific area of interest for Study Committee A3. The Study Committee will invite the Current Zero Club to report its activities to the Study Committee.

5 LITERATURE - CIGRE Technical Activities. Strategic Directions 2010-2020. Electra No 249, April 2010 - Strategic Plan of CIGRE Study Committee A3, High Voltage Equipment Updated Strategic Plan approved at 2005 meeting in Tokyo Study Committee A3 Annual Report 2013/2014, Electra No.272, February 2014