Busbar Schemes
and Layout of
EHV Switchyards
By
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Contents
Introduction
Various Busbar Schemes
Insulation levels & Clearances
Bay Width
CT & Earth Switch Locations
Some Quotes
Live as if your were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Personally, I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being
taught.
- Winston Churchil
In my life, I have never learned anything from any man who agreed with
me.
- Dudley Field Malone l
He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask
a question remains a fool forever
- Chinese Proverb l
Introduction
Switchyard or Substation, as is well known, serves as an
intermediate link between the generating station and the
consumer supply point.
The substation is normally situated at load centers where the
voltages are stepped up or stepped down by means of
transformers as per the requirements.
Types of Substations
The substations are classified mainly into 5 groups
depending upon their purpose and they are
Generating Substation
Primary Grid Substation (400 kV, 220 kV, 110 kV)
Secondary Substation (220 kV, 110 kV, 66 kV)
Distribution Substation (33 kV & below)
Bulk Supply and Industrial Substation (EHV/6.6 or 11kV)
Various Bus arrangements
1. Single Main Bus scheme
2. Single Main Bus with Sectionalizer scheme
3. Double Bus scheme
4. Main & Transfer Bus scheme
5. Double Main & Transfer bus scheme
6. One and a Half Breaker scheme
7. Mesh scheme (Ring Main Scheme)
Various Bus arrangements
What are the criteria for Selection of Bus bar arrangement ?
Reliability
Cost
Space
Operational Flexibility
Ease of Maintenance
Maintenance of Breaker
Maintenance of Bus bars & Insulators
Single Bus arrangement
Single Line Diagram
I/C
O/G-1 O/G-2
Single Bus arrangement
Charged with O/G-2 Closed
I/C
O/G-1 O/G-2
Single Bus arrangement
Charged with O/G-1 Closed
I/C
O/G-1 O/G-2
Single Bus arrangement
Charged with both O/G Closed
I/C
O/G-1 O/G-2
Single Bus arrangement
Single Bus with 2 Incomers – Before Charging
1 out of 2 I/L
Single Bus arrangement
Single Bus with 2 Incomers – Charged through I/C-2
1 out of 2 I/L
Single Bus arrangement
Single Bus with 2 Incomers – Charged through I/C-1
1 out of 2 I/L
Single Bus arrangement
Merits
Simple
Cheapest
Require Less space
Demerits
Maintenance of Breaker without affecting the feeder is not
possible
Maintenance of Bus without affecting the feeder is not possible
Comments
Preferred for lower voltage levels up to 110 kV, rarely in 220 kV &
never in 400 kV
Single Bus with Bus Sectionaliser
Single Bus with Bus Sectionaliser – Before Charging
Single Bus with Bus Sectionaliser
Single Bus with Bus Sectionaliser – Independent
feeding
Single Bus with Bus Sectionaliser
Single Bus with Bus Sectionaliser – I/C-1 feeding entire
load
Single Bus with Bus Sectionaliser
Single Bus with Bus Sectionaliser – I/C-2 feeding entire load
Single Bus with Bus Sectionaliser
Single Bus with Bus Sectionaliser – Synchronised
Single Bus with Bus Sectionaliser
Layout
Plan Layout
Section
Single Bus with Bus Sectionaliser
Merits
Economic
Any outage can be confined to one section of the bus bar
Demerits
Maintenance of Breaker without affecting the feeder is not
possible
Maintenance of Bus without affecting the feeder is not possible
Constraints
Full advantage of the scheme is realized by distributing the
incoming & outgoing feeders evenly on either section
The use of Isolator for bus sectionalizing does not fulfill the
purpose. The isolators have to be operated “off circuit” and it
may present to obtain zero current across the section.
Single Main & Transfer Bus
Main Bus
Transfer Bus
TBC Bay
Bay-1 Bay-2 Bay-3 Bay-4
Single Main & Transfer Bus
Normal operation
Main Bus
Transfer Bus
TBC Bay
Bay-1 Bay-2 Bay-3 Bay-4
Single Main & Transfer Bus
Bay-1 CB is taken for Maintenance
Main Bus
Transfer Bus
TBC Bay
Bay-1 Bay-2 Bay-3 Bay-4
Single Main & Transfer Bus
Layout
Plan & Section
Single Main & Transfer Bus
Features
While Main Bus is sized for entire Station Load, Transfer bus is designed to
take only one feeder load, as TBC CB can act as feeder breaker only for one
feeder & not for >1
Merits
Provides facility to carry out breaker maintenance
Demerits
Does not Provide facility to carry out Bus maintenance
Only one feeder breaker can be taken for maintenance at a time
Constraints
In order to carry out breaker maintenance, the circuit is changed over to
the Transfer bus & controlled by Bus Transfer breaker through a Trip
Transfer Switch.
All tripping signals to be routed to TBC breaker
Normally, applicable upto 132kV only
Double Main Bus
Single Line Diagram
Main-1 Bus
Main-2 Bus
B/C
Bay-1 Bay-2 Bay-3 Bay-4 Bay-5
Double Main Bus
Main Bus-1 Feeding all loads
Main-1 Bus
Main-2 Bus
B/C
Bay-1 Bay-2 Bay-3 Bay-4 Bay-5
Double Main Bus
Double Main - Main Bus-2 Feeding all loads
Main-1 Bus
Main-2 Bus
B/C
Bay-1 Bay-2 Bay-3 Bay-4 Bay-5
Double Main Bus
Double Main - Main Bus-1 & 2 sharing the loads
Main-1 Bus
Main-2 Bus
B/C
Bay-1 Bay-2 Bay-3 Bay-4 Bay-5
Double Main Bus
Layout
Plan & Section
Double Main Bus
Features
Utilizes 2 identical buses, each sized for complete station load
Load can be fed from either buses. Incomer & loads shall be grouped
based on operational considerations
Bus coupler breaker, is invariably provided, as it enables “on load” change
over from one bus bar to the other.
For normal operations, Bus isolators are interlocked such that the feeders
are closed on only one of the buses, except under load transfer conditions,
where both the isolators can be closed as BC feeder would have been
closed then.
CT Switching required for proper Bus bar protection
Normally applicable for 220 & 400 kV levels
Merits
Provides facility to carry out Bus maintenance
Demerits
Does not Provide facility to carry out Breaker maintenance
Double Main & Transfer Bus
Single Line Diagram
Transfer Bus
Main-1 Bus
Main-2 Bus
TBC Bay BC Bay
Bay-1 Bay-2 Bay-3 Bay-4 Bay-5
Double Main & Transfer Bus
Normal operation
Transfer Bus
Main-1 Bus
Main-2 Bus
TBC Bay BC Bay
Bay-1 Bay-2 Bay-3 Bay-4 Bay-5
Double Main & Transfer Bus
One feeder through Transfer Bus
Transfer Bus
Main-1 Bus
Main-2 Bus
TBC Bay BC Bay
Bay-1 Bay-2 Bay-3 Bay-4 Bay-5
Double Main & Transfer Bus
Layout
Plan & Section
Double Main & Transfer Bus
Features
This is a combination of double main bus and Main & Transfer Bus
Each Main bus is designed to cater to the complete station load,
while Transfer bus is designed to take only one feeder load, as TBC
CB can act as feeder breaker only for one feeder & not for >1
Normally used at 220 & 400 kV levels to improve reliability &
where cost is not a concern
CT Switching required for proper Bus bar protection
Merits
Provides facility to carry out Bus maintenance as well as Breaker
maintenance
Demerits
Costly
Requires more space
1 ½ Breaker Scheme
Single Line Diagram – I Layout
Main-1 Bus
Main-2 Bus
1 ½ Breaker Scheme
1 ½ Breaker Scheme – Normal Operation
Main-1 Bus
Main-2 Bus
1 ½ Breaker Scheme
1 ½ Breaker Scheme – Bus 1 under maintenance
Main-1 Bus
Main-2 Bus
1 ½ Breaker Scheme
1 ½ Breaker Scheme – Bus 2 under maintenance
Main-1 Bus
Main-2 Bus
1 ½ Breaker Scheme
1 ½ Breaker Scheme – Bus CB under maintenance
Main-1 Bus
Main-2 Bus
1 ½ Breaker Scheme
1 ½ Breaker Scheme – Tie CB under maintenance
Main-1 Bus
Main-2 Bus
1 ½ Breaker Scheme
1½ Breaker Scheme – LILO
Main-1 Bus
Main-2 Bus
1 ½ Breaker Scheme
Substation-A
B
Substation-C
Substation-B
1 ½ Breaker Scheme
Single Line Diagram – D Layout
Main-1 Bus
Main-2 Bus
1 ½ Breaker Scheme – ‘D’ Layout
Normal operation – D Layout
Main-1 Bus
Main-2 Bus
1 ½ Breaker Scheme – ‘D’ Layout
Layout
Plan
Layout
Section
1 ½ Breaker Scheme
Features
Three circuit breakers are used for connecting the two feeders &
hence “one and a half breaker” name for the scheme
Used at 400 kV levels only
Depending on availability of space I or D type is picked
Merits
More flexible than any of the above schemes & continuity of supply
can be assured
Interconnection of feeders in each bay can be maintained even
without energizing the main bus bars (LILO)
Both breaker and Bus Maintenance are possible
Avoids the need of the bus coupler
Demerits
Expensive arrangement
Mesh scheme
Single Line Diagram
Mesh scheme
Layout Plan
Mesh scheme
Features
Provides double feed to each circuit – opening of one breaker
under maintenance or otherwise does not affect the supply to
any circuit
Only 220 kV Ring Main Scheme in India executed by L&T at
PPN project.
Merits
Permits breaker maintenance without interrupting the
continuity of supply
All sections of conductor in the station are covered by feeder
protection & vis-à-vis Distance, Differential no separate bus
protection is needed
Constraints
Suggested only when there is a limited number of circuits are
to be connected & future extension is never envisaged
Clearances
Phase to Phase Clearance
Safety Clearances
Phase to Earth Clearance
in an Outdoor
Switchyard
Sectional Clearance
Ground Clearance
Clearances
Phase to Phase Clearance (PPC) :
Is the distance between any Live conductor of one phase to adjacent
phase
Phase to Earth Clearance (PEC):
Is the distance between any Live conductor of one phase to the
nearest ground point.
Sectional Clearance (SC):
Is the distance between one side of the Isolator to the ground point of
the nearby equipment on the opposite side of the Isolator when the
Isolator is Open.
Ground Clearance (GC):
Is the distance between the Top of Plinth to the Bottom of Insulator
support.
Clearances
Clearances
Clearances
Minimum clearance to be maintained between Phase to phase, Phase to Ground
and Sectional clearances are mentioned in different standards / practices viz.
CBIP, IS, BS etc.,
Generally, the following clearances are adopted for outdoor Switchyards
All values in mm 400 220 132 66 33 22 11
Phase to Phase 4200 2100 1300 630 320 280 230
Phase to Earth 3500 2100 1300 630 320 220 140
Sectional Clearance 6500 5000 4000 3500 3000 3000 2600
Please note that the minimum clearance different from spacing adopted.
Insulation Levels
System Voltage in kV
400 220 132 66 33 22 11
Highest System Voltage
420 245 145 72 36 24 12
(kV)
Lightning Impulse Voltage
1550 1050 650 325 170 125 75
(kV peak)
Switching Impulse Voltage
1050 NA NA NA NA NA NA
(kV peak)
Power Frequency Withstand
voltage (kV RMS)
630 460 275 140 70 50 28
Corona Extinction Voltage
320 156 105 NA NA NA NA
(kV RMS)
Bay width
Bay Width of a Switchyard depends on
System voltage
Type of Equipments used
Bay width
Bay width required for Switchyards of different voltage levels
All values in m A B B A Total
400 kV 6.5 7 7 6.5 27
220 kV 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 18
132 kV 3 3 3 3 12
66 kV 2 2 2 2 8
Bay width
220kV
DMT SY
with DBR
Isolator
220kV
DMT SY
with HCB
Isolator
Phase Sequence
Phase sequence shall be properly maintained across all the bays
(Incomer & Outgoings).
For an existing Switchyard, the phase sequence shall be
followed in line with the existing system.
For a new Switchyard, it is recommended to decide the phase
sequence based on the Transformer terminals.
Consider, the largest rating transformer of the Highest
voltage level in the yard. Looking from the HV side of the
Transformer, the phase sequence shall be maintained as
RYB from Left to Right.
220kV
400kV
R Y B
CT Location
BBP BBP
‘1’ ‘2’
H J
‘Z’
G LP
Line Protection LP K L
‘H’ ‘J’
Busbar Protection LP LP
‘K’ ‘L’
Protection Overlap zone
CT Location
Teed-1
Teed-2
Metering
Distance – M2
Distance - M1
Metering
Teed-1
Teed-2
Busbar M1
Busbar M2
Metering
Teed – 2
Teed - 1
Earth Switches
Earth Switches are provided in a Switchyard to ensure safe working of men and
machinery during maintenance.
Generally, Earth Switches are provided in following locations
On either side of the Breaker (On Isolators located next to CB)
On Bus (at one of the Bus Isolator, generally in B/C bay)
Line side of the Line Isolator
Transformer side of the Transformer Isolator
CVT side of the Bus CVT
It is important to note the location of the Earth Switch before erection to ensure
the above. Check the following
Location of Earth Switches as in SLD
E/S at Isolator (Male or Female contact side) with respect to moving
contact opening direction
Fouling of Earth Switch moving contact with nearby Tower
Earth Switches
Single Line Diagram showing
Location of Earth Switches
Earth Switches
Layout Plan
showing
location of
Earth
Switches
Earth Switches
Female contact
Earth Switch
Contact opening direction
Earth Switch on Female contact side
Earth Switches
Male contact
Earth Switch
Earth Switch on Male contact side
Earthing
In a Switchyard, conditions for safety earthing design are,
Attainable Step Potential < Tolerable Step Potential
Attainable Touch Potential < Tolerable Touch Potential
Ground Grid Resistance < 1 ohm
Earthing
Exposure to Touch Voltage
Earthing
Exposure to Step Voltage
Earthing
Tolerable and Attainable Value of Step and Touch Potential
depends on,
Soil Resistivity of Ground
Fault Current
Duration of Fault Current
Soil Resistivity of Top Layer (Gravel)
Size of Conductor
Grid Spacing
Number of Electrodes
The test of a good trainer is not how many questions he can ask his trainees
that they will answer readily, but how many questions he inspires them to
ask him which he finds it hard to answer”
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