Kinectrics’ condition assessment services for generation facilities are used to make decisions about individual electrical components or are integrated into more sophisticated asset management programs. Our services and tools cover:
Generators and Motors
A complete range of field diagnostic test services is available for electrical generators (hydraulic, steam turbine and combustion turbine) and motors.
- Partial discharge (off and on-line)
- Capacitance and dissipation factor
- Insulation resistance and polarization index
- TVA probe testing
- Electromagnetic core imperfection detector (EL-CID)
- Recurrent surge oscillograph
- High voltage dc ramp
- AC Hi-Pot
- Visual inspection
In addition, Kinectrics has capabilities to perform stator winding qualification testing, such as voltage endurance (IEEE 1043), thermal cycling (IEEE 1310) and turn insulation testing (IEEE 522). Further services include functional and environmental qualification of stator winding insulation systems and components in accordance with IEEE 275 and 429.
Transformers
Generator step-up (GSU) transformers are a critical component in generating stations because of the potentially long lead times for the acquisition of replacements in the event of a catastrophic failure. Further, the large volumes of transformer oil typically present, represent a significant safety and environmental hazard.
Kinectrics continues to develop methods for condition assessment to analyze—using a range of diagnostic techniques—the condition of the oil-paper insulation of the transformer.
Transformers are subject to a number of potential deterioration mechanisms which will vary, depending on design, operation and maintenance. Recognizing this variability in transformer aging, Kinectrics’ assessment methodology uses one or more of the following tools:
- Partial discharge (PD): electrical and ultrasonic
- Power factor testing
- Frequency response analysis (FRA)
- DC return voltage, dielectric spectroscopy measurements
- Dissolved gas-in-oil (DGA) analysis
Cables, Switchgear and Bus
Shielded cables, switchgear and bus assemblies are critical to safe and economic plant operation. Kinectrics has developed effective condition assessment, test methods and criteria applicable to these systems rated 4.16 kV and above. Two principal tests are employed to provide assurance of reliable performance in cable, bus and switchgear assemblies:
- AC Hi-Pot or withstand test, in which case a high AC voltage of a specified level appropriate to the voltage class of the component is applied for at least one minute.
- Partial Discharge (PD) testing, where the PD test is applied after the Hi-Pot to determine if a latent defect is activated by the application of an over voltage.
In addition to these electrical equipment condition assessment tests, low frequency techniques (RVM, dielectric spectroscopy) are used to provide insight into deterioration mechanisms due to water treeing and thermal aging.
