SPARK STAR 68/2023

Tripping Reduction of 33 KV Feeder at 220/33 KV Grid Sub-Station,

SITUATION:

33 KV Feeders were tripping frequently from 220/33 KV Grid Sub-Station.

.
TASK
1. The frequent tripping brought to the notice of discom wing for finding the root cause.
So, joint inspection was scheduled for thorough patrolling of each 33 KV Line up to 5
kms. Starting from Grid end.
2. Various problems were found which may be the cause of tripping such as Vegetation
clearance, phase to phase clearance and bird encroachment etc.. .
3. With Proper Co-ordination, Investigation on Relay Setting of respective feeders at
Grid end and remote end (DISCOM) was done.

Action and Analysis:

1. The team was formed for individual feeder inspection with DISCOM representative.
2. After thorough patrolling, Various problems were found which may be the cause of
tripping such as Vegetation clearance, phase to phase clearance and bird touching
the line issues etc .
3. Instruction was given to attend the problems as soon as possible to DISCOM
representatives.
4. Continuous reminder for Fault Free Zone Certificate (FFZC) was given to follow up
the procedure.

Concept of FFZC: This concept is simple to make 33 KV distribution feeders FREE from
probable electrical faults, maintaining FAULT FREE ZONE up to certain distance length.
Here it is 5 Kms.

Probable faults due to followings

1. Vegetation clearance
2. Inter-conductor clearance
3. Proper insulator and its connection status
4. Load profile etc...
5. Provision of protection System etc.…

Technical Analysis:

1. Frequent operation of Breaker and Isolators deteriorates the life span of the
equipment.
2. Increase in HOT-SPOT was resulting due to regular tripping of feeders.
3. Regular and frequent maintenance was also getting more due to this cause
4. The net revenue was also getting affected due to frequent tripping
5. Public agitation was also happening.
6. So, after knowing the cause of tripping, it was decided for rectification action
accordingly.
Result and Recommendations:
1. Now the Tripping of 33KV Feeders is reduced to 95% .
2. Regular FFZC should be done monthly and joint verification with
DISCOM representative is recommended to reduce tripping .
Status of 33 KV Feeder Trippings from the year 2019-2023

Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

Nos. of Nos. of Nos. of Nos. of Nos. of
Month
Tripping Tripping Tripping Tripping Tripping
January 45 47 43 21 8
February 43 49 34 18 10
March 38 45 41 14 2
April 41 55 48 22 11
May 53 42 39 14 9
June 54 59 41 19 11
July 39 46 38 16 10
August 56 52 49 23 5
September 61 59 55 28 6
October 35 31 27 31
November 38 29 31 33
December 31 26 23 11
TOTAL 534 540 469 258