Effect of applied DC voltages and temperatures on space charge behaviour of multi-layer oil-paper insulation

In this paper, space charge in a multi-layer oil-paper insulation system was investigated using the pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) technique. A series of measurements had been carried following subjection of the insulation system to different applied voltages and different temperatures. Charge behaviours in the insulation system were analyzed and the influence of temperature on charge dynamics was discussed. The test results shows that homocharge injection takes place under all the test conditions, the applied DC voltage mainly affects the amount of space charge, while the temperature has greater influence on the distribution and mobility of space charge inside oil-paper samples

Study of oil/pressboard progressive creeping discharge under highly divergent electric field

As one of the most dangerous failure modes of transformers, the oil/pressboard progressive creeping discharge, as well as the corresponding insulation failure mechanisms, have thus far not been fully understood. The present thesis aims to gain a sound fundamental knowledge of the progressive creeping discharge, their influential factors, and the relevant failure mechanisms, as well as to contribute to an effective monitoring and diagnostic methodology. This study explored the progressive creeping discharges under highly divergent AC and DC voltages, respectively. The tests conditions were configured to investigate the impacts of critical influential factors, including ageing, voltage level, temperature, stress waveform, and oil flowing, on creeping discharges. The discharge processes were systematically evaluated using tools such as partial discharge, gas analysis, temperature monitoring, and finite-element simulation. Comparative analyses and theoretical examinations were made to the insulation faults as well as their correlated physicochemical phenomena. A conventional techniques-based monitoring framework was proposed for the dangerous creeping discharges, and the applicability of a new detection technique based on synchronous PD and dielectric measurements was tested as well. The characteristics of damage-free AC progressive creeping discharge, as well as the influences of pressboard ageing and field intensity, were investigated. It was found the progressive creeping discharge is a compound discharge that comprises mainly oil corona discharge and surface discharge. Pressboard ageing affected the discharge inception but had no influence on the interface breakdown strength. The damage-free discharge exhibited a constant PRPD pattern but had a diminishing PD intensity, where the pressboard ageing and voltage level jointly determine whether the discharges can be sustained or not. The damage-free discharge generated hydrogen principally and was located between D1/ D2 fault zones in the classical Duval’s Triangle. The insulation failures due to dangerous creeping discharges were comparatively studied. It was found the AC progressive creeping discharge could generate two faults to the pressboard, i.e., internal treeing (internal treeing) and surface tracking (surface tracking). The faults exhibited distinct electrical as well as physicochemical characteristics, and their occurrences were subject to pressboard ageing, voltage level, and pressboard density. A four-staged model was proposed to illustrate the development of internal treeing. The model highlighted the central role of the filament-like carbonization tracks in the pressboard interior, of which the onset and growth were theoretically expounded as well. A detection methodology was proposed for internal treeing, which was mainly based on continuous PD measurement, online temperature monitoring, and gas analysis. However, it was found still hard to detect a severe surface tracking fault due to the PD disappearance. The influences of temperature and voltage waveforms on AC progressive creeping discharge were studied. Temperature affected the short-time electric strength of either interface or oil gap and could form a synergistic effect with a strong field in exacerbating the dissipation factor of pressboard. Moreover, it was found temperature can determine the fault types and discharge severity under either constant or step-wise stress, whereas the stress waveform had an obvious effect on the fault type only at high temperatures. Depending on the test temperature and stress waveforms, the test specimens failed due to tracking-free interface flashover, surface tracking, and internal treeing, respectively. Their PD quantities were comparatively evaluated. Moreover, it was found the synchronous PD and dielectric measurement is highly indicative of the internal treeing process, and it exhibited both high detection sensitivity and discharge identification capability. The DC progressive creeping discharge was evaluated against temperatures and forced oil flows. Temperature affected the DC conductivity of both oil and pressboard, the resistivity ratio of pressboard to oil, and the oil/pressboard interface charge relaxation time. Accordingly, the interface field distributions were evaluated against temperatures using the finite-element method. Moreover, both oil flow speed and temperatures affected the short-time DC interface electric strength as well as the progressive creeping discharge. Two types of discharges were found under static oil condition. They exhibited distinct PD characteristics and showed different responses to temperature changes. They were presumably associated with discharges in oil and pressboard, respectively. Furthermore, it was found that forced oil flows can alter the behaviors of DC creeping discharges drastically and generated a peculiar PD type (Pulse Train). The occurrence of the pulse train was subject to applied voltage level, temperature, and oil flowing velocity. A theoretical model was proposed to elucidate the pulse train, in which the interactions between space charges from different sources were discussed against voltage levels, oil flows, and temperatures. The present thesis extends the knowledge of the oil/pressboard progressive creeping discharges. The research results are expected to serve as a base for future scientific studies and a piece of reference information for practical applications pertinent to progressive creeping discharges.Eine der gefährlichsten Fehlerarten in Transformatoren, die fortschreitende Kriechentladung in Öl/Feststoff Anordnungen sowie der dazugehörige Mechanismus des Isolationsfehlers sind noch nicht völlig geklärt. Die vorliegende Arbeit zielt auf die Erreichung einer soliden fundamentalen Kenntnis der fortschreitenden Kriechentladung, ihrer Einflussfaktoren und der entsprechenden Fehlermechanismen ab. Weiterhin soll sie einen Beitrag zur effektiven Überwachung und diagnostischen Methoden liefern. Die Untersuchungen beinhalten die fortschreitenden Kriechentladungen bei stark inhomogenen elektrischen Feldern unter Wechsel- und Gleichspannung. Die Versuchsbedingungen wurden so konfiguriert, dass die Wirkung der kritischen Einflussfaktoren auf die Kriechentladungen wie Alterung, Höhe der Spannung, Temperatur, Beanspruchungsform und Ölfluss, untersucht werden konnte. Die Entladungsvorgänge wurden systematisch ausgewertet unter Verwendung von Methoden wie Teilentladung, Gasanalyse, Temperaturerfassung und Simulation mit Finiten Elementen. Vergleichende Analysen und theoretische Prüfungen wurden im Hinblick auf Isolierungsfehler und der dazugehörigen physio-chemischen Erscheinungen durchgeführt. Ein auf konventioneller Technik basierendes Monitoring Konzept wurde für die gefährlichen Kriechentladungen vorgeschlagen und die Anwendung neuer Detektionstechniken basierend auf synchroner Teilentladungserfassung und dielektrischen Messungen geprüft. Die Eigenschaften von beschädigungsfreien fortschreitenden Kriechentladungen bei Wechsel-spannung und der Einfluss der Alterung des Pressspan sowie der Feldstärke wurden untersucht. Es wurde herausgefunden, dass die fortschreitende Kriechentladung eine zusammengesetzte Entladung ist, bestehend aus Korona-Entladungen in Öl und Oberflächenentladungen. Die Alterung von Pressspan beeinflusst den Einsatz der Entladung aber hat keinen Einfluss auf die Durchschlagsfestigkeit der Grenzfläche. Die beschädigungsfreie Entladung zeigt ein konstantes PRPD Muster aber mit abnehmender Teilentladungs-Aktivität, wobei die Alterung des Pressspans und die Spannungshöhe gemeinsam bestimmen, ob die die Entladungen unterbrochen werden oder nicht. Die beschädigungsfreie Entladung erzeugt grundsätzlich Wasserstoff und ist den Fehlerzonen D1/D2 des klassischen Duval Dreiecks zugeordnet. Die Fehler der Isolierung infolge der gefährlichen Kriechentladungen wurden vergleichend untersucht. Es wurde herausgefunden, dass die fortschreitende Kriechentladung bei Wechselspannung zwei Fehlerarten im Pressspan erzeugen kann, die schnelle Kriechwegbildung (internes Treeing) und die langsame Kriechwegbildung (Oberflächen Kriechweg). Die Fehler weisen deutlich elektrische als auch physio-chemische Eigenschaften auf und ihr Erscheinen war abhängig vom Alterungszustand des Pressspans, Spannungshöhe und Dichte des Pressspans. Ein vierstufiges Modell wurde vorgeschlagen um die Entwicklung der schnellen Kriechwegbildung darzustellen. Das Modell betont die zentrale Rolle der faserähnlichen karbonisierten Kriechwege im Inneren des Pressspans, wobei Einsatz und Wachstum theoretisch erklärt werden. Eine Erkennungsmethode für die Schnelle Kriechwegbildung wurde vorgeschlagen, die im Wesentlichen auf Teilentladungsmessungen, online Temperaturerfassung und Gas Analyse basiert. Es war dennoch schwierig eine langsame Kriechwegbildung zu erfassen, da Teilentladungen verschwanden. Die Einflüsse von Temperatur und Spannungsform auf fortschreitende Kriechwegentladungen wurden untersucht. Die Temperatur beeinflusste die kurzzeitige elektrische Feldstärke der Grenzschicht und der Ölstrecke und kann eine synergetische Auswirkung mit einem starken Feld auslösen, indem sich der Verlustfaktor des Pressspans erhöht. Es wurde weiterhin herausgefunden, dass die Temperatur die Fehlertypen und Entladungsstärke unter konstanter oder stufenweise Beanspruchung beeinflussen kann, wobei die Art der Beanspruchung einen klar erkennbaren Einfluss auf die Fehlerart nur bei hohen Temperaturen hat. Abhängig von der Prüftemperatur und der Beanspruchungsforme versagten die Prüflinge durch Grenzschichtüberschlag ohne Kriechwegspuren, langsame Kriechwegbildung und schnelle Kriechwegbildung. Ihre Teilentladungsgrößen wurden vergleichend ausgewertet. Darüber hinaus wurde herausgefunden, dass synchrone Teilentladungen und dielektrische Messungen eine gute Kennzeichnung für schnelle Kriechwegbildungsprozesse sind und es zeigt die Fähigkeit einer hohen Erkennungsempfindlichkeit und Entladungserkennung. Die fortschreitenden Kriechentladungen bei Gleichspannung wurden in Abhängigkeit der Temperatur und der Ölflussstärke ermittelt. Die Temperatur beeinflusst die Gleichspannungsleitfähigkeit von beiden, Öl und Pressspan, das Widerstandsverhältnis von Pressspan und Öl, und die Relaxationszeit der Grenzschichtladungen Öl/Pressspan. Dementsprechend wurde die Grenzschichtfeldverteilung in Abhängigkeit der Temperatur mit Hilfe der Finite-Elemente Methode ausgewertet. Außerdem beeinflussten die Geschwindigkeit des Ölflusses und die Temperaturen die kurzzeitige Grenzflächenfeldstärke bei Gleichspannung und fortschreitenden Kriechwegentladung. Zwei Arten von Entladungen wurde bei ruhendem Öl gefunden. Sie zeigen deutliche Teilentladungsmerkmale und unterschiedliches Verhalten bei Temperaturänderungen. Sie waren vermutlich verbunden mit Entladungen im Öl und Pressspan. Es wurde weiterhin herausgefunden, dass forcierte Ölströmung das Verhalten der Kriechentladungen bei Gleichspannung drastisch verändert und einen besonderen Typ von Teilentladungen erzeugt (Pulsfolge). Die Erscheinung dieser Pulsfolge war abhängig von der Höhe der angelegten Spannung, der Temperatur und der Geschwindigkeit des Ölflusses. Es wurde ein theoretisches Modell zur Verdeutlichung der Pulsfolge vorgeschlagen, bei dem die Wechselwirkungen zwischen Raumladungen von verschiedenen Quellen behandelt wurden in Abhängigkeit der Spannungshöhe, des Ölflusses und der Temperatur. Die vorliegende Arbeit erweitert die Kenntnis der fortschreitenden Kriechentladungen in der Anordnung Öl/Pressspan. Es wird erwartet, dass die Untersuchungsergebnisse als Basis für zukünftige wissenschaftliche Studien dienen und einen Beitrag mit hinweisenden Informationen für die praktische Anwendung zur Thematik fortschreitender Kriechentladungen liefern

Analysis of transformer insulation systems with dielectric nanofluids

A number of authors have reported that the dispersion of small concentrations of nanoparticles may improve the dielectric and thermal properties of insulating oils. Extensive experimental work has been published reporting large improvements in the dielectric strength of these fluids compared with the properties of the base liquids. However, even if those materials enhance the dielectric properties of conventional liquids, there are serious concerns about their applicability to real transformers in the future. The main difficulty is related with the long-term stability of the liquids at transformer service temperatures. This factor would only be improved if multidisciplinary research teams cooperate in the development of nanofluids which remains stable in the long term. Another critical aspect is related with the interaction of nanofluids with other elements of the transformer, and the impact that they might have on the properties of these materials. In this field, the study of the interaction between nanofluids and transformer solid insulation is specially relevant. However only a small number of works have studied the topic up to date. This PhD. Thesis carries out a research to get insight on the interaction between dielectric nanofluids and transformer’s solid -insulation. An analysis on the morphological characteristics of nanofluid-impregnated paper was conducted that confirms the penetration of nanoparticles in the cellulose structure. Then several dielectric properties were investigated, including the dielectric strength and the polarization processes in nanofluid-impregnated solid insulation. Finally, the impact of the nanoparticles on the transformer ageing process was studied, to understand how the chemical reactions that lead to the degradation of solid materials on the transformer changes when the impregnation liquid is a nanofluid. Research on nanodielectric fluids for transformer insulation is still a new field of study and these materials are still far from being of application to real transformers. The development of comprehensive studies, as the one presented in this Thesis, may contribute to the advance of this technology and to the promotion of new applications for these materials in the future.A lo largo de la última década, varios autores han publicado estudios que muestran que la dispersión de pequeñas concentraciones de nanopartículas puede mejorar las propiedades dieléctricas y térmicas de los aceites aislantes. Hasta la fecha se han publicado un número significativo de trabajos experimentales que constatan grandes mejoras en la rigidez dieléctrica y en otras propiedades de estos fluidos en comparación con las propiedades de los fluidos base. Sin embargo, a pesar de que estos materiales parecen mejorar las propiedades dieléctricas de los líquidos convencionales, existen serias dudas sobre la posibilidad de que puedan ser empleados en transformadores reales en un futuro próximo. La principal dificultad está relacionada con la pérdida de estabilidad de estos líquidos a las temperaturas de servicio del transformador. Este aspecto solo podrá mejorarse mediante el desarrollo de investigaciones en las que colaboren investigadores de distintas áreas que logren desarrollar nanofluidos que con suficiente estabilidad a largo plazo. Otro aspecto crítico está relacionado con la interacción de los nanofluidos con otros elementos del transformador y su impacto en las propiedades de estos materiales. En este contexto, el estudio de la interacción entre los nanofluidos y el aislamiento sólido del transformador es de especial relevancia. A pesar de ello los estudios desarrollados sobre esta temática hasta la fecha han sido escasos. En esta tesis doctoral se lleva a cabo un estudio integral sobre la interacción entre los nanofluidos dieléctricos y el aislamiento sólido del transformador. Dentro de la tesis se ha realizado un análisis de las características morfológicas del papel impregnado con nanofluido, que confirmó la penetración de las nanopartículas en la estructura de la celulosa y la formación de enlaces entrea ambos elementos. A continuación, se investigaron varias propiedades dieléctricas, incluida la rigidez dieléctrica y los procesos de polarización en aislamientos sólidos impregnados con nanofluidos; estos son aspectos de especial relevancia para el diseño de los transformadores. Finalmente, se estudió el impacto de las nanopartículas en el proceso de envejecimiento del transformador, para entender cómo influye la presencia de estos elementos en las reacciones químicas que dan lugar a la degradación de los materiales sólidos del transformador. La investigación sobre fluidos nanodieléctricos para el aislamiento de transformadores es un campo de estudio novedoso, y estos materiales aún están lejos de ser de aplicación en transformadores reales. El desarrollo de estudios integrales, como el presentado en esta Tesis, puede contribuir al avance de esta tecnología y al desarrollo de nuevas aplicaciones para estos materiales en el futuro.Programa de Doctorado en Ingeniería Eléctrica, Electrónica y Automática por la Universidad Carlos III de MadridPresidente: Javier Gómez Aleixandre.- Secretario: Cristian Olmo Salas.- Vocal: Helena Gavilán Rubi

A Novel Oil-immersed Medium Frequency Transformer for Offshore HVDC Wind Farms

In this project, a design of an oil type medium frequency transformer for offshore wind farm applications is proposed. The design is intended for applications when series coupling of the output of the DC/DC converters of the wind turbine on their secondary side is done to achieve a cost-effective high voltage solution for collecting energy from offshore wind parks. The focus of the work is on the insulation design of the high voltage side of a medium frequency transformer where the magnetic design constraints should also be satisfied.Above all, a proof of concept is made demonstrating a possible solution for the design of the transformer for such a DC/DC converter unit. The transformer suggested is using oil/paper as insulation medium. Furthermore, characterisation of an eco-friendly biodegradable transformer oil for this type of HVDC transformer application is made. Moreover, an introduction of reliable high frequency characterisation test methods to medium frequency transformer designers is made. In addition, the Non-Linear Maxwell Wagner (NLMW) relations are further developed to form a method for the development of an HVDC MFT transformer. All in all, the DC series concept has been further developed one step closer to pre-commercialization, i.e. from TRL 1 to about 2

Performance Assessment of Cellulose Paper Impregnated in Nanofluid for Power Transformer Insulation Application: A review

Insulation cellulose paper is a basic measure for a power transformer’s remaining useful life, and its advantageous low cost, electrical, and mechanical properties have made it an extensive insulation system when impregnated in a dielectric liquid. Cellulose paper deteriorates as a result of ageing due to some chemical reactions like pyrolysis (heat), hydrolysis (moisture), and oxidation (oxygen) that affects its degree of polymerization. The condition analysis of cellulose paper has been a major concern since the collection of paper samples from an operational power transformer is almost impossible. However, some chemicals generated during cellulose paper deterioration, which were dissolved in dielectric liquid, have been used alternatively for this purpose as they show a direct correlation with the paper’s degree of polymerization. Furthermore, online and non-destructive measurement of the degree of polymerization by optical sensors has been proposed recently but is yet to be available in the market and is yet generally acceptable. In mitigating the magnitude of paper deterioration, some ageing assessments have been proposed. Furthermore, researchers have successfully enhanced the insulating performance of oil-impregnated insulation paper by the addition of various types of nanoparticles. This study reviews the ageing assessment of oil-paper composite insulation and the effect of nanoparticles on tensile strength and electrical properties of oil-impregnated paper insulation. It includes not only significant tutorial elements but also some analyses, which open the door for further research on the topic

Study of surface discharge behaviour at the oil-pressboard interface

This thesis is concerned with the surface discharge behaviour at the oil-pressboard interface. For large transformers this is classified as a serious failure mode because it can lead to catastrophic failure under normal AC voltage operating conditions. To increase understanding on this failure mode, a surface discharge experiment at the oil-pressboard interface has been conducted on different moisture levels in pressboard by applying a long period of AC voltage stress. The processes in the surface discharge at the oil-pressboard interface until the appearance of a first full discharge have been recognised and correlated with the measured data. The results show that the different moisture levels within the pressboard play an important role on the partial discharge (PD) activity of certain processes. The decreasing trend in the PD data during the surface discharges cannot be treated as a reliable condition monitoring measure of health because it is the key indicator of white marks propagation toward the earth point. The characteristics of full discharge events have been analysed to develop knowledge for condition monitoring of surface discharge at the oil-pressboard interface. Full discharges are corona-like events in which their random occurrences are dominated by accumulated charges on the pressboard surface along the white marks rather than the polarity of applied AC voltage. A 2-D axial symmetry surface discharge model has also been developed using COMSOL Multiphysics, a finite element analysis (FEA) software package. The model considers the pressboard region near the interface (a transition region) as porous, whilst in the bulk region of pressboard as a perfect insulator. The model is developed using continuity equations and coupled with the Poisson’s equation to study the problem in terms of charge transport mechanisms and electric field distributions. The thermal conduction equation is included to study the thermal effects of surface discharge activity at the oil-pressboard interface. The behaviour of surface discharge is studied by validating the simulated surface discharge current pulse with the measured current. The simulation results show that a field dependent molecular ionisation mechanism plays an important role in the streamer propagation during the period of the rising front of the current pulse, whilst during the period of decaying tail of the current pulse, the contribution of an electron attachment process is dominant. The modelling results suggest that degradation marks (white and black marks) are due to high energy over long periods of partial discharge events that lead to thermal degradation at the oil-pressboard interface

Morphological analysis of transformer Kraft paper impregnated with dielectric nanofluids

The use of dielectric nanofluids has been recently proposed as a method to improve the insulation system of transformers. It has been widely reported that these liquids present superior dielectric properties than conventional dielectric liquids and have a better behavior as cooling agents. Nevertheless some aspects need to be addressed before these materials are applicable to real equipment. This paper analyzes the interaction between dielectric nanofluids and the cellulose materials that constitute the solid insulation of transformers. The impregnation process of a transformer has been emulated in order to obtain samples of solid insulation impregnated with a Fe3O4 based nanofluid. The samples have been subjected to ICP testing and CryoSEM observation, complemented with the determination of the EDX sprectrum. The interaction between the nanoparticles and the cellulose fibers has been investigated finding that bonds are established between them when cellulose is impregnated with nanofluids.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. Grant Number DPI2015-71219-C2-2-R and Spanish Ministry of Innovation. Grant Number PID2019-107126RB-C21

Comparative evaluation of acoustic and electric signals of partial discharges

Failures of power electric components such as transformers and outages can lead to a huge economical loss in the electric power grid. One of the main parts of a power electric components is the insulation system, namely, insulation oil, impregnated pressboard and paper. Several methods exist for diagnostics of these insulation materials. Partial discharge (PD) measurement known as one of the main non-destructive monitoring systems of the insulation materials. However, it has been mainly done off-line in maintenance periods, and the existing on-line methods generally provide less information due to environment electric noises. In contrast to electric PD measurement system, the acoustic emission (AE) measurement system is well known for its immunity against environment electrical noises. In this thesis comparative evaluation of acoustic and electric signals of PD events generated in oil impregnated pressboard and papers is investigated. The thesis is focused on the characteristic of PD activity and the consequence of that on the electric and AE signal. PD classification is defined by using the relation between acoustic and electric signals of PD events. Although the sensitivity of the AE sensors has been improved over the years, but the detection of the acoustic signals from PD activity in power equipment mainly transformers remain the main challenge of acoustic measurement. Lack of information regarding evaluation of electric PD signals and AE signals beside the mechanical attenuation are two main disadvantages of AE measurement method. Due to mechanical and electrical mechanism of waves generated during PD activities, the mechanical and electrical behaviour of the waves is discussed in more detail to have better understanding about the electric and acoustic signals. PD sources were generated at different electrode configurations such as needle-plane and electrode ball arrangement within a sample in the tank to investigate different types of PD. Electric characteristics of PD and different PD measuring technics such as electric, UHF and acoustic beside the mechanical behaviour of the acoustic waves are also discussed. The corona in oil results regarding the relation between AE and electric PD signals shows the correlated behaviour between AE and PD apparent charge magnitude. However, in surface discharges these behaviours are uncorrelated. In this regards the surface discharge is studied in more detail, leading to the first results of PD with very low acoustic (no acoustic) activity. Regarding these results two different categories in term of AE signals of PDs are defined, silent PD and non-silent PD. Silent PDs are those PD activities without or with very low acoustic signal and non-silent PDs are with acoustic signal. The existence of the silent PD is validated via oscilloscope and digital signal processing (DSP) devices. Also, with different innovative methods and arrangements such as needle plane and ball electrodes with and without oil gap, the probable reasons of creation this phenomenon (silent PD) is investigated. It is found that the carbonization patterns start with non-silent PD and remain the same during silent PD activities even with very high electric apparent charges. It means the development in carbonization traces produce electric and AE signals and in contrast no changes in carbonization traces produce only electric signals with no AE signal. These results verify the advantages of using acoustic technics and electric measurement in terms of PD classification and localization.Ausfälle von Komponenten in elektrischen Energiesystemen wie Transformatoren können zu einem enormen wirtschaftlichen Verlust im Energiesystem führen. Einer der Hauptbestandteile der Komponenten in elektrischen Energiesystemen ist das Isoliersystem, nämlich Öl, imprägniert Pressboard und Papier. Es gibt mehrere Methoden zur Diagnose dieser Isoliermaterialien. Die Messung der Teilentladung (TE) ist als eines der wichtigsten zerstörungsfreien Überwachungssysteme für Isoliermaterialien bekannt. Jedoch wird dies in Wartungsperioden hauptsächlich offline durchgeführt, und die existierenden Online-Verfahren liefern im Allgemeinen weniger Informationen aufgrund von elektromagnetischen Störungen. Im Gegensatz zum elektrischen TE-Messsystem ist das Schallemissionsmesssystem für seine Immunität gegen elektrische Umgebungsgeräusche bekannt. In dieser Arbeit wird die vergleichende Auswertung von akustischen und elektrischen Signalen von TE-Ereignissen untersucht, die in ölimprägnierten Pressboard und Papieren erzeugt werden. Sie konzentriert sich auf die Charakteristik der TE-Aktivität und deren Einfluss auf akustische Signale. Die TE-Klassifizierung wird definiert, indem die Beziehung zwischen akustischen und elektrischen Signalen von TE-Ereignissen verwendet wird. Obwohl die Empfindlichkeit der akustischen Sensoren im Laufe der Jahre verbessert wurde, bleibt die Erkennung der akustischen Signale von TE-Aktivität das Hauptproblem bei Komponenten in elektrischen Energiesystemen, hauptsächlich Transformatoren. Fehlende Informationen zur Auswertung von elektrischen TE-Signalen und akustischen Signalen sind neben der mechanischen Dämpfung zwei Hauptnachteile der akustischen Messung. Wegen der mechanischen und elektrischen Mechanismen von Wellen, die während der TE-Aktivitäten erzeugt werden, wird deren Verhalten ausführlicher diskutiert, um ein besseres Verständnis über die elektrischen und akustischen Signale zu erhalten. An verschiedenen Elektrodenkonfigurationen innerhalb einer Probe im Öltank werden TE-Quellen an verschiedenen Elektrodenkonfigurationen wie Spitze-Platte und Elektrodenkugelanordnung innerhalb einer Probe im Tank erzeugt, um verschiedene Arten von TE zu untersuchen. Neben dem mechanischen Verhalten der akustischen Wellen werden auch elektrische Eigenschaften von TE und verschiedene TE-Messtechniken wie elektrisch, UHF und akustisch behandelt. Die Ergebnisse bezüglich des Verhältnisses zwischen AE- und elektrischen TE-Signalen für Korona im Öl zeigen das korrelierte Verhalten zwischen AE- und TE-Signalen. Bei Oberflächenentladungen sind diese Verhaltensweisen jedoch unkorreliert. Die Oberflächenentladung wird genauer untersucht, was zu den ersten Ergebnissen von TE mit sehr geringer akustischer (keine akustischen Signale) Aktivität führt. In Bezug auf diese Ergebnisse werden zwei verschiedene Kategorien in Bezug auf elektrische und AE-Signale von TE definiert, stille TE und nicht-stille TE. Stille TE sind elektrische TE-Signale ohne oder mit sehr geringer akustischer Aktivität, und nicht-stille TE sind elektrische TE-Signale mit akustischer Aktivität. Die Existenz der stillen PD wird über Oszilloskope und digitale Signalverarbeitungsgeräte (DSP) validiert. Auch mit verschiedenen innovativen Methoden und Anordnungen wie Nadel und Kugelelektroden mit und ohne Ölspalt werden die wahrscheinlichen Entstehungsursachen dieses Phänomens (Silent TE) untersucht. Es wurde festgestellt, dass die Karbonisierungsmuster mit nicht-stiller TE beginnen und während stiller TE-Aktivitäten selbst bei sehr hohen scheinbaren elektrischen Ladungen unverändert bleiben. Dies bedeutet, dass bei der Entwicklung der Karbonisierungsspuren elektrische und AE-Signale erzeugt werden und im Gegensatz dazu ohne Änderungen der Karbonisierungsspuren nur elektrische Signale (ohne AE-Signale) erzeugt werden. Diese Differenzierung ist nur möglich bei gleichzeitigem Einsatz der akustischen Technik und elektrischen Messung im Hinblick auf die TE-Klassifizierung und Lokalisierung

High Voltage DC-biased Oil Type Medium Frequency Transformer; A Green Solution for Series DC Wind Park Concept

The electric energy generated by remote offshore wind parks is transported to the consumers using high voltage submarine cables. On the generation site, such transmissions are realized today by collecting the energy produced by several wind turbines in a bulky and expensive transformer placed on a dedicated platform. An alternative solution has been proposed recently, which allows to reduce the installation and maintenance costs by eliminating such a platform. It is suggested to equip each wind turbine in the wind park by an individual DC/DC converter and connect them in series to reach the DC voltage level required for an efficient HVDC energy transportation to the shore. The DC/DC converter is supposed to be a Dual Active Bridge (DAB) converter, which can be made reasonably small to be placed on the wind turbine tower or even in its nacelle. The key element of the converter defining its size and mass is a special transformer, which operates at voltages comprising a high (switching) frequency component superimposed on a high DC offset voltage. DC insulation design of such a transformer and investigation of the effects of a high DC insulation level on the other electromagnetic properties of the transformer is the subject of the present research.In order to verify the concept a prototype of the transformer was built, and its evaluation presented. The unit has been manufactured for the rated power of 50 kW and rated voltages 0.4/5 kV including DC offset of 125 kV and square-shaped oscillations with the frequency of 5 kHz. The magnetic system was made of ferrite material and consisted of 10 shell-type core segments. The magnetic properties have been verified by measuring magnetization and losses at various frequencies in the range 1-10 kHz to cover the operational range of the DAB. The types and dimensions of the windings and their conductors were chosen to minimize the proximity and eddy current effects at higher frequencies. To reduce the size of the transformer and to allow for its efficient cooling, the active part was immersed in oil and cellulose-based materials (paper and pressboard) were used to build the high voltage insulation system. The principles for dimensioning the insulation of the transformer are discussed. The criteria used for selecting insulating distances were based on the consideration of the electric field strength obtained from FEM simulations and using the non-linear Maxwell-Wagner model accounting for local variations of the electric field caused by accumulation of interfacial charges induced by DC stresses. The properties of the materials needed for the calculations were obtained by measuring their dielectric constants and electric conductivities. The methodology used for the measurements conducted for conventional mineral oil and eco-friendly biodegradable transformer oils and, respectively, for oil-impregnated paper/pressboard, is presented. The methodologies used for obtaining parameters of the built transformer prototype needed for its integration in the power electric circuit of the DAB are introduced. A method developed for accurate calculations of the leakage inductance for the shell-type multi core transformers with circular windings is described. Two innovative methods for evaluations of parasitic capacitances based on high frequency equivalent circuits of the transformer are presented. The results of their verifications against performed Frequency Response Analysis measurements and FEM calculations as well as their accuracy are discussed.Thermal performance of the developed transformer prototype is analysed based on the results of computer simulations of heat transfer in its active part under rated load. Identified hot spots and solutions for their elimination are presented.Finally, the expected dimensions, weight, and efficiency of an actual DC/DC converter with the rated parameters corresponding to a 6 MW, 1.8 kV real wind turbine having a 250 kV offset DC voltage are estimated assuming that the developed transformer prototype is scalable. It is shown that the proposed solution allows for installing the full-scale converter having 2.2 Tons in weight and 1.8 m3 in volume on the bottom of the wind turbine’s tower

Green Solution for Insulation System of a Medium Frequency High Voltage Transformer for an Offshore Wind Farm

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission represents the most efficient way for transporting produced electrical energy from remotely located offshore wind farms to the shore. Such systems are implemented today using very expensive and large power transformers and converter stations placed on dedicated platforms. The present study aims at elaborating a compact solution for an energy collections system. The solution allows for a minimum of total transformer weight in the wind turbine nacelle reducing or even eliminating the need for a sea-based platform(s). The heart of the project is a Medium Frequency Transformer (MFT) that has a high DC voltage insulation towards ground. The transformer is employed in a DC/DC converter that delivers the energy into a serial array without additional conversion units. The insulation design methodology of an environmentally friendly HV insulation system for an MFT, based on pressboard and biodegradable oil, is introduced. The measurement method and results of the measurements of electrical conductivities of the transformer oil and Oil Impregnated Pressboard (OIP) are reported. The measurements show that the biodegradable ester oil/OIP conductivities are generally higher than the mineral oil/OIP conductivities. Numerical simulations reveal that the performance of the insulation system is slightly better when ester oil is used. Additionally, a lower temperature dependency for ester oil/OIP conductivities is observed, with the result that the transformer filled with ester oil is less sensitive to temperature variations