IEC TR 63259:2022 PDF

Overview

IEC TR 63259:2022 is a Technical Report that provides guidelines for water cooling systems for power electronics used in electrical transmission and distribution systems. The document covers systems that use de‑ionized water (or de‑ionized water with added solutes such as antifreeze) as the heat transfer agent for removing heat from power electronic equipment. It is intended as practical guidance for both purchasers and suppliers, and can be used to draft procurement specifications and support project implementation.

Key topics and technical requirements

The report focuses on practical design, testing and operational topics rather than prescriptive normative requirements. Main technical areas covered include:

• System architecture: separation into main circuit and control & protection subsystems.
• Service conditions: indoor/outdoor environmental and electrical supply considerations.
• Design input parameters: thermal loads, flow rates, pressure and insulation needs (typical parameters are tabulated).
• Main circuit components: pumps, piping, filtration, reservoirs, sensors and interfaces with power electronic equipment.
• Heat exchangers: guidance for different heat sink types - air coolers, evaporative cooling towers, liquid‑to‑liquid exchangers, and chiller units.
• Control, protection, monitoring: control logic, protection functions, recording and communications.
• Freezing prevention: guidance when antifreeze or low freezing points are required.
• Testing and commissioning: visual, hydraulic, thermal, electrical insulation, EMC, vibration/noise, and functional control tests.
• Maintenance, safety and environmental impact: recommended inspection, cleanliness, safety precautions and environmental considerations.

Note: the report explicitly excludes cooling systems that do not use de‑ionized water as the heat transfer agent.

Practical applications

IEC TR 63259 applies to water‑cooled power electronic installations in transmission and distribution contexts, including:

• HVDC converter valves (LCC and VSC)
• Static compensators (SVC, STATCOM)
• High‑voltage power distribution cabinets and large IGBT/thyristor assemblies
• Substation auxiliary systems where high thermal density requires liquid cooling

Typical use cases:

• Drafting procurement specifications for a water cooling package
• Supplier design verification and factory acceptance testing (FAT) checklists
• Site commissioning and operational handover guidance
• Maintenance planning and routine testing schedules

Who should use this standard

• Utility engineers and asset owners responsible for HV/MV substations
• System integrators and equipment suppliers of power electronics
• Design engineers (thermal, mechanical, electrical) and project managers
• Test labs and commissioning teams preparing FAT/SAT procedures
• Procurement teams creating technical specifications

Related standards and references

IEC TR 63259 is part of the IEC family of publications addressing power electronics, electrical safety and thermal management. Users should consult applicable IEC standards on power electronics, electrical equipment testing, and environmental/safety requirements when preparing specifications or implementing systems. For vocabulary and related terms, IEC Electropedia and the IEC webstore provide supporting material and the latest editions of referenced standards.