Hotline of power engineering specialists:
In all regions of the Company’s operations (it works in 20 regions of Russia), a set of measures was implemented aimed at ensuring reliable and uninterrupted operation of the power grid complex at that time. Their list was formed on the basis of the analysis of outages and technological disruptions in the operation of electrical equipment due to the impact of thunderstorm overvoltage in previous thunderstorm seasons. Particular attention was paid to the checking and testing of overvoltage protection devices of substation equipment, the elimination of “dangerous places” that could lead to technological disruptions due to thunderstorm overvoltage.
The power engineers analyzed the existing circuits and visually inspected the state of lightning protection devices and protective equipment against overvoltage of switchgears of 35-110 kV substations, 35-110 kV overhead power lines and 6-10 kV distribution grids. An inspection of warehouses of combustive-lubricating materials, oil facilities and antenna-mast structures was carried out. Lightning protection and grounding devices for electrical equipment, buildings and structures were tested for compliance with intersectoral requirements.
Damaged suspension insulators were replaced and the readiness of remote control, wired, satellite, cellular, and radio communications was checked. The availability of emergency event recorders, recording devices, oscilloscopes, and other devices which make it possible in the event of elemental and other emergency situations to quickly identify fault locations on power lines. Repeated briefings on actions in thunderstorm conditions and emergency response training were conducted with operating and repair staff to identify fault locations on power lines, as well as to eliminate power outages at consumers’ premises.
Timely preparation of the electric grid complex of IDGC of Centre and IDGC of Centre and Volga Region to the passing of the thunderstorm period in 2019 will significantly reduce the risk of damage to electrical grid facilities and transmission lines, to ensure reliable and high-quality power supply to consumers in all regions of the Company’s operations.
