CC/SC Plant to Switchyard Distances?

[ACCOTTER]

Just trying to get a feel for what is out there....For a typical combined or simple cycle power plant (138kV-500kV) what are typical distances between the plant (GSU HV terminals) and switchyard (CBs in corresponding configuration; double breaker, breaker and half, etc)? Max distance anyone has ever seen? Barriers or obstacles faced during increased distances?

I appreciate any feedback!

Regards,

clos

 

[TurbineGen]

We tend to place our HV side breaker within 50 meters of our GSU transformer. We also have disconnect switches on either side of this breaker to isolate it for maintenance and such. Our GSUs often rest in a substation external to the generating plant and is connected via isophase bus. The substation with the GSU also has the HV breaker in all but one case.

I can't say I know the reasons for this. It might have to do with the fact that we use our HV breakers to synchronize. In one facility, we have two turbine generators bussed to one GSU which steps the voltage up to 69 kv. This is transferred to a substation approximately 125 meters away (which contains the GSU protective breaker) where it is stepped up again (I believe to 230kv)

In another facility we have 4 tubine generators lined up with a substation. The GSUs are all within 30 meters of their respective breakers. However, 3 of the GSUs step up to 230kv and one steps up to 161kv. These separate voltage feed two different substations.

I hope that helps.

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