Fault Localization in the Blink of an Eye
At first sight , there seems to be little reason for the use of a measuring instrument to localize breakdowns during works tests , given the high quality standards which apply in the manufacturing of state-of-the-art power cables with XLPE insulation . If , however , a breakdown nevertheless occurs , then it will very likely take place in the accessories of the test arrangement and in the junction sleeves or , in the case of long submarine cables , in the factory joints .
The cable manufacturer has a strong interest in performing the high voltage tests at his products with minimum outlay and in minimum time . If , however , breakdowns occur during a test , then he wishes to repair or replace the element concerned as quickly as possible .
This circumstance caused Prysmian Gron to use the newly developed device HiRES Locator from HIGHVOLT for breakdown localization in its factory routine tests .
Finding faults in real time
The high voltage tests are performed in shielded rooms ( see photo ) while the large cable drums at Prysmian are arranged outside the shielded room for logistic reasons . The electrical connection between the high voltage test system and the
cable to be tested is provided by way of a special connection cable . The weak points in this test arrangement are the high voltage sealing ends and junction sleeves , notably due to the repeated use each time when a new cable drum is connected .
“ In the past , we spent hours searching for the breakdown spot , and sometimes even additional measurements were necessary . Today we see on the monitor immediately which cable termination or junction sleeve is affected “, reports Abel Fustier , Test Bay Manager at Prysmian .
The tests themselves are not influenced by the online monitoring . No additional or specially trained personnel are required . Furthermore , the HiRES Locator requires very little space .
“ It is very easy to retrofit existing systems with the HiRES Locator , “ assures HIGHVOLT engineer Tobias Miessler . “ In the case of high voltage test systems from HIGHVOLT , the HiRES Locator can be integrated into the software architecture or control unit of the test system . It can , however , also easily be used in conjunction with third-party systems .”
The HiRES Locator and its applications
The HiRES Locator is a digital recorder developed by HIGHVOLT especially for the recording of
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