Transformer Routine Test – Partial Discharge Measurement

Transformer Routine Test – Partial Discharge Measurement (on photo: OSB Power Transformers Test Laboratory by BEST Transformers)

Transformer insulation structure

This routine test aims to measure the partial discharges which may occur in the transformer insulation structure during test.

Partial-discharges are electrical arks which form the surges between electrodes of any area of the insulating media of a transformer between the conductors. These discharges may occur in air bubbles left in the insulating media, gaps in the solid materials or at the surfaces of two different insulators.

The following conditions can be determined during partial-discharge measurement:

1. To determine whether a partial-discharge above a certain value has occurred in the transformer at a pre-defined voltage.
2. To define the voltage values where the partial-discharge starts by increasing the applied voltage (partial-discharge start voltage) and the value where the partial-discharge ceases by decreasing the applied voltage (partial-discharge cease voltage).
3. To define the partial-discharge strength at a pre-defined voltage.

How Partial-Discharge occurs and measured magnitudes?

The structure where a partial-discharge occurred in an insulating media is shown in the simplified Figure 1. As seen on the simpliified diagram, the impulses forming on the discharge point cause a ΔU voltage drop at the transformer line terminals. This forms a measurable “q” load at the measuring impedance.

This load is called apparent load and given in pC (Pico-Coulomb) units.

During measurements: ΔU voltage drop, average value of apparent partial-discharge current, partial- discharge power, impulse count within a time unit, partial-discharge start and cease voltages can also be determined.

Figure 1 – a) simple schematics of an insulator with gas gap b) equivalent circuit

Measuring circuit and application

Partial-discharge measurement structure of a transformer and related circuit in accordance with IEC 60270 is explained below.

Figure 2 – Partial discharge measuring connection circuit

Where:

1. Supply generator
2. Supply transformer
3. Test transformer
4. Voltage transformer and measuring circuit
5. Filter
6. Measuring impedance
7. Selective switch
8. Measuring instrument and ossiloscope
q_o - calibration generator

The measurement circuit in Figure 2 is formed according to Bushing-tap method stated in standards.

For this, a calibrator (Calibration generator) is necessary. The calibrator produces a q₀ load with a predefined value. Calibrator is connected to the test material in parallel. The q₀ load produced in the calibrator is read at the measuring instrument. These steps are repeated at all terminals of the transformer to be measured at no-voltage.

K = q₀ / q_0m

Where:

K – correction factor
q₀ – load at the calibrator
q_0m – load read at the measuring instrument

Application of the test

After the calibration operations are completed, the calibration generator is taken away from the measuring circuit. When the power system is connected (supply generator switch is closed), the voltage level will be too low (remenance level).

Voltage level

The voltage is substantially increased up to the level stated by the specifications and in the meantime the partial-discharge values at the predefined voltage levels are measured at each measuring terminal and recorded. The voltage application period, level and measuring intervals are given in the induced voltage test section.

After the transformer is energised for measuring operations, the partial-discharge value read at the measuring instrument is multiplied with the predefined K correction factor, and real apparent partial-discharge value for each terminal is found.

q = K · q_m

Where:

• q_m – load read at the measuring instrument m
• K – correction factor
• q – Real apparent load

Reference: Transformer Tests – BEST Transformers