Nonconventional measurements on insulation materials high voltage bushings and power cables using frequency response analysis method

Abstract Power utilities desire an alternate noninvasive test method for assessing the diagnostic status of power apparatus. The primary reason is to minimize the economic constraints and ensure lifetime and reliability of power apparatus within shorter duration. In this context, frequency response analysis (FRA) method is increasingly recommended. The underlying principle of fault diagnosis using FRA method focuses on correlating the insulation condition to the changes in the magnitude and phase frequency response function. Existing practices validates the usage of FRA method in ascertaining the insulation integrity of transformers. Further attempts to expand the potential of FRA in method in determining the insulation status of power apparatus other than transformers, lack scientific and experimental evidence. To fill this gap, a research on using FRA method in assessing the insulation condition of high voltage bushings and power cables is initiated. Initially, test samples of insulation materials that are commonly used in bushings and cables are selected. The chosen samples are prepared in such a way that they represent common defect conditions that inflict premature material degradation and failures. These samples are grouped accordingly, placed on test cells, subjected to nonconventional FRA tests and their diagnostic status are respectively ascertained through comparative analysis. Following this, the pertinent findings are validated on actual bushings and power cables installed on a power transformer. In summary, the findings of this studies not only validate the usage of FRA method but provides the missing scientific and technical evidences and indices that could be used for diagnosing power apparatus.