THE STUDY OF A MAJOR 2008 SUBSTATION INCIDENT IN THE EPS OF CRETE

Abstract

A major incident in the Electric Power System (EPS) of Crete resulting in extensive damages in the SS Iraklio 3, 150/15 kV is studied. The accident originated from a medium voltage fault at the substation. This fault was not cleared due to the coincident destruction of the protection and control circuits resulting in large shortcircuit currents for 16 minutes, fires of materiel and extensive damage in high voltage, medium voltage as well as DC voltage hardware of the substation in addition to significant loss of load. This paper begins with an assessment of the power system condition at the time of the incident. Then the sequence of events for this accident will be described. The ensuing measures that include the restoration of interrupted power supply, the partial return to service as well as the final completion of repairs at the substation facility are detailed. The analysis of the incident is presented. Conclusions of practical importance are drawn as well as recommendations regarding improvements in hardware and protection system and in the available technical support that can be crucial in avoiding and/or limiting damage in future incident.