High Voltage Engineering Lab Lab 7

INSULATION RESISTANCE TESTING OF TRANSFORMER

Performance Objectives
• Insulation measurement of motor with fixed, variable, ramp, and with stepped voltages
• Measurement of the quality ratios of the insulation; Dielectric Absorption Ratio (DAR)
and Polarization Index (PI)
• Dielectric Discharge Index (DD) measurement of the heterogeneous insulation
• Interpretation of the results

Discussion

Dielectric:
Dielectric (basically an insulator) is a material which stores charge in it, once it is fully charged it
gets polarized and starts to conduct.
Desired properties of a dielectric:
• High dielectric strength
• Non in flammability
• Chemical inertness
• Thermal Stability
• Low cost

Transformer:
A transformer is a passive component that transfers electrical energy from one electrical circuit
to another circuit, or multiple circuits. A varying current in any coil of the transformer produces
a varying magnetic flux in the transformer's core, which induces a varying electromotive
force across any other coils wound around the same core. Electrical energy can be transferred
between separate coils without a metallic (conductive) connection between the two circuits.

Insulation in Transformer:
Insulation on a transformer prevents interconnection of windings and the winding to earth. IEC
60085 ‘Electrical insulation - Thermal evaluation and designation’ divides insulation into
classes. Each class is given a designation that corresponds to the upper temperature limit of the
insulating material when used under normal operating conditions.

Insulation Testing in Transformer:

A transformer is often able to run for many years before any serious problems occur. Testing the
transformer on a regular basis as part of a preventative maintenance program helps extend the
life of the transformer. If problems happen to occur, it is possible to test the transformer on-site
to determine what happened and how to correct the issue.
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Megohmmeter:
The megohmmeter (or megger) is an instrument for measuring very high resistances, such as the
insulation resistance of electrical cables, motors and transformers. A high voltage source is
required to pass a measurable current through such resistances.

Types of IR Testing
 Short Time Test:
• Operation of insulation tester for specific time period
• Typical time is 60 seconds
• Sufficient test for small capacitance equipment
• Thumb Rule: Approximately one mega ohm for each 1000 volts of operating voltage,
with a minimum value of one mega ohm.
 Time Resistance Test:
This test has following characteristics:

• Fairly independent of temperature

• Independent of size
• Establishment of standard
• Clarity about insulation condition
Polarization Index (PI):
Polarization index or PI is ratio of megaohms after 10 minutes divided by the megaohms after 1
minute. This test is primarily conducted on form wound motors and generators.
𝑅𝑅(600𝑠𝑠)
𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 =
𝑅𝑅(60𝑠𝑠)
 Interpretation:
PI Value Insulation Condition
PI < 1 Dangerous
1 ≤ PI < 2 Poor (Questionable)
2 ≤ PI < 4 Good
4 ≤ PI Excellent

Dielectric Absorption Ratio (DAR):

The DAR test is the ratio of mega ohms at 1 minute divided by the mega ohms at 30 seconds.
When the measured leakage current stabilizes within 1 minute, operators typically use the
DAR test.
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𝑅𝑅(60𝑠𝑠)
𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 =
𝑅𝑅(30𝑠𝑠)

 Interpretation:
DAR Value Insulation Condition
DAR < 1.25 Poor or even Dangerous
1.25 ≤ DAR < 1.6 Good
1.6 ≤ DAR Excellent

Dielectric Discharge (DD):

The Dielectric Discharge (DD) Test is a diagnostic insulation test that allows aging and
deterioration of insulation to be assessed.
DD = (Current after 1-minute (mA)) / Applied Voltage (V) x Capacitance (F)
 Interpretation:
DD Value Insulation Condition
7 < DD Very Poor
4 < DD < 7 Poor (Questionable)
2 < DD < 4 Borderline
DD < 2 Good

Equipment/Components Required

Following software/equipment is required:

a. Megohmmeter (10 kV CA6550)
b. Transformer
d. Temperature Measuring Device
e. Humidity Measuring Instrument
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Test Object:

Single Phase Transformer

Vin = 220-380 V

Vout = 12-24-36 V

S = 300 VA

Apparatus Description
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Circuit/Connection Diagram

Experimental Procedure
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Precautions:
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Observations
HV-N:
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LV-N:
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HV-LV:
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Interpretation of Results and Final Remarks

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Final Checklist
1. Clean your equipment/materials and work station before you leave.
2. Return all equipment and materials to their proper storage area.
3. Submit your answers to the questions, together with your data, calculations, and results before
the next laboratory session.

Student’s Signature: _______________

Instructor Signature: _______________

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Laboratory Rubrics

(Cognitive + Affective + Psychomotor Blooms Taxonomy Domain)

Department of Electrical Engineering has defined all concerned laboratory rubrics for assessment
of student’s all labs sessions. They are defined as below.

Sr. Performance Exemplary Satisfactory Developing Unsatisfactory (0 Marks)

# Indicator (5 Marks) (4-3 Marks) (2-1 Marks)
Individual and Respectful to one another Collaborative effort of Need training and Unsupportive attitude with
teamwork while providing timely and a group with delayed support to work no interest towards
1 helpful feedback and allow feedback to achieve a effectively in a team individual or common goal.
(PLO-09, healthy conflict. common goal in a less and individually.
Affective efficient way.
Domain)

Scale
Data exploration Analyse and interprets data Analyse and interprets Analyse and Analyse and interprets
and analysis correctly and precisely, data correctly most of interprets data incorrect data with wrong
2 draws correct and useful the time with correct correctly conclusions.
(PLO-04, conclusions by keenly and useful conclusion. occasionally with
Cognitive observing theoretical and some incorrect
Domain) experimental results. conclusion.
Scale
Skill to perform Quite able to utilize Able to use modern Able to use modern Unable to use modern tools
test experiment modern tools of test tools with some help tools with a lot of on his own and lab
3 (PLO-05, experiment with negligible from the lab instructor. help from the lab instructor provides help in
Psychomotor help from the lab instructor. almost every step of the
Domain) instructor. experiment.

Scale
Table 2: Viva Voce

Sr.# Performance Exemplary Satisfactory Developing Unsatisfactory (0 Marks)

Indicator (5 Marks) (4-3 Marks) (2-1 Marks)
1 Depth of Demonstration of full At ease with Only basic concepts Clearly no knowledge of
relevant knowledge of the content and able to are demonstrated and subject matter, no
Information subject with elaborate and interpreted. questions are answered
(PLO-04, explanations and explain to some and no interpretation
Cognitive elaboration. degree. made.
Domain)
Scale