SF₆ greenhouse gas replacement & Low
Power Instrument transformers in 245 kV
Gas Insulated Switchgear for onshore &
offshore substations
LIFE21-CCM-FR-LIFE-SF₆ FREE-GIS/101074338
This project is co-funded by the EU LIFE
Programme
Life SF₆-Free GIS Project
At present, there is no SF₆-free solution available for gas insulated substations (GIS) at 245 kV.
Having SF₆-free GIS at 245 kV will be crucial to support and accelerate the decarbonization of the high voltage grids. Keeping the compactness of the GIS will support the growing demand of new substations in areas where minimizing the footprint is of major importance, which is the case for offshore projects. It will also play an important role for the usual onshore 245 kV substations, supporting the extension of the network and the replacement of ageing SF₆ assets.
The LIFE SF₆-FREE GIS project is also addressing another key challenge for the European high voltage grid, which is digitalization. The grid becomes more complex by introducing intermittent sources. Proactive balancing the power flow is a key factor to keep it running. By integrating digital sensors in the GIS, the project will contribute to the grid digitalization and provide efficient data for helping grid operators to incorporate even more renewable sources. Digitalization will become an important piece for building this more resilient, more robust grid. In addition, the digital solution implemented on instrument transformer is delivering significant savings in raw materials, mainly copper and steel.
Our Objectives
Objective 1: Pilot 245 kV / 63 kA GIS full bay at
GE Grid Solutions’ premises
Our first objective is to design a full 245 kV GIS that meets Transmission System Operators (TSOs) requirements and have it tested throughout in
accordance with the standards as required before any on-site installation on a High Voltage transmission network can take place. To achieve this, the
project aims to:
- Carry out a pre-study based on computer simulation and investigation tests (dielectric and temperature modelling with the composition of the g³-
based mixture reinforced by specific tests on a model). - Adapt the design of the GIS to ensure the expected 245 kV / 63 kA performance and to maintain the very compact dimension (insulator,
disconnector, earthing switches, maintenance devices, passive and connection components) that meets offshore requirements. - Perform technical standard tests to validate the solution and propose and deliver this new compact 245 kV / 63 kA GIS to customers.
- Integrate all technical, digital and industrial requirements into the design of the new 245 kV GIS to ensure that the solution remains perennial for all
HV GIS applications and grid evolutions that might occur over the next 15 years.
Objective 2: Two demonstration projects in real
onshore and offshore high-voltage networks
- Launch a demonstration project at a TSO’s premises to implement a digital native 245 kV SF₆-free GIS solution on a real
transmission network at one onshore and one offshore sites.
Objective 3: Environmental targets
- Use a substitute for SF₆ gas with a reduction in global warming about 99%.
- Save approximately 310 tons of CO₂e saved during the project and test campaigns.
- After the project, obtain a saving of approximately 800 tons of CO₂eq per 245 kV GIS bay.
- Reduce raw-material use, especially raw materials considered critical by the European Union, such as aluminum and copper) by keeping the size of the GIS as small as possible and integrating digital instead of conventional metering components (voltage and current transformers).
When space is a constraint
245 kV is a key standard voltage level for the European high voltage grid,” explains Eric Chaussin, Grid Solutions’ Power Transmission business Leader.
“Having SF₆-free gas-insulated substations at
245 kV will be crucial to support the decarbonization of the high-voltage grid,” Chaussin said. “This new g³ 245 kV GIS will play an important role in meeting demand for compact SF₆-free substations in urban areas, as well as offshore projects, and enable the extension of the network and replacement of aging assets without this potent greenhouse gas,” he added.
Join the team
Our Project Leader
Samuel Souchal
Lead Engineer – Electrical Component,
Grid Solutions, a GE Vernova business
Samuel Souchal is a project manager for the development of new SF₆-free GIS products. He is
based at Grid Solutions in Aix-les-Bains, France.
He joined the company in 2008 as GIS design engineer. He held several positions in R&D (design,
calculations, technical support).
Samuel is Expert in the field of GIS developments and contributor in several scientist
publications (CIGRE). He is also co-author of several patents applied to industrial products. In his
present position, he’s managing the development of g³ gas insulated substations (GIS).
Samuel Souchal obtained his engineering master degree from Institut National Supérieur des
Sciences Appliquées – INSA in Lyon (France) in 2008.
Hiring
Check out our open positions.
R3783434 : Prototype Technician – M/F – Contract of Indefinite Duration – France – Aix-les Bains
Role: Validate the compliance of sub-assemblies or assemblies at various stages of their development by carrying out static or dynamic tests according to safety regulations and development requirements.
R3754966 : Methods Technician & Gas Referent – M/F – Contract of Indefinite Duration – France – Villeurbanne
Role: He is responsible for the technical monitoring of tools and equipment and ensures the availability of specific equipment and fluids for the assembly and testing of prototypes.