The thesis discusses the design and experimental verification of a new method for detecting partial discharges in oil-cooled high-power transformers, emphasizing the origin of the measured signal from the outer and inner regions of the transformer tank. The detection and spatial localization of partial discharges utilizes UHF (Ultra High Frequency) electromagnetic signal measurement. The UHF partial discharge detection method, also referred as UHF PD, is one of the most advanced techniques for the accurate spatial localization of the signal source position. The focus of the thesis lies in the development of technical and software solutions for the separation of partial discharge signals originating from the internal space of the transformer and the spurious signals from the connection lines. The proposed technical and program solutions constitute a signal discriminatory method. The precise and repeatable diagnostics of the transformer state are guaranteed by observing the measurement methodology and special setting of the diagnostic system. The functionality of the signal discriminatory method was verified during real measurement of the oil-cooled power transformers at the Dukovany nuclear power plant in operation. The output of the designed methodology is to set up a calibration procedure and follow-up steps to ensure objective, repeatable, and comparable measurements for the purposes of regular predictive maintenance in transformers.

Das kompakte Design von gasisolierten Systemen und die Unabhängigkeit gegenüber Umgebungsbedingungen führt zu einer idealen Eignung des Betriebsmittels für den Einsatz in modernen Energieversorgungssystemen. Ein Betrieb der Anlagen unter Gleichspannungsbelastung ist dabei aufgrund der zunehmenden räumlichen Distanz zwischen Erzeugungs- und Verbrauchszentren unumgänglich. Der sichere Betrieb über die geplante Lebensdauer von mehreren Jahrzehnten ist nur mit einer genauen Teilentladungsdiagnose, welche eine sensitive Messung und zweifelsfreie Interpretation der Ergebnisse beinhaltet, möglich. Dabei ist zu beachten, dass die von Wechselspannungsanwendungen bekannten physikalischen Zusammenhänge der Entladungsprozesse und des Einflusses von dielektrischen Grenzflächen aufgrund der veränderten Belastung mit einem zeitlich konstanten elektrischen Feld und der damit einhergehenden Raum- und Oberflächenladungsakkumulation nicht direkt übernommen werden können. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist daher die Entladungsprozesse an Defekten mit und ohne dielektrischer Grenzfläche in gasisolierten Gleichspannungssystemen zu analysieren und damit einen Beitrag für die sichere Interpretation von Teilentladungsmessungen zu leisten. Auch werden bekannte elektrische und neuartige optische Messmethoden hinsichtlich ihrer Möglichkeiten und Grenzen beim Einsatz unter Gleichspannungsbelastung untersucht. Für die experimentellen Arbeiten an drei verschiedenen Störstellen wird das schwach inhomogene Isoliersystem der Anlagen in drei Modellanordnungen nachgebildet. Die Untersuchung der ablaufenden Entladungsprozesse wird durch eine direkte Messung des Teilentladungsstroms ermöglicht. Dabei wird zwischen impulsbehafteten und impulslosen Anteilen unterschieden. Infolge von Montagefehlern oder unzureichender Materialqualität können feste, metallische Störstellen im Isoliersystem entstehen. Die experimentell betrachteten Abhängigkeiten der Entladungsprozesse von der Störstellenpolarität, dem Isoliergasdruck und der Spannungsbelastung erlauben eine Klassifizierung von vier verschiedenen Entladungsarten. Zusätzlich zu den Untersuchungen im derzeit am häufigsten verwendeten Isoliergas Schwefelhexafluorid konnte ein Vergleich der Ergebnisse mit der klimafreundlichen alternative synthetische Luft die Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede bei Entladungen an festen Störstellen aufzeigen. Dabei ist insbesondere die signifikant veränderte Polaritätsabhängigkeit hervorzuheben. Der Kontakt von metallischen Partikeln mit der Feststoffisolierung kann zur Anlagerung des zuvor freibeweglichen, metallischen Defektes an der dielektrischen Grenzfläche führen. Die Ansammlung von Oberflächenladungen auf dem Feststoff beeinflusst dabei insbesondere den Entladungseinsatz. Aufgrund des zur festen metallischen Störstelle ohne Grenzfläche vergleichbaren Entladungsverhaltens im stationären Zustand ist eine Unterscheidung der Defekte anhand von Impulswiederholraten und Amplituden herausfordernd. Eine Besonderheit bei Gleichspannungsbelastung sind Entladungen, welche auf einer Gas-Feststoff-Quergrenzfläche an beschichteten Elektroden einsetzen können. Die Untersuchung der Ursachen für das Auftreten dieser Entladungen, die elektrischen und optischen Charakteristika der ablaufenden Prozesse und Strategien für die Vermeidung werden untersucht. Aus den Ergebnissen werden Prüfempfehlungen für die Teilentladungsdiagnose von gasisolierten Gleichspannungssystemen abgeleitet. Diese sind wesentlicher Bestandteil für einen zukünftigen Einsatz gasisolierter Gleichspannungssysteme in einem leistungsfähigen Elektroenergiesystem mit hoher Versorgungszuverlässigkeit. / The compact design and the independence from environmental conditions of gas-insulated systems leads to an ideal suitability of this high-voltage equipment for the use in a modern power supply system. The operation of the assets under DC voltage stress is unavoidable due to the increasing distance between the areas of power generation and consumption. The reliable operation during the estimated lifetime of several decades is only feasible with a precise partial discharge diagnosis. Hence, a sensitive measurement and a doubtless interpretation of the results is necessary. Nevertheless, it is necessary to take into account, that under alternating voltage stress established physical mechanisms of the discharge processes and the influence of dielectric interfaces cannot be adopted directly, due to the changed voltage stress with a constant electric field and the related surface and volume charge accumulation. Aim of this thesis is the analysis of defects in gas-insulated systems with and without dielectric interfaces under DC voltage stress and thereby to contribute to a reliable interpretation of partial discharge measurements. In addition, known electrical and novel optical measurement methods are investigated with respect to their capabilities and limitations when used under DC voltage stress. The experimental investigations are carried out in model electrode arrangements. The weakly inhomogeneous electrical field of the gas-insulated systems is replicated in three configurations, one for each defect investigated. The detailed analysis of the discharge processes is enabled by a direct measurement of the partial discharge currents. A distinction between impulse currents and pulseless currents is made. Due to assembly faults or insufficient material quality fixed, metallic protrusions can be created within the insulation system. The experimentally observed dependencies of the discharge processes on the polarity of the defect, the insulating gas pressure and the voltage stress permit a classification of four different types of discharge. In addition to the investigations in the most commonly used insulating gas sulphur-hexafluoride a comparison of the results with measurements in the climate-friendly alternative synthetic air are made. Derived from this, commonalities and differences in the discharge behaviour are discussed. Free moving, metallic particles can adhere to the gas-solid interface. The accumulation of surface charges at the solid insulator influences the partial discharge inception significantly. Due to the steady-state discharge behaviour, which is comparable to the fixed, metallic protrusion without contact to a dielectric interface, distinguishing between the two defects based on pulse repetition rates and amplitudes is challenging. A unique aspect under DC voltage stress are discharges at the orthogonal interface between electrode coating and insulating gas. The analysis of the causes of the occurrence of these discharges, their optical and electrical characteristics and strategies for the prevention are investigated. Derived from the results, recommendations for partial discharge diagnosis of gas-insulated DC systems are discussed. These recommendations are an essential component for the future use of this asset in a high-performance electric power system with high reliability of the power supply.

In this dissertation, a design approach for medium voltage (MV) PCB-based components, such as the dc bus, is detailed. Key considerations, including electric field (E-field) grading near power terminals and PCB edges, cable feedthroughs, and the integration of components, are explored from the perspective of E-field management. A design example of a 3-level dc bus for a 6 kV-1 MW Power Electronics Building Block (PEBB) is presented. This PEBB was assembled using an array of low-voltage (LV) capacitors to create 3 kV PCB-based capacitor daughtercards, applying the same design principles as the dc bus. The scalability of this design approach is demonstrated with a 9-level dc bus rated for 24 kV. The insulation quality and MV performance of all PCBs have been assessed through partial discharge (PD) analysis using an Omicron MPD 600. The high-voltage (HV) design approach takes into account the mitigation of peak electric field intensity to minimize insulation degradation caused by electrical stress. In addition to electrical stress, the current carrying capacity (CCC) of these printed circuit boards (PCBs) was assessed concerning steady-state thermal performance and short-circuit (SC) robustness. Multiple configurations were examined to determine the current density, with the aim of reducing temperature. The insulation performance following repetitive fault events was monitored. Although the Partial Discharge Inception Voltage (PDIV) reduced by 50% after 140 SC faults, it remained higher than the operational voltage. This demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing HV PCBs in practical applications. Finally, the insulation performance of a complete 6 kV PEBB assembly was assessed. The PEBB was assembled component by component, with a focus on tracking the PDIV at each stage. This approach allowed for the qualification of the PEBB for use in a 24 kV PEBB-based converter with a common mode (CM) PDIV of 33.2 kV. Subsequently, multiple PEBBs underwent testing to simulate their operation within a 24 kV converter configuration, ensuring dependable performance when assembled. Custom support structures were also designed and tested to accommodate the 24 kV PCB bus and dc-link capacitors, serving as interconnections between multiple phase legs and the external voltage source. / Doctor of Philosophy / Power electronic converters are used in many applications ranging from low power to high. Some applications include cellphone chargers, electric vehicle chargers, and even power distribution systems on land and sea. The electronics devices that are at the heart of these converters are rapidly advancing. Newer devices are being fabricated using so-called wide bandgap (WBG) materials such as silicon carbide as opposed to their older silicon counterparts. These WBG devices allow power converters to shrink in size due to their enhanced performance. As these device technologies evolve, the need to completely redesign systems to fully leverage their benefit arise. In this dissertation, the work centers around computer based simulations, coupled with hardware experiments, to design custom components that will allow engineers to significantly reduce the size and weight of medium voltage (MV) power electronic converters while also increasing their power. The printed circuit board (PCB) is a standard component used in every day electronics. They are used to host electronic components while creating precise electrical connections between them. Although these are very useful in circuits operating at lower voltages, their use has not been widely explored for applications requiring higher voltage such those as where these advancing WBG devices would provide the most benefit. A design method is introduced which allows these boards to be used at relatively high voltage (HV). The robustness of these HV PCBs were evaluated to ensure the feasibility of their continued use after multiple fault events. The size of power converter can be largely affected by the cooling system. Although the WBG devices can withstand higher temperature operation, the temperature of the device can still be a limiting factor. It is preferred to extract heat from the devices, allowing them to process more power. A standard component of cooling systems using forced air is the heatsink. The standard heatsink has corners that create sharp corners which are not ideal in high voltage systems; spacing between components must be increases to mitigate the effects caused by these sharp corners. Computer simulations were used to aid in the design of a heatsink profile which eliminates these sharp corners and was shown to reduce the clearance between cooling system components by up to 50%. Each component was individually designed and tested to ensure its reliable operation. However, it's crucial to verify their performance when assembled with other components. In addition to designing components for high voltage operation, the insulation system for a complete converter assembly was evaluated. Once a full converter was successfully qualified, a similar approach was taken to evaluate multiple converters when assembled together, much like building blocks, to construct even larger converters. This rigorous testing and assembly process ensures the reliable operation of the entire system.

Bei der Zustandsbewertung von Kabeln steht derzeit das Mittelspannungsnetz im Fokus der Betrachtungen. Das Mittelspannungsnetz verbindet das Hochspannungsnetz mit dem Niederspannungsnetz und nimmt damit eine besondere Bedeutung ein. Störungen in diesem Netz wirken sich direkt als Versorgungsunterbrechung auf den Letztverbraucher aus. Rund 80 bis 85 % der Versorgungsunterbrechungen resultieren aus Problemen im Mittelspannungsnetz, sodass dortige Aktivitäten den größten Hebel bei der Steigerung der Versorgungsqualität entwickeln. Mittels Zustandsbewertung von Kabeln können verdeckte Fehler aufgedeckt oder deren Alterungszustand bestimmt werden. Nicht jeder diagnostizierte Fehler führt unmittelbar zum Ausfall. Er beschleunigt jedoch die Alterung, die letztendlich zum Ausfall führt. Die Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit der Identifizierung von Fehlern in Mittelspannungskabelmuffen im Zusammenhang mit der Alterung, um die Restlebensdauer auszunutzen und dem Ausfall zuvorzukommen. / By evaluating the status of cables, hidden errors can be detected or their aging condition can be determined. Not every diagnosed fault leads directly to failure. However, it accelerates aging, which ultimately leads to failure. The work deals with the identification of faults in medium-voltage cable joints in connection with aging in order to exploit the remaining life and to prevent the failure.

Bei der Zustandsbewertung von Kabeln steht derzeit das Mittelspannungsnetz im Fokus der Betrachtungen. Das Mittelspannungsnetz verbindet das Hochspannungsnetz mit dem Niederspannungsnetz und nimmt damit eine besondere Bedeutung ein. Störungen in diesem Netz wirken sich direkt als Versorgungsunterbrechung auf den Letztverbraucher aus. Rund 80 bis 85 % der Versorgungsunterbrechungen resultieren aus Problemen im Mittelspannungsnetz, sodass dortige Aktivitäten den größten Hebel bei der Steigerung der Versorgungsqualität entwickeln. Mittels Zustandsbewertung von Kabeln können verdeckte Fehler aufgedeckt oder deren Alterungszustand bestimmt werden. Nicht jeder diagnostizierte Fehler führt unmittelbar zum Ausfall. Er beschleunigt jedoch die Alterung, die letztendlich zum Ausfall führt. Die Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit der Identifizierung von Fehlern in Mittelspannungskabelmuffen im Zusammenhang mit der Alterung, um die Restlebensdauer auszunutzen und dem Ausfall zuvorzukommen. / By evaluating the status of cables, hidden errors can be detected or their aging condition can be determined. Not every diagnosed fault leads directly to failure. However, it accelerates aging, which ultimately leads to failure. The work deals with the identification of faults in medium-voltage cable joints in connection with aging in order to exploit the remaining life and to prevent the failure.

This master thesis deals with the problem of the origin and expression of partial discharges in dielectric materials. In the thesis the theoretical foundations, types and parameters of partial discharges are described. In particular, it deals with UHF (ultra high freqeuncy) electromagnetic radiation using UHF method of partial discharge detection. It also deals with the partial discharge UHF signal simulation. The development of UHF sensor systems for partial discharges requires a dive that can simulate them as accurately as possible. Furthermore, a workplace was designed for simulation and detection of partial discharges and processing of their time and frequency characteristics.

This thesis deals with choises of using mathematical statistics when optimising the compression casting process of high-voltage device transformer. There is a theoretical consideration to be found in the introduction which concerns the compression casting itself and all necessary information connected with it. Then there is a key numerical analysis part following. In the first instance there are variability problems of individual casting device discussed and then a regression analysis made to demonstrate and prove a link between the partial discharge and the key parameters of casting process. Finally an “optimal” casting sequence is suggested and alternative attitude problems with the assistance of Design of Experiments (DOE) are discussed.

Tato disertační práce se věnuje studiu částečných výbojů (PD) způsobených poklesem spolehlivosti a životnosti elektronických zařízení a systémů. Diagnostika PD je dnes známá metoda pro vysoké napětí u vysoko-výkonných zařízení. V případě elektronických zařízení PD testování není ale běžně používáná metoda, přestože je zde také potenciál pro vysoké elektrické zatížení vzhledem k velmi krátké vzdálenosti. Tato práce je zaměřena na vyšetřování PD činnosti u elektronických zařízení. Bylo navrženo a provedeno pracoviště pro diagnostiku PD v elektronických zařízeních. Pracovní frekvence se pohybuje od několika stovek Hz až 100 kHz. Maximální amplituda PD testovaného napětí je vyšší než 10 kV. Navzdory jednoduché konstrukci toto zařízení přináší vysokou spolehlivost měření. Více než 300 PD testů bylo provedeno na různých elektronických zařízeních a elektronických součástí,např. na planárních transformátorech a elektronických komponentách používaných při vysoko-napěťových měničích

Le Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA) a en charge la conception d'un réacteur à neutrons rapides de quatrième génération.L'instrumentation neutronique de ce futur réacteur s'appuiera sur des chambres à fission placées en cuve. Ces chambres à fission à haute température (CFHT) devront fonctionner à pleine puissance à une température comprise entre 400°C et 650°C.Un bilan récent de la technologie CFHT a révélé que certains points sont à améliorer afin d'en garantir une plus grande fiabilité.En particulier, on recherche une meilleure compréhension du phénomène de décharges partielles. Celles-ci engendrent des impulsions non discernables de celles produites par les fragments de fission du dépôt fissile.Par ailleurs, elles pourraient accélérer le vieillissement des isolants minéraux.En s'appuyant sur une démarche expérimentale et théorique, ce travail de thèse a apporté plusieurs résultats.Les tests sur les différentes chambres à fission ont permis de caractériser les signaux de DP, vis à vis des signaux neutroniques et de trouver une méthode efficace de discrimination DP-neutron. De la même manière, les signaux DP ont été localisés et une solution technologique a été proposée et mise en oeuvre avec succès pour les éliminer.Un outil de calcul pour la simulation des impulsions neutroniques a été conçu et testé avec succès.Une expérience sur l'effet de la température sur la courbe de Paschen, dans un volume de gaz fermé, a été conçue et réalisée en donnant les premiers résultats intéressants. / The Commission for Atomic and Alternative Energy (CEA) is in charge of the fourth generation fast neutron reactor design. The instrumentation for neutron flux measurement of this future reactor will be based on fission chambers placed in-core. These high temperature fission chambers (HTFC) will have to operate at full reactor power, and thus at a temperature between 400°C and 650°C.A recent review of HTFC technology has revealed that some points need improvement to ensure greater reliability.In particular, a better understanding of the phenomenon of partial discharges (PD), which are observed in the fission chambers at high temperature, is needed. These PD pulses are indistinguishable from those produced by the products of fission caused by collision with neutrons with the fissile deposit within thechambers.In addition, they could accelerate aging of the ceramic insulators used in the chambers.Based on both experimental and theoretical approaches, this PhD work found several results.Tests on different fission chambers made it possible to characterize the DP signals vis-a-vis the neutron signals and to find an operational DP-neutron discrimination method. The DP signals were localized and a technological solution was proposed and successfully implemented to eliminate them.A calculation tool for neutron pulse simulation was also designed and tested successfully.An experiment on the effect of temperature on the Paschen curve, in a closed gas volume, was designed and carried out giving initial interesting results.

In this work dielectric properties of the poly(ethylene-co-butyl acrylate)filled with alumina nanoparticles are evaluated. These nanocomposite materialswere manufactured at the department of Fibre and Polymer Technology,KTH.This study is limited to the properties of general importance for the AC applications.The dielectric permittivity of the nanocomposite materials wasstudied as a function of filler size, filler content, coating, temperature and airhumidity used for conditioning of the samples. The ultimate goal with thisproject is to describe the influence of material composition, temperature andair humidity on the dielectric properties and model these dependencies.In this thesis the experimental setup for voltage endurance testing of thenanocomposites, namely studying applied voltage frequency dependence ofpartial discharges in electrical trees, with a possibility of following electricaltreeing optically, was developed and described.The dielectric spectroscopy measurements were performed on thoroughly driednanocomposites - so-called dry DS study. It was shown that the experimentaldata can be fitted with Havriliak-Negami approximation, which justifiesthe correctness of the measurement results. It has been shown that addingnanoparticles to the EBA matrix changes the low frequency dispersion significantlyfor the dried samples. It was also indicated that the particle coatingused has very low impact on the resulting permittivity of the thoroughly driedsamples. From the dry DS studies it was suggested that the main cause ofthe scattering in data between the dry samples is most likely the influenceof the material inhomogeneity and possibly the moisture absorption. Thisleads to a possibility of using dielectric spectroscopy as a tool for probing thedispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix.The dielectric spectroscopy measurements were also carried out on the nanocompositesconditioned in the environments with different humidity levels of air inorder to study the influence of absorbed water on the dielectric permittivity- so-called wet DS study. From the wet study it was shown that for the wetsamples the amplitude of the loss peak is defined by the filler size, filler contentand coating used; while its position in frequency domain is determinedby the coating and the humidity level used for conditioning. / QC 20110315