IRIS POWER DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE for TGA-BRP

1. OVERVIEW

This document outlines data collection procedures with Iris Power partial discharge analyzer type TGA-
BRP. The TGA-BRP (instrument) is a portable device for periodic testing of the generators, motors,
switchgears and dry type transformers to monitor the condition of the high voltage insulation system of
the respective asset. When the winding ages several micro voids filled with gas (air or hydrogen) form
inside the solid insulation, where some sparking can occur depending on the location, size of the void
and applied voltage of this part of the stator winding. These small sparks produce very fast rise time
electrical pulses (ns) that can be detected with high frequency sensors (couplers) and analyzer.

 A TGA-BRP instrument is designed to collect partial discharge data from capacitive sensors (EMC)
permanently installed outside of a machine in close proximity to the monitored winding. Each
phase must have either one pair of EMC couplers (for big generators or motors supplied through
a solid bus bars or relatively short shielded power cables) known as a Double-ended installation
or, just one EMC coupler per phase known as a Single-ended installation for small generators
and motors connected via long power cables. In Double-ended installation, the EMC coupler
closest to the machine’s terminal is called Machine coupler, and the EMC further away is called
System coupler allowing a TGA-BRP instrument to distinguish between pulses coming from a
machine and the system bus (noise). In Single-ended installation, there is only one EMC called
Machine coupler.

 The TGA-BRP instrument requires a portable computer (laptop) to collect data. There are two
accompanying pieces of software, PDLitePro (current version # 5.4.01 Build 1203 for older
instruments and version #7.2 build 1380 for TGA-BRP ® - use the correct version with your
instrument) and PD View Standard/Advanced (Current version PDView 5.1). Minimum
computer requirements are:

Operating Systems

• Windows 7 SP1

• Windows 8 or later

The following minimum computer requirements are strongly recommended:

• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

• 2 GB of system memory

• 1 GB of free hard disk space for the software

• CD-ROM drive (or access to Internet for software download)

  PDLitePro is the software to collect data with portable instrument; PDView is intended for
advanced plotting, viewing and data analysis of the collected data. The PDLitePro software has
only basic viewing functionality.

 TGA-BRP instrument has two communication options with controlling computer: USB 2.0/3.0 or
Ethernet.

2. PREPARATIONS BEFORE THE TEST

2.1 Software installation

If the designated laptop was previously used for data collections, then go to §.2.2 Instrument
connection.

For the new installation the PDLitePro can be installed from the supplied CD or the latest version can be
downloaded from Iris Power web site by request http://www.irispower.com/download_apply.aspx .

The installation from the CD should start automatically; if not please double click setup.exe file.
Complete the installation with the help of the wizard.

2.2 Instrument connection

Before collecting data the communication between the TGA-BRP and the laptop should be established.
The instrument can use USB or Ethernet communications. The communication option should be chosen
in the PDLitePro menu – go to Instrument-Communication
 on Profile… and select an appropriate option as
below:

2.2.1 USB connection

Windows OS 32bit and 64bit would work with TGA-BRP USB port. Before the instrument could be
connected to the PC the USB driver should be installed first. This procedure is required only once for
each TGA-BRP instrument connecting to the given PC.

 Insert the supplied type A to B USB cable in the USB communication port of the instrument as
shown in the Figure 1 below:
 Figure 1. TGA-BRP USB connection

 Power up the instrument and wait app. 2min for the TGA to boot up. The green LED USB
Indicator below USB port should be on. Connect the USB cable to the available USB port of the
laptop (PC).

 The prompt for driver download should pop up as shown below:

Figure 2. USB Driver Installation Screenshot

Chose “Browse my computer for driver software”

 On the next screen browse for the location of the driver software as indicated below.
 Figure 3. USB Driver Installation Screenshots

 …and specify the path to the drivers location on the next screen (C:\Program Files\Iris\USB
Driver on most computers); click Next. It should be noted here that USB driver can also be found
on the installation CD. The final message should be shown as indicated on Figure 3.

Figure 4. USB Driver Installation Screenshot

  Sometimes it is necessary to confirm hardware installation by pressing “Continue anyway” in the
Microsoft message on the next screen and then click Finish.

Figure 5. USB Driver Installation Screenshot

2.2.2 Ethernet (TCP/IP) connection

Any laptop with Ethernet RJ45 port could be connected to the TGA-BRP instrument. If there is no RJ45
port, a USB to Ethernet adapter can be used. A crossover shielded twisted pair CAT5 or CAT6 cable
should be used for this purpose. However, configuration of this type of communication can be done only
via serial connection, i.e. either USB. At the same time, if programmed IP address and Mask of the TGA-
BRP instrument is known, no additional configuration via USB port is necessary.

Connect one end of the cable to the computer and the other to the Ethernet port of the TGA-BRP
instrument. The blue LED below the port should indicate a physical link between the computer and the
instrument.
 Figure 6. TGA-BRP Ethernet Connection

When the cable is connected then configuration of the Ethernet IP address should be done. In this case
the TGA-BRP and laptop must be on the same network. In order to change network settings of a laptop
go to Control Panel – Network and Sharing Center – Change adapter settings – Local Area Connection –
Local Area Connection Properties – Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Example of the laptop’s
network card setup is shown on Figure 7 below.

Figure 7. Laptop Network Card Setup Screenshot

If the IP Address, Mask and Gateway of a TGA-BRP have to be changed, connect the TGA-BRP instrument
via USB and in PDLitePro, go to Instrument-Instrument Details… If the TGA is connected properly then
the details of this particular instrument will appear in a separate window as below. Click Network button
on this window and configure Ethernet IP address as needed.

Figure 8. TGA-BRP Network Card Setup Screenshot.

After all configurations have been done the communication can be setup in PDLitePro software in file
menu command Instrument – Communication Profile as shown on Figure 9 below.

Figure 9. TGA-BRP Ethernet Communication Setup in PDLItePro Software Screenshot

If the connection is OK immediately “Quick Measurement” will be available.

 Figure 10. PDLitePro "Quick Measurement" Screenshot.

2.3 Instrument self-test

The built-in PD Tester allows the User to quickly verify basic TGA-BRP operation. Running

measurements with the PD Tester will check the basic functional components such as

• Instrument inputs

• Internal signal paths

• External signal cables

The self-test procedure should be performed before each test session for each input of the instrument
and for at least two sensitivity ranges – 20-340mV and 50-850mV.

The tester produces high frequency pulses with certain magnitudes. The tester output connectors are
shown on Figure 11 below.

Figure 11. TGA-BRP Tester Outputs

 Using supplied cables connect MACH of the tester to the Φ1 input connector of the instrument
labeled 1 and SYS to a BNC input in green circle also labeled 1.
 Figure 12. Connection Diagram for Self-test

 Connect the instrument to computer; verify communications as described above.

 In PDLitePro, go to Instrument-Quick Measurement… or simply press the icon M in the tools

panel:

Figure 13. PDLitePro Quick Measurement File Menu and Shortcut

 On the next screen, select following parameters: Setup=BUS; Sensitivity=20mV-340mV/50-

850mV; Ref.Angle=90; Channel=1/2/3; AC Sync Source=Sensor. Press Start. The test will run for
app. 1.5 min.
 Figure 14. Quick Measurement Setup Window

 After the test is finished, both, Asset PD and Total System Activity windows should consist of red
and green picks. The shape of the picks has to be consistent with printed test pattern is included
with the instrument manual.

Figure 15. TGA-BRP PD Test Results - 20-340mV Sensitivity Range

 Figure 16. TGA-BRP Tester Results - 50-850mV Sensitivity Range

 Repeat the test for inputs 2 and 3. For all inputs the shape of the test pattern should be the
same; if one or more inputs produce different shape please verify the connections and the test
leads; if it didn’t help please contact Iris.
 2.4 Database creation/locating

All test results are stored in the database file on the hard drive of the connected computer. There is no
onboard memory in TGA-BRP for data storage; take care of your database file and make regular
backups.

2.4.1. New database

Should the new unit be tested or the database file was lost then the new database can be created. The
alternative is the creating a new unit within existing database-this will be described below.

The brand new stator winding (after the course of the machine rewind) is considered as a new unit
and new database or new unit shell be created for the proper trending purposes.

 In PDLitePro, go to File-Database… and specify the new database filename and the path:

Figure 17. PDLitePro New Database Setup Screenshots.

 Iris database file has an extension *.IID (Iris Instrument Database) and it is easily compressible
so for the email transfer zipping up the *.iid file will reduce the file size significantly.

 In the left panel right click on the created database and select Add Folder (Figure 18):
 Figure 18. New Database Screenshot.

 Rename folder as needed (usually plant’s name) and right click on the folder. Select Add-
Rotating Machine (two other types of machines – switchgear and transformer – are available)

Figure 19. PDLitePro Add Machine Screenshot.

Rename the unit as designated i.e. TG1, TG2 etc. Repeat for more than one unit at the plant. Now the
database structure is created.

 In the info panel on the right fill in all required machine information and passport data

 These are the generator nameplate data, not the actual test conditions!
 Figure 20. PDLitePro Asset Information Window.

 Select Step2: Sensor Configuration tab and chose BUS sensors from drop down menu:

Figure 21. PDLietPro Sensor Configuration Setup Screenshot.

 Click Auto-Generate button and chose current phase naming schema as desired. If the default
settings of the phases as A, B, and C is acceptable, click No, otherwise click Yes and determine
necessary phase names.
 Figure 22. PDLitePro Phase Naming Schema Screenshot.

 Select your instrument type, which for a TGA-BRP is BUS Type Measurements (TGA Portable
Instrument), and click Next.

Figure 23. PDLitePro Instrument Type Selection Window Screenshot

 Select sensor type, which is for Iris EMC couplers is Epoxy Mica Capacitor (80pF), and click Next.
 Figure 24. PDLitePro Sensor Type Selection Window Screenshot.

 Select the type of Bus Directional installation completed for this unit and click Next. If there are
two EMC couplers per phase installed, this is Double-Ended Sensor installation normally done
on big generators and motors connected to the switchgear with bus bars. If there is only one
EMC coupler installed on each phase, this is Single-Ended Sensor installation.

Figure 25. PDLitePro Sensor Set Selection Window Screenshot.

 In the Automatic Sensor Assignment Wizard window chose the instrument delay time (IDT) for
each phase in the drop-down menu. IDT can be found on a sticker inside the Iris Termination
box. For Single-Ended Sensor Set, the IDT should be always 5ns.
 Figure 26. PDLitePro IDT Setup Window Screenshot and Iris Termination Box IDT Sticker.

Figure 27. PDLitePro Single-Ended Installation Sensors Arrangement.

2.4.2. Existing database

When this is not the first (baseline) test for the given machine then the database file consisting of
previous tests should be used. If many different people use the same laptop for the testing then several
database copies could be scattered across the PC hard drive.

Always use the same database file for the repeat tests!

It is a good practice keeping only one database file on the test computer and back it up somewhere else
after the test in the event of the PC malfunction.

To locate the database file on the computer the conventional Windows Explorer search could be used.
Type *.IID in the search line of the WE as shown below:
 Figure 28. Windows Explorer Screen Shot

 Delete or archive old and unnecessary database files; leave one full and up to date master copy.

 Once you located your database open PDLitePro and go to File-Open Database… and select your
database file in the popup window. Now the database is ready for the test.

Figure 29. PDLitePro Open New Database Screenshot.

3 TEST PROCEDURES

3.1 Connections

 Before connecting the instrument to Iris termination box always verify the AC voltage at each
termination box connector. The instrument requires at least 60 mVrms to synchronize. Place the
 test leads of digital multimeter (DMM) across the barrel (ground) and the central pin of each
connector. The expected ac reference voltage can be calculated based on the line voltage of the
asset to which the sensors are connected; common values are shown below.

 The TGA-BRP instrument must be connected to Iris termination panel during the test. The
connections are made with included coaxial leads with BNC connectors at the ends; they are 6
feet long each.

 To run measurements on the sensors, connect the TGA-B RP ’s PD Sensor Inputs to the outputs
from the Termination Box:

Iris Termination Panel TGA-BRP Sensor Input Panel

Figure 30. Iris Termination Box to TGA-BRP Connection Diagram for Double-Ended Bus Installation.
 Iris Termination
Panel TGA-BRP Sensor
Input Panel

Figure 31. Iris Termination Box to TGA-BRP Connection Diagram for Single-Ended Bus Installation.

3.2 Reference voltage

The TGA-BRP instrument records the phase position of each registered pulse with regards to the power
voltage therefore in order to run the test this AC power source must be connected to the instrument.
The provisions for such voltage source should be provided at or near the Iris termination panel. The
acceptable voltage range for the instrument is from 100mV to 240VAC RMS.

3.2.1 Sensor-Based Synchronization

In most cases the synchronization signal for the TGA-BRP is provided from the Machine EMC coupler,
which is directly connected to high voltage machine terminal. In this case no additional connection is
required. Considering that the EMC coupler is 80pF capacitor, the reference angle for the capacitor will
be 90°, which should be reflected in Acquire Measurement setup window (see § 3.4).

3.2.2 Low/High-Voltage External-Based Synchronization

On rear occasion, when there is significant noise on the bus system, the TGA-BRP might not be able to
synchronize. In this case the TGA-BRP can work on external reference signal. The external reference
signal can be divided in to ranges: low-voltage external reference signal from 0.1 to 20Vac and high-
voltage reference signal from 21-250Vac. The TGA-BRP has a separate connector for each range of the
external reference signal (Figure 31).
 Figure 32.TGA-BRP High and Low Voltage External Reference Port

For high-voltage external reference signal a special cable must be used. For low-voltage reference signal
just a regular coaxial cable with a BNC connector can be used.

The provided external synchronization signal should be of known reference angle, so all three phases
can be setup for PD data collection 120° phase-shifted. However, if the reference angle of the external
sync signal is unknow, setup any reference angles in PDLitePro Acquire Measurement window; for
example, ΦA=0°, ΦB=120°, and ΦC=240°. The reference angles can be corrected later on in PDLitePro
software.

ALWAYS USE THE SAME REFERENCE FOR THE TEST!

3.3 PC connection

 Connect TGA-BRP to the PC as described in § [2.2]. Verify the communication.

 Run the instrument self-test § [2.3]

3.4 Software settings

 In PDLitePro open (or create for brand new machine) the test database file § [2.4].

 Select the machine under test on the left

 Click on Acquire Measurements tab on the right and click “BUS Mode” button below

 Select inputs 1-3 and chose desired sensitivity; for example, 20-340 mV for all inputs.

 The optimum sensitivity would be one with the test line landing on the horizontal axis of the 2D
plot approximately in the middle of the scale and with an OK status flag as shown in the
screenshot below
 Also collect data with sensitivities higher and lower then this range for better analysis

 If you have selected the optimal range as per the above description and after the test your
measurement status flag is OVR then select the next range higher and repeat the test. For
example if OVR at 20-340mV test again at 50-850mV. If OVR again select the next range which is
100-1700 mV for this example.

 Select Sensor Set and Reference angles for all sensors each phase. In most cases the reference
will be used from a EMC sensor itself, in this case the reference angle must be 90°. The
reference angle can be changed in drop-down menu if external reference is used.

 Chose 5seconds/window radio button.

 Chose the source of AC Sync. The final screen ready for PD data collection should be similar to
one on Figure 33 below.
 Figure 33. PDLitePro Acquire Measurement Window Setup Screenshot.

 It is possible to activate the same inputs with two different sensitivity ranges at once (Figure 34).
In this case, the TGA-BRP will run two consequent sets of PD data collection at designated
sensitivity ranges.

Figure 34. PDLitePro Acquire Measurement Window Setup Screenshot.

 On the right, click on the button 1st under Save&Restore Measurement Settings. In the drop
menu select Save.

 click on the button 1st again and from the same menu select Enable – now the button should
show a green check mark:
  Now this set of measurements is being stored under this button.

 Create another set of sensitivity; for example, 5-85mV and 10-170mV for all sensors and store
these settings under 2nd button

 Create another set of sensitivity; for example, 100-1700mV and 200-3400mV for all sensors and
store these settings under 3rd button.

 Click on Run and chose All Enabled/Defined Setups. The test should start and it consists of 18
tests at sensitivity ranges from 5-85mV to 200-3400mV.

Figure 35. PDLitePro Acquire Measurement Run Button Screenshot.

 If PD data collection has to be done only with the settings indicated on the screen, click on Run
button and chose Current Settings Only.

 Once all tests are complete, press Save all button on the right. Before you click this button you
can make comments in the provided line at the bottom of this window; click Apply to all if this
message is common for all tests and then hit Save all.

 The popup window will show up prompting you to enter current test operating conditions.

These are not the machine passport data – obtain the machine operating parameters from the control
room (ambient temperature and humidity will be measured and recorded automatically) and enter
them into the form then click Accept.
 Figure 36. PDLitePro Test Operating Condition Window Screenshot

 The number and magnitude of the sensitivity ranges at which PD data should be collected
depends on current level of the PD activity on the tested machine. If there are any doubts, it is
better to collect more PD data at different sensitivity ranges, so a full picture of the PD activity in
the stator winding and on the bus system is obtained for further analysis.

 Check whether all tests appear in the test window below (Figure 37).

Figure 37. PDLitePro Test Results Screenshot.

 Back up your database file external to your laptop.

2. SUMMARY

a) Prepare light, table, power cord for the test.

b) Prepare TGA-BRP and dedicated laptop for the test § [2]

c) Check AC voltages at the termination panel, if necessary § [3.1]

d) Run TGA-BRP self-test § [2.3]

e) Connect TGA-BRP to Iris termination panel § [3.1]

f) Open test database file § [2.4.2]

g) Select proper unit in database and check all the settings § [3.4]

h) Run the test at necessary sensitivity ranges for all the couplers § [3.4]

i) Save the results and enter the machine operating parameters when prompted § [3.4]

j) Repeat the test at more sensitivity ranges if necessary. Save the results § [3.4]

k) Save a backup copy of database external to the laptop (flash or CD)

l) Repeat the test at least two times per year. Make sure the unit is running at constant and
close to the base load and with the stabilized stator winding temperature (this usually
requires at least 1-3 hours running at the full load).