Power Grid Corporation of India - Technological Development

Technological Development

POWERGRID has undertaken several technological innovations. to address issues of conserving Right-of-Way (RoW), minimizing impact on natural resources, coordinated development of cost effective transmission corridor, flexibility in upgradation of transfer capacity of lines matching with power transfer requirement and for development of an optimal techno economical inter-State transmission system.

These include high temperature low sag Conductors, series compensation including Thyristor Control, Multi Circuits, GIS Mapping, Compact & Tall Towers, High Surge Impedance Loading Lines, hotline maintenance, live line washing of insulators; use of emergency restoration system, large scale automation of sub-stations, etc.

The 1200kV UHV AC technology is being developed by POWERGRID for the first time in the world. This is one of the unique R&D projects in public-private partnership model. During FY2011-12, POWERGRID test-charged 1200kV Single circuit test line along with 1200 kV transformer and other equipments. The introduction of Ultra High Voltage in the transmission system will enhance power transfer capability of the line and reduce transmission losses and minimise Right of Way requirement.

Implementation of ±800 kV, 6000 MW HVDC Bi-pole of length around 2000 km from North Eastern region (Biswanath Chariali in the State of Assam) to Northern Region (Agra in the State of Uttar Pradesh) is under construction. This shall facilitate high quantum of power transfer. Once implemented, this shall be the longest ±800kV HVDC line in the world.

National High Power Test Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. (NHPTL), a Joint Venture Company of POWERGRID, NTPC, NHPC, DVC and CPRI, created in May, 2009 has been entrusted with the responsibility of establishing a fully independent, standalone, state of the art “On Line High Power Short Circuit Test Facility” at Bina (M.P.) in India. Under Phase-I the facilities are being created for short circuit testing of Power Transformers ranging from 11 kV to 765 kV class. On completion of Phase-I, NHPTL Lab would be a unique test facility of its kind in the world to facilitate short circuit testing of transformer up to 765kV.

Subsequently, the facilities will be extended for short circuit testing of Switchgears (Circuit Breakers) up to 550kV, 63 kA for Short-Circuits duties with synthetic methods and the high current withstand capability of electrical equipment such as LV Bus Bar, LV Contacts, LV breakers, LV Disconnectors, LV switchgear, Bushings, CT, as per National (BIS) and International (IEC) Standards. Smart Grid/ Smart City

POWERGRID is taking leadership initiative for implementation of Smart Grid Technology in the country. In this direction, the Company has implemented Smart Grid Pilot Project using WAMS for the first time in India. “India Smart Grid Task Force”, headed by Mr Sam Pitroda, Adviser to Hon’ble Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure & Innovations, is the focal point for Government’s activities related to Smart Grid. Secretariat of this prestigious forum is now being operated by POWERGRID.

POWERGRID has taken up development of Smart City, for which a pilot project at Puducherry is being implemented phasewise . This will include Smart Distribution (Advance Metering Infrastructure, Outage, Peak Load and Power Quality Management, electric Vehicles and Energy Storage), Smart Generation (Renewable and micro grid), Smart Transmission (Integration of Renewable Energy Sources, Synchrophasor Technology), and Smart Public Services (such as e-governance, e-education, m-Medical). International Co-operation – Towards SAARC Grid

POWERGRID is acively participating in developing a road map for SAARC market for electricity on a regional basis to develop a cross country power-grid, harnessing each other’s capacities and resources in order to address the growing energy need in the region.

Presently, various interconnections exist between India & Nepal and between India & Bhutan. For evacuation of power from various upcoming HEPs in Bhutan, Punatsangchu-I HEP (in Bhutan)-Alipurduar (in India), 400kV D/c line between Bhutan & India is under implementation. Further, an asynchronous interconnection between India & Bangladesh through 500MW HVDC back-to-back terminal along with Bheramara (Bangladesh)- Baharampur (India) 400kV D/c is under implementation. In addition, an interconnection between India and Sri Lanka through HVDC bipole link including submarine cable for sea portion is being finalised. Further, for bulk transfer of power, interconnection between India and Nepal through 400kV Dhalkebar (in Nepal) – Muzaffarpur (in India) D/c transmission line has been planned. The modalities for the implementation of the same are under finalization.