Application Note

Measuring and Analyzing the Dielectric Response of Current Transformers

Author Stephanie Raetzke | stephanie.raetzke@omicron.at Alan McGuigan| alan.mcguigan@omicron.at Date August 2011 Related OMICRON Product DIRANA Application Area Current Transformer Version v1.0 Document ID ANP_11002_ENU

Abstract This application guide informs how to measure and analyze the dielectric response of current transformers in order to assess the capacitance, dissipation factor and moisture.

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Content
1 Using this document ....................................................................................................................... 5 1.1 Operator Qualifications and Safety Standards ........................................................................... 5 1.2 Safety measures ....................................................................................................................... 5 1.3 Related Documents .................................................................................................................. 5 Preparing the Current Transformer ................................................................................................ 5 Access and Connections - General Procedure .............................................................................. 6 Measurement Configurations ......................................................................................................... 8 4.1 Measurement of HV terminal to bushing capacitor tap ............................................................... 8 4.2 Measurement of bushing capacitor tap to housing ..................................................................... 8 4.3 Measurement of HV to secondary or housing with capacitor tap earthed ................................... 9 Setting up the Software..................................................................................................................11 Measurements ................................................................................................................................12 6.1 Pre Measurement Check with the Monitor Device ....................................................................12 6.2 Development of the dissipation factor curve .............................................................................13 6.3 Determination of the Capacitance ............................................................................................14 6.4 Creating a Measurement Report ..............................................................................................14 6.5 Measurement Errors ................................................................................................................15
6.5.1 6.5.2 6.5.3 6.5.4 Voltage Source Overload ........................................................................................................... 15 Input Overflow ........................................................................................................................... 15 Negative Dissipation Factor ........................................................................................................ 15 Disturbances during Time Domain Measurement ........................................................................ 16

2 3 4

5 6

Interpretation of Measurement Data ..............................................................................................17 7.1 Dissipation factor curve............................................................................................................17 7.2 Frequency dependent capacitance...........................................................................................18 7.3 Moisture Analysis for Instrument Transformers Using DIRANA .................................................19 Step by step guide for the measurement on current transformers ..............................................20 Contact Technical Support ............................................................................................................23

8 9

10 Literature ........................................................................................................................................23

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Please use this note only in combination with the related product manual which contains several important safety instructions. The user is responsible for every application that makes use of an OMICRON product. OMICRON electronics GmbH including all international branch offices is henceforth referred to as OMICRON. OMICRON 2010. All rights reserved. This application note is a publication of OMICRON. All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction of any kind, for example, photocopying, microfilming, optical character recognition and/or storage in electronic data processing systems, requires the explicit consent of OMICRON. Reprinting, wholly or in part, is not permitted. The product information, specifications, and technical data embodied in this application note represent the technical status at the time of writing and are subject to change without prior notice. We have done our best to ensure that the information given in this application note is useful, accurate and entirely reliable. However, OMICRON does not assume responsibility for any inaccuracies which may be present. OMICRON translates this application note from the source language English into a number of other languages. Any translation of this document is done for local requirements, and in the event of a dispute between the English and a nonEnglish version, the English version of this note shall govern.

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Using this document

This application guide provides detailed information on how to measure and to analyze the dielectric response of current transformers using the OMICRON DIRANA. Please refer to national and international safety regulations relevant to working with the DIRANA. The regulation EN 50191 "The Erection and Operation of Electrical Test Equipment" as well as all the applicable regulations for accident prevention in the country and at the site of operation has to be fulfilled.

1.1

Operator Qualifications and Safety Standards

Working on HV devices is extremely dangerous. The measurements described in this Application Guide must be carried out only by qualified, skilled and authorized personnel. Before starting to work, clearly establish the responsibilities. Personnel receiving training, instructions, directions, or education on the measurement setup must be under constant supervision of an experienced operator while working with the equipment. The measurement must comply with the relevant national and international safety standards listed below: EN 50191 (VDE 0104) "Erection and Operation of Electrical Equipment" EN 50110-1 (VDE 0105 Part 100) "Operation of Electrical Installations" IEEE 510 "Recommended Practices for Safety in High-Voltage and High-Power Testing" 1910.269(a)(1)(i)(C) "Occupational Safety and Health Standards - Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution" Appendix C LAPG 1710.6 NASA "Electrical Safety"

Moreover, additional relevant laws and internal safety standards may have to be followed.

1.2

Safety measures

Before starting a measurement, read the safety rules in the DIRANA User Manual and observe the application specific safety instructions in this Application Note when performing measurements to protect yourself from high-voltage hazards.

1.3

Related Documents

DIRANA User Manual Contains information on how to use the DIRANA test system and relevant safety instructions.

Preparing the Current Transformer

In order to determine the dielectric properties of a current transformer using a dielectric response measurement, the device needs to be de-energized and then disconnected from the network. All connections to the current transformer should be removed in a manner as to conventional dissipation factor tests. If a complete disconnection is impossible a measurement still can be performed. While measuring the capacitance of a CT the Guarding technique prevents disturbing influences by still-connected devices. However, the following requirements must be fulfilled: Avoid overloading of the instrument due to high currents, e.g. long cables. The remaining devices should have low capacitances and losses compared to the measured insulation; otherwise high guard currents may cause a negative dissipation factor (p. 15). Avoid electromagnetic field coupling since the remaining devices might act as antenna

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Access and Connections - General Procedure

This section gives illustrated introductions how to connect the DIRANA to a current transformer. Please also refer to the user manual. 1. In order to have the same reference potential, connect the grounding cable to the ground terminal on the rear panel of the DIRANA, and clamp its other end to the tank.

2. After this, connect the HV conductor to the output channel (yellow) of the DIRANA.

3. When connecting the measurement cable of the input channel (red) to the measurement tap use the split connectors delivered with the DIRANA to connect the tri-axial cable to the connector using alligator clips or wires.

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4. Connect the guard of both measurement cables to the tank. Confirm a good connection, avoid lacquered surfaces or corroded metal. Clean the surfaces, if necessary.

5. If available, wrap a conductive belt around the bushing section, and connect it to the tank.

6. Finally, plug the measurement cables into the DIRANA instrument.

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Measurement Configurations

For a CT with a capacitor tap available on the bushing there are three options for dielectric response measurements: HV to bushing capacitor tap Bushing capacitor tap to housing HV to housing with capacitor tap earthed

4.1

Measurement of HV terminal to bushing capacitor tap

For measuring between the HV connections and the capacitor tap on the bushing section the output is connected to the HV conductor of current transformer. Both HV terminations are connected together without the lead touching the insulator. The earth link is removed from the bushing capacitor tap and the DIRANA output is connected to the HV termination. The input channel CH1 is contacted to the capacitor tap. In the "Configuration" window select "Bushing" test and deselect the measurement at bushing B. Ignore the bridge to the other bushings in the diagram (Figure 1).

Figure 1: DIRANA connection diagram for the measurement of HV terminal to bushing capacitor tap

4.2

Measurement of bushing capacitor tap to housing

The second measurement is between the capacitor tap of the bushing and the metal housing. In the configuration window select transformer and tick the CL measurement between the secondary winding and the tank (Figure 2). The DIRANA output is connected to the tank and the red measuring lead connected to the capacitor tap with the earth bridge disconnected. Both guards are connected to the HV terminals which are shorted together.

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Figure 2: DIRANA connection diagram for the measurement of bushing capacitor tap to housing

4.3

Measurement of HV to secondary or housing with capacitor tap earthed

For measurements between the HV terminations and secondary winding or tank select either Current Transformer or Current Transformer with Screen Electrode. Wiring diagram "Current Transformer" With the Current Transformer configuration (Figure 3) the DIRANA output is connected to the HV terminals, the input CH1 is connected to the CT secondary with all secondary terminations shorted together. No earth is to be connected to the CT secondary terminations. The guards from the output and measuring leads are connected to the tank. The capacitor tap earth link is closed.

Figure 3: DIRANA connection diagram "Current Transformer"

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Wiring diagram " Current Transformer with Screen Electrode " If the CT has a screen electrode the DIRANA output is connected to the tank and the measuring channel CH1 is connected to the HV terminations (Figure 4). The secondary terminals are shorted together and connected to the tank. No guards are connected. The capacitor tap earth link is closed.

Figure 4: DIRANA connection diagram "Current Transformer with Screen Electrode"

Please note: If the CT is sand filled the "Moisture Assessment" calculation is not valid for this measurement. For such cases comparing to a curve with a known moisture content or condition is the best indication of moisture content levels and the general condition of the CT.

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Setting up the Software

1. Connect DIRANA to a USB port of your laptop and start the DIRANA software. The status field in the lower right corner of the main window indicates that the connection is established.

2. Record all relevant current transformer nameplate data, like serial number and bushing type. If a moisture analysis should be done, the temperature of the internal insulation is absolutely necessary and should be noted as well. Also record ambient weather conditions. 3. Press the button "Configure Measurement".

4. By clicking the drop-down-list, choose the configuration diagram.

5. Click the "Settings" tab and then enter 1kHz as start frequency and 10 mHz or 1 mHz as stop frequency. This is sufficient for most current transformers. Furthermore the measurement mode should be switched to "FDS only" which can be found in "Show Advanced Settings".

6. After this, close the dialog field "Configure Measurement" by clicking on "OK".

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6
6.1

Measurements
Pre Measurement Check with the Monitor Device

Often simple connection problems may affect the measurement. To determine the capacitance, signal-tonoise ratio and noise current for ensuring a successful measurement press the button:

The "PDC Monitor" can be used to estimate the signal-to-noise ratio at different polarization voltages. Before starting the polarization, the input-coupling noise causes a current, which should be considerably lower (at least 1:10th) than the current after the polarization is started (Figure 5). Recommendations are given in the information box, indicating how to improve the measurement.

Figure 5: Pre Measurement check with the PDC Monitor

The dependence of capacitance, tangent delta, power factor or impedance depending on frequency and voltage can be checked using the "FDS Monitor" (Figure 6). The frequency range and the voltage amplitude can be changed using the settings. After applying settings the capacitance, tangent delta, power factor and/or impedance are displayed. They should be stable for a good measurement.

Figure 6: Pre Measurement check using the FDS Monitor

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6.2

Development of the dissipation factor curve

After setting up the software and checking the measurement cables, press the "Send Configuration to Device and Start Measurement button . During the running measurement do not move the cables since the piezoelectric effect may cause disturbing charges. The dissipation factor curve will appear, starting at the high frequencies, and developing toward the low frequencies.

Figure 7: Dissipation factor curve starting at the high frequencies

Figure 8: Dissipation factor curve after transition from time to frequency domain at 0.1 Hz

Figure 9: Complete Dissipation factor curve from 1kHz to 1mHz

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6.3

Determination of the Capacitance

Switch to the " c'/c'' Display Mode" to display the real and imaginary part of the capacitance between conductor and measurement tap over frequency as shown in Figure 11. By placing the cursor above the curve pane to the desired frequency, the corresponding absolute capacitance will be displayed in the data view on top.

Figure 10: c'/c" display mode

It is critical to measure the capacitance between the measurement tap and the top of the bushing, since the measurements between the tap terminal and the flange are strongly dependent on external influences like air humidity and dirt. Also, materials like adhesives with higher tan delta are normally used to fix the active part of the bushing against the flange, which are influencing the tan delta.

6.4

Creating a Measurement Report

A measurement report is provided by the software, containing dissipation factor curve main measurement information relevant measurement data like e.g. the dissipation factor and capacitance at power frequency

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For creating a measurement report, select the desired measurements which should be included in the report using the check boxes. The "Print Preview" will now show the measurement report. Use the "Save as/Export" button to save the measurement report as an Excel or PDF file.

6.5
6.5.1

Measurement Errors
Voltage Source Overload

If the instrument is unable to reach the desired voltage, an error message will indicate instrument overload. To solve the problem: Check whether the measurement setup has resulted in a short-circuit. If capacitive currents cause an overload (typical for long cables), decrease the output voltage or start the measurement at lower frequencies than 1000 Hz; i.e. at 100 Hz.

6.5.2

Input Overflow

In case the software displays an input overflow error, check that the CT and the DIRANA have the same reference potential. Usually this error appears when the tank is on a floating potential. Connect the tank to the ground terminal on the rear panel of the DIRANA (p. 6).

6.5.3

Negative Dissipation Factor

The dissipation factor curve may turn negative at high frequencies, see Figure 11. Reasons for this problem may be at first a high guard impedance, a small measured capacitance in conjunction with a large guard capacitance and high guard currents (dirty bushings).
DF
1.000 0.500 0.100 0.050 0.0100 0.005 0.001 0.010 0.100 1.000 10.000

CHL

f/Hz

Figure 11: Dielectric measurement with negative dissipation factor

To solve the problem: Connect all guards of measurement cables and if possible an additional wire from the triaxial connectors at the DIRANA front plate to the tank. Try to decrease the guard currents (clean bushings, disconnect all devices which are possibly still connected). Confirm a proper connection of the DIRANA housing to the reference potential is made.

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6.5.4

Disturbances during Time Domain Measurement

Disturbances in the time domain current are transformed into the frequency domain and affect the results displayed in frequency domain (e.g. dissipation factor). Figure 12 shows disturbances on the time domain current for 600-1100 s measurement time as an example. They cause disturbances in dissipation factor for the low frequencies. Generally, the disturbances in time domain will appear in frequency domain depending on their frequency spectrum.
I/A
0.0000030 0.0000020

DF HV+LV to tank
2.000 1.000 0.500

HV+LV to tank

0.0000010 0.0000007 0.0000005

0.200 0.100 0.050 0.020

10

20

50

100

200

500 1000

t/s

0.0010

0.0100

0.1000

1.0000

10.0000

f/Hz

Figure 12: Time domain current with disturbances at around 1000s (left) and its transformation in frequency domain with disturbances at the low frequencies (right). The reason for the disturbances was that guarding was not applicable for this measurement.

To solve this problem: Use a guarded measurement set-up if possible Apply all guards of the measurement cables Increase measurement voltage Try to minimize disturbances by e.g. using an electrostatic shield Perform the measurement in frequency domain only. In the dialog field "Configure Measurement", click on the "Show Advanced Settings" button. Set the "Type of Measurement Sequence" to "FDS only". Please note that this increases the time duration for the measurement substantially.

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7
7.1

Interpretation of Measurement Data

Dissipation factor curve

The dielectric response of instrument transformers has a very specific shape, which is similar to the dielectric response of cellulosic material itself (Figure 13). The curve has a nearly linear part at the lower frequencies and is rather flat at high frequencies with a minimum around power frequency.
DF
1.000 0.500 0.200 0.100 0.050 1 0.020 0.010 0.005 0.001 0.01 0.1 1.0 10.0 100 f /Hz 3 2

1%@20C

dissipation factor

0,1

phase A phase B phase C phase A-2

0,01

0,001 0,01 0,1 1 10 100 1000 frequency in Hz

Figure 13: Dielectric response of cellulosic material at 20C with 1% (2% and 3%) water content

Figure 14: Dielectric response of four current transformers of the same type

Instrument transformers of the same type, which are aged similar and also having a similar water content will have nearly identical curves, like shown in Figure 14. Ageing as well as moisture in the solid insulation will increase the dissipation factor especially at low frequencies, whereas the dissipation factor at power frequencies is relatively stable. Only for high water contents or strongly aged insulations the dissipation factor will significantly increase at power frequencies. Therefore the 50/60 Hz value often only significantly changes, when the ageing or moisture ingress has already led to a bad insulation condition (Figure 15). Since the low frequencies are much more sensitive to ageing and moisture, it might be helpful to compare the values e.g. at 10 mHz. The height of the dissipation factor is specific for the voltage class and the type the instrument transformer. Therefore the limits should be defined only within such a group.
10
dissipation factor

0,1

old; 4% water content, 9 pS/m oil conductivity

old; 2% water content, 2 pS/m oil conductivity

0,01
new; 1,2% water content, 3 pS/m oil conductivity

0,001
0,01 0,1 1 10 100 1000

new; 0,5% water content, 6 pS/m oil conductivity

frequency in Hz
Figure 15: Dielectric response of instrument transformers of different age and condition

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7.2

Frequency dependent capacitance

capacitance in pF

1.000

old; 4% water content, 9 pS/m oil conductivity

old; 2% water content, 2 pS/m oil conductivity

new; 1,2% water content, 3 pS/m oil conductivity

100

new; 0,5% water content, 6 pS/m oil conductivity

0,01

0,1

10

100

1000

frequency in Hz
Figure 16: Frequency dependent capacitances of various instrument transformers depending on frequency

The assessment of the frequency dependent capacitance is useful to gain knowledge about the insulation condition. An ideal insulation has a frequency independent capacitance. However, the capacitance of real insulations is increasing at low frequencies (Figure 16). For new and dry oil-paper-insulations the increase is very small. For aged and wet insulations the capacitance at low frequencies will increase stronger. This can be visualized by the ratio of the capacitances at very low frequencies, e.g. 10 mHz and power frequency 50/60 Hz. For new and dry insulations this ratio is about 1.05. During the lifetime the ratio will increase. Most instrument transformers in service with acceptable insulation condition have a ratio of 1.3 or below (Figure 17). This value is rather independent of CT type and size.
1,8
1,6 1,4

C10 mHz / C50 Hz

1,2 1,0 0 1 2 3 4 water content in % 5

Figure 17: Ratio of capacitance values between 10 mHz and 50 Hz for various CTs of different insulation condition

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7.3

Moisture Analysis for Instrument Transformers Using DIRANA

The interpretation of the dielectric response in frequency domain for instrument transformers is similar to that of power transformers. Both systems have oil impregnated paper insulations. The difference to the analysis for power transformers lies mainly in the settings for the geometry data. For most instrument transformer geometries, a ratio of 70% barriers to 30% oil is suitable. 1. Select the Measurement

Select the desired measurement in the measurement collection, and open the moisture assessment window by clicking on the "Assessment" button. 2. Automatic Assessment Press the "Start Assessment" button. The fitting algorithm arranges the parameters of the model (barriers X, spacers Y, oil conductivity, water content) in order to obtain the best fit between the model curve and the measurement curve. If more information is needed, press the "Advanced..." button. Beside moisture content and oil conductivity, the values for insulation geometry, moisture saturation and bubbling inception temperature can be found here (Figure 18). Also, the measurement results and the fitted model curve are shown here.

Figure 18: Advanced assessment screen after automatic curve fitting

3. Optimizing the Moisture Analysis by Hand For excellent moisture analysis, a good fitting should be observed. If the ratios for barriers and spacers are not in the usual range, the curve fitting may be not as good as shown in Figure 18. Then the curve fitting needs to be optimized by hand, what can be easily done by using the arrow buttons.

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Step by step guide for the measurement on current transformers

Preparation 1. Use normal operating and safety procedures to access the CT. 2. Disconnect all external apparatus. 3. 4. 5. Examine and clean the bushing if needed. Short both HV terminations and short all secondary terminations and connect to earth. Set up DIRANA instrument in proximity to the CT and extend leads where they will have minimum exposure to casual approaches. If possible keep PC a few meters from DIRANA. Do not approach the CT during a measurement. Clean HV connection and earth bar connection locations. Connect instrument earth and guard leads on earthing points.

6. 7.

Measurement configuration

8. If C1 (HV to cap tap) measurement is required apply DIRANA output (yellow) lead to HV termination. Connect CH1 measuring lead (red) to cap tap. Connect guards to each clamp. 9. Select Monitor button and check PDC and FDS noise levels. 10. In Configuration select "Bushing" measurement in Connections tab and deselect bushing B measurement. 11. In Setting tab select FDS as type of measurement. 12. Confirm Measurement Frequency Range from 1 kHz to 10 mHz (or 1 mHz for new and dry CTs).

13. Close the Configuration window and enter location and name plate details, CT temperature and ambient weather conditions.

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Performing the measurement 14. Confirm CT is clear and start measurement by selecting the 15. Confirm that red led on front panel is flashing. 16. Observe the notices in bottom left hand corner of PC screen and the development of the curve plot. 17. If the curve is not regular (please have a look at the 50 Hz values) or error messages are generated use detailed notes to locate the problem. 18. When measurement is completed save the file. Interpretation of measurement data 19. Check the dissipation factor at power frequency and at 10 mHz. 20. Check the increase of capacitance at low frequencies. 21. Do an advanced automatic assessment to confirm suitability of results and curve matching. Additional measurements 22. If C2 (cap tap to tank) and current transformer (overall) measurements are required add additional templates. In measurement tab of top toolbar select Add New Template.... Repeat for second additional measurement. in top tool bar.

23. For each measurement in turn select the appropriate Test Type in the Measurement Configuration > Connections tab. Connect output, measuring lead and guards as per diagram for each appropriate selection. Use Power Transformer 2 Winding for C2 and select CL measurement only and take HV winding in diagram as CT HV terminations.

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Select either Current Transformer or Current Transformer with Screen Electrode for full CT test.

"Current Transformer"

"Current Transformer with Screen Electrode"

24. Repeat steps from 9 to 21.

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Contact Technical Support

In case of further questions, please contact OMICRON's technical support: Europe/Middle East/Africa support@omicron.at Phone: +43 5523-507-333 Fax: +43 5523-507-7333 North and South America techsupport@omicronusa.com Phone: +1 713 830-4660 or 1 800-OMICRON Fax: +1 713 830-4661 Asia/Pacific support@asia.omicron.at Phone: +852 2634 0377 Fax: +852 2634 0390

10

Literature

[1] S. Raetzke, M. Koch, M. Krueger, A. Schroecker: "The Assessment of Instrument transformers by Dielectric Response Analysis" TechCon Asia Pacific, Sydney 2011

[2] M. Koch, M. Krger: The Negative Dissipation Factor and The Interpretation of the Dielectric Response of Power Transformers" Proceedings of the XVIth International Symposium on High Voltage Engineering, ISH, Cape Town, South Africa, 2009 [3] M. Koch, M. Krger, S. Tenbohlen: " Comparing Various Moisture Determination Methods for Power Transformers" CIGRE Southern Africa Regional Conference, 2009 [4] M. Koch, M. Krger: A Fast and Reliable Dielectric Diagnostic Method to Determine Moisture in Power Transformers" Proceedings of the International Conference on Condition Monitoring and Diagnosis CMD, Peking, China, 2008 [5] T. V. Oommen: Moisture Equilibrium Charts for Transformer Insulation Drying Practice IEEE Transaction on Power Apparatus and Systems, Vol. PAS-103, No. 10, Oct. 1984, pp. 30633067. [6] M. Koch, S. Tenbohlen, D. Giselbrecht, C. Homagk, T. Leibfried: Onsite, Online and Post Mortem Insulation Diagnostics at Power Transformers, Cigr SC A2 & D1 Colloquium, Brugge, Belgium 2007
[7] M. Koch, M. Krger: Moisture Determination by Improved On-Site Diagnostics, TechCon Asia Pacific, Sydney 2008

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OMICRON is an international company serving the electrical power industry with innovative testing and diagnostic solutions. The application of OMICRON products provides users with the highest level of confidence in the condition assessment of primary and secondary equipment on their systems. Services offered in the area of consulting, commissioning, testing, diagnosis, and training make the product range complete. Customers in more than 140 countries rely on the company's ability to supply leading edge technology of excellent quality. Broad application knowledge and extraordinary customer support provided by offices in North America, Europe, South and East Asia, and the Middle East, together with a worldwide network of distributors and representatives, make the company a market leader in its sector.

For addresses of OMICRON offices with customer service centers, regional sales offices or offices for training, consulting and commissioning please visit our web site.

www.omicron.at www.omicronusa.com