Test of High Voltage Equipment

General Information

Description
Output
Accreditation

The test bays of the Schaltwerk Hochspannung Berlin open up a multitude of opportunities - from experiments on basic principles to type testing. The Schaltwerk Hochspannung (HV switchgear manufacturing plant) in Berlin is Siemens' technology center for the development and manufacture of high-voltage switchgear, gas-insulated high-voltage substations and surge arresters. The greatest of care is taken here to develop and manufacture quality products. In addition to proven methods of calculation, the engineers of the Development Department have at their disposal their own test bays equipped with the very latest in measuring and testing equipment. These are constantly being added to with new processes and methods that enhance the effectiveness of the bays, the scope of experiments and tests that can be conducted and the depth of information provided in the test results. The highly diversified range of test bays support all stages of development: from experimentation with basic principles, through initial testing of test units and checks on prototype breakers, to globally recognized type testing of first units for delivery. The beneficiaries of these exemplary development facilities at our in-house test bays are, when all is said and done, each and every plant operator who decides to purchase Siemens switchgear.

The following advantages ensue from the fact that we have our own test bays:

Rapid reaction to special requirements on the part of customers
Development costs are lower than if we used external testing stations
Higher frequency of use of the test bays during development, and consequently a higher level of quality for the finished products
Higher severity of testing, thanks to 'multilayered' development using sensitive measuring and testing facilities perfectly tailored to the respective development task
A massive knowledge base concerning all material properties and functional sequences, which enables us to explore the limits of the stressing capacities not only of materials but of devices too
Ongoing integration of theoretical experiments into the development process
Quick and uncomplicated verification of new ideas through experimentation, thanks to immediate access to testing workshops.

Electrical tests
AC voltage	1400 kV
Lightning impulse voltage	3000 kV (also with negative field voltage)
Switching impulse voltage	1800 kV (also with negative field voltage)
DC voltage	600 kV
Switching test
Output for direct test	6400 MVA
Equivalent output for synthetic test	104 GVA
Short-circuit current at 35 kV (RMS)	120 kA
Impulse and short-time current, three-phase	300 kA/120 kA, 3 s
Temperature-rise test
	6 kA, single and three-phase
	16 2/3 Hz up to 60 Hz
Physics laboratory
Performance test	up to 63 kA, 50/60 Hz direct and synthetic, up to 120 kV

The test bays at the Schaltwerk Hochspannung (HV switchgear manufacturing plant) in Berlin have been accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025. This means that Siemens satisfies an important prerequisite enabling it to be awarded product certificates recognized throughout the EU. Accreditation entails tests conducted on high-voltage switchgear and on items of power engineering equipment in accordance with relevant test specifications.

The test bays, as accredited facilities of the PEHLA association, are integrated in an international structure of testing and certification stations. The tests - and the documents compiled from the results of these tests - accordingly meet the highest requirements.