Biaystok University of Technology

Faculty of Electrical Engineering

Department of Telecommunication and Electronic Equipment

Instruction manual for laboratory class

Topic:

Measurement of voltage distribution along an insulator string

Exercise no 1 Module name:

High Voltage Technique

Code:

Authors: Prof. dr hab. in. Andrzej Sowa Dr in. Leszek Augustyniak Dr in. Jarosaw Wiater Dr in. Renata Markowska
Biaystok 2013

Measurement of voltage distribution along an insulator string

INTRODUCTION
The aim of the exercise is acquiring basic knowledge on the voltage distributions along cap and pin insulator strings and methods of measurements of these voltage distributions as well as developing practical skills of performing such measurements. Theoretical aspects concerning this exercise include also review of various type and construction of line insulators used in overhead power lines, influence of rain and pollution on performance of line insulators and methods of improvement of voltage distributions on cap and pin insulators.

1.
1.1.

THEORETICAL INFORMATION
Characteristic of insulators used in overhead power lines

The essential task required from insulators is proper insulation of life conductors from the construction of overhead poles in air (by keeping proper distances), maintaining of proper insulation distances between life conductors and enabling for fixing and fastening of conductors. Insulators are usually made of porcelain, steatite, toughened glass or organic materials and composites. During their exploitation line insulators are subject to effects of many electrical, mechanical, thermal and atmospheric factors. Therefore they have to meet various requirements related to their work in normal as well as emergency conditions. In emergency conditions insulators have to withstand, without sparks and breakdowns, phase-to-phase voltages, switching overvoltages and overvoltages caused by short-circuits to ground. Insulators are usually classified according to their dedicated application. Line insulators, which are used in overhead power lines, belong to the type classified according to this criteria. Furthermore, high voltage line insulators can be classified according to their construction, for example to the following types: post type line insulators; cap and pin suspension insulators; long-rod suspension insulators. Detailed information on structures and construction of various types of line insulators are described in literature [2].

1.2.

Influence of rain and pollution on suspension insulators

Breakdown voltage for suspension insulators might decrease significantly (even up to 60 %) due to rain and pollution. The influence of rain on the electrical withstand of insulators depends on the type of voltage. For surge (impulse) voltages, the influence is very small, however for AC (50 Hz) voltage it is significant. During rain the upper surface of insulator might be conductive, hence the effective breakdown path along the insulator is shortened. The voltage distribution along the insulator also changes and as a result the voltage breakdown is decreasing. For overhead line insulators, very dangerous are solid pollutions assembled on their surfaces. Solid pollutions mixed with fog and mist form conductive layers on the insulator surface. Due to surface drying and local changes in tension, the pollution flashovers might occur. Further information can be found in [2, 4]. 2

Measurement of voltage distribution along an insulator string

1.3. Voltage distribution along a cap and pin insulator string

For analysis of AC (50 Hz) voltage distribution along a cap and pin insulator string, particular units of the insulator string may be represented with capacitances Cs, Cp and Cz, as shown in Figure 1.
a) b)

grounded boom

high voltage line conductor

Fig. 1. Cap and pin suspension insulator string (a) and its electrical scheme (b)

The distribution of capacitances causes that the voltage distribution along the insulator is irregular, dependent on mutual relations between values of the capacitances Cs, Cz and Cp. Possible voltage distributions along an insulator string, as dependent on the capacitances are presented in Figure 2. For typical overhead line insulator the capacitances are as follows: Cs = 10 70 pF; Cp = 0,5 1 pF; Cz = 4 5 pF.

Number of insulator unit

Voltage across an insulator

Fig. 2. Possible voltage distributions along a cap and pin insulator string: 1) Cz = 0, Cp = 0; 2) Cz 0, Cp = 0; 3) Cz > Cp; 4) Cz = Cp

Measurement of voltage distribution along an insulator string

Nonlinear, irregular voltage distribution along an insulator, especially with large parasitic capacitances to ground Cz, is a serious disadvantage since it causes that particular units of a string are subject to much higher voltage drops and tension than the others.

1.4.

Means of improvement of voltage distribution on insulator string

For elimination of disadvantageous voltage distribution along an insulator string, special screens attached to the insulator high voltage connector are used. Such a screen introduces additional capacitances Cp, which improve the voltage distribution (Figure 3).
e)

Fig. 3. Protective devices used for improvement of voltage distributions along insulator strings: a) one-sided horns, b) two-sided horns, c, d) rings [6]; e) voltage distribution along an insulator string without (1) and with (2) the protective device [9]

1.5.

Methods of measurements of voltage distributions along cap and pin insulator strings

The basic method of measurement of voltage distribution along an insulator string is the method with using a spark-gap. The method is based on measurement of voltage drop along each particular unit of the insulator string (particular cap and pin unit). The typical measurement test set-up is presented in Figure 4. The spark-gap should be connected to subsequent units of the string to measure the voltage drops. The voltage of particular unit with respect to ground can be obtained by calculation, as a sum of voltage drops along all units located between the considered unit and the grounded connection of the string. It should be noticed that the presence of spark-gap at an insulator unit, introduces additional capacitance. This capacitance causes some systematic error, which however, is the same for every particular measurement. 4

Measurement of voltage distribution along an insulator string

The method is used mainly in laboratory measurements but it can be applied also for on-site measurements, when the insulator is installed at his working place (in high voltage line). In case of on-site measurements Ferranti rod is usually used (Figure 5). The output of the rod can be connected to a spark-gap or an electrostatic kilo-voltmeter.

Fig. 4. Scheme of measurement test set-up for measurement and calculation of voltage distribution along an insulator string with using a spark-gap [9]

Fig. 5. Ferranti rod

The measurements with using Ferranti rod are performed by touching the measuring probe (tip of the Ferranti rod) to the conductive parts (shoes) of subsequent insulator units and reading the values of voltage indicated by the connected measuring equipment, e.g. electrostatic voltmeter. Electrostatic voltmeter allows for measurements of voltage drops along subsequent insulator units without short-circuit. Since one of the two measuring connectors of the electrostatic voltmeter is connected also to its chassis, which is on the ground potential, the measurement results are actually obtained as the voltages at particular insulator units with respect to ground potential. In such case, the voltage drop along particular unit can be calculated as a difference of two subsequent measurement results. It is important to ensure, that the electrostatic voltmeter has an appropriate measurement range, matching the range of measured high voltages. For estimation of technical performance of particular units of a cap and pin insulator string, radio methods may be used as well. These methods are based on measurements of radio- high frequency emissions, which arise around the insulator due to partial discharge between the shoe and porcelain. Cracks and scratches on the insulator surface will cause increase in the intensity of high frequency electric field.

Measurement of voltage distribution along an insulator string

2. EXERCISE PROGRAM

2.1.

Measurements

The measurements will be performed in a typical high voltage cell. The investigated cap and pin insulator strings are suspended inside the cell. The draft of the measurement system is presented in Figure 6.

HVT AT

Fig. 6. Scheme of the system for measurement of voltage distribution along a cap and pin insulator string; AT auto-transformer, HVT high voltage transformer, Ro resistor for current limiting, W main switch of the measurement system, L1, L2 light indicators of voltage presence

Voltage distributions along the investigated insulator strings shall be measured with using Ferranti rod (Fig. 5). The tip of the rod is connected to the following equipment and devices allowing for high voltage measurements: Electrostatic kilo-voltmeter; Resistive voltage divider with a voltmeter as output; Capacitive voltage divider with electrostatic voltmeters as output; 6

Measurement of voltage distribution along an insulator string

Voltmeter V connected at the low voltage side of the high voltage transformer HVT output of the auto-transformer AT (Fig. 6). In this measurement system, voltages at insulator units with respect to ground are measured. Notes: Electrostatic kilo-voltmeter can be used for voltages up to 30 kV. For measurements of higher voltages it should be disconnected and the other two measuring systems shall be used. During measurements with using an electrostatic voltmeter it is important to take care of potentials of clamps to which the voltmeter is connected. The investigated insulator string should be supplied with nominal phase voltage e.g.: 110 = 63,5kV or with a voltage specified by the teacher/instructor. 3 During measurements, switching to subsequent string units shall be done after the voltage has been turned off and all the capacitances have been fully discharged. Therefore it is necessary to make sure that the supply voltage for the whole insulator string is set the same in every subsequent measurement point. Any changes of connections in the high voltage system have to be every-time checked and permitted for work by the teacher/instructor. The overall look of the high voltage measuring cell and measuring equipment are shown in Figures 7-10.

7 8 4 3
Fig. 7. Measuring position

9 2 1

10

6 5

1- high voltage transformer TP110, 2- supplying board of the measurement system, 3- control desktop, 4- low voltage model of insulator string, 5- electrostatic kilo-voltmeter with adjustable measurement ranges 7.5/15/30 kV, 6- high voltage divider, 7- cap and pin insulator string under investigation, 8- insulating measuring rod (Ferranti rod), 9- high voltage resistors for current limiting, 10- electrostatic voltmeters with measurement ranges 150/300/600/1500/3000 V for measurement of voltage at the output of the high voltage divider

Fig. 8. Control desktop of the system

7,5kV

15kV

30kV

Fig. 10. Electrostatic kilo-voltmeter with adjustable measurement range

Fig. 9. High voltage measurement area

2.2.

Tasks to perform

1. Draw an exact scheme of high voltage measurement circuit. 2. Perform the scaling of the measuring equipment (Table 1 attached): a. Measure and calculate the voltage ratio of the high voltage transformer (HVT): T = UHVT/UAT. b. Measure and calculate the voltage ratio of the resistive voltage divider R = UHVT/UR. c. Measure and calculate the voltage ratio of the capacitive voltage divider C = UHVT/UC. 3. Draw transitional characteristics of the voltage dividers and the auto-transformer: UHVT = f(UR) , UHVT = f(UC) and UHVT = f(UAT). 4. Measure the voltage distributions along the insulator strings and/or their low-voltage models indicated by the teacher/instructor (Tables 2, 3 and 4 attached): a) 7-unit cap and pin insulator string; b) 7-unit cap and pin insulator string with damaged (short-circuited) units no 2, 3, 4; c) 6-unit cap and pin insulator string; d) 6-unit cap and pin insulator string with damaged (short-circuited) units no 2, 3, 4; Note that in order to obtain the real values of high voltages on the insulators it is necessary to multiply the values of voltages measured at the outputs of the voltage dividers and/or the auto-transformer by the appropriate ratios R, C and/or T, determined in point 2.

Measurement of voltage distribution along an insulator string

5. Draw the characteristics of voltage along an insulator string as a function of the unit number or the insulator length (assuming the unit length of a cap and pin insulator is 20 cm). 6. Calculate the relative measurement error as a function of voltage for the voltage dividers. Assume that the real (without error) value of the measured quantity is the reading from the kilo-voltmeter (up to 30 kV).
=
Xo X = X X

where: absolute measurement error; relative measurement error; Xo a value of the measured quantity obtained from measurement; X real value of the measured quantity (without error). 7. Draw the dependency of the correction factor as a function of voltage for the voltage dividers. Assume that the real (without error) value of the measured quantity is the reading from the kilo-voltmeter (up to 30 kV).
p = = X Xo

where: p correction factor; absolute measurement error; Xo a value of the measured quantity obtained from measurement; X real value of the measured quantity (without error). 8. Draw the relative errors of the measurement of voltage distribution along the investigated insulator strings (up to 30 kV).

2.3.

Protocol with measurement results

The protocol with measurement results should contain typical standard data as follows: topic of the exercise, names of students performing the exercise, date of the exercise accomplishment, air temperature and pressure, nominal data of the measurement system and equipment, remarks and observations useful during elaboration of the results. Moreover, the record should contain the following: drafts of the investigated cap and pin insulator strings, with marked order of subsequent units; results of measurements of voltages from scaling of the measuring equipment, as described in chapter 2.2; measurement results of voltage distributions along the insulators operating correctly and the insulators with one unit damaged (short-circuited), as described in chapter 2.2. The record of measurement results has to be confirmed with a signature of the teacher.

3. REPORT
Based on the measurements performed during the class (protocol) students should elaborate an extended report. The report should contain the same basic standard data, as described in section 2.3, and the following information and elaboration: very short information about the measurement test set-up and equipment; tables containing the measurement results of voltage distributions along the investigated insulators; 9

Measurement of voltage distribution along an insulator string

respective diagrams or figures presenting the voltage distributions as a function of the number of subsequent insulator string unit U k = f (n) , based on results measured; tables containing the measurement results of voltage distributions along the insulators operating correctly and the insulators with one unit damaged (short-circuited); analysis of the obtained results as well as due remarks, observations and conclusions arising from the obtained results.

4. ADDITIONAL THEMES FOR ELABORATION

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Types of insulators used in electric power overhead lines. Characterize the long-rod insulators. Influence of rain and dirt on electrical withstand of line insulators. Explain the reasons of irregular voltage distribution along a cap and pin insulator string. Which capacitances determine irregular voltage distribution along a cap and pin insulator string? Quote the means used to reduce the irregularity of voltage distribution along a cap and pin insulator string. Spark-gap method of measurement of voltage distribution along a cap and pin insulator string. Measurement of voltage distribution along a cap and pin insulator string with using voltage dividers and electrostatic voltmeter. Measurement of voltage distribution along a cap and pin insulator string with using Ferranti rod.

5. LITERATURE
1. Naidu M.S., Kamaraju V.: High voltage engineering, Second edition; McGraw-Hill, 1996; US; pp. 12-33-44 (electrical breakdown in gasses), 49-61 (electrical breakdown in liquid dielectrics), 64-87 (electrical breakdown in solid dielectrics), 91-99 (application of insulating materials), 129-146 (generation of impulse voltages), 157-202 (measurements of high voltages). 2. Kuffel E., Zaengl W. S., Kuffel J.: High voltage engineering, Fundamentals; Newness; Oxford, Auckland, Boston, Johannesburg, Melbourne, New Delhi, 2000; pp. 48-74 (generation of impulse voltages), 77-175 (measurement of high voltages), 201-241 (electrical fields), 281-365 (electrical breakdown in gasses), 367-394 (breakdown in solid and liquid dielectrics), 523-530 (design of insulators). 3. Wadhwa C. L.: High voltage engineering; New Age International Publishers; New Delhi, 2007; pp. 1-48 (breakdown mechanisms of gaseous, liquid and solid materials, transformer oil), 81-104 (generation of impulse voltages and currents), 110-144 (measurement of high voltages). 4. Wareing B.: Wood pole overhead lines; IET Power and Energy Series 48; pp. 251-255 (insulators environmental effects). 5. McDonald John D.: Substations; The Electric Power Engineering Handbook; CRC Press LLC, 2001. 6. Niebrzydowski J.: Sieci elektroenergetyczne; Wydawnictwo Politechniki Biaostockiej; Biaystok 1999.

10

Measurement of voltage distribution along an insulator string

7. Fleszyski J., Tyman A.: Diagnostyka elektroenergetycznych izolatorw kompozytowych w eksploatacji; IX Sympozjum Problemy eksploatacji ukadw izolacyjnych wysokiego napicia; Zakopane, 9-11 padziernika 2003. 8. Kauny A., Kauny M., Sas M.: Analiza przyczyn pkania izolatorw ceramicznych wysokiego napicia; IX Sympozjum Problemy eksploatacji ukadw izolacyjnych wysokiego napicia; Zakopane, 9-11 padziernika 2003. 9. Gacek Z, Ki W.: Technika wysokich napi. wiczenia laboratoryjne; Wydawnictwo Politechniki lskiej; Gliwice 2002. 10. Flisowski Z.: Technika wysokich napi; Wydawnictwa Naukowo-Techniczne; Warszawa 2009. 11. Krawczyski L., Lidmanowski Limanowski., Roguski Z., Staczyk B.: Laboratorium wysokich napi, Wydawnictwo Politechniki Warszawskiej, Warszawa 1984. 12. Szpor S.: Wytrzymao elektryczna i technika izolacyjna, PWN, W-wa 1959 r. 13. Praca zbiorowa pod red. Kosztaluka R.: Technika bada wysokonapiciowych, WNT, Warszawa 1985. 14. Praca zbiorowa pod red. Juchniewicza J. i Lisieckiego J.: Wysokonapiciowe ukady izolacyjne, Wydawnictwo Politechniki Wrocawskiej, Wrocaw 1980. 15. Pohl Z.: Izolatory elektroenergetyczne. Oficyna Wydawnicza Politechniki Wrocawskiej, 1995.

6. SAFETY REGULATIONS
During the work in High Voltage Laboratory one has to strictly obey all the rules and regulations of safe work presented at the initial class and contained in Ordinal Regulation Obligatory in High Voltage Laboratory with Rules of Safety and Hygiene of Work. Moreover, as a part of safety regulations, it is absolutely necessary to know and obey the procedure of grounding of the measuring position presented below.

Entering the high voltage area without completing the grounding procedure threatens to your life!

Students who do not observe the above grounding procedure will be asked for immediate leaving the High Voltage Laboratory. Furthermore, in order to be allowed to continue the classes in another term, they will have to pass additional written exam from the safety regulations compulsory in the High Voltage Laboratory.

11

Measurement of voltage distribution along an insulator string

6.1

Grounding procedure of the measuring position

1. The grounding procedure has to be done by one single person. Only after the procedure is completed the other persons can enter the fenced high voltage measuring cell. 2. Turn off the supply of the measuring position. nected to the laboratory grounding system. 6. Enter the measuring cell holding the earth rod outstretched before oneself. 7. Taking care, touch the high voltage connection of the HV (High Voltage) transformer with the metal termination of the earth rod.

3. Open the front door to the high voltage measuring cell, but do not enter.

8. Suspend the earth rod on the high voltage connection of the HV transformer.

4. Still not entering the high voltage cell, take the portable earth rod to the right hand. 5. Make sure that the grounding wire of the earth rod is con-

12

Measurement of voltage distribution along an insulator string

Attachments
Table 1. Scaling of the measuring equipment (Fig. 6)

UHVT
[kV]

UR
[V]

UC
[V]

UAT
[V]

R
[-]

C
[-]

T
[-]

5 7,5 10 12,5 15 20 22,5 25 27,5 30

UHVT voltage at the output of the high voltage transformer, read directly from electrostatic kilo-voltmeter; UR voltage at the output of the resistive voltage divider, read from voltmeter; UC voltage at the output of the capacitive voltage divider, read from electrostatic voltmeter; UAT voltage at the low voltage side of the high voltage transformer (HVT), read from the voltmeter V (output of the auto-transformer AT); R = UR/UHVT voltage ratio of the resistive voltage divider; C = UC/UHVT voltage ratio of the capacitive voltage divider; T = UAT/UHVT voltage ratio of the high voltage transformer.
For reference and abbreviations see Figure 6.

13

Measurement of voltage distribution along an insulator string

Table 2. UHVT
[kV]

Measurement results for 7-unit cap and pin insulator string Insulator string
[V] [-]
kV

UAT P U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U6 U7 U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U6 U7
[V] [V] [V] [V] [V] [V] [V] [kV] [kV] [kV] [kV] [kV] [kV] [kV]

10

DR

DC

kV

20

DR

DC

kV

30

DR

DC

40

DR

50

DR

60

DR

DR resistive voltage divider; DC capacitive voltage divider.

14

Table 3. Measurement results for 6-unit cap and pin insulator string and its low voltage model with different configuration of capacitance Insulator string Low voltage model of the insulator string UHVT UAT P U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U6 Um1 T Um2 T Um3 T Um4 T Um5 T Um6 T K U1 U 2 U 3 U 4 U 5 U6 Um1 Um2 Um3 Um4 Um5 Um6
[kV] [V] [-]
kV

[V]

[V]

[V]

[V]

[V]

[V]

[kV]

[kV]

[kV]

[kV]

[kV]

[V]

[-]

[V]

[kV]

[V]

[kV]

[V]

[kV]

[V]

[kV]

[V]

[kV]

[V]

[kV]

1 2 3

DR

DC

4
kV

1 2 3

DR

DC

4
kV

1 2 3 4

DR

DC

Conf. no 1: Conf. no 2: Conf. no 3: Conf. no 4:

Cp= F Cp= F Cp= F Cp= F

Cz= F Cw= F Cz= F Cw= F Cz= F Cw= F Cz= F Cw= F

Measurement of voltage distribution along an insulator string

Table 4.

Measurement results for 6-unit cap and pin insulator string with one unit damaged

Damaged insulator no Insulator string UHVT UAT P U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U6 U1

[kV] [V] [-]
kV

U2
[kV]

U3
[kV]

U4
[kV]

U5
[kV]

Low voltage model of the insulator string Um1 T Um2 T Um3 T Um4 T Um5 T Um6 T K U6 Um1 Um2 Um3 Um4 Um5 Um6
[V] [-] [V] [kV] [V] [kV] [V] [kV] [V] [kV] [V] [kV] [V] [kV]

[V]

[V]

[V]

[V]

[V]

[V]

[kV]

1 2 3

DR

DC

4
kV

1 2 3

DR

DC

4
kV

1 2 3 4

DR

DC

16