The efficient way
Pawan Parikh
Renjini Liza Varghese
What are the major technologies that have revolutionised power transmission in India?
Lately, a lot of thrust has been given by the government to increasing the inter-regional electrical transmission capacities. The capacity of transmission lines is being enhanced by going to higher voltages like 765 kV AC and now 800 kV HVDC. Substations are becoming compact and practically require no maintenance. And because of diminishing land availability, gas insulated substations (GIS) are becoming popular. The footprint of a conventional 145 kV Substation can be reduced 50 times by using GIS. Another new technology is the use of instrument transformers which have polymer insulators and use SF6 gas in place of oil and paper. The danger of explosion that used to dog the old devices due to ageing is easily resolved with latest technology.
T&D losses are a major concern for utilities. How will the new technologies help the transmission in reducing losses?
Deregulation and privatisation are posing new challenges to high-voltage transmission systems. High-voltage power electronics, such as HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current), provide the necessary features to avoid technical problems in heavily loaded power systems; they increase the transmission capacity and system stability very efficiently and assist in preventing cascading disturbances. A single HVDC line can carry more than 6000 Mw of power, with lower losses. In this technology AC is converted to DC and pumped into the lines. Very few countries can today master, install and manage HVDC systems. The advantages are lower transmission losses, slimmer hardware across the countryside, stable grid and dispersed generation of power. The new technology is also environment friendly. Siemens is a pioneer in executing the first of its kind long distance HVDC transmission systems in India. Till date, we have received three orders of HVDC – Talcher-Kolar, Ballia-Bhiwadi both from Power Grid and Mundra, Gujarat, to Mohindargarh (Haryana) from Adani Power Ltd.
Are we on par with the world in terms of our technological advancements in the transmission segment?
We sure are. Siemens among the companies that have been instrumental in bringing these technologies to the Indian customers by driving the innovation. We were the first in India to bring locally produced GIS; we are also ready with equipment suitable for the next level of transmission voltage, i.e., 1200 kV AC.
What are the changes in terms of size and affordability factor happened to Siemens products with the newer technologies?
Local manufacturing is the biggest lever for cost-reduction. Not only does localization provide direct and indirect job opportunities, but allows easier up gradation and better after-sales service support.
Consumers are becoming more aware and expect a better quality of power. Many changes have occurred in maintaining voltage stability in terms of technology. Your take on it .
Better quality power is possible by using better transmission equipment and good quality switching equipment and transformers with lower losses. Transmission is really a very high technology area. We utilise our global R&D reach to offer these hi- tech solutions for our customers.
What is the role of testing centres in the transmission segment?
Testing centres contribute in a very large way towards keeping a check on the fly by night operators out of this extremely demanding sector. But I must admit that India needs to upgrade its testing centres on an urgent basis so that we do not have to ship our equipment overseas for testing. Now the manual control panels have given way to touch screens and real time detection of problems is happening.
Do you see the technology penetrating even to the rural areas where the major part of the transmission passes through?
Everything depends upon the business model of the distribution utilities. If we have systems in place that encourages efficiency, technology is the only way that such an end can be achieved.
What newer R& D emphasis by the company in improving the products at Siemens?
We have launched many innovative products in the past couple of years including High Voltage GIS. Additionally we see an opportunity in offering products for 765 kV AC and 800 kV DC. Studies are on in this area to improve the quality of the products.
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