High Voltage Testing and Diagnostics

The quality of the insulation of high voltage components (assets), e.g., transformers, cables, switch-gear, generators, is of large importance for the availability and reliability of power supply. Prior to service operation and in accordance with international standards, all these components are heavily tested at different voltage stresses (HVDC, AC, Impulse). During the service life of 30 or more years, local insulation defects (on mm-scale) occurring as a result of aging and degradation may produce a total blackout, e.g., of a 3 km long power cable connection. To provide a high reliability level during continuous service, insulation condition assessment by means of advanced and non-destructive diagnostics is very important. In particular, by means of advanced sensor techniques, signal processing, and knowledge rules, the condition of the components has to be continuously or periodically monitored. The liberalization of the energy sector requires the network providers to adopt an economically responsible technical management of the assets. In particular, based on the actual condition, the maintenance strategies have to be implemented. This course, supported by demonstrations, learns about the different voltage generation, diagnostics, and monitoring techniques, weakest link statistics, knowledge rules generation, and diagnosis support systems for asset management.