April 25-28,2005, International Workshop on UHVAG Transmission Technology Beiing,China THE ITALIAN 1000 kV PROJECT A. Ardito*; M. de Nigris*, A. Giorgi**, (* CESI (Italy) 1. INTRODUCTION At the beginning of the seventies, industrialised Countries realised that, in order to economically deal with the growing needs of electric power transmission and in order to keep within acceptable limits the amount of land occupied by overhead lines, the introduction of new voltage levels, in the ultra high voltage (UHV) range, would be profitable. ‘As far as the economical aspects are considered, the convenience of the UHV system is clearly related to the power to be transmitted, as shown in Figure 1: = iw) Figure 1: Unit transmission cost versus the power transmitted ‘The considerable capital investments that these systems would require and thelr potential impact on the environment, made it necessary to organise research projects that would enable ‘experience to be bullt up in advance on the planning, construction, and operation of UHV systems. In Italy the “1000 KV Project”, a programme of research, development, and demonstration in the area of UHV transmission, was launched . This programme was subsequently joined by Electrobras and Cepel (Brazil), Agua y Energia, Hidronor, and Segba (Argentina), and British Columbia Hydro (Canada) This paper reports the main achievements of the extensive theoretical and experimental research A. Pigini*, A. Porrino* ** TERNA (Ital ) programs which have been conducted on various aspects related to UHV transmission, dealing with overhead lines, substations and substation apparatus, transformers and cables. On the basis of the investigations, the prototypes of all the system apparatus and components have been realised in co-operation with the main Italian manufacturers. These prototypes have been tested in various experimental test facilities, and mainly in CESI (Milan) and in the dedicated 1000 kV experimental test facility set up in Suvereto #22161 On the basis of this experience all the apparatus and components have been finally designed and manufactured and a Pilot Plant was then constructed and put into operation in the nineties. It consisted of a short overhead line and a 400/10S0 kV substation . A comprehensive picture is presented of the main characteristics of this Pilot Plant, including the structure, mechanical and electrical characteristics of the line ‘components (towers, insulators, fittings, conductors and spacers), as well as the main features of the substation components (SFs metal clad ~—_equipment, auto-transformers) and of the cable system connecting the substation to the overhead line. The results of about two years exploitation are finally reported. 2. THE R&D ACTIVITIES The simultaneous increase in voltage and current involved in UHV transmission gives rise to. many potential problems, and among them: + the control of overvoltages; ‘the behaviour of air and surface insulation; + the clectric fields on conductors and accessories and related effects (corona loss, audible noise, radioApril 25~28,2005, interference); * the effects of the electric field at ground and that of wind and ice on bundled conductors (vibrations, sub-span galloping); the mechanical - ind electrical behaviour of conductors and accessories in the event of short-circuits; the need to limit the land occupation; the visual impact on the environment, in the frame ofa sustainable development. As regards UHV substation components, in addition to overvoltage control and insulation problems, other problems of a thermal nature may be created by additional losses in the conducting materials of transformers, reactors, cables, etc., due to the presence or alternating electromagnetic fields of relatively high intensity. Furthermore, particular care has to be paid to electrodynamic problems associated with short-circuits, Finally, transportability problems may make it necessary to limit the dimensions and weight of some components (especially transformers). All these problems have been exhaustively since 1971, through various research activities: from those aiming at defining the system voltage level [4] and the basic characteristics and possible design solutions for new components, to those directly related to the design, manufacture and test of full-scale prototypes of line and substation components. To reach this target, the project required the construction of suitable experimental installations for electrical and mechanical tests, the most important of which were located in CESI Milan and in the Suvereto area (see Figure 2) In addition, the Project ‘has benefited from co-operation with Italian research institutes, and Universities, as well as Italian manufacturers. 2.1 Overhead Lines Towers, foundations, conductors, insulators, fittings were studied in detail, Based on the results of these studies, general design criteria for UHV lines were then drawn up S'S Particular attention was paid to all aspects related to the environmental impact assessment, looking at the International Workshop on UHVAC Transmission Technology Beijing, China Figure 2: Overall view of UHV test facility of CESI in Suvereto solutions minimising the impact on the land occupation, partition of the territory, electromagnetic field levels, visual impact, effects on animals, vegetation and territory in general, with the aim to develop a solution taking into account all the sustainability aspects. Various Towers have been studied in cooperation with Italian manufacturers (see Figure 3) 2 eles ~ ee retell ad Bos Figure 3: Tower prototypes installed at Suvereto testing siteApril 25-28,2005 Out of the various types, the guyed tower, shown in Fig 3 a) (known as “circus” tower), has been selected as the basic type for the line. On this tower, the insulator strings supporting the conductors have an important structural function that makes it possible to eliminate steel structures between the phases, thus allowing a considerable reduction in line corridor width as ‘compared with conventional solutions. The structure has ‘high degree of modularity: indeed, with a small number of standardised parts it is possible to erect masts of different dimensions and mechanical loading capabilities. At the same time the structure remains flexible and makes it easy to vary the distance between phases, the height of the masts, etc., depending on the requirements and problems posed by routing. Particular attention was paid to the guy foundations, which affect the reliability of circus-type towers. With a view to improving knowledge of the behaviour of these elements, different guy foundation prototypes were developed. With regard to conductors, symmetrical bundles, especially those consisting of 6, 8, and 10 ACSR sub-conductors, were considered for general applications in areas not subject to ice accretion. In addition to this, an examination was also made of different solutions, such as asymmetrical bundles and tubular conductors, which could be useful for specific applications in areas calling for stricter control of corona effects. Finally theoretical and experimental research was made to define the optimal solution for conductors to be used in 1050kV lines crossing areas with high ice accretion: the solution 4x56mm x 600mm spacing bundle was in particular investigated. Experiments were carried out on the cage and on the 1km-tong experimental line of the Suvereto test site, in order to determine corona losses, radio and television interference, and acoustic noise in different atmospheric conditions (see Figures 4 and 5). Studies on vibratory behaviour due to wind were carried out in a wind-tunnel and on the experimental span of the Pradarena Pass testing station. The results obtained from the aforementioned tests and research, as well as economical evaluations, made it possible to define a bundle with 8 sub-conductors Intemational Workshop on UHVAC Transmission Technology Beijing.China Figure 4: The corona test cage in Suvereto test facility ¢ 1 km experimental line in Suvereto 1.5mm in diameter, with a spacing of 450mm) and a total aluminium cross-section of 4,160mm? as being the ‘most suitable solution for 1050 kV lines. AAs far as the corona performance of this bundle is concemed, with a phase-to-phase distance determined by insulation requirements (about 15m), it was found that, at a distance of 15m from the lateral conductor projection, it generates a radio interference field at 0.SMHz (80% value of the overall statistical distribution) of 60 4B/luV/m and an audible noise (50% value of the statistical distribution under rain) of 56 dB-A. These levels are considered acceptable on the basis of previous experience in operating lines and of specific studies carried out within the Project. In connection with the choice of this eight-conductor bundle, a number of prototypes of spacers were designed, manufactured, and successfully tested in co-operation with Italian manufacturers. Tests were performed withApril 25~28,200 regard to vibratory behaviour and electrodynamic stresses due to short-circuit currents up to 63 kA (see Figure 6). Figure 6: Spacer prototype under test Different types of Shielding electrodes were studied in detail from the point of view of corona phenomena (see Figure 7) 7 Dielectric tests were carried out to investigate the withstand of UHV air clearances and insulator strings (including tests on insulation at the tower performed on real-scale configurations) in respect of phase-to-ground and phase-to-phase switching impulses, in the experimental area of Suvereto (see Figure 8) and in CESI HY laboratories (8), (9), [10]. System studies on switching overvoltages, of both phase-to-ground and phase-to-phase type, for various network configurations and different circuit-breaker arrangements (presence of closing and opening resistors, etc.) enabled statistical overvoltage levels to be determined when considering suitable means of overvoltage control. Based on these levels and on the results of investigations on the withstand of UHV air insulation and insulator strings (including tests on insulation at the tower performed on real-scale configurations) in respect of phase-to-ground and phase-to-phase switching impulses, it was possible to determine the clearances between phase conductor and grounded structures, as well as those between conductors of different phases. International Workshop on UHVAC Transmission Technology Beijing, China Figure 7: Tests on prototypes of shielding devices at CEST HV laboratory in Milan Figure 8: Impulse generator at the Suvereto test facility In addition, pollution tests performed at CESI laboratories on "cap-and-pin™ glass insulators using steam-fog and salt-fog methods made it possible to define the optimal lengths of phase-to-ground and phase-to-phase insulator strings for circus towers. The final choice of the clearances to be adopted is to be made taking into account all the influencing aspects, and in particular the withstand voltage to overvoliages and under pollution, A distinction must be made between towers with insulators phase-to-earth only (conventional towers) and towers with insulators both phase-to-earth and phase-to-phase (circus tower). With the assumptions_Apsil 25-28,2005 given in [7] , for conventional towers (see Figure 9b) the clearances phase-to-ground and phase-to-phase are mainly determined by switching overvoltages. 2 own] a) W sheet NE Yrs, yee aso i T | i T it yf a itt 3 i FI 2 g | 8 oe ca Up, Oem) Figure 9a) Phase to phase clearance (L insulator string length; D clearance) (ee FZ — AAIE d ips ZA z eT | Bee” | td ss =a a Figure 9b): Phase to ground clearance (\ insulator string length; d, d’ phase to ground clearance) For the circus tower (see Figure 9a), with insulators between phases, pollution may determine the clearances between phases. The clearance may be significantly Intemational Workshop on UHVAC Transmission Technology Beijing,China influenced by the air density, thus line design should take into account the altitude [10]. Finally, with regard to the conduetor-to-ground clearance, the minimum height above ground dictated by insulation requirements was found to be equal to 15m, In the case of lines equipped with circus towers, this conductor-to-ground clearance gives rise to an electric field distribution at ground with a maximum value of about 12kV/m in correspondence of the projection of the central conductor and with values rapidly decreasing as the distance from the axis of the Tine increases. Research in this area has shown that, even with relatively higher field strengths than stated above, ‘no harmful biological effect on living organisms (mice, rats, rabbits an dogs) has been recorded {11} (see Figure 10). Figure 10: Study of the influence of electric fields on living organisms At Suyereto, long term exposure in natural conditions of poultry and dogs under the 1km test line did not show any appreciable effect. ‘The research so far described enabled some basic design decisions regarding UHV lines to be made, On the basis of these decisions, the technological development of a number of components with relevant prototypes was made, and tests were carried out to ascertain the electrical and mechanical behaviour of such prototypes, thus obtaining data for the optimal final design configuration. With reference to the insulating cateriary supporting theApril 25~28,2005 conductors in circus-type towers and to its important electrical and mechanical roles in the reliability of the towers themselves, particular attention was paid to the study of technical solutions for insulator string and fittings. As regards insulators, following a technical and cost analysis of the different possible solutions, and taking {nto account IEC requirements, a 400 KN cap-and-pin, toughened-glass insulator was designed in co-operation with Italian insulator manufacturers [12], [13]. Prototypes of this insulator were then subjected to a large number of tests in order to check the electrical and ‘mechanical performance of both the single units and the assemblies. 2.2 Substations A substantial number of preliminary system studies made it possible to evaluate the following ratings to which to make reference for the substation design: Rated voltage 1050kV Rated current of line-bay equipment 6000A Rated current of the bus-bars 8000A Rated short-time withstand current: 63kA Lightning impulse withstand voltage: a) metal-clad solution 250kV b) open-air solution 2400kV_ Switching impulse withstand voltage: a) metal-clad solution: 1675kV b) open-air solution 1800kV_ ‘Technical and economic reasons, combined with the need to limit the amount of land occupied, led to the choice of metal-clad SF6 insulated substations [14]. ‘As regards substation scheme, reliability studies indicated that, while the double bus-bar scheme may be more suitable for meshed networks, since it permits separate operation of the bus-bars and therefore greater control of the short,-cireuit current, in UHV systems that are not strongly interconnected, or in point-to-point transmissions, the one-and-a half-circuit breaker and ring schemes are preferable, A first series of research activities were devoted to the development, in co-operation with an Italian manufacturer, of the SFs gas-insulated substation components, The withstand to electric stresses of typical insulation International Workshop on UHVAC Transmission Technology Beiig China configurations was investigated, including simulation of the accidental presence of protrusions or metal dust on the surface of electrodes [15]. Special care was devoted to the study of the dielectric withstand to overvoltages generated by disconnector operations when switching bus-bar sections in no-load conditions. It was found that in the presence of these overvoltages, characterized by a fast transient component superimposed on a direct voltage component, the dielectric withstand may be reduced in comparison with the withstand to lightning impulses. Because the fast transient components have relatively small amplitude, ‘surge arresters are not effective and thus use was made of Aisconnectors with auxiliary resistors [16 As regards cireuit breakers, the main research was directed towards reduction of the number of interrupters in order to achieve greater reliability, The optimum final solution consists of four interrupters per pole. To limit the switching surges (to 1.7 p.u.), four resistors, having a total value of $00 ©, are assembled in parallel to the ‘main interrupters and used for both closing and opening ‘operations. Detailed studies were carried out to minimise the effect of the metal enclosure on the electric field on the contacts. The solution found to be most effective was that of mounting a ring of capacitors around the interrupter. The electric field in this ease is equal for all the interrupters and approximately the same as that of an identical interrupter mounted in an open-air circuit-breaker. In order to enable the extinction of the secondary arc during single-phase reclosing, when compensation reactors are not present on the line, high-speed earthing switches are required. Two solutions have been taken into consideration: one with four interrupters in series and the other, with only one interrupter. In particular, the latter solution does not require the use of grading capacitors, which, in this type of device, are critical elements, because they are stressed continuously by the pphase-to-ground voltage. Metal oxide surge arresters were adopted to protect SF metal-clad substations against overvoltages. Residual voltage values of 1800 kV for the lightning impulse associated to 20 kA 820s waveshape dischargeApril 25~28,2005 current, and 1450 kV for the switching impulse associated to 3 kA 30/60s discharge current have been considered acceptable to ensure adequate protection for substation components. A large number of tests on the resistor blocks and on complete arresters for HV and EHV systems have been carried out to study the degradation phenomena due to combined voltage and temperature stresses [17]. The final aim was to set up an appropriate test and the relevant procedures able to show the weak points in the design and manufacturing of these devices. ‘The current transformers associated with the protections are of the toroidal type, with four air gaps, and are installed outside the enclosure. ‘The voltage transformers consist of a high voltage capacitor with the two electrodes in gas and an electronic amplifying unit, Within the framework of the research activity concerning the analysis of different solutions far UHV substation insulation, studies were also carried out to determine the main design parameters for open-air substations. On the basis of the results of switching impulse tests on phase-to-ground and phase-to-phase UHV open-air sub-station configurations [6, 18], as well as of the results of pollution tests on insulating structures, the dimensions and the clearances were determined (see Figure 11). The radio interference levels of the various open-air substation components were chosen on the basis of the general principle. according to which the maximum interference current injected into each line starting from the bus bars should be sufficiently lower than the radio-interference current of the line itself. Evaluation of the reference interference level for each component has therefore to be based on analysis of the substation layout (in particuler, the number of bus bars, insulating structures, overhead lines connected etc.). As regards audible noise, reference values similar to those adopted for the line have been considered, Taking into account these considerations and the expected mechanical loads (wind and snow action and clectrodynamic stresses), the following solutions have been envisaged for conductors in the open-air substation: International Workshop on UHVAG Transmission Technology Figure 11: Tests of UHY post insulator colamns at CESI bay conductors: 2 tubular conductors, 220 mm in diameter, } m apart. © bus-bar conductors: 4 tubular conductors, 100 mm in diameter, 1.2 m apart, 2.3 Transformers For the interconnection between the 400 kV system and the 1050 kV system, the rated power of the autotransformer banks should be approximately equal to half the capacity of a UHV line. However in the first development stage of the system, lower power banks, rated, for example, half the power indicated above, may be provided (1200 MVA) [19]. Due to weight and dimensional limits required in Italy for rail transportation, banks of three single-phase autotransformers have been considered and modular manufacturing techniques have been developed, so that, depending on the power-rating required, each single-phase unit can be made with one or more basic modules. The rated power per moduleApril 25~28,2005 considered suitable is around 200 MVA (see Figure 12) Figure 12: Manufacturing of the 1000 kV autotransformer ‘To investigate the problems connected with the design and manufacture of autotransformers, a consortium of Italian manufacturers built a single-phase prototype unit rated 1000:V3 / 400:¥3 / 24 KV, 200/200/50 MVA with a short-circuit impedance equal to 15% between the 1000 and 400 KV terminals (20, 21, 22]. After some factory tests, the unit was installed in the Suvereto 1000 KV test area, where it was subjected, with satisfactory results, to long-duration tests under dielectric and thermal stresses simulating expected service conditions. This 200 MVA unit was the basic module for 400 MVA single-phase autotransformer units which were then designed and built for the pilot plant (See Section 3.2). 2.4 Underground Cable Short lengths of cable may be used in UHV substations for connecting transformers to metal-clad equipment, as well as the latter to the overhead lines. The cables must be able to transmit up to about 9 GVA under an emergency, in accordance with the performance required for 1050 kV overhead lines. To meet these requirements, a UHV self-contained oil-filled cable prototype and appropriate accessories was developed by an Italian manufacturer [23} .To check the performance and reliability of this type of connection, a length of single-core, 1100 kV, 200 m-long cable was installed in the Suvereto 1000 kV test area; the cable had ‘one joint and two separate, independent cooling-circuits: International Workshop on UHVAC Transmission Technology one external, using water, and the other, inside the cable, using oil (see Figure 13). Figure 13: Layout forthe long term performance tet of the 1050 KV enble in Suvereto ‘A. set of long term tests was carried out on this underground transmission system. During these tests the cable was subjected to combined thermal and dielectric sttess, aimed at simulating service conditions. The tests fully confirmed the validity of the design and the technologies developed. 3. THE 1050 kV PILOT PLANT ‘The main characteristics of the 1050 kV Pilot plant are given in Table 1: ‘Table 1: Rated electrical characteristics of the 1050 kV pilot pant Rated voliage 10504 Tighting impulse withstand volage + Tocath 250K + Across the open contets of CB and cisconnsetors_[ 7250 +606KV_ ‘SWilching impulse withstand volsge © Toeath T6TSKV + Across the open contacts of CB and disconnetors_ | erere6UY Power frequency withstand volage * Tocanh S10kV = Across he open contcts of CB and disconnectors 910K ‘Rated nominal curet of: © Switeing devices 000A. + bua 500A, ‘Raued shor circuit breaking capacity 63A. Discounector opening and closing resistance ny ‘Cireit breaker opening and closing resistance 3000.April 25~28,2005 3.1 Overhead line An overhead line with a length of 2.8 km has been built (24), 25}, 261, 271 3.1.1 General design criteria Table 2 gives the basic design parameters adopted for conductors and insulation, based on the results of the research previously described. ‘Table 2: Design data forthe 1050 KV pilot fine Intemational Workshop on UHVAC Transmission Technology ‘Bundles of 8 ACR Conductors Diameter of ab-coadcs 31Smm Distance beoreensub-conducton 450 men ‘Minimum lerances in © Conductor stuctre Ta Conductor to conductor Bm ‘+_ Miaimurn height above ground. TS a Insulators Mechanical lad oN. Spacing 170 ei Suing pop 6 ons. Strings ph-to-ge ar Masts wih square cross-etion + imax and in length Bin iin ‘As regards the height of conductors above ground, a minimum of 15 m was suggested on the basis of the results of research. However, for the sake of greater safety, a minimum height above ground of 17.5 m was laid down. In these conditions, the maximum electric field is less than 10 kV/m, while its value at right-of-way borders does not exceed 2 kV/m, A view of the power line is shown in Figure 14, Figure 14: Views of the overheed power lineInsulating strings are made of cap-and-pin, toughened-glass Insulators. Fittings to connect a variable number of insulating strings (quadruple phase-te-structure string and triple phase-to-p strings) and have been designed for the corresponding ultimate strength. Masts have a latticed structure, with a square section. Two mast families were sufficient to meet the Beijing, China requirements of the first section of the 1050 kV line; cach family consists of masts having common tapered extremities and central straight bodies of variable length, with the minimum and maximum lengths of 43m and 67m, respectively. For more convenient manufacture, extremities and central bodies were designed to have only one shape. Special care was devoted to the hinged extremities of the masts, which were designed to permit both transverse and longitudinal rotation. Bach guy is made of a pair of steel wires connected by ‘extremity yokes, in order to ensure uniform load distribution... Bach wire is provided with suitable devices, including a hydraulic jack for lengttvstress adjustment, Problems connected with the behaviour of foundations subjected to severe permanent loads and seasonal effects in different types of soil, together with practical problems of access and installation, made it necessary to consider different solutions along the route. 3.2 Substation Figure 15 shows the single-wire diagram of the Suvereto 400/1050 kV substation, including the connection to the overhead line. “qo olay @ Pou Figure 15: Single line diagram of the 1050 kV pilot plant ‘A bank of three single-phase autotransformers, rated 3x400 MVA, 1000: ¥/3 / 400: V3 / 12,2 KV with technical features similar to the previously described 200 MVA prototype, is fed from the 400 KV substation (see Figure 16). ‘The transformer characteristics are given in Table 3Iotemational Workshop on UHVAC Transmission Technology Figure 16 The 400 kV transformers ‘Table 3: Main characteristics of each singlephase unit Transformer Rais power ono Rac volinges TOGO a0e¥3 TEV Rated Li withstand volags 23011 S00SSEV Rated SI witstand vl o0consuen ‘hour induced voltage test with FD 1.8 Uns (Um: 1050) Sto ul voTage ise “Toal weight with oi soar “oa weight without a 715 tons “These units are directly connected to a SFs metal-clad substation consisting of a double bus-bar system and a line bay which includes two bus-bar disconnectors, a cireuit-breaker, one fine disconnector, two earthing disconnectors, current and voltage transformers, and a surge arrester. A length of about 600 m of oil-filled cable connects the line bay to an open-air bus-bar system from which the overhead line starts: the cable characteristics are given in Table 4 Table 4: cable characteristics Rated voltage THOORV. ‘Type of constrvtion ‘Oikfiled single poTe Type of insulation ‘il impregnated paper (Oil duct diameter 40mm [Hydraulic pressure 1.3 Mpa ‘Conductor cross-section 71250 mm? Insulation thickness 35 mm ‘Overall cable diameter 155 mm With reference to the above-mentioned diagram (figure 15) the following considerations can be made. ‘The double bus-bar system should not be necessary for the pilot plant, taking into account the fact that only ‘one line is connected to the autotransformer bank. Nevertheless, this solution has been adopted with a view to checking the behaviour of the disconnectors in conditions similar to those of an actual double-bus-bar ‘system substation. ‘The 1050 kV open-air bus-bar system was considered in 10 Beijing,China order to provide a possibility of supplying the line directly from the 400 kV system in the event of maintenance operations or special tests on the 1050 kV sub-station, It also enables 10 acquire design, manufacturing and operating experience on a number of open-air UHV substation components (see Figure 17): Figure 17: The open air substation Figure 18 and Figure 19 show details of the SF insulated components and of the cable system respectively. ‘The possibility of installing a second 400 MVA. transformer on each phase has been taken into account, in the design both of the 400 kV and of the 1050 kV transformer bays. No transformer bay equipment was installed in the pilot plant. However, the connection between the transformers and the — metal-clad ‘SF.-insulated substation was designed in such a way to enable, in the event of possible extensions, the installation of the above-mentioned equipment without having to disassemble the remaining parts of the substation,April 25~28,2005 Figure 18: The 1050 kV circuit breaker Figure 19: The cable and cable terminals ‘The whole substation is mounted on a single concrete foundation, to which all the components are anchored; the components can be shifted about during erection or maintenance operations by using special trucks. Auxiliary control and protection apparatus is centralized in a suitable building, together with the cable ccooling-system and related accessories. Transmission capability is of the order of 7 GVA in normal service conditions, and could be increased in an emergency to about 9 GVA. Finally, Figure 20 shows a sketch of the full station including the open-air bus-bar system, that consists of: ‘A pantograph disconnector for connection of the cable sealing end with the bus bar; ‘A bus bar system with the supporting structures; ‘A pantograph disconnector for connection of the 400 KV line bay with the bus bar system and the 1050 kV overhead line; International Workshop on UHVAC Transmission Technology Beijing. China © An earthing disconnector. In particular, the insulating structure consists of a vertical insulating column and two couples of insulating guys, Figure 20: Sketch of the station, including the open alr one ‘This arrangement was devised with a view to improving the performance of the insulating structure under polluted conditions by minimising the mutual influence of the insulating branches in parallel. 4. ON SITE TESTING OF THE GAS INSULATED SUB-STATION Extensive commissioning tests of the GIS sub-station have been performed by CESI in 1994 and at the beginning of 1995. The partial discharge measurements ‘using the acoustic method confirmed the general adequacy of the mounting operation and revealed the presence of only some solid particles left inside the enclosure during assembly. The concemed components have than been cleaned and retested successfully. During the first few hours of energization of the circuit, breakers, one discharge on a operating rod occurred. The subsequent analysis revealed the necessity of reduction of the voltage stress on the rods and the modification of the quality assurance procedures adopted by the ‘manufacturer of the circuit breaker for the acceptance of the rods. These provisions allowed the successful operation of the 1050 kV Pilot Plant described in the following chapter. 5. FIELD EXPERIENCE The Pilot Plant (400/1000 kV transformers, GIS substation, cable connection and 3 km overhead line ) ‘was energised in October 1995 and kept in service forApril 25-28,2005 about two years (from October 1997). During this period only two minor faults occurred, the first related to the cooling system of the cable and the second involved the cooling system of one of the transformers. ‘The experience has confirmed the validity of the design and of the components. REFERENCES: U1] &. Ragas, F, Gai, C. Malagu,L, Pars, Soren, M, Vera: “alan 1000 KV Project and Related Test Failtes* CIORE 1978, Report 31.16, E, Bagalé, F Gali, C. Malaguti, L Pati, M, Sforsni, M. Valo, G Cara, N, De Frao, 1. Lepecki: "The 1000 KV project -Progress of Research at the End of 1979", CIGRE 1980, Repor 31.15 L. Paris, E, Baga, L. Becks, G. Carrara, D. DelfOlo, RG. Foal, F Galli J. Lepeci, CA. Monissy, M, Stora, M. Valtons, A.D. Vignoe “The Intemational 1000 Project for Ulta High Voltage (UHV) Electric Energy Transmission” - Power Technology Intemational, String Publications Limited -London 1968 1. Paris, F Reggian and M. Vltort: "Evolution of Transmission System in Taly and Adoption of a New Voltage Level" - ECE Symposium on Long-Term Prospects of the Blectic Power Supply Situation, Stockholm ‘September 1972. BA, Cauzilo, R. Cortina, PNicolini, LC. De Medeitos, ME. Bryant: “Design Criteria of UHV Overhead Lines Basod on Experience Acquired {nthe 1000 LV Projet”. CIGRE 1984, Report 22.14, 1G, Bovelli, P. Pali, F. Bon, R. Rendina: "Experimental Reseach on Foundations for « Nos-Canveationsl Tower for 1000KV Lines". Journée eFudes sure Fondtions des Supports Atsiens - Gif sur Yete (France) -27 November 1986 ‘A. Pigii, L. Thioae, R, Conina, F. Rosa “A study of the corona performance of UHV insulator sets” IBEE Transactions on PAS 2 102, 1982 RR. Comina, . Gartagnai, A. Pigin, G. Sanorio, L Thione: “Switching Impulse Strength of Phas-o-Ferth UHV Exteral Insulation Research 8 he 1000 KV Project”. IEEE PAS.I985 WM Report 195.3, R. Cortina, P Nicolini, A. Pig, L. Thine: “Space Occupation of EHV. and UHV Transmision Lines as Affected by the Switching Lpulse ‘Strength of Phase-to-Phase Insultion”. CIGRE Sympasium-Stockholm 1981, Report 220.07, A. Pisin: G. Riz; E. Garbagnati: M. Moreno, M Ramirez Air density influence on the strength of exter insulation under pose impulses: ‘experimental investigation wp to an altitude of 3000 m as” IREE Report WN. essMon22Pw LA, Bonnell, B.J. Maock, W.T: Nos, J. Cabanes,C. Gay, R. Conti, P, Nicolini, V. Margonao, A. Veisteinas, P, Ceneeli: "Reseach on Biological Effect of Power Frequency Ficldy. CIGRE 1986, Report 36-08. B.A. Cauzill,P Nisolin,Z. Lodi, GF. Trevitan: ‘Development of high ‘Mechanical Performance Cap-And-Pin, Thoughened-Glss Insulators fr 1995 to December 1 a m4) i to m 6) pi 0) ay m3 Intemational Workshop on UHVAC Transmission Technology 2 Beijing. China EHV and UAV Lites", IEEE/CSEE, 1987 Joint Conference on HL. ‘Transmssion Sytem in China, 113}. Tavano, G.Mtiocei: “Power Are Behaviour of Insulator Stings and Fisings for UHV Overhead Lines. CIGRE Symposium -Brutlles, 198, Repor 340.08. 114) 6, Mazza, B. Mazzolen “1000 kV Gasosulated Switcgea™ L'Eergia leatca-N. 12-1983. 113] A. Bargiga,G, Maza, A. Pig, L. Thione, B. Mazzolen: Study ofthe Dietetic Strength of SF Insulated Metal Enclosed Substations and Applicatio co Thee Design and Testing CIGRE 1982, Report 33-12 ‘A. Bargigin. A, Porrino, BL Menten, W. Mosea, G. Rizzi "Performance of Meal-Clad Disconnecter and Rs Impket on the Taeultion Design of Gos Iauleted Substations”. CIGRE 1988, Report 33 A. Pigini, L. Thione, A, Porting, A. Barsigia, L. Gitoourz, A. Ines “Study of the performance of metal oxide areters for high vohage systems” CIGRE 1986 Report 13 6) ut [18] Task Force 32.03.03 of CIGRE Study Commitee 33: “Switching Impuse Performance of Post lasulaton” Electra No 103, December 1986 [A Bossi, F.Coppedor, L Ginnnuza, G, Manzoni G. Signi: “Choice ofthe Characteristics of Power Teansormes far UHV Systems". CIGRE 1978 Paper 12-1, 1. Paris, M. Sforcini, A. Bosi: "The Technologie! Pepuraton t the Tnwrodution of New Voltage Level in the UV Field -The Experience ‘ofthe 1000-4¥ Project. Seminar on High Voltage AC/DC Transmion [New Deihi, 18-19 December 198, ‘A. Boss, A. Casaroti, F Coppadoro: “The Autotransformes for 1000 kV Project Stuies and Research onthe Insulation” L'lenretecnica No.0, Oster 1979" ‘A. Babar, G. Caprio, G. Signi: “The Autoransfonmer fo the 1000 &V Project. Flectomagnetic Problems". L’ Bletrotecniea No10, Osiober 1919 amet, F Denazzi, G. Laon, W. Mosca: "Power Transmission for Self-Contained COiFilled 1100 KV Cable System Pull Scale Tests end Design Criteria". CIGRE 1984, Report 21-09. (24) 5. Bali, P, Nicolini: "Sects del Taceato dele Line Bletriche Acree peril Loro Migliore Inserimeno nel Teritrio ed Esecuzione del Loro Prof’. Annual Meeting of the Inian Hlecotechnicl Aswcintion (AED, Bologna October 1982 Report A 78 IEC Reports 826 1.23.4 "Overhead Lines Support Loadings" Conti, G. Mazz, P. Nicolini, B.A, Couzllo, L. Giannuzi “Suvereto 1000 KV Pilot Plant: results of the roteach and plant design characteristics” CIGRE 1988 paper 38-15 (WG 38.12 “Fletic power transmission at voltages of 1000 LV or +. 600 EV DC and above" Cigr general sesion 1988 paper 38-12 ‘WG 38-04; “Lita high voluge technology” Cigre general session 1994 paper 3738-01 L. Lagosten, A. Porno, B.A. Cauzill, A, Giorgi “Linpianto pilot 1000 kV dell ENEL: caraterstiche ed esperieze di eserciro” Annual Meeting ofthe Kalan Elecrotechnical association AE aveno May 1997 9) 0) py 2) ey Bs 28) on a) 9