Partial discharge testing on power transformers
Regular PD measurements allow users to detect and analyze PD activity in the insulation system, to assess the risk of failure, and to plan maintenance properly.
byOle Kessler, Omicron Energy Solutions, Berlin, Germany
Insulation defects caused by partial discharge, also known as PD, are a major factor causing dielectric failure in power transformers. PD is observed in power transformer bushings and windings if the insulation material between different voltage potentials is contaminated or faulty.
Reliable insulation condition assessment
PD can progressively damage insulation materials leading up to eventual failure. Therefore, it is important to detect, assess, and localize the PD source, and to make necessary repairs to keep transformers operating properly. PD testing is considered the most reliable method of evaluating the insulation condition of transformers. Regular PD measurements allow users to detect and analyze PD activity in the insulation system to assess the risk of failure and to plan maintenance accordingly before major damage or a breakdown occurs.
OMICRON’s MPD 800 universal partial discharge measurement and analysis system represents the next generation of the company’s innovative MPD PD testing technology, which is based on 20 years of customer experience, feedback and a growing list of requirements for PD testing. Established MPD hardware and software features have been enhanced and new time-saving functionality has been added to make the MPD 800 the most complete, accurate, and flexible solution available for PD testing in a wide variety of applications.
Standard-compliant PD testing
The MPD 800 system performs IEC and IEEE standard-compliant PD measurements and analysis for routine and type testing, factory and site acceptance testing (commissioning), as well as repair testing and troubleshooting in the field – especially when the results of a Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) show evidence of PD activity.
Regular PD measurements allow users to detect and analyze PD activity in the insulation system, to assess the risk of failure, and to plan maintenance accordingly
With very high measurement accuracy, the MPD 800 system enables users to reliably detect, localize and assess the risk of potentially failure-causing PD activity in the insulation of power transformers. The MPD 800 system can also be used for reliable PD testing on rotating electrical machines (motors and generators), power cables, switchgear, and industrial drives, as well as bushings, insulators, capacitors and busbars.
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