Onsite Testing and Diagnosis of Medium Voltage Resin Impregnated Paper (RIP) Insulated Buses by Using Very Low Frequency High Voltage

Abstract

After RIP buses have been used and installed in generation and substation systems, reliability and safety are becoming critical with respect to a higher demand. Onsite testing and diagnosis of RIP buses play an important role to determine the insulation integrity and installation quality of new equipment and assess the condition for a long term reliable service. This paper will present onsite testing and diagnostic methods for RIP buses based on the review of current standards and available testing equipment, such as high voltage withstand test, partial discharge measurement, RF-probe and ultra-probe scanning, dissipation factor and capacitance measurements, etc. The onsite testing results will be discussed for the diagnosis and determination of non-conformance or defect during site installation. Recommendation will be provided for the future maintenance and condition assessment.