FACULTY OF ELECTRICAL

STUDENT KIT
ENGINEERING
TM
LAB MODULE
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

Program: EE242 Sem : 7

Ownership : Center of Power Engineering Studies (CEPES)
FKE Doc.ID : Date Issued : 2010

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY V

COURSE CODE: EPO662

HIGH VOLTAGE AC GENERATION AND BREAKDOWN

Authors

Prepared by : Prof. Madya Dr. Ngah Ramzi Date : Dec 2010

st
1 Revision : Date : 2015

nd
2 Revision : Date :

Endorsement by Center of Studies

Chair : Date :

Signature :
High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

MODULE OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of this experiment, students should have the followings:

MO1 : Ability to construct and setup high voltage AC test circuit with safety measures.
MO2 : Ability to apply the knowledge on AC breakdown studied in previous semester.
MO3 : Ability to perform analysis on the AC breakdown phenomenon.

INSTRUCTIONS:

This laboratory work consists of three parts; namely

i. Pre-lab
ii. Demonstration
iii. Experimental Work and Exercises

For the Pre-lab, students are expected to make literature research on high alternating voltage
generation, breakdown, partial discharges, and their measurement, based on the questions
posed. The answers to the questions must be presented to the lab instructor before proceeding
with the subsequent parts. The aim of this is to assess each student’s (individual work)
preparation to conduct the laboratory work. The lab instructor may ask questions (quizzes) to
the students to assess their comprehension on the literature research made.

During the Demonstration, the lab instructor will demonstrate the method of preparing the test
vessel, using the vacuum pump and/or compressor, and discharging the circuit using discharge
rod. This part serves as the guidance for the students to proceed with the third part;
Experimental Work and Exercises.

During the Experimental Work and Exercises, the students shall perform the work with minimum
guidance from the laboratory instructor. The aim is to observe and assess their capability in
using the knowledge gain in the previous two parts and how the group members interact in
conducting the experimental work.

PRE-LAB WORK:

a) Describe the construction of a test transformer. Compare its difference with the power
transformer.

b) Define the term “discharge”. Elaborate by discussing the various types of discharge

c) Define the terms “breakdown”. What is the difference between “sparking voltage” and
“withstand voltage”?

DEMONSTRATION:

In this part, the lab instructor shall demonstrate the method of preparing the test vessel, using
the vacuum pump and/or compressor, and discharging the circuit using discharge rod.
High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

1. Preparing the Test Vessel DG100

B
□
1. Test Vessel DG100 is shown in Figure 1.
F
□ 2. Turn the locking screw A counter clockwise until
□A
the portion B is able to be lifted away from the
test vessel assembly.

3. Properly place portion B on a surface that will not

G
□ cause scratch to the electrode C1 or bending of the
rod D .

4. Check for moisture or oil droplets inside the test

cell E . If present, clean it using the designated
jig.
5. Measure the gap between the electrodes. The
default setting is 0.8 cm.
6. Re-assemble portion B to the test vessel.

7. Adjust portion F so as to bring electrode C1

to coincide with electrode C2 .

8. Turn the valve G in clockwise direction until

Figure 1 finger tight.

2. Using the Vacuum Pump (B078R04)

1. With reference to Figure 2, turn the valve A in counter clockwise direction until it is finger
tight. Allow for 10 seconds and then turn the valve A in clockwise direction until it is finger
tight.
2. Turn the lever B on the side of the vacuum pump to OPEN (6 o’clock) position and lever
C on top of the vacuum pump to OPEN (6 o’clock) position. Allow about 3 seconds in this
condition.

3. Turn the lever C to CLOSED (3 o’clock) position and the lever B is at CLOSED (3
o’clock) position.

4. Connect the Portable Vacuum Pump B078R04 to the Test Vessel DG100 via the hose D
as shown in Figure 2. Ensure a tight fitting at the hose ends.
High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

B
○
F
○D ○

A
○

Figure 2
5. Plug the electrical socket E to a wall outlet.
6. Switch on the power supply to the vacuum pump by pressing the toggle switch F .
7. Turn the lever C on top of the vacuum pump is at OPEN (6 o’clock) position.
8. Turn the lever B slightly in counter clockwise direction (about 10 degrees from the
CLOSED 3 o’clock position).

9. Turn the valve A in counter clockwise direction until it is finger tight.

10. Adjust lever B so that the pointer on the vacuum pressure meter G is slightly below the
desired pressure. The pointer of the meter will turn counter clockwise. The pump is
capable of delivering pressure ranging from atmospheric pressure to –1 bar.
11. The pointer on the vacuum pressure meter G will stay at a stable position for quite some
time.
12. Once the pointer of meter G starts to increase from that stable position (watch out to
not exceeding the desired value), turn the valve A in clockwise direction until it is
finger tight.
13. Turn the lever C to CLOSED (3 o’clock) position.
14. Switch off the power supply to the vacuum pump by pressing the toggle switch F .
15. Disconnect hose D from the test vessel.
High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

16. Turn the lever B to OPEN (12 o’clock) position and lever C to OPEN (6 o’clock)
position.
17. After 5 seconds, turn the lever C to CLOSED (3 o’clock) position and the lever B to
CLOSED (3 o’clock) position.

3. Discharging using Discharge Rod

1. The discharge rod for AC system is shown in Figure 3.
2. The operator shall handle the rod at the end without the hook (shown on the right side of
Figure 3).
3. The hooked end is to be touched to all live parts of the test circuit.
4. After touching all live parts, place the hooked to attach to the component nearest to the test
transformer T100.

Figure 3

EXPERIMENTAL WORK AND EXERCISES:

In Experiment 1, the method of generating and measuring high alternating voltage can be made.
In Experiment 2, the method of performing the One Minute Power Frequency Test can be
conducted. In both experiments, the effects of voltage rise on partial discharge measurement
can be observed.

Experiment 1 High Alternating Voltage Generation

1. Setup the circuit as shown in Figure 4. The setup must be made within the testing (fenced)
area.
2. The measuring circuit is shown as crossed box in Figure 4. For details of the circuit, refer to
Figure 5.
3. When not in use, the MCP100 is shorted for maintaining its accuracy. Remove the shorting
wire for this experiment.
4. Ensure that the equipment and all metal parts in contact or slightly above the floor are
properly earthed.
5. After setting up the circuits of Figure 4 and 5, consult the instructor and together check the
circuits for correct wiring of the testing circuit and earth circuit. Ensure that the discharge rod
is connected to the earth circuit.
6. Once the correct wiring is confirmed, remove the discharge rod.
High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

Figure 4: Testing Circuit with Earthed points

Figure 5: Measuring Circuit

High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

7. Leave the testing area and head for the Control Measuring and Automatization System (see
Figure 6).

Figure 6: The Control Measuring and Automatization System

8. Ensure that there are no personnel in the testing area (within the fence).
9. Ensure that there is no discharge rod in contact (electrically or mechanically) with the test
circuit.
10. Close the fence gate properly.

11. Switch on the system by turning on the key 1 once to the right (position 1) and return to
vertical (position 0). Turn on the computer by pressing power switch 2 (see Figure 6).

12. Select “EPO660” User Account.

High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

13. Once the Microsoft Windows is displayed on the monitor 3 , press on the Mode PC
button 4 and Display Test button 5 on the SIMATIC PANEL.

14. Swicth on the ICM compact unit 6 . Observe and record the partial discharge reading (in
pC) on the ICM compact unit 6 .

15. Look for the WGMSWIN icon on the desktop and double click it. The monitor screen will
display the main panel as shown in Figure 7.

Open File,
select
“Gradually
Successive”

Figure 7: Main panel

16. Click the “Settings” button on left-hand side of the panel. A sub-panel as shown in Figure 8
will be displayed.

Figure 8: Main panel with sub-panel

17. Click on the “Limits” tab and the sub-panel will display as shown in Figure 9. Set the
“voltage limit”, i.e. the maximum voltage to be tested. The current limit and current
comparator limit are to be left as displayed.
High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

Figure 9: “Limits” tab of sub-panel

18. Click on the “WBG Settings” tab and the sub-panel will display as shown in Figure 10. Set
the parameters as instructed in Table 1.

Figure 10: “WBG Settings” tab of sub-panel

High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

Table 1 Parameter to be set

Mode Parameter Set at value
Test voltage Not more than 100kV
Automatic Mode Tolerance 1 to 2 %
Dec. regulating speed 75 %
Test time 3 kV/s
After finishing test time What is your test duration?
Manual Mode Stop
Go down (Select this)
Go down and switch

19. Click on the “Climate Conditions” tab. Select the “AC” option as shown in Figure 11. Keep
the other data and parameters as displayed.

Figure 11: “Climatic Conditions” tab of sub-panel

20. Click on the “OK” button. The sub-panel will disappear, leaving only the main panel being
displayed. Observe that the parameters on the top side of the panel are automatically set.
Check that the “Switch on Ready” is displayed.
21. Click on the “Ready ON” button (bottom left-hand side of the main panel). “Ready ON”
button and “Operate OFF” button will illuminate. The warning beacons on the fence will be
turning with red light.
High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

22. Click on the “Operate ON” button (bottom left-hand side of the main panel). “Operate ON”
button will illuminate.

23. Observe and record the reading displayed on the ICMcompact unit 6 (see Figure 6).

24. Give warning by sounding the horn (XXX) or call-out, “Attention! Switch on!”. Ensure that
there is no personnel in the testing area (within the fence).
25. Click on the “START” button (bottom right-hand side of the main panel).
26. The main panel will display the progress of test voltage. Observe that the Actual Voltage
may be slightly different from the Setting Voltage (on the top side of the panel). Record
both values.

27. Observe and record the reading displayed on the ICMcompact unit 6 from time to time.

IN CASE OF ABNORMALITY
a. In case of detecting something not right with the test, click on the “BREAK” button (bottom
right-hand side of the main panel: see Figure 6). The test can be resumed by clicking on
the “START” button.

b. In case of emergency, press on (using hand) the EMERGENCY STOP button and twist
according to the arrow direction shown on the button (see 7 in Figure 5).

28. After the test voltage has been reached, the main panel will display Actual Time Test (on
the top side of the panel) as “00:00:00”. The voltage plot will be at around 5 kV (residual).

29. Record the voltage and ICMcompact unit 6 readings.

30. Click on the “Settings” button and the sub-panel will be displayed. Click on the “WBG
Settings” tab and change the test voltage to a new value. Repeat procedure No. 25
through 27. This step No. 29 may be repeated for several values of test voltage. At each
value of test voltage, record the Actual Voltage and Setting Voltage. Also, record the
reading displayed on the ICMcompact unit 6 .

31. After the test has completed, click on the “Operate OFF” button and then the “Ready OFF”
button.
32. Open the gate of the fence.
33. Contact the discharge rod to the circuit. Faithfully observe the method of discharging as
taught by the instructor. Leave the discharge rod in contact with the testing circuit.
34. After completed the experiment, remove the MCP100 from the circuit and re-attached the
shorting wire for safe-keeping.

Note: If step 28 could not be done, not function, change the file to “Gradually Successive”
I.e go to step 15(a)
High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

The parameters in the following tabs of the sub-panel are to be left as they are. They are not to
be changed as they are controlled by the controller of the system.

1. “Communication” tab

Figure X
2. “Nominal” tab

Figure Y
High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

3. “Measurement” tab

Figure Z

1) Tabulate your results as shown in Table 2.

Setting Voltage (kV) Actual Voltage (kV) ICMcompact reading (pC)

Conclude your findings. You may sketch a plot for these values.

2) Why is there difference between the Setting Voltage and Actual Voltage?

3) What is the relationship between the magnitude of partial discharge and the applied
voltage?

Experiment 2 One Minute Power Frequency Test

1. Setup the circuit as shown in Figure 12. The Test Vessel is to be placed as the Test
Object. The setup must be made within the testing (fenced) area.
2. The measuring circuit is shown as crossed box in Figure 12. For details of the circuit, refer
to Figure 5.
3. Ensure that the equipment and all metal parts in contact or slightly above the floor are
properly earthed.
4. Setup the Test Vessel DG100. Set the pressure to be – 0.2 bar.
High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

5. After setting up the circuits of Figure 12 and 5, consult the instructor and together check
the circuits for correct wiring of the testing circuit and earth circuit. Ensure that the
discharge rod is connected to the earth circuit.
6. Once the correct wiring is confirmed, remove the discharge rod.

Figure 12: Testing Circuit with Earthed points

7. Leave the testing area and head for the Control Measuring and Automatization System
(see Figure 6).
8. Ensure that there are no personnel in the testing area (within the fence).
9. Ensure that there is no discharge rod in contact (electrically or mechanically) with the test
circuit.
10. Close the fence gate properly.

11. Switch on the system by turning on the key 1 once to the right (position 1) and return to
vertical (position 0). Turn on the computer by pressing power switch 2 (see Figure 6).

12. Select “EPO660” User Account.

13. Once the Microsoft Windows is displayed on the monitor 3 , press on the Mode PC
button 4 and Display Test button 5 on the SIMATIC PANEL.
14. Observe and record the partial discharge reading (in pC) on the ICMcompact unit 6 .
High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

15. Look for the WGMSWIN icon on the desktop and double click it. The monitor screen will
display the main panel as shown in Figure 13.

“File”
Menu

Figure 13: Main panel

16. Click on the “File” menu and then click on “Open” sub-menu. A dialog box as shown in
Figure 14 will be displayed. You will be asked if you want to “Save changes to WgmsMan?”.
Select “No”.

Figure 14: Main panel with Dialog box

High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

17. A directory will then appear as shown in Figure 15. Double click on “Gradually Successive”.
If the directory (Look in:) is not at “V2.6” as shown in Figure 15, click on the drop down
directory of the “Look in:”. Then go to “Local C Harddisk > Program Files > HIGHVOLT >
Wgmswin > Templates > 02007 > V2.6 > Gradually Successive”.

Figure 15: Directory of files of test types

18. Double click on the “Gradually Successive” file and the panel as shown in Figure 16 will be
displayed.

Move cursor on
top of this cell

Figure 16: “Test Settings” page of main panel

19. Move the cursor onto the cell with dark borders (below the Disruptive voltage at gradually
successive voltage) and click the mouse’s left button. A sub-panel as shown in Figure 17
will appear.

Figure 17: Parameters input in “Test Settings” page

20. Set the parameters according to your requirement. In this experiment, set the parameters
according to the data in Table 3. The number of tests to be conducted must be pre-
determined and set in the “No. of cycles”. After all the parameters have been confirmed,
click on the “OK” button.
Table 3 Parameters to be set

Voltage Stress

Tolerance of step
Limit voltage [kV] 40 2
voltage [%]:

Final voltage [kV] 30 No. of cycle: >5

Start voltage [kV] 5 Duration of step: 00:01:00

Step voltage [kV] 1 Break duration: 00:00:05

Rate of voltage rise [kV/s] 3

High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

21. Click on the “Test Results” tab of the Page menu (at the bottom of the panel). The panel as
shown in Figure 18 will appear.

Figure 18: “Test Results” page of the main panel

22. Enter the operator’s name, date of experiment conducted, name of test object, test number
and remarks (if any) in the cells of test the top part of the “Test Results” page.
23. Click on the “Settings” button. Click on the “WBG Settings” tab and the sub-panel will
display as shown in Figure 10. Set the “test voltage” in the “Automatic Mode” to 5 kV. Set
the “after finishing test time” in the “Manual Mode” to “Go down” or “Go down and switch”.
The former is preferred in this case. Click “Apply” and “OK” buttons in sequence.
24. Click on the “Ready ON” button (bottom left-hand side of the main panel). “Ready ON”
button and “Operate OFF” button will illuminate. The warning beacons on the fence will be
turning with red light. Check that the Indicator Bar displays “Switch on Operate”.
25. Click on the “Operate ON” button (bottom left-hand side of the main panel). “Operate ON”
button will illuminate. Check that the Indicator Bar displays “Ready”.
26. Give warning by sounding the horn (XXX) or call-out, “Attention! Switch on!”. Ensure that
there is no personnel in the testing area (within the fence).
27. Click on the “START” button (bottom right-hand side of the main panel).
28. The main panel will display the progress of test voltage. Observe that the Actual Voltage
may be slightly different from the Setting Voltage (on the top side of the panel).
High Voltage AC Generation and Breakdown Experiment EPO 662

29. Once the breakdown voltage is reached, the profile of the voltage will drop to zero. The
main panel will display Actual Time Test (on the top side of the panel) as “00:00:XX”.
30. Let the machine to be idle for 10 seconds.
31. Repeat step 23 through 30 for to complete the no. of cycles set in step 20.
32. Click “File” on the menu bar (see Figure 13) and then click “Save As”.
33. A directory will then appear as shown in Figure 15. Click on the “Desktop” icon. Double click
on the “EPO660_TEST_RESULTS” folder. Name the fiIe as “Gradually
Successive_XX_YY” where XX is the operator’s group number and YY is the test number
(see step 22).
34. Click “File” on the menu bar and then click “Close”. You will be asked if you want to “Save
changes to “Gradually Successive?”. Select “No”.
35. Click on the “Operate OFF” button and then the “Ready OFF” button.
36. Open the gate of the fence.
37. Perform discharging with the discharge rod and leave the discharge rod in contact with the
component nearest to the test transformer T100.
38. Setup the Test Vessel for a vacuum pressure of -0.3 bar.
39. Repeat steps 16 through 37.
40. Step 38 and 39 are to be repeated but with an increment of -0.1 bar each time until -1.0 bar.
41. After the test has completed, click on the “Operate OFF” button and then the “Ready OFF”
button.
42. Open the gate of the fence.
43. Contact the discharge rod to the circuit. Faithfully observe the method of discharging as
demonstrated by the instructor. Leave the discharge rod in contact with the testing circuit.
44. Minimise the Wgsmwin windows and double click on the Internet Explorer icon on the
desktop.
45. Open the email service provider website and login to own email account. If you do not have
an email account, create one by using any email service provider.
46. You can then upload the saved files and can either save them in Draft or send to own email
address. After the saving or sending process had completed, logout from the email account.
WARNING:
No USB device (thumb drive, memory card) or any kind of storage media is allowed to be
used or connected to the Control Measuring and Automization System’s USB ports.

1) Plot a graph of voltage at breakdown against the pressure in the Test Vessel. As the
pressure is increased (-0.2 to -0.1 bar), the breakdown voltage decreases.

2) Explain the relationship of 1) in terms of the kinetics of molecules in the Test Vessel and
then relate it to the Paschen’s Curve.
 In higher vacuum, the molecules are closer apart, therefore when the gap distance is small,
there is a probability of vibration of each molecule pertubates the neighbouring molecules.

QUIZ:

A set of questions will be presented by lab instructor and students are expected to answer all
questions before concluding the experiment. This could be in the form of written or oral quiz.

CONCLUSION:

Conclude in detail the findings and the outcomes of this experiment. This should include the
summary of knowledge gained, comments and discussion of the results, errors and their
possible sources and how this experiment can be improved.

REFERENCES:

[1] IEC 60060-1 Edition 2.0 (1989-11), High Voltage Testing Techniques. Part 1: General
definitions and test requirements, International Electrotechnique Committee (IEC)
[2] IEC 60060-2 Edition 2.0 (1994-11), High Voltage Testing Techniques. Part 1: Measuring
systems, International Electrotechnique Committee (IEC)
[3] IEEE Std. 4-1995, IEEE Standard Techniques for High-Voltage Testing, IEEEE Standards
Board and American National Standards Institute
[4] IEEE Std 510-1983, IEEE Recommended Practices for Safety in High-Voltage and High-
Power Testing, IEEE Standards Board
[5] Kind, D., An Introduction to High-Voltage Experimental Technique, Vieweg.

END