Frequency domain spectroscopy of
current transformers can now be achieved
by using the right test equipment
Introduction water content in the cellulose insulation. The equilibrium
curves are a useful reference but their reliability is still a topic
Frequency domain spectroscopy (FDS) is an invaluable tool of discussion. Moreover, continual sampling for DGA and
for determining the moisture content of the solid insulation water content analysis is not recommended for CTs due to
in combined oil-paper insulation systems. In particular, work the small volume of dielectric oil they contain. “A chain is no
carried out in North America and Europe has verified the stronger than its weakest link”.[1868 L. Stephen in Cornhill
effectiveness of FDS as way of determining the moisture Mag. XVII. 295]
content in instrument transformers and, more specifically, in
high voltage current transformers (CTs). This article describes Failure of a substation-type oil-immersed CT can lead to
FDS testing of CTs. It includes configuration data and a step- a high-energy release and thermal runaway, very possibly
by-step test procedure using the Megger IDAX300 test set. ending in an explosion (see Figure 1). Because of the
difference in thermal expansion ratio between the metallic
The dynamic properties of dielectric materials can be housing of the CT and the relatively fragile porcelain
measured in the time and/or frequency domain. The insulator, mechanical stress builds up, resulting in a blast
fundamentals of dielectric response functions and the where fragments from the porcelain insulator may reach up
theory of dynamic properties of dielectrics are well described to 50 m from the location of the unit. Loss of this important
in several publications and, in particular, in a very detailed device results in phase to ground fault that will trip the
way in two articles by W S Zeangl, which appeared in the substation, shut down operation and possibly affect other
IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine Vol. 19, 2003. electrical components in the vicinity.
The traditional dissipation factor testing technique allows In some applications, the core housing can accommodate
identification of the deterioration process of the insulation up to six independent multi-ratio cores feeding protection
by measuring the changes in the dielectric properties of relays, or cores feeding a combination of relays and
the tested unit. This approach involves measurements meters, requiring up to 30 secondary leads. More details
of capacitance and dielectric loss quantified by the loss of the construction of oil-immersed CTs can be found on
or dissipation factor. This type of testing is part of many manufacturers’ websites and literature.
manufacturing quality control procedures but it is normally
carried out at power frequency only. With FDS, however, a
wide frequency range from 0.001 to 1000 Hz is used, and A very real concern
this allows the determination of the moisture content in the The issue of exploding CTs is currently a very real concern
solid insulation. as, in Europe and North America, there have recently been
Water significantly accelerates the ageing of cellulose. several catastrophic failures of hermetically sealed units in
Oil analyses by means of Karl Fischer titration (KFT) have sub-station applications. Initial investigations carried out
traditionally been used for the evaluation of moisture on CTs similar to those that have failed, using dissolved
content, assuming existence of equilibrium in distribution gas analysis (DGA), have revealed that the failures are due
of moisture between oil and paper/pressboard. In reality, the to moisture ingress, and that many CTs still in service are
analysis only reflects the moisture percentage in the liquid at risk of similar failures. Regular CT testing is, therefore,
insulation and equilibrium curves are required to estimate increasingly seen as essential but, as has already been
1 IDAX300 2 www.megger.com
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noted, tests that involve oil sampling, which includes The information gathered during the test was sent to
DGA testing, cannot be used regularly on CTs because of MODS, Megger’s proprietary software algorithm created
the small volume of oil they contain. FDS testing, which as a result of co-operative research with a number of large
eliminates entirely the need for oil sampling, is therefore transformer manufacturer’s around the world.
establishing itself as the preferred approach.
Something to note and take into account when analysing
moisture concentration on CTs is that there are no spacers
Performing FDS tests on an oil-immersed current physically in the unit and therefore the Y% value is set
transformers to zero. Because this is brand new oil, the conductivity
was found to be very low but the moisture concentration
First make a visual inspection of the unit and its surroundings. (2.4%) is higher than would normally be seen on power
Ensure that local safety procedures (tag-out/lock-out) have transformers. In a similar procedure, another sample unit
been observed and that the test area is properly identified was tested after passing all acceptance factory tests and
and is free of obstacles on emergency evacuation paths. The the shape of the curve was mainly influenced by the
procedure for testing a HV CT uses the same configuration cellulose part of the insulation and the numbers obtained
as that used to perform power factor/dissipation factor after analysis using MODS confirm similar geometry, similar
tests. Thus, the unit must be isolated from the power system quality of the liquid insulation but a lower moisture
(primary as well as secondary winding) and discharged. If concentration compared with the previous specimen.
the test is to be performed after a through fault, it must
also be demagnetized. As a general rule, when a series of It is not possible here to include all the different tests used
tests is to be carried out on an HV CT, DC tests should be to validate the application on CTs, but it is the intention of
performed last. With a clear area of operation established, this article to look at the most informative results, so as to
confirm that good connections have been made to the provide the reader with enough guidelines to recognize and
unit under test (UUT), to the substation’s ground system, understand the results of the DFR technique as applied to
and from the test instrument to the same grounding point. CT testing.
Typically, the ground terminal of the test equipment is
Sample units 1 and 2 are from the same manufacturer and
connected to the same ground terminal on the secondary
have a similar voltage rating. They were tested under factory
box of the CT. The CT is tested using the standard method.
conditions.
This implies energizing the primary winding and measuring
the secondary connected to ground. For the next example, Sample Unit 3 was acquired by the
end-user and stored as a spare. The end-user requested
Current transformers belong to the group of electrical
that the unit should be tested to verify the quality of the
apparatus dedicated for the protection of electrical systems
insulation of the CT prior to bringing it on-line.
and measurement of control parameters, although they are
not protected themselves. Every time the Technical Support The shape of the curve was similar to those observed
Group carries out a Substation Best Practices Seminar, one previously, but there were not enough data points for a
of the questions we ask the audience is: “How often do you more accurate analysis.
test your CTs?” and the answer is usually close to never. Let’s
summarize several examples of testing CTs and determining Now let’s look in the opposite direction. An operational
the moisture concentration of the units. CT (Sample Unit 4) with over 5 years of service was
contaminated by opening it in the field and changing the
seal on one of the high current terminals. This operation
Factory samples
allowed ingress of moisture, leading to the results shown
In North and South America brand new CTs were tested, below.
some in the factory and others at the end-user’s facility.
Looking in detail at the shape of the curve, it is clear that
The S shape curve is similar to those obtained from power
the effect of the contamination is that the power factor
transformers.
value at lower frequencies tends to unity, specifically in
Megger Limited, Archcliffe Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 9EN, United Kingdom
T +44 (0)1304 502 100 F +44 (0)1304 207 342 E [email protected]
www.megger.com Registered No. 190137 - Registered to ISO:9001:2008 - Certificate No. Q 09250
Frequency domain spectroscopy of
current transformers can now be achieved
by using the right test equipment
the region where solid insulation has the largest influence. The range of frequencies needed to obtain an
There are two important things to highlight. The first is a accurate estimate of moisture concentration is
similar geometrical characteristic with a lower X% (barriers) from 1000 Hz to at least 1 mHz.
due to possible insulation degradation. Second is a high
moisture concentration together with high oil conductivity. Compared to moisture assessment in oil-immersed
This means that the unit was not only contaminated with power transformers, moisture estimation in CTs
external moisture but also carbonic by products were is a relatively new application. However the
dissolved in the oil and therefore increased its conductivity. basic theories on insulation modelling are well
This unit was removed from service and sent to dry-out and proven and there is no reason to believe that this
internal inspection. In summary, experience of using DFR application should be significantly different from
(Dielectric Frequency Response) using a Megger IDAX300 the power transformer application.
tester on oil-immersed current transformers has provided Classification
the following guidelines:
A classification guideline based on analysis of measurements
GST measurements are recommended as first choice since on numerous current transformers in various conditions
many CT’s do not have a test tap. (UST measurements has been established. Significantly aged units had moisture
should be used if the CT does have a test tap/F-tap) GST contents of more than 4% (sometimes considerably higher).
measurements can be performed on all types of CT but The following table could be used as a reference/benchmark
have the disadvantage of being more sensitive to noise/ when classifying current transformers (head-type) by
interference and also to leakage currents on the outside of moisture content.
the unit. The normal procedure to prevent this is to make
sure the unit is dry and cleaned before the test. Recording TITLE: Frequency domain spectroscopy of current
ambient temperature and humidity is always recommended. transformers can now be achieved by using the right
Measuring GST guard using a conductive collar strap can
test equipment.
reduce leakage currents due to dirt and/or condensing
water on the outside enclosure of the tested device. AUTHOR: Diego Robalino.
The conductivity of the oil reflects the degree of
concentration of contaminating by-products, which DATE: October 2010 and January 2011
are usually a result of solid and liquid insulation
degradation. The oil conductivity in a brand new
KEYWORDS: Frequency domain spectroscopy, FDS,
current transformer is typically close to the 1.00E- current transformer, CT, Zeangl, Karl Fischer titration,
14 range. KFT, dissolved gas analysis, DGA, power factor,
dissipation factor.
A conductivity value above 5.00E-11 is an indication
of aged oil and conductive sediments, possibly ABSTRACT: FDS testing of high voltage CTs is now
resulting from overheating of the solid insulation. well-established. It is essential to avoid potentially
Moisture analysis of cellulose is temperature lethal situations where transformers might explode.
dependent. It is important to correctly estimate Close analysis of the moisture content is a critical step
the test object’s temperature. Refer to the in avoiding catastrophe, and correctly setting up the
manufacturer’s manual for the heat run test analysis, test equipment is consequently vital.
as this should provide information about the
expected temperature at certain load levels. Best EMAIL: [email protected]
practice is to allow cooling to a stable temperature
prior to running the test.
Current transformers are available in different
types and constructions, but they normally have an
oil level gauge. This should be used to confirm that
the oil level in the tank is correct.
Megger Limited, Archcliffe Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 9EN, United Kingdom
T +44 (0)1304 502 100 F +44 (0)1304 207 342 E [email protected]
www.megger.com Registered No. 190137 - Registered to ISO:9001:2008 - Certificate No. Q 09250
