PowerEarth were supporting CPB to evaluate compliance of the Macarthur wind farm high voltage earthing systems. Tests were to consider effects from power system earth faults and overall safety of the entire installation.
The power system configuration for the Macarthur Wind Farm consisted of a 132kV transmission line between Tarrone and Macarthur Substation. The local wind farm system is predominately cabled, with two remote groups of turbines connected via 33kV transmission line and cable combination. The entire local system is bonded via high voltage cable screens and overhead earth wires.
Using RED Phase Instruments specialist test equipment, a low current off-frequency current injection test was used to determine the impedance of Macarthur Wind Farm installations earthing systems, prospective step and touch voltages present within the Macarthur Wind Farm during earth fault conditions.
We were also very pleased to report that visual inspections found a high quality of workmanship and no obvious issues, meaning this asset will be around for the State of Victoria for a long time.