Non-conventional UHF sensors for PD measurements on GIS of different designs
R. Feger, K. Feser Fellow IEEE C. Neumann
Institute of Power Transmission and High R W E Energie AG
Voltage Technology Essen, Germany
University of Stuttgart, Germany
Abstract: As proven by service experience, GIS show a good
long-term performance. To exploit the service life as far as possi-
ble an assessment of the insulating condition of the equipment in
question can be done using the UHF PD measuring technique.
However, GIS of early designs are not equipped with any provi-
sions for insulation monitoring so that two different types of non-
conventional UHF sensors were developed which are applicable
from outside the enclosure. The first sensor makes use of a field
grading electrode inside a barrier insulator of a three-phase GIS.
The second sensor is designed to be mounted outside the inspec-
tion window of a single-phase GIS. The sensitivity of the new
non-conventional UHF sensors is compared to the conventional
IEC 60270 method and to standard type UHF Sensors according to
the verification procedure proposed by CIGRE WG 15133.03.05.
Keywords: GIs, PD diagnostic, UHF sensor, Sensitivity
I. INTRODUCTION
Gasinsulated switchgear (GIS) has attained a very high
degree of reliability and availability. As shown by service
experience, failures caused during manufacture, assembling
and erection onsite as well as ageing processes during op-
eration cannot yet totally be excluded. Such irregularities
shall be found as early as possible, in any case before
causing an outage. Therefore, the insulating conditions of
apparatus are monitored by means of PD measuring sys-
tems. The UHF-method has proven to be a very efficient
diagnostic tool, because it is very sensitive and nearly free
of disturbances. Since GIS of the early designs are not
provided for an arrangement of UHF sensors, non-con-
ventional UHF sensors were developed which are mounted
without degassing and dismantling the encapsulation so
that costs and risks related with such assembly procedures
are avoided. Two different types of non-conventional sen-
sors are presented and investigation concerning their sensi-
tivity conducted in a HV-laboratory and real substations are
described. Moreover, first experience using this diagnostic
tool for identification and location of defects is reported.
11. SERVICE EXPERIENCE
The analysis of service experience can indicate how far
insulation monitoring and the application of diagnostic
tools can improve the availability and the exploitation of
GIs. It can also support further development of efficient
onsite test techniques. In [l] the evaluation of dielectric
failures related to service experience of several larger Ger-
man utilities is presented. One third of the origin of failures
can be traced back to insufficient design and one half to
deficiencies during manufacturing or during assembling
and commissioning onsite which could have been avoided
by a better qualified testing after erection on site. Between
IEEE
O-7803-6338-8/00/$10.00(~)2000
V. Rees
ABB Calor Emag Schaltanlagen AG
Hanau, Germany
60 and 70 % of the failures could have been detected by a
monitoring system with a sufficient sensitivity partly dur-
ing its development partly directly after occurrence.
Nowadays, deficiencies in design or manufacturing pro-
cess can most probably be excluded so that the part of de-
tectable failures is much hgher. The remaining failures are
mainly caused by particles, which can mostly be detected
by a sufficiently sensitive monitoring and diagnostic tech-
nique. The failure frequency for dielectric failures related
to 100 bay years depending on the age of the station when
the failure occurred is shown by the gliding mean value for
three years and the mean value related to the total time
period [l] (Fig. 2.1). The total period of time in concern is
from 0 up to 30 years of service and the variation of the
number of bay years in the course of time is considered.
+mean value
0.4 -mean value of 3 years
h
$ 0.3
s
i 0.2
I
0.1
0.0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
age at failure occurrence
Fin. 2.I:Failure frequenq of dielectric failures at a certain age of the
starion
After 25 years of service no significant increase of the
failure frequency and therefore no ageing phenomena is to
be seen. Even at the oldest installation erected in 1967 no
ageing effects could be detected. The accumulation of
dielectric failures at the beginning of the service life is due
to the so called teething faults which can be reduced by
applying advanced testing methods, e. g. a power fie-
quency test combined with a sensitive PD measurement
with the UHF method. The second accumulation between
11 and 18 years is mainly caused by failures in the solid
insulation, primarily cast epoxy resin instrument trans-
formers, but occasionally also tracking on insulators.
111. UHF MEASURING TECHNIQUE
The UHF method is commonly accepted as a suitable
tool for on-site PD measurements in GIs. The PD signals
are detected in the UHF frequency range (3OOMHz- 3GHz)
with built-in disk sensors or with non-conventional UHF
sensors described in this paper. Partial discharges in the
GIS excite electromagnetic waves which propagate along
the coaxial waveguide constituted by the inner and outer
conductor. Since the PD currents have a very fast rise time
of a few ten picoseconds waves are excited not only in the
TEM mode but also in several TE and TM modes. Reflec-
tions and rehction at various discontinuities (spacers, T-
1395
 junctions, etc.) cause standing waves and complex resonant
patterns. The measurable UHF PD signal depends strongly
on the setup, type and position of the defect, and the sen-
sors. Thus, a calibration of the UHF method similar to PD-
measurements according to IEC 60270 is not possible.
The sensitivity of the UHF method is comparable to the
conventional method according to IEC 60270 [2]. Since
corona discharges do not create interfering signals in the
UHF range onsite measurements on partially open test
setups become possible. Measurements can be performed
either in the frequency-domain (narrow-band method) with
a bandwidth of a few MHz or in the time-domain (broad-
band method) over a broad frequency range up to 2 GHz
(Fig. 3.1). PD detection using the narrow-band method is
done with a spectrum analyzer and low noisehigh gain
UHF preamplifiersand results in the frequency spectrum of
the PD signal. For the broad-band method PD signals are
detected from an UHF peak detector. A suitable PD meas-
uring device displays a PRPD pattern similar to those ob-
tained with the conventional method.
PD
i 0 1 2 10
f 4 GHz t. Ar
-
+ J I future by insulation monitoring the components in question
Highpass Peak
Fiz.3.1: Principle of narrow-band (left) and broad-band (right) UHF
method with typical signals obtainedfor a moving particle
Many of the new GIS installations, in particular in the
higher voltage range, are equipped with UHF sensors. GIS
of the early design are not equipped with sensors or other
provisions for insulation monitoring. In consequence other
solutions had to be found. In case of extensions of older
substations the new section can be fitted with UHF sensors.
An example is given in Fig. 3.2. With the sensors in bay
no. 7 and 9 not only these bays but also the busbars and to
a certain extent the neighbouring bays can be monitored.
1 ...... , 6 7 8 9 be considered as a circular disk antenna which is charac-
h
v :-.mobile sensrx
-:A CIS after extensionfitted with conventional and mobile sensors
Another solution is the application of non-conventional
UHF sensors which can be of fixed mounted integrated
type inside the enclosure or of mobile type mounted out-
side the encapsulation, e.g. at the inspection windows of
disconnectors or earthing switches (Fig. 3.2). By means of
conventional sensors and the non-conventional mobile
sensors an insulation monitoring of the complete GIS is
possible, which in the majority consists of bays of the first
design more than 30 years old.
1396
Insulation monitoring of GIS using the UHF PD meas-
uring technique is generally used for the detection of in-
cipient faults as well as for the exploitationof service life.
Despite GIS have a very low failure rate the users are
endeavoured to reduce it further to decrease the outage
time as far as possible, since a failure in GIS during opera-
tion mostly causes a longer outage time and more cost
expenditure than in AIS. The ability of monitoring a com-
plete station by UHF sensors enables the user to find de-
viations in the service performance and to detect irregulari-
ties. The PD pattern and frequency spectra recorded make
it possible to recognise defects in an early stage. An as-
sessment of the reliability and availability of the station can
be obtained and repair works or an exchange, if needed,
may be initiated before a breakdown or an outage occurs.
Thus, the knowledge of the insulating condition enables the
user to achieve a better utilisation of the equipment and an
adoption of the maintenance strategy, which are of in-
creasing importance in the deregulated electricity market.
The service life of GIS will be much longer as expected
when the first installations were taken into service. Even at
the oldest stations no ageing effects can be recognised so
20
far (Fig. 2.1). Since insulation monitoring gives extensive
information on the insulation condition of GIs, a qualified
...-
mc assessment of its dielectric properties is made possible. If
weak points in the insulating system will be detected in
PD Measuring
can be exchanged. Then, the GIS in concern is available for
operation again without any limitations, so that a life exten-
sion of the equipment can be achieved. Furthermore, often
the knowledge of the insulation conditions gained in the
stations fitted with sensors can also be transferred to other
stations and possible weak points can be removed before
causing an outage. In total, a more intensive exploitation of
the equipment is accomplished and considerable savings in
investment and maintenance costs are attained.
N.UHF SENSORS
A. Standard type sensors
Standard type UHF sensors are usually aluminum disk
sensors mounted fast to the GIS in existing flanges such as
mounting or earthing-switch flanges. The sensors have to
terized by its radius and gap width. Cone-type sensors are
also in use which can be described as cone antennas with
similar characteristics and sensitivity. The transfer function
of these antennas can be measured in an especially de-
signed test setup consisting of a GIS compartment with a
flange and conical pipings for proper matching (Fig. 4.1).
The transfer function measured with a network analyzer
has the characteristicsof a high-pass filter.
-801
I
' ' ' ' . . . I
03-3 1.s 3
f- GHz
F i z 4.I : TransJierfnctionof an UHF disk sensor
 B. Types of non-conventional sensors B.2 Mobile sensor
The installation of mobile sensors can be done without
B. 1 Integrated sensor any affections on the operation of the GIs. In GIS of older
In the considered three phase encapsulated GIs, sepa- design disconnectors possess pressure windows with a
rating gas barrier insulators include auxiliary potential pressure-sealed glass offering a possibility to externally
grading electrodes which support stress control (Fig. 4.2). mount UHF sensors. These windows served for an optical
During normal operation, each electrode embedded in the
inspection of the isolating distance and for installation
cast epoxy resin material is connected by screws to the
purposes. Window couplers consist of an aluminum disk
enclosure. Their peculiar purpose is to equalise and ho-
mounted against the window and a case to suppress exter-'
mogenise the electrostatic field distribution and to elimi-
nal noise and to mount the sensor to the GIS enclosure.
nate the dielectric effect of a possible air-gap between the With the same test setup as before the transfer function of a
epoxy insulator material and the aluminum flange. Even if
window coupler was determined (Fig. 4.5). The window
one screw is removed, these properties still remain. The
structure acts as a hgh-pass filter and has a considerable
generated loop retains zero potential, but gains an accessi-
effect on the coupler sensitivity and transfer function.
ble tapping point in the middle of its frame. Hence, it can 1 1 I 1
be used as an UHF antenna directed into the duct.
position of screws:
tapping points
a0

f:
Fiz. 4.2:Cross-section of a
conductor built-in gas barrier
insulator (illustrated
in principle)
= .60

-10

A1G 0z 0
n A3
d e
auxiliaryd 5 0
eleamde -80
03-1 15 3
r- GHz
The transfer function was measured between the auxil- Fiz 4.5: Transfer function of a window coupler (disk diameter 78 mm,
iary electrodes of two adjacent spacers in the test setup of flange diameter IO5 mm)
Fig. 5.4 using the tracking generator of a spectrum analyzer
(Fig. 4.3). The output power of -10 dBm is supplied to The window flange has to be considered as a circular
sensor A 2 on top of the vertically positioned insulator. waveguide where only higher wave-modes can propagate.
Stimulated resonances exist within the measured frequency The cut-off frequencies of TE and TM modes depend
range up to 2 GHz. There is no significant difference be- strongly on the diameter of the window structure [4]. Be-
tween the transfer h c t i o n of the sensor of the phase the low cut-off frequency the signal is subjected significant
traclung generator was connected to (B2) and the one of an attenuation. The length of the window flange also causes a
adjacent phase ( B I ) (refer to Fig. 5.4). The sensitivity of high attenuation of the signal which is usually in the order
these sensors is comparable to standard type sensors [3]. of about 3 dB/cm. For sufficient diameters and short length
The PD spectrum measured with integrated sensors corre- the sensitivity for moving particles at frequencies above 1.3
spond very well to the spectrum obtained from a cone type GHz is as good as for standard type sensors (Fig. 4.6). The
sensor installed in an adjacent compartment (Fig. 4.4). cut-off frequency of the TE and TM modes can be lowered
-10
significantly by fitting a dielectric block inside the window
dBm
flange. While this affects normal operation of the GIS due

1: to the degassing and dismantling of the enclosure it enables

I , , , , ,

, , , I , , ,
the use of less high frequent measuring equipment and an
even higher sensitivity can be achleved.
S" ,Bin::
80

-70
-35
40

1:
50

-90
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 7.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 GHz 2.0
f c -55
Fig. 4.3: Transferfunctions measured at the sensors B2 and BI (Fig. 5.4) 60
0 ; ; : ; : ; ; -65
I I I I I I I

dBm --~:---j---
I I I I

:---.-.:.------:....--:----~--.---~------~-----.
I I I

: movi6o oartihe - &ne se&r c

* I ,

I 1I : -75
0.3 1.15 2
f+ GHz
Fig. 4.6:Comparison of the sensitivity for moving particles of standard
type UHFsensor (disk) and mobile type (window coupler)

Besides the fact that non-conventional sensors do not

belong to the insulation system of the GIS the use of mo-
bile couplers rather than internal ones offers additional
-70
0.4 0.5 12 1C
-
GHz 1.8
0.8 1.0 advantages [4]. No hazardous voltage can be capacitively
f coupled to the sensor and the risk of damaging signals at
Fir. 4.4:Comparison of the sensitivity for moving particles of standard
type UHF sensor (cone) and integrated sensor (auiliaty elec-
the coupler output caused by transients inside the GIS is
trode) in three phase GZS (Fig. 5.4) very low due to the high attenuation of the flange at VHF.

1397
 V. SENSITIVITY OF CONVENTIONAL AND NON- In the frequency range between I.6 and 2 GHz, no more
CONVENTIONAL UHF SENSORS resonant frequency contents are stimulated by the artificial
pulse due to the limited rise time. The signal at measuring
As mentioned, the magnitude of UHF PD signals de- point MP2 is given in Fig 5.3. An attenuation between MPl
pends strongly on the setup, the location of the defect and and MP2 of about 5 up to 15 dB can be derived.
the sensor, so that a calibration of the UHF method similar
to the IEC 60270 method is not possible. To overcome this
short-coming the CIGRE WG 1Y33.03.05 has proposed a
two step procedure for a sensitivity verification which will -40
ensure that typical defects can be detected by an UHF
measuring device [5]. First in the laboratory UHF signals
are stimulated in a typical GIS arrangement by injection of s
I: -55
artificial pulses. The pulse magnitude has to be varied till -60
the spectrum is equal with that generated by a real defect, -65
e. g. a moving particle producing a PD quantity of 5 pC. -70 _...
L_
,
._
___*__
, ,
b&mmnonlspearbn+
, , ,
---,* -..._;
L
, .,
.--.
For the second step, the sensitivity verification on-site, the -75
,
,
'
I I
I
' .
I
I
I
.
I
I
'
I

.
I
I

'
I
~

.
I
I

02 06 08 2
same type of GIS design and test equipment has to be used 04
f -
1 12 14 16 18
Gnz
as during the laboratory test. Artificial pulses of the same Fin. 5.3:Movingparticle (5 pC) vs. artificial pulse (7y) for standard type
shape and magnitude are injected into a sensor of the GIS UHF sensors at measuring point MP2
on-site. If the signal can be measured at a neighboring
sensor, the sensitivity verification is successful for the GIS B. Integrated type
section between both sensors. The first step of the proce-
The same procedure was also applied on a three phase
dure was carried out in a number of laboratory tests on GIs
encapsulated GIS setup (Fig. 5.4) for the integrated sensor
arrangements of different design with sensors of standard
type. A pulse of the same characteristics was injected into
type and non-conventional type installed.
the auxiliary electrode A 1 at the vertical spacer and meas-
urements were done at sensor B l of the horizontal spacer.
A. Standard type
In this GIS arrangement and for the used integrated sensors
As an example for standard type sensors the results of a the spectra correspond best with a pulse magnitude of zi = 9
420 kV GIS set-up equipped with disk sensors will be V(Fig. 5.5).
illustrated (Fig. 5.1). The magnitude of the artificial pulse
(rise time 800 ps, repetition rate 50 Hz) injected into a
sensor at IP was varied until the best correspondence be-
tween the spectra of the moving particle and the pulse was
obtained. In this setup the magnitude was determined to 6
= 7 V(Fig. 5.2).

n
MP2

11 m
m p a m t wim
hee"gpaNde
/- MPl
bl
i Fie. 5.4:Experimental setup of three-phase encapsulated I70 kV GIs with
measuring point (MP) and injection point (IP)

Fin. 5.I:Experimental setup of the 420 kV GIs with measuring points

(MPI and MP2) and injectionpoint (IP)

dBm
-25
-30
1 p;lse (7 b)_____ ! _____
Fi--i--y;--: : i& '
,____ r! _____ f--L--Ti!E?-
I I
t .
, , I I , ,
-35 j j j backbroundjnoise +ectrum
-70
-40 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 GHz 1.8

1s : f c

Fin. 5.5:Moving particle (5 pC) vs. artiJicial pulse (9 y) measured at BI

-55
(integrated type)
40

45
C. Mobile type
-70 ----- 1 ----.-
I

I
I

I
I
;-.*actgrotrn*"&e;mspscMn
I
I

I
I

I
I

I
---,
----- -____
I
I
~

I
L
,
I

I Finally, the sensitivity verification was also performed

, I , , , , , ,
-75
0.2 0 4 0.6 0.8 1 12 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 for window couplers. For that purpose, a 123 kV GIS dis-
f - GHz connector was mounted to a 123 kV GIS test setup of the
Fin. 5.2:Movingparticle (5 pC) vs. artijkial pulse (7y) for standard type
UHF sensors at measuring point MPI same design (Fig. 5.6).

1398
 Measurements were done with an amplifier = 2GHz)
and a RV detector enabling the application of a conven-
tional PD measuring device with a bandwidth of 200 to 800
kHz. In accordance to the laboratory tests the amplitude of
the pulse was chosen to be 4 V equivalent to 5pC. Fig. 6.2
shows the difference between total signal and background
noise recorded with a mobile sensor in bay no. 6.
2 5 1 . I : i i i i I I
parlick 525 hV test Vansforme
I I
123 kV GIS 241582 kV GIS

Fip. 5.6:Experimental setup of a123 kV GIs with a window coupler in-

stalled at a disconnector. measuring point (MP) , injection
point(IP)

The pulse magnitude corresponding to the PD magni-

tude of 5 pC generated by a moving particle was deter-
mined to z2. = 4 V. Due to the limited rise time of the pulse
-5 ' ,

0.4 0.6
, ,

0.8
,

1:O
f- GHz
I

i.2
,

1,4
,

1,6
,

i.8 2.0

injected into a disk sensor and recorded with the window Fip. 6.2:Spectrum recorded in bay 6.stimulated by an artijicial pulse of 4
V injected in bay 7
coupler which had a diameter of I23 m m (flange diameter
I43 mm) the spectrum corresponds with the real defect The attenuation in the other bays related to bay no. 6 is
only up to a frequency of about 1.5 GHz (Fig. 5.7). non-linear because of differences in the mechanical con-
-25 struction of the busbar and switchgear section involved
dBn
-30
(table 6.1). However, it can be stated that PD of 5 pC
-35
-40
caused in the busbar of bay no. 7 is detectable by mobile
-45 sensors in bay no. 3 and in all sections in-between.

T -50
-55
S 60
Table 6.I : Attenuation of the section of bay no.5...I related to bay no. 6
bay no. 5 4 3 2 1
-65 attenuation ldB1 -4.1 -9.5 -10.8 -16.1 -18.9
-70
related to bay 6

-75A.3 I I I 1.15
I '
f 4 GHz
Fiz. 5.7:Moving particle (5 pC) vs. artifuzial pulse (4 PJ measured with a
window coupler
VI. MEASURING RESULTS ON 123 KV GIS
The results presented in the following were gained on a
single phase encapsulated 123 kV substation with nine
bays, five of which were installed in 1968. The investiga-
tion aimed on sensitivity verification of the laboratory
measurements onsite and on identification and location of
defects found in connection with fmt periodic checks.
Similar measurements were also conducted on a three
I ' 1 B. Three phase encapsulated GIS
The results in the three phase encapsulated switchgear
can be taken from Fig. 6.3. With regard to the longest dis-
tance between two gas barrier insulators of a typical bay
unit artificial pulses were injected in the sensors integrated
in barrier at compartment 4 (ZP).The emitted signal was
recorded at the sensors integrated in the busbar bamer at
compartment 2 (MP). The artificial pulse of 9 volts
equivalent to 5 pC can be measured in each of the four gas-
compartments of the illustrated GIs section.
-20

i?
phase encapsulated 170 kV GIs.

A. Single phase encapsulated GIS

S
For the sensitivity verification artificial pulses were fed
-50
into the conventional sensor in bay no. 7. The signal was
recorded with the non-conventional sensors of mobile type
-60
placed in bay no. c p to 1 (Fig. 6.1).
-...
9

8 I.-- 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0

f
Fir. 6.3: Signal recorded at measuring point (MP) in compartment 2
1.2 1.4
- GHz l.E

Sensor C. Identification and location of defects

The first checks onsite on the before mentioned GIS
gave evidence of possible irregularities. Hence, a monitor-
-- U2
ing system was adapted enabling a more thorough supervi-
1...6
sion of its insulating condition. The long duration records
E n d , diameter 1- mm confirmed the observation during the first checks indicating
Fir. 6.I : Sensitiviv ven$cation in a I23 kV GIs a low level PD source in phase S (Fig. 6.4).

1399
 00_12_I_GIS_SF6_CAM_01
0" 180" 360"
Fiz 6 4: PD signal recorded at sensor in bay no. 7
During the observation time period the PD level re-
mained more or less unchanged. Regarding the recorded
PD pattern of the defect it was possibly caused by an ir-
regularity in the solid material of any component. For k-
ther location of the defect mobile sensors were applied and
corresponding measurements performed at the measuring
points in Fig 3.2. Since the highest PD levels were meas-
ured in bay no. 1 and no. 7, the location was concentrated
on these feeders. As an example, the results of bay no. 1
are presented in Fig. 6.5.
00_12_I_GIS_SF6_CAM_02
00_12_I_GIS_SF6_CAM_03
Fiz 6.5:PD measured by mobile UHF sensors ai diflerennr locations
In bay no. 1 the irregularity is presumably located in the
ongoing section, because of the high PD signal recorded by
the mobile sensor at the ongoing feeder disconnector. The
PD patterns confirm the presumption of a PD source in the
solid material of a component. For further location the
investigation have also to be extended to the cable termi-
nation and the cable. At present the section in question is
monitored by means of a mobile sensor mounted on the
ongoing feeder disconnector. Depending on the develop-
ment of the PD level further actions will be taken.
VII. CONCLUSION
One of the most effective diagnostic methods for insu-
lation monitoring of GIS is the UHF technique. Up to now
this technique was mostly applied with new GIs, since
those installations are equipped with UHF sensors of con-
ventional type. It was shown, that GIS of early design can
also be monitored by application of non-conventional sen-
sors integrated into gas barrier insulators or of mobile type.
These sensors can be installed without dismantling or de-
gassing of the enclosure or other affection on the normal
operation of the GIs. The sensitivity of these sensors was
1400
proven to be comparable to standard type sensors. Thus,
the UHF PD measuring technique can also be used for GIS
of early design to detect incipient faults and to exploit
service life. The example presented illustrates the suitabil-
ity of non-conventional sensors for identification and loca-
tion of possible defects on a GIS installation more than 30
years old. It also proves the applicabilityof this tool for life
estimation and reduction of maintenance expenditure.
VIII. REFERENCES
C. Neumann, B. Krampe, R Feger, K. Feser, A. Breuer, V. Rees: PD
measurements on CIS of different designs by non-conventional UHF
sensors, CIG& Session 2000, Paper 15-305, Paris, August ZOO0
R.Kurrer, K. Feser: The Application of Ultra-High-Frequency Partial
Discharge Measurements to Gas Insulated Substations, IEEE Trans.
on Power Delivery, Vo1.13, No. 3, July 1998
M. Knapp, R. Feger, K. Feser, A. Breuer: Application of the CIGRE-
sensitivity verification for UHF PD detection in three-phase CIS. 11*
ISH, London, 1999, Report 5.82.Sl2
M. D. Judd: Dielectric Windows Improve Sensitivity of Partial
Discharge Detection at UHF, IEEE Intem. Symposium on Electrical
Insulation, Anaheim, April ZOO0
Joint CIGRE TF 15/33.03.05,1998: Partial Discharge Detection
System for CIS: Sensitivity Verification for the UHF Method and the
Acoustic Method, ELECTRA No. 183, April 1999, p. 75-87
IX. BIOGRAPHIES
Ralph Feger was bom on November 12th, 1969 in Sindelfingen, Ger-
many. He studied electrical engineering at the University of Stuttgart and
Grenoble. After receiving the Diplom-Ingenieur degree in electrical
engineering from the University of Stuttgart in 1996 he joined the Institute
of Power Transmission and High Voltage Technology of the University of
Stuttgart. He is working on the diagnosis of CIS using the UHF-method.
Kurt Feser was bom on December loth, 1938 in Garmisch Partenkirchen,
Germany. He studied electrical engineering at the Technical University of
Munich, finishing with the "Diplom-Ingenieur" in 1963. After a year with
the Brown Boveri & Cie AG in Mannheim, Germany, he joined the High
Voltage Institute of the University of Munich., where he received his Dr.-
Ing. in 1970. In 1971 he joined Haefely & Cie AG Basel, Switzerland as
chief development engineer for high voltage test equipment. From 1980
on he was responsible at Haefely & Cie for capacitors and high voltage
test equipment and was, as director, member of the executive board. From
1977 to 1980 he was member of the board of directors of American High
Voltage Test Systems, Accident, Maryland. In April 1982 he joined the
University of Stuttgart as head of the Power Transmission and High
Voltage Institute. Prof. Feser is a Fellow of the IEEE, member of VDE
and CIGRE and author of more than 200 papers.
Claus Neumann was bom in 1944 in Essen. He studied electrical engi-
neering at the Technical University of Aachen. After finishing with the
DipLIng. degree in 1972 he was in engaged as a testing engineer in the
High Voltage an Insulating Material laboratory of switchgear manufac-
turer. In 1979 he joined the department for HV equipment of RWE in
Essen. Among others he worked on non-standardised stresses of switch-
gear in the network, on testing technique, monitoring and diagnostics and
on maintenance strategies. In 1992 he became head of this department. In
1992 he also received his Dr.-Ing. degree from the Technical University of
Darmstadt. Today he is in charge of HV apparatus in total at RWE Ener-
pie.
Volker R e a was bom on May 5th, 1947 in Elfershausen, Germany. He
studied electrical engineering at the Technical University of Darmstadt,
Germany and received the "Dr,-Ing."at the same University in 1977.
Afterwards he joint the ABB Calor Emag Schaltanlagen GmbH (formerly
Brown Boveri & Cie AG), Hanau, Germany as design engineer for high
voltage switchgear. Since 1982 he is heading the development department
for gas insulated switchgear up to 170 kV in the same company.
Dr.Rees is member of CIGRE and VDE and German delegate for IEC TC
17 "Switchgear and Controlgear".