PTA/2012/ 196

Test Date: 06/12/12

Table - 4.1.1(b)

Frequency: 49.89 Hz

Speed
Voltage (V)
Current (A)
Impedance ( )
0
200
28.12
7.112
500
200.1
28.29
7.073
1200
199.81
28.39
6.798
*Sudden Increasing in Current, Voltage is put to 170 V
2000
170.57
28.60
5.963
2300
170.46
28.74
5.963
2400
170.52
28.76
5.929
2500
170.54
28.77
5.927
2600
170.55
28.77
5.928
2700
170.59
28.80
5.923
2800
170.59
28.82
5.919
2900
170.57
28.89
5.904
3000
170.53
28.92
5.890
The graphs showing Impedance characteristics are as below:

Analysis:
Non Linearity of the impedance characteristics indicate that there is some abnormality in the
rotor winding insulation system.
4.1.2 Recurrent Surge Oscillograph (Digital RSO) Test
RSO test is performed to detect faults in rotor windings. The electrical faults in generator rotors
fall into two main categories, faults from the winding to the rotor body (earth faults) and faults
between parts of the winding (inter-turn winding faults). The existence of the faults will
frequently display excessive mechanical vibration and cause serious concern. An RSO test
identifies the type of fault and pinpoints the position of the fault.

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Principle:
Rotor Reflectometer uses a technique known as time domain Reflectometry. Application of this
technique in testing rotors is known as the RSO (Recurrent Surge Oscillograph).
The method involves applying a 12V DC voltage between one end of the rotor winding and the
rotor body. The transmitted wave at the far end of the winding and the reflected wave at the
input end of the winding are monitored using two oscilloscope channels. If the voltage step is
applied from each end of the rotor winding alternately, then two oscilloscope traces will be
obtained on the oscilloscope screen. A healthy rotor winding will have two identical traces,
which are superimposed. A rotor with a fault will have different traces and the positions of the
fault may be deduced by scaling in the time domain.
Circuit Diagram:
RW = Rotor Winding
SECS = Synchronous Electric
Changeover Switch
R1 = Input matching Resistor
R2 = Output matching Resistor
PG = Pulse Generator
CH1 = Oscilloscope Channel 1
CH2 = Oscilloscope Channel 2
RB = Rotor Body
Fig - Rotor TDR Measurement System
Reference: CDL, UK

Test Measurement:
Test was conducted on the rotor winding for inter-turn & earth faults in the winding insulation.
The test waveforms were recorded and are as shown below:
At Static Condition

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PTA/2012/ 196

At 3000 RPM Condition

Equipment Used: 1) Rotor Reflectometer; Make: CDL, UK, S.No: 159

2) Digital Oscilloscope; Make: Fluke, U.S.A. Sr. No: DM 6680375

Analysis:
Non - super imposition of input end waveforms reveals inter-turn shorts in the rotor
winding insulation system.

5.0 CONCLUSION
Overall the electrical tests on Generator rotor indicates that there are some inter-turn
shorts in the rotor winding insulation system.

6.0

RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended to repair the rotor winding during next shutdown/overhauling.
It is recommended to repeat the present and all other electrical diagnostic tests during the
next major overhaul to estimate the rate of insulation deterioration and for trend analysis.

7.0 REFERENCES
IEEE Standard 62.2 - 2004: Recommended practice for Diagnostic Field testing of Electrical Power
apparatus Electrical machinery.

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