Development of a high voltage DLA test apparatus

Abstract

An important part of any high voltage power system component is its electrical insulation. The integrity of the electrical insulation of a power system component is often determined through non-destructive condition monitoring tests. One such condition monitoring test is known as the dielectric loss angle(DLA) test. This project is concerned with the development of a DLA test apparatus capable of testing at voltages up to 24,000 volts, primarily for testing high capacity generators. Based on research undertaken, a DLA test apparatus was successfully developed. The apparatus was developed as two separate components; the high voltage power supply and the DLA measuring equipment. The power supply was adapted from an existing setup, with improvements made to protection and control. The measuring equipment was developed by purchasing a suitable measuring instrument and integrating it with an existing reference device. The DLA test apparatus was put through a series of experimental tests in order to prove the apparatus was fit for purpose. The experimental tests suggested the apparatus provides accurate measurements, however some small discrepancies in the results have left room for further experimental tests and research