POWERTECH LABS CONDITION ASSESSMENT

LOW VOLTAGE IMPULSE TEST AND ANALYSIS

The low voltage impulse response test is a very A Recurrent Surge Generator (RSG) is used to
sensitive technique for detecting winding movement generate the low voltage pulse which is applied to the
caused by loss of clamping pressure or by short circuit transformer HV winding terminal H1. The LV winding
forces. This test has been used extensively to terminals X1 and X2 are, in turn, grounded through a
successfully detect winding movements. current shunt. The applied voltage (to terminal H1) and
the voltage across the current shunt (representing the
Test Method
capacitively coupled current into the secondary winding)
The low voltage impulse response and analysis are recorded on a digital oscilloscope. The recorded
(LVI) method of detecting transformer winding transients are stored for processing and archiving.
movement is based on taking a "signature of the
winding. A short low voltage impulse (300 V) is applied
to one winding. The applied impulse and the
capacitively coupled current in another winding are
recorded. Changes in capacitances between the two
windings as well as changes in the inter-turn winding
capacitances - caused by winding movement - are
reflected in the change of the waveshape of the
coupling current. The current and voltage
measurements are recorded with a digital oscilloscope
and stored for later analysis.

Fast Fourier transform(FFT) analysis is done on the

recorded data (applied voltage and capacitively coupled
current). The FFT of the current is divided by the FFT
of the voltage to obtain an admittance plot. The current
and admittance waveforms recorded are compared with
results from transformers of the same type or with
results previously recorded on the same transformer.
Winding movement is detected by looking for
differences in these results. By using the admittance Sample Test Results
plots, any variation caused by changes in the applied
voltage waveform is eliminated. A set of custom made measuring and circuit leads is
used for the test. The test setup and lead design data
To carry out an LVI test the transformer to be tested are recorded to ensure that changes detected in the
is isolated from the system by disconnecting the leads data are not due to changes in the setup.
at the transformer bushing. The test is carried out from
The figure shows an example of the test results
the top of the transformer tank in order to minimize test
recorded for a 500/230 kV, 400 MVA transformer
lead length and to prevent interference problems. before and after re-clamping. The difference in the
signature shows how the LVI test is an effective tool for
measuring winding movement. The test results were
confirmed by internal examination of the transformer.

Powertech Labs Inc. Phone 604 590-7500

12388 88th Avenue Fax 604 590-5347
Surrey, B.C. Canada V3W 7R7 Visit our web site at http://www.powertechlabs.com