Circuit breakers and GIS can be tested up to 1,200kV rating at KEMA

KEMA Laboratories is known for its globally-recognized KEMA Type Test Certificate that is issued if a component passes an internationally-recognized type test program. We have in this exclusive interaction Verhoeven Bas discussing the longstanding relationship that India has shared with KEMA. Bas also notes that when India decided to move to 765kV power transmission, KEMA invested Euro 70 million in upgrading its facilities so that India enjoys a reliable power transmission network.

KEMA Laboratories is a pioneer in the field of high-voltage equipment testing. Please take us through your key strengths in this field.

KEMA Laboratories (part of DNV GL since 2011) has 90 years of global experience in testing, inspection and certification of medium and high voltage T&D components. Our main strength is a constant investment in our testing laboratories developing state-of-the-art testing technology matching the innovations in the T&D industry. The technical knowledge and skills of our entire staff is also highly valued by our customers. Our test engineers participate in international (IEC) working groups, disseminating knowledge and assuring that international standards are realistic. We are very proud of our world leading position, based on our widely recognized impartiality and our high-quality level of testing.

KEMA Laboratories operates six short circuit generators each rated at 2.500 MVA. When connected in parallel we have a 15.000 MVA of power available for the testing of large power transformers up to 765kV class. The main advantage of generator-fed short circuit laboratory over a grid-connected laboratory is the better control of the voltages and current and our ability to switch-off in milliseconds in case the power transformers fails the short circuit test, resulting in a better safety for people and the environment. But, more importantly, the energy in the transformers is limited and the transformer can be inspected for the root cause analysis and remains repairable. Circuit breakers and GIS can be tested up to 1.200kV rating; the highest rated AC transmission voltage in the world.

The upcoming meshed HVDC networks require HVDC circuit breakers. KEMA Laboratories is world leading in the development of test circuitry for HVDC circuit breakers.  We closely work together with the global T&D industry to ensure that all types of technology of HVDC circuit breakers can be tested. HVDC circuit breakers need to be tested using short circuit generator running at a lower rpm. Alternatives like capacitor-fed or inductor-fed testing is insufficient for matching the exact electrical phenomena in HVDC networks.

KEMA has been a longstanding partner to India. Please discuss your engagement with India.

Indian manufacturers of MV, HV and UHV substation components are already coming to KEMA Laboratories for over five decades.  These manufacturers need their components to be tested and certified as per international standards. The KEMA Type Test Certificate helps the Indian manufacturers to prove the high-quality level of the components when selling to utilities in India and for export to utilities outside India.

The reliability of India’s power network is very important and many years ago India decided that all power transformers need to be tested for short circuit performance. In this respect India is a global front runner. We see other countries following India’s example. Many power transformers from India have been tested at our KEMA Laboratories in The Netherlands. The experience gained with all these tests have helped to improve the quality level of power transformers produced in India. Manufacturers and utilities value KEMA certification because of:

• Highly reputed, best equipped, highest skilled and efficient testing engineers
• Professionalism and customer care
• Independent, ISO/IEC Accredited Lab and STL member laboratory
• Integrity: all aspects of the testing are handled with the highest confidentially

India is moving to increasing higher voltages in power transmission. In this context, do you envisage deeper engagement with India?

When India announced the development of the 765kV power network, we strongly believed that India could successfully establish this transmission system. To help India in developing a highly reliable 765kV transmission system, we invested EUR 70 million for the expansion of our high-power laboratory in The Netherlands. At KEMA Laboratories we can test Indian transformers of 765kV class to prove the design and manufacturing technology. Indian transformer manufacturers are using our laboratory for carrying out short-circuit tests on their 765kV class transformers. For the longer term, as India is getting ready to develop 1.200kV AC systems, KEMA Laboratories is now also equipped to carry out short circuit tests on 1.200 kV circuit breakers and gas insulated substation components.

The power value chain is getting increasingly digital. How do you see KEMA Laboratories moving from testing of traditional equipment like transformers to modern systems like Smart Grids?

The digitalization of the T&D industry is going very fast and many digital components emerge on the market. Digital means control and protection systems inside the main component and connected to the Internet of things. Functional, environmental and cyber security are now very essential. The IEC 61850 standard is becoming the standard protocol. KEMA Laboratories developed this standard together with the industry and we provide certification to this protocol. The next step KEMA laboratories has developed is the integral testing of functional digital tests in combination with dielectric and short-circuit test.

KEMA recently completed 90 glorious years of service to the industry. Tell us how you have seen the association with India grow over these long years.

India and KEMA Laboratories go hand in hand since many decades. Our partnering with India is based on experience, trustworthiness and our shared goal for a highly reliable power infrastructure enabling India to prosper.