Two weeks after energising a STATCOM (static synchronous compensator) at a PV solar power plant, a fire caused extensive damage to the STATCOM, possibly affecting equipment connected to it. During the ensuing investigation, it was discovered that the cable connections inside the STATCOM had disintegrated, leaving evidence of a sustained fault.
Why did the cable connections fail? Was it related to work carried out on site by the manufacturer? Was the failure related to design of the plant? Or was it simply limited to manufacturing of the STATCOM itself?
CEERISK experts investigated these issues and answered the questions put forward by the loss adjusters who needed to make policy decisions. The site investigation allowed gathering of critical information from eyewitnesses at the scene and analysis of the plant and equipment design.
CEERISK experts concluded that the root cause of the loss was a manufacturing defect at the cable connections. The facts presented in our report left little doubt about the cause and allowed the loss adjusters to proceed to the next stage of the adjustment process where they needed to deal with the extent of damage, not only to the STATCOM, but the interconnected apparatuses around it. Oil leaks from the transformer suggested that it may have been damaged as a result of the short circuit at the STATCOM.
Our engineers arranged for electrical tests to investigate the condition of the transformer and reactors connected to the STATCOM. Additionally, oil samples that were recovered by CEERISK engineers in accordance to IEC standards and were later analysed by an independent lab in the UK found no signs of failure in the transformer. Relying on solid evidence supplied by CEERISK’s testing and analysis, loss adjusters were able to successfully conclude a large and complex claim with satisfactory results.
