Risk of operation in power plant

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the commissioning of a gas turbine power plant featuring six 160 MW units, each equipped with auxiliary medium voltage switchgear. A critical issue arose when the electrical commissioning group attempted to operate unit 2's switchgear via an interconnection to the common switchgear, triggering sensitive Earth fault relays set at 2 A. The relays, connected to core balance current transformers, tripped due to the abnormal operation, prompting a debate on whether to increase the relay settings despite the associated risks. The consensus emphasizes the importance of adhering to safety protocols and the potential dangers of bypassing established settings.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of medium voltage switchgear operations
  • Knowledge of Earth fault relay settings and configurations
  • Familiarity with resistance grounding systems
  • Experience with power plant commissioning procedures
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of adjusting Earth fault relay settings in medium voltage systems
  • Study the design and operation of core balance current transformers
  • Learn about safety protocols in power plant commissioning
  • Investigate risk assessment methodologies for electrical operations
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, commissioning specialists, safety officers, and anyone involved in the operation and maintenance of power generation facilities.

m.s.j
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Recently the commissioning part of our company started a new project in a gas turbine power plant with six individual power generation units, each 160 MW.
Each power unit includes one auxiliary medium voltage switchgear to supply internal consumptions. Also common switchgear is considered for power plant common consumers and a long interconnection cable (approximately 700 m) between each MV and common panel for emergency using. This interconnection path is used instead of incoming units when their incomings can not be energized via normal path.
One day, the head of electrical commissioning group called the office engineers to help. He said,” we can not run unit 2 switchgear via normal path, and we have decided to use interconnection of common switchgear. But when we close the related circuit breaker, its relevant sensitive Earth fault trips it”.
The setting of mentioned relay is similar to the other same relays in output feeders and it is adjusted at 2 A ( in primary side ) for all sensitive Earth fault; because that medium voltage system is resistance grounded with maximum 10 A Earth fault currents. Also all those Earth fault relays are connected to special core balance current transformers.
He said they have never had any problem with other output feeders. They didn’t have enough time, and wanted permission to increase the setting of Earth fault relay in commissioning duty. They knew well this activity may be accompanying a great risk.

Can you take that risk of operation?


BEST REGARDS
MSJ


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