Perform substation switching, inspection and a thermovision survey

You are a Substation Technician authorised as a substation switching operator.

Simulated workplaceIntermediate missionCAQA Gridworks Networks

What is going on

Transformer 2 at Ballarat North zone substation comes out of service on Thursday 11 September under substation switching schedule SS-26-0333 for its annual inspection, protection relay testing and a thermovision survey of the switchyard, work order WO-26-4395. Transformer 1 will carry the full load, and the schedule requires its load to be confirmed below rating before switching starts. Last year's inspection noted weeping bushing gaskets on transformer 2. The Substations and Protection Manager will direct the switching from the control room and wants a test permit requested for the secondary injection tests on the protection current transformer circuits.

Aisha Rahman, Substations and Protection Manager
Subject: Ballarat North transformer 2 inspection and thermovision on Thursday

Transformer 2 at Ballarat North zone substation comes out on Thursday under substation switching schedule SS-26-0333 for its annual inspection, thermovision survey and protection relay testing, work order WO-26-4395. I want you to perform the switching to the schedule with me directing, complete the inspection and the thermovision survey of the whole switchyard while the yard is loaded on transformer 1, and prepare the test permit request for the secondary injection tests. Record the findings in the asset inspection register with priorities.

Your brief

Perform the substation switching to the validated schedule under direction, complete the inspection of transformer 2 and its bay, survey the loaded switchyard with the thermovision camera, prepare the test permit request for the protection testing, and record findings with priorities in the asset inspection register.

Work through it

You do not need to do it all. Doing a few of these will show you what the work is like. Your ticks and notes stay on this device.

Read the high voltage switching program procedure and review SS-26-0333, WO-26-4395 and the asset inspection register entry for transformer 2.
Complete the tailgate briefing and job risk assessment for switching and inspection in a live switchyard, including safe approach distances at 66 kV and 22 kV, the operating of earth switches and the thermovision survey near live plant.
Confirm from supervisory control that transformer 1 load is below its rating and record it, then perform each switching step exactly as directed by the manager with read back, confirming result and time.
After the earth switches are closed and the access is issued, inspect transformer 2: oil levels, bushings and gaskets, cooling fans and radiators, tap changer, silica gel, earthing connections and the bay's isolators and circuit breaker.
Conduct the thermovision survey of the loaded switchyard, recording every connection, bushing and cable termination surveyed with its temperature rise and classifying any hot spot by the client's criteria.
Prepare the test permit request TP-26-0119 in the access and permit register for the secondary injection tests, describing the current transformer circuits and the earths to be removed.
Record the inspection and survey findings in the asset inspection register with priorities and raise any work orders required, such as bushing gasket replacement.
Record the switching execution in the switching program register and update the work order with hours and findings.

My notes: what did I enjoy, and what surprised me?

What someone in this role would produce

Job risk assessment for live switchyard work
Switching program register execution record
Thermovision survey record with classified findings
Asset inspection register entries for transformer 2 and switchyard items
Test permit request in the access and permit register

Printing this is a record of what you explored. It is not a certificate or a qualification.