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Arrester MCOV - Different Values, Line And Substation

01/14/2014 10:41 PM

Dear friends,

I am now working on an Insulation Coordination study for a 230/25 kV substation with 2 transformers and only one 230 kV line; I have to specify the arresters MCOV for the substation entrance and for the transformers.

I have seen that the MCOV takes in consideration the maximum operating voltage and a 5% factor to account for harmonic pollution, so it should be a rather straight forward calculation:

Vrms/1.73 x 1.05 = arrester MCOV

However, I've seen examples where the substation entrance MCOV is higher than the MCOV of the arresters that are placed in front of the transformers, it doesn't make much sense for me because the voltage is the same at the 3 locations (230 kV). Additionally, I've seen cases where people account for an additional 25% factor on the calculation, something like:

Vrms/1.73 x 1.05 x 1.25 = arrester MCOV

Please, does anyone know why the transformers arresters are rated differently and why some people use the 1.25 additional factor ?

Thank you very much,

Mongo

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#1

Re: Arrester MCOV - different values, line and substation

01/14/2014 11:05 PM

"...Continuous System Voltage When arresters are connected to an electrical system, they are continually exposed to the system operating voltage. For each arrester rating, there is a recommended limit to the magnitude of voltage that may be applied continuously. This is termed the Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage (MCOV) of the arrester. The arrester rating must be selected such that the maximum continuous power system voltage applied to the arrester is less than, or equal to, the arrester's MCOV rating. Consideration should be given to both the circuit configuration (wye or delta) and arrester connection (Line-to-Ground or Line-to-Line). In most cases the arresters are connected line-to-ground. If arresters are connected line-to-line, then phase-to-phase voltage must be considered. In addition, in determining the arrester rating, attention should be given to the grounding configuration of the system, either solidly grounded or effectively ungrounded (impedance/resistance grounded, ungrounded, or temporarily ungrounded). This is a key factor in the selection and application of an arrester. If the system grounding configuration is unknown, the reader should assume the system is ungrounded. This will result in choosing an arrester with a higher continuous system voltage and/or MCOV rating. Also, attention should be given to special arrester applications such as that on the delta tertiary winding of a transformer where one corner of the delta is permanently grounded. In this instance, the normal voltage continuously applied to the arrester will be the full phase-to-phase voltage, even though the arresters are connected line to ground..."

Quite a mouthful, isn't it? I suggest that you read the entire article, and then find someone experienced at insulation coordination studies to guide you. Anonymous strangers on the web who have no liability for their advice are no substitute for experienced engineers who have done this before, and certainly not for free.

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Arrester MCOV - different values, line and substation

01/14/2014 11:45 PM

GA! The only thing I could add is, Always hedge on the side of safety , if that means factoring in 25% to 125%, safety is the first priority.

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#3
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Re: Arrester MCOV - different values, line and substation

01/15/2014 10:31 AM

dj,

Thanks for the GA! Now here's a challenge for you; in this particular case, which direction is the "side of safety", and "safety" of what?

The implications of an improperly selected surge arrester are very broad, and can affect personnel, system, and equipment "safety", hence the need for a comprehensive insulation coordination study.

Alan

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#4
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Re: Arrester MCOV - different values, line and substation

01/15/2014 9:47 PM

RAMConsult, why I said hedge on the side of safety is, if you in over your head, walk away from the job. You'll still live and won't kill anyone in between from the lack of knowledge.

I will be the first one to stand up and say I don't know everything. And, being we don't know the qualifications of the OP, I believe and suggest, hedging on safety. Fair enough?

Still a GA for you!!

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#5
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Re: Arrester MCOV - different values, line and substation

01/15/2014 10:08 PM

dj,

No sweat, I was just trying to liven up a relatively dull and boring subject! As far the OP goes, his questions indicated that he's just another wannabe consultant who took on an assignment that he's not qualified for.

Alan

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#6
In reply to #5

Re: Arrester MCOV - different values, line and substation

01/15/2014 10:58 PM

Hey Alan, unfortunately it is true about people posting on here on CR4 and we have no clue about them or their qualifications, but at least the home work questions are fairly easy to weed out.

When I was 11 years ago and just starting my education in Electro/Mechanical field, my mentor told me two things that I try to live by today;

1) Believe nothing of what you hear, ..... and any half of what you see.

2) It's better to be thought of a fool than, open your mouth and prove it.

#2 is the one I hold close to heart

Dan

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