What is power frequency withstand voltage test?

A test done on a transformer. The voltage at the power frequency is ramped up to verify the
transformer is capable of handling the stresses due to stitching and natural phenomenon (lighting
strikes).

How it is calculated?
the root mean square (r.m.s.) value of sinusoidal power frequency voltage that the equipment can
withstand during tests made under specified conditions and for a specified time

Power-Frequency Withstand Voltage - A specified rms test voltage at power frequency that will not
cause a disruptive discharge.

Power-Frequency Voltage Withstand

[1 kV  U]

 dry test:

maintain test voltage for 1 min.

apply 75% of voltage in one step, then gradually raise the voltage over 5 - 30 sec max.

 wet test:

maintain test voltage for 10 sec.

apply voltage as above

 dew test:

maintain test voltage for 10 sec raise voltage rapidly in not more than 20 sec

 
What is Lightning impulse withstand voltage?
The instantaneous voltage rating of a given insulation sytem. In the case of a lightning strike, it is
very high voltage but only for a split second. The insulation is designed to handle this rated voltage for a
split second without damage to the apparatus. Any longer, and damage would result.

What is the impulse withstand voltage?

Also known as basic insulation level (BIL): A specific insulation level, expressed in kilovolts, in
accordance with which the complete system (including the line pole insulation to earth at every pole,
the switchgear, the line isolators and reclosers, and the substations connected to the system, including
their transformers) is designed and constructed. (NRS 039:1995)

What does BIL basic insulator level really mean

and its differences with Impulse withstand
voltage and power frequency withstand voltage?
BIL is basic insulation level as per you or in other words it would be "basic impulse level" which implies
the limit up to which an insulator could withstand impulse due to lightning strikes. Impulse is generated
on the insulation due to the high voltage surges and spikes due to lightning strikes. BIL is generally much
higher as compared to power frequency withstand voltage.

In other words BIL is lightning Impulse withstand voltage. Impulse withstand voltage is the voltage that
is generated due to switching operation and it's much higher than power frequency withstand, but BIL
or the lightning withstand voltage is a the voltage level that an insulation can withstand during surge or
lightning strikes.

BIL
BIL is lightning Impulse withstand voltage

in addition it is the capacity of an equipment to withstand mechanical stress..like lightning strike

without causing any damage to the equipment...

Impulse withstand voltage is the voltage that is generated due to switching operation and it's much
higher than power frequency withstand,