Benefits of GIS Substation over AIS substation

Gas Insulated Substations (GIS) is a compact, multi component assembly enclosed in a ground metallic housing in
which the primary insulating medium is compressed sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) Gas. SF6 gas act as insulating
medium between the conductor and earth metallic part. The introduction of SF6 gas has revolutionized not only
the technology of circuit breakers but also the layout of substations. The dielectric strength of SF6 gas at
atmospheric pressure is approximately three times that of air. It is incombustible, non toxic, colorless and
chemically inert. It has arc-quenching properties 3 to 4 times better than air at equal pressure. Due to above
quality of SF6 Gas the Space requirement of GIS Substation is only 10 to 25 percent of what is required in a
conventional Air Insulated Substation and GIS requires only the 5% volume as compare to the AIS. Gas insulated
substation requires least space in comparison the other option available (Air Insulated Substation and Hybrid
Substation). Bay width required for 400 KV and 220 KV GIS is 3.6 Mtr & 2.0 Mtr. as compare to bay width required
26.0 mtr and 16 Mtr. in case of AIS.

Gas insulated substation are easy for the any extension in future and space requirement is only inside the GIS
room whereas Air Insulated Substation required additional land for Expansion.
GIS has less exposed parts at ground potential due to this reason it is also safe for operation and maintenance
staff. Gas insulated Substation are maintenance free, maintenance is required only on movable parts after 15
years of service.
GIS substation increases the availability and reliability of power system as all parts of GIS are inside the close
metallic enclosure and not affected for environment.
In GIS substation automation system can be easily installed due to its modular design. This type of substation can
be operated from remote end and reduces the operation and maintenance cost.

Comparison between AIS and GIS in terms of Cost

Air Insulated Substation

Gas Insulated Substation

Planning and Engineering

100

80

Real Estate

100

25

Primary Equipment

100

120

Secondary Equipment

100

100

Earthwork,Civil work,structures

100

60

Electrical assembly and

erection

100

70

Maintenance

100

50

Outage

100

50

Total

800

570

100

69.4