• Qualitrol

Partial Discharge Monitoring of Hydro Generators

Qualitrol offers a continuous on-line Partial Discharge Monitoring of Hydro Generators. The HydroTrac monitor is an economical instrument providing automated and continuous PD measurements on hydro generator stator windings. Hydro generators have a highly reliable performance record, however, studies have indicated that some 40% of failures can be attributed to the gradual aging and degradation of stator winding insulation. On-line partial discharge testing has been successfully employed for almost 30 years in diagnosing accumulated winding related problems in different types of generators. The benefits of monitoring winding condition with PD include: increased availability, planned maintenance and a significant reduction of in-service failures. Based on the PDA testing methods developed by Iris founders at Ontario Hydro in conjunction with the Canadian Electrical Association, the HydroTrac instrument is the latest innovation in this area, funded in part by the New York Power Authority and EPRI. Unlike periodic on-line PD testing, the HydroTrac monitor provides maintenance professionals with the opportunity to automate the measurement (on site or remotely), and the possibility of integrating the key trending parameters within the plant SCADA, or to trigger a remote alarm indicating the need for a more detailed review of the collected data. The instrument uses the same sensors that have been permanently installed on hydrogenerators over the last three decades around the world. The HydroTrac instrument is the product of Iris' many years of experience developing on-line PD measuring systems for hydro generators, high voltage motors and turbine generators. As its predecessors, the HydroTrac monitor includes the unique methods specifically designed to overcome the electrical interference that is typical of most power plant environments. This ensures reliable and repeatable tests results with a low risk of false indications.