Conference Record of the 2004 IEEE International Symposium on Electrical Insulation, Indianapolis.

IN USA, 19-22 September 2004

On-Line Insulation Diagnostics for Current Transformers

Richard Evert
Eskom Enterprises

Dr Derek Hoch
University of Kwazulu Natal dahoch@,und.ac.za

richard.evert@eskom.co.za
High voltage current transformers (CTs) perform a secondary f u n d o n in a power utility. In the Transmission group in Eskom, more than 30% of over 10000 CTs have been in semce for more than 30 years. A real need exists for a method by which on-tine partial discharge @a) measurements can be recorded which translate into a qualitative interpretation of the degree to which both bulk insulation deterioration and voids have progressed with operational conditions.

Abstrad:

Over the years the demand for system availability has increased thereby increasing pressure on maintenance groups to cany out more maintenance in less outages and thereby increasing outage intervals. Increased intervals translate to longer periods during which gradual insulation deterioration will go undetected. Eskom, together with the University of KwaZulu Natal, are investigating on-line diagnostics techniques to provide nonintrusive non-disruptive apparatus condition information to track deteriorating insulation. A method is being developed to detect and recognize the conducted high frequency signals being produced from partial electrical discharges within voids and other high electrically stressed nodes within the insulation. THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS In South Africa early research in this area was started in 1991 when high frequency conducted signals were observed for the purpose of detecting tires [l] and considered the detection of apparatus failures [2], [3], [4] including a mobile audit facility [ 5 ] . A 275kV CT failure was detected in 1992, a failing 132kV CT was tracked to failure in 1995 and an overheating oil t a n k on a 275kV CVT was detected in 1995. Similar observations had been reported in Canada [6], France [7] and Australia [8]. The method requires a capacitive connection to the high voltage system and a means by which to extract the high frequency components of any currents flowing to ground. The Canadian experience involved the direct measurement of gronnd conductors from a CT. In France, measurements were taken directly from the structure on which the CTs were located as most of their devices had no test taps. In Australia a mobile capacitive divider was considered. In all these cases, the energy from a partial electrical discharge from a CT was expected to flow via the grounded connection of the outer layer of the intemal paper insulation.

This paper will present the concepts of high frequency elemenh in the insulation leakage current which uniquely describe different types of failure modes in high voltage insulation. The paper will present results of forcibly created voids and Insulation deterioration and the corresponding signatures for these conditions. INTRODUCTION High voltage current transformers (CTs) form an integral part of the power utility control circuits to monitor load currents for protection and measurement purposes. The apparatus requires insulation to isolate the high voltage primary terminals from the low voltage secondary windings. The insulation is designed to withstand both the steady state and transient electrical stresses the apparatus is expected to experience over the life of the apparatus. The materials used are not perfect, the designs not infallible and the operating conditions including environmental conditions are not always ideal. Over time the insulation will degrade due to breakdown in the insulation characteristics of the overall insulating media. This paper will concentrate on oil-impregnated-paper (OIP) insulation in CTs used in the extra high voltage (EHV) main transmission system (MTS) network in Eskom, South Africa (220kV to 765kV). Minimum expected life of CTs in Eskom's MTS is 30 years with replacement only planned if deterioration is identified. The routine method used by Eskom to verify the state of the apparatus insulation is in-situ off-line power factor (or dissipation factor / tan delta) and capacitance testing. Outages are therefore scheduled when an insulation audit is required. When deemed necessary, more comprehensive partial discharge (pd) testing can be carried out but only in laboratories. A disadvantage to this procedure has been the need to move the apparatus to the laboratory or high voltage test facility. Moving aged high voltage apparatus has in itself been the cause of some mechanical damage to the insulation.

This paper will present results from both the CT ground path and capacitive dividers. In the MTS network, capacitive voltage transformers (CVT) are used which provide available circuits to extract these high frequency signals. OlP insulation in both CTs and bushings provide a second capacitive

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connection to the high voltage system. Most of the CTs in the Eskom hfTS do not have test taps and therefore require either a technique similar to that applied by EDF or insulating the CTs from their structures with a grounding strap to concentrate the leakage currents. The former was not considered viable given the expected ambient noise in the higher voltage systems. Given that the conducted rather than radiated signals were to be investigated, the latter required either a current or voltage measurement. That is, using either a high frequency clamp-on CT onto the grounding earth strap or series impedance. Both options are reported here.
EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS

No pd was observed on any of the monitoring systems during this period.

Bulk insulation power factor and capacitance tests were performed at 2kV, 4kV and l0kV on the test ohjed prior to energizing (checking for any tip-up with voltage). The test object was then introduced and energized to a variety of voltages and the activity at each of these system voltages recorded.
OFF-LINE TEST RESULTS

Operational high voltage apparatus was set up in controlled laboratory conditions to eliminate the background noise conditions which may disguise failure trends. A 275kV CT was the test object and energized via a 240kV IA pd free transformer. A healthy 275kV CVT and a PD free coupling capacitor was also installed in the circuit as shown in figure 1 below. The oil in the test object had been removed and replaced 9 months prior to these tests.
An oscilloscope with persistence features and a spectrum analyzer was used to capture the high frequency activity from the circuit. A commercial pd detector was connected to the PD free coupling capacitor to provide the reference measure of actual pd present in the circuits at any one time.
A computer with an analysis package to produce phase

Table 1: O f f l i n e bulk insulation test 275kV CT

2kV 4kV 1OkV

Power factor (%) 0.64 0.64 0.64

'

Capacitance (pF) 520.9 520.0 520.8

The CT is intact and within acceptable limits (PF less than 1% and capacitance within manufacturer specifications).
ON-LINE TEST RESULTS

The CT was energized at voltages up to 60kV and a considerable amount of pd activity was observed (from IO to 2OpC at 30kV, to 100 to 40OpC at 60kV at varying stages of the tests).
Series Impedance vs Clamp-on CT

resolved partial discharge plots was connected to the oscilloscope for the longer duration trending measurements.
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES

The PD detector was calibrated with a known PD test source. To verify a PD free environment, the CT was removed from the circuit shown in figure 1 and both series impedance voltage and clamp-on CT cnrrent at the CVT were measured and compared with the pd detector for system voltages up to 60kV.

To compare the measurability of the series impedance voltage against the inductive clamp-on CT current, the CT was fmt tested without the CVT in circuit as shown in figure 2 below. The circuit was energized to 40kV. The PD detector showed discharges present at amplitudes of between 40 and 1OOpC. Figure 3 and 4 show a single transient recorded from the clamp-on CT and series 50R respectively with discharges of IOOpC present.

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1

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Figure 1: Test Circuit

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Figure 2: CT with clamp-on or series impedance

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II

Figure 5: Full circuit with clamp-on CTs only

Figure 3: Clamp-on CT with 40-1OOpC discharges

Figure 6:At CT ground with 50-2OOpC (60kV)

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Figure 4: Series 5Oohm with 40-1OOpC discharges

The series impedance provides a larger amplitude signal (changes of more than lOOmV) but introduces a system risk with the apparatus ungrounded if the series impedance should fail open circuit.
The clamp-on CT provides a detectable response for the same transients with changes of more than 15mV. But the background noise levels were much lower producing a better signal to noise ratio. With appropriate analysis circuitry (in both hardware and software), the signal is suficient and renders the series impedance unnecessary. Ground current

- CT vs CVT

Figure 7 : At CVT with 50-2OOpC (60kV) Figures 8 and 9 show discharges of between 20 and 4@C. Here the voltage was reduced from 60kV (Figures 6 and 7) to 40kV. Here the peak values of the transients are of the same order with similar oscillating characteristicsresulting from the high frequency clamp-on CT.

To compare the measurability of discharges from the CT through the ground path of the CT and through the alternative path of an MTS connected CVT, clamp-on CTs of the same specification were applied to the base of the CVT coupling capacitor module and to the earth strap of the test object CT as shown in figure 5. Figures 6 and 7~show samples of discharges through the respective paths when discharges of between 50 and 2OOpC were being observed on the pd detector.

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Figure 8: At CT ground with 204OpC (40kV)

Figure 11: PRpdP - at CVT at 60kV (100-4OOpC)

The higher amplitude discharges of IOOpC to 400pC shown in figures IO and 11 are of similar amplitudes through the two measured paths. Notable discharges at the early stage of each half cycle also appear in equal patterns through the two paths. Figures 12 and 13 below illustrate variations at much lower discharge levels (2OpC to 4OpC).

Figure 9: At CVT with 20-4OpC (40kV)

Phase Resolved Partial Discharge Plots

Phase resolved PD plots (PRpdP) were used to define the development of PD. Figures IO through 14 reflect signals at the CT and CVT at different voltages:

Figure 12: PRpdP - at CT a t 40kV (20-40pC)

Figure 10: PRpdP- at CT at 60kV (100-4OOpC)

Figure 13: PRpdP at CVT at 40kV (20-40pC)

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A change is observable in the positive half cycle while the discharges in the negative half cycle had the same envelopes. In the positive half cycle, a singular discharge is observable at the peak of the power cycle in both paths. The former is however double the amplitude of the latter. Figure 14 helow illustrates how small a partial discharge is detectable via this method. The voltage on the system was reduced by a further lOkV to a point where the design specification for CTs of lOpC were observed on the PD detector. The PRpdp shows that these discharges were clearly discemable above the background noise generated in the smaller isolated network.

For observed discharges of between 200 and 300pC, figures 16 and 17 demonstrate the spectra in the CT and CVT ground paths. Both paths show discernable changes up to 60MHz. Through the CT ground path, a significant increase (approximately 15 to ZOdF3 above background) is detectable in a band of approximately 30 MHz around a centre frequency of 180MHz. At lower discharge levels, the activity observed in figure 16 between 60MHz and 160MHz drops away considerably. The spectra produced through the coupling capacitor module of the CVT (Figure 17) shows that the higher frequency signals (above 70MHz) seen in the CT ground path are virtually eliminated.

Figure 14: PRpdP at CVT at 30kV (10pC to 2OpC) Frequency Spectrum Results Figure 16: CT at 60kV (200-3OOpC)

Figures 15 through 17 show the frequency spectrum of electrical activity at 20kV, 40kV and 60kV. At 20kV, no discharges were observed on the pd detector and very little can be seen from 2OkHz to 300h4Hz as shown in figure 15 below. Observe the small signal at approximately 140MHz.

Figure 17: CVT at 60kV (ZOO-3OOpC)

Figure 15: CT Background at ZOkV

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DISCUSSION
The rated single phase voltage of a 275kV CT is 158.8kV. At 30kV discharges of 10 to 2OpC were observed but as the voltage was increased the pd levels increased considerably such that at 60kV PD of up to 40OpC were observed. Clearly the insulation of this apparatus was not healthy, and yet the off-line power factor and capacitance tests reported acceptable values of 0.64% and S2OpF respectively at 1OkV. Whilst it could be argued that at 158.8kV a more realistic power factor value could be recorded, this research c o n f i i that the offline power factor test at lOkV does not detect partial discharges of this nature. The CT was drained of oil and refilled approximately nine months prior to these experiments. It was expected that most pockets within the insulation would have been refilled but not all. No other damage was done to the insulation. Hence the failure mechanism here is considered to be through voids in the insulation. A high frequency clamp-on CT eliminates any intrusive installation procedures where a singular earth path is available from any capacitive connection to the high voltage system. This work has demonstrated that the signals from such a device make a series connection nnnecessq, thus also eliminating any safety risks related to the open-circuit failure of any series connected components.

Due to the significant lobe identified at I80MHz (figure 16), the authors intend to further investigate the transient and PRpdP data in both this frequency range and at the lower band before introducing any M e r insulation defects. Finally, the future tests will expand to include work in a small controllable operational network not isolated from the main MTS.

CONCLUSIONS
For a complete insulation assessment, its not enough to have bulk insulation test data at lOkV only.

An inductive high frequency transducer such as the clamp-on CT can reproduce discernable signals characterizing the pd source in insulation. The high frequency signals from the coupling capacitor module of a CVT can reproduce discernable signals characterizing the pd source in insulation but the available frequency band mnst be identified.
PRpdP effectively recreate transient activity in relation to the applied electrical stresses and can be used to interpret the state of insulation.

REFERENCES
1 Evert, C.R; Britten, A.C; Analysis of fire induced corona on power lines, Proceedings 8 International symposium on HV Engineering, Paper 79.09, Yokohama, Japan, 1993. 2 Evert, C.R; de Klerk, P.J; Corona noise as a diagnostic tool, Proceedings 4 International Conference on Properties and Applications of Dielectric Materials, Paper 6227, Brisbane, Australia, July, 1994. 3 Evert, C.R; Swift, D.A, Britten, A.C; Analysis of plant deterioration related EM noise, Proceedings 9 International Symposium on HV Engineering, Graz, Austria, August, 1997. 4 Evert, C.R Condition monitoring via corona noise, Eskom intemal report TRR/E/95/EL149, Project 7755K101R, Electrical Technology, Technology Group, Eskom, 1995. 5 Evert, C.R; Conducted HF discharge recognition - Audit facility, Eskom internal report W 9 6 E L 2 6 6 , Project 7755K403R, Electrical Technology, Technology Group, Eskom, 1996 6 Gupta, B.K; Stone, G.C; Partial discharge monitoring in instrument transformers, Workshop Proceedings: Failed high-voltage instrnment transformers, EPRI, Palo Alto, USA, January 1992. 7 Moreau, C; Charpentier, P.V; On-line partial discharge detection system. Application to papedoil insulation of instrnment transformers, Proceedings 10 International Symposium on HV Engineering, Montreal, Canada, 1997. 8 Allan, D.M; Blundell, M.S; Boyd, K.J; Hinde, D.D; New insulation diagnostic and monitoring techniques for in-servide HV apparatus, Proceedings Yd International Symposium on Properties and Application of Dielectric Materials, Tokyo, Japan, July 1991.

In Eskoms MTS network, CVTs are in abundance - on every phase in every bay and on every busbar. This work has shown that at intelligently selected frequencies, the signals extracted from the coupling capacitor module of the CVT, can reflect partial electrical discharges generated from deteriorating OIP insulation of a CT. Figures 16 and 17 demonstrate the need to understand which frequencies are optimal.
Figures 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9 show individual transient activity which reflect a modified version of the pd activity present in the apparatus. These transients match the presence of the discharges observed through the referenced and calibrated pd detector. The measured signal is modified from the original discharge by a variety of elements including the capacitance of the CT and the CVT, the grounding wires (lengths, impedance, etc) and the transfer characteristics of the clampon CTs. Of critical value however, is whatever the final form of the signal received, it reports the presence of a discharge. The PRpdP clearly demonstrates not only the ability to reflect the increases in discharge but also the location of concentrated activity as can be seen in figures IO through 13. The PRpdP from the CT and CVT sources show similar characteristics and the CVT in the small isolated network established in the laboratory can detect much of what can be detected at the CT from which the discharge was emanating.

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