Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_NGET0163 | |
| Title | SF6 Management and Alternative Gases | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution) 100%; | |
| Research Types | Applied Research and Development 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry) 50%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) 50%; |
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| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 75%; Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Environmental dimensions) 25%; |
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| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact No email address given National Grid Electricity Transmission |
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| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 March 2015 | |
| End Date | 01 March 2020 | |
| Duration | 60 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £1,200,000 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Power | |
| Region | London | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , National Grid Electricity Transmission (100.000%) |
| Web Site | http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_NGET0163 |
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| Objectives | Leak Detection and Refilling This work package is aimed at delivering three key outputs: A technology capable of detecting SF6 leaks at various dew points and in indoor environments. A technology capable of automatically refilling leaks to maintain a constant pressure. An improved SF6 trolley to improve safety of handling staff. Leak Sealing and Repair This work package’s objective is to investigate novel leak sealing and repair techniques capable of being used on two specific situations: On large leaks which require rapid curing of epoxy compound or valve to reduce pressure On porcelain/metal sections. SF6 Capture and Reuse This work package aims at investigating and developing a technology for capturing SF6 gas and, if necessary, filtering it to a stage where it could be re-introduced to the equipment for reused as insulating material. SF6 Alternatives - Phase 1G3: This new gas has never been installed before on any life equipment. The successful implementation will prove the potential of new gases to be successfully introduced into the electricity industry as alternative insulation. CF3I: Mixtures based on this gas are still under development and its use for HV applications has not been proved. This area of work will look at key techniques for the characterisation of its insulating properties and will include preliminary investigations into the interaction of CF3I with key high voltage materials. Leak Detection and Refilling A successful outcome of this work package would see would see the three deliverables, described in the objectives above, successfully developed and tested. Leak Sealing and Repair If successful, this work package will develop a technology and/or compound capable of being used for large gases and for both porcelain and metallic interfaces. SF6 Capture and Reuse If successful, this work package will deliver a technology capable of capturing any leaking gas, filtering and if required, refilling the tank. SF6 Alternatives - Phase 1A successful project will see the modifications to the GIS equipment being performed without impacting the reliability of the whole substation as well as see the introduction of G3 into the system for a period of three years without faults. It will also see the development of a CF3I mixture capable of being used in transmission applications. | |
| Abstract | Sulphur hexafluoride gas (SF6) is estimated to contribute about 0. 2% of the global warming potential of the annual greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. SF6 is also the dominant insulation and interruption material in high voltage equipment with around 10,000 tonnes of it being used by electricity companies in the UK with an estimate emission rate of 15. 6 tonnes (approximately 389,329 tonnes of CO2 equivalent). The possibility of reducing the amount of SF6 in the electricity network and hence the potential impact of the industry on global warming is therefore of great interest. Unfortunately, due to its unique capabilities SF6 has, until now, been very difficult to manage and substitute. Due to its molecular structure, SF6 has a relatively high dielectric strength of nearly three times more than air at atmospheric pressure. However, this same characteristic provides it with an average life of about 3,200 years. This long life-time, added to its strong infrared absorption capability are the reasons for its extremely high global warming potential, which for a 100-year horizon is estimated to be approximately 23,900 times greater than CO2. There are hence several challenges addressing utilities looking at reduce their environmental impact in this area: Leak Detection and Refilling Leak Sealing and RepairSF6 Capture and ReuseSF6 Alternatives This project comprise parallel work packages that address each of these, and builds on the work previously carried out by National Grid as well as projects undertaken by other networks and reported on the ENA portal. The planned programme of work across all work packages has a duration of 5 years, however, recognising the significance of the environmental benefits that success at any stage could offer, results that could enable others to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from SF6 will be shared with all GB licensees and electricity networks globally as soon as they are verified. Addressing all the above challenges requires the development of various new innovative technologies, systems and methods. Trialling them under controlled, supervised conditions in order to learn and de-risk the decision to roll them out will be essential to developing solutions that can be implemented on the electricity networks.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 11/12/18 | |
