SPARK-STAR 54/ 2023

Frequent tripping of 132Kv line due to 33 KV Clearance issue and its solution

SITUATION:
One of the 132 KV Line was tripping during hot summer due to phase clearance issue with
33KV Line.

Observations:

1. This line was equipped with 132KV Panther conductor and passed above 33KV line.
2. During hot summer and due to electrical clearance issue, this line was tripping
frequently.
3. The discom wing owner of 33KV line was requested to lower the line to the allowable
zone, but tripping still persisted with hot summer.
4. The 132KV line was re-strung to raise till allowable distance, but problem could not
be resolved.
5. Finally, solution was temporarily considered with use of insulation sleeve upon the 33
KV line before the decision of diversion of this 33KV line under 132 KV system.
6. The problem was solved temporarily.
7. Use of insulation sleeve could also be considered as the practice for such solution as
this helps techno-economically instead of putting money on diversion or construction
of new system.
8. On studying the response, use of insulation sleeve was taken as the permanent
solution on this system.
9. Then onwards no tripping had been observed even with of all severe situations.

Technical Analysis:

1. By calculation of ACSR PANTHER CONDUCTOR at 45 deg centigrade ambient

temperature with Weight/km = 973 kg/km =w, Tension = Breakdown tension =
9242kg= T0, Span = 350 mtr. So sag calculation D= wl2/ 8To= 1.626mtr for
suspension tower cold sag.
2. Thumb rule for hot sag with temperature being 90deg centigrade it will be apprx
double = 3.252 mtr. So during this summer max could be assumed with self temp
+ambient = 65 to 70 deg. So sag could be in between 1.626 to 3.25 = 2.5 mtr max.
3. As per standard allowable clearance for safer side considering the tension and wind
pressure with FOS could be 3mtr. But manageable clearance could be 1.35 mtr
mentioned in IS 5613 inside switchyard between phase to phase. In this case
clearance between 132kv and 33kv to be also taken as 1.35 mtr say 1.5 mtr Ariel
clearance.
4. But in this situation it was not possible to maintain the clearance of 1.5 mtr, so the
decision of use of insulation sleeve was planned.
5. Theoretical calculation was taken for the use of PVC sleeve.
6. PVC insulation is electrically 4 to 5 times stronger than dry air. So it should be
provided around the 33kv conductor.
7. On lowering of 33KV conductor, the required clearance of approximately 5ft =
1.67mtr > 1.5 mtr had been attended.
8. But problem could not be solved, but problem could not be solved. Again during temp
rise and due to more sag of extra 0.8 mtr(as calculted above) resulting distance of
1.67-0.8 = 0.87 mtr and causing arching fault with tripping of both end.
9. So to attend allowable clearance of 1.35 mtr, we need extra 1.35- 0.87 = 0.48 mtr =
1.598 ft. =1.6 ft. This extra 1.6 ft with stand still air. So with wind speed we have to
take another 1ft extra.
10. So we should take to provide extra of 1.6+1= 2.6 ft. finally. To attend such following
method could have tried

a. We can further lower 33 kv conductor if allowable ground clearance is

minimum of 18-19 ft for 33 kv system.
b. We can provide little more tension on 132kv conductor to raise. Depending
upon the site feasibility.
c. Use of combination method (lowering of 33kv and provision of PVC
insulation)

11. All the above methods had been attempted except the use of insulation PVC.
12. Now calculation with PVC insulation

Thumb rule PVC thickness is 16 times equivalent to air. Let us provide min. 2 inch pvc
thickness= 2x16 = 32 inch = 2. 75 ft >2.6 ft reqd. Now extra 1 ft could be attended by
lowering.

But this method is also technically not feasible due to the issue of wrapping 2-inch
thickness PVC.

13. Finally, it was enquired upon the special insulated sleeves from the market and found
with such with lightweight and lesser thickness of 1inch.
14. This sleeve was put on 33 KV conductor and then found with of no problem.