The Problem In Detail
Enspec supplied a pair of 33kV shunt reactors to Athena for Kincardine Wind Farm. There was a concern around inrush currents and re-ignition as system studies highlighted the reactors would need to be switched in and out fairly regularly.
Finding the Solution
Enspec designed a pair of 33kV Point-on-Wave switching panels combining SynchroTeq relays with high performance vacuum circuit breakers. These would handle all switching operations for the shunt reactors mitigating inrush currents on closing, and re-ignition on opening.
Making it all Work
Enspec carried out a full testing and pre-commissioning procedure to characterise the vacuum circuit breaker timing information and ensure the Point-on-Wave system was targeting the correct switching points.
What that means for the project now
The panels are now on-site and awaiting the final commissioning visit once the Wind Farm is ready to go live.
Learn more about SynchroTeq Point-on-Wave switching here.