No‐load performance study of 1200 kV Indian UHVAC transmission system

Abstract

Major load centres of India are located at northern part and western–southern part of country, whereas most of the generating units are concentrated at eastern and North-eastern parts. Economic transmission of bulk power over a long distance is a basic requirement for which ultra-high voltage AC (UHVAC) transmission system is identified as a feasible solution resulting in reduced transmission loss and reduced corridor width (right of way), protection of precious flora and fauna. For this, Powergrid Corporation of India along with Central Power Research Institute had made a call for indigenous development of UHVAC technology. As a result, 1200 kV UHVAC National Test Station is developed in India at Bina. One 400/1200 kV bay is successfully charged, along with one 1200 kV single circuit and one 1200 kV double-circuit test transmission line. This study deals with the study of on-site acceptance test such as sweep frequency response analysis, frequency-domain spectroscopy (FDS), along with inrush current measurement, voltage withstand test, corona measurement, thermo-vision scanning conducted on-site at no load, to ensure the performance of transmission system. A brief review of technical studies related to UHVAC technology developed throughout the World is also presented. The power transmission at 1200 kV is a feasible and viable option but further research is required in this area to make UHV transmission a global success.