Full-Maxwell Simulations of Very Fast Transients in GIS: Case Study to Compare 3-D and 2-D-Axisymmetric Models of 1100 kV Test Setup

Development and type testing of gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) disconnectors are supported with the simulation-based analyses of very fast transients (VFTs) that are associated with the disconnector switching operations. In order to analyze local field values in the entire GIS geometry, the full-Maxwell approach needs to be involved for simulating the VFT generation process. According to power substation layout studies, 90°-angled GIS disconnectors are often used in GIS projects, since they offer most layout options and, at the same time, require the lowest number of GIS components. This implies that the test setups are asymmetric, thus the direct use of the full-Maxwell approach requires 3-D models, the application of which is considered to be highly demanding from a numerical point of view. The paper shows a comparison of the results obtained from full-Maxwell numerical simulations for a development test setup of 1100 kV GIS. The analyses are conducted for full 3-D geometry and for the corresponding 2-Daxisymmetric geometry. Example simulations of the VFT overvoltage (VFTO) waveforms are presented for both geometries, together with a comparison of the numerical effort needed for solving the associated field equations. The presented approach based on the 2-D-axisymmetric GIS model allows one to significantly reduce the numerical effort involved to support design work and development tests.