High Voltage Test Facility

For ≤500 kV equipment

Test Hall with 2400 kV 360 kJ impulse generator, 800 kV 5 A 60 Hz series resonant test supply, and 1200 kV direct-voltage test supply.

A high voltage test facility (HVTF) has been constructed in Winnipeg that has been designed for:

• full dielectric testing of equipment rated up to 550 kVac and 500 kVdc;
• full electrical testing of power transformers.

The new facility, 1 of only 3 in Canada, allows for testing of instrument transformers, bushings, aerial lift devices and power transformers. It has significantly increased the volume and enhanced the variety of testing that we have been able to do in the past.

High voltage tests are made to determine whether electrical apparatus meets the specified requirements. These tests can be performed on new equipment following transport and on service aged equipment that is being considered for re-use.

The objective of testing is to avoid in-service failures which may damage other equipment and pose a safety concern to employees and the public. Such failures can jeopardize service reliability and can result in substantial lost revenue as well as significant repair and replacement costs.

Existing capabilities

For instrument transformers, bushings and aerial devices:

• Lightning impulse 2200 kV;
• Switching impulse 1300 kV;
• 60 Hz voltage with PD measurement 800 kV;
• Direct voltage with polarity reversal ±1200 kV in 2 min.;
• Direct voltage with PD measurement ±1000 kV.

New tests available in January 2013

For power transformers up to 500 kV and 310 MVA 3-ph or 400 MVA 1-ph using voltage source converter technology:

• Induced overvoltage;
• No load loss;
• Full load loss (up to 100 MVAr capacitive compensation);
• Rail or road access.

Insulation materials & systems

Existing capabilities for the evaluation of electrical insulation materials and systems have been retained in expanded space. For insulation of stator coils and bars this includes:

• Thermal cycling (IEEE 1310);
• Voltage endurance (IEEE 1043);
• Partial discharge screening measurements.

For oil-filled power transformers this includes:

• Accelerated aging of gasket materials;
• Diagnostics related to corrosive sulphur in oil.

For medium-voltage cables this includes:

• Determine size and number of water trees.

Location

Located at 1870 Chevrier Boulevard, the test hall will be 41 metres by 38 metres, with 21 metres between floor and bridge crane. Rail access will be completed in 2012.

Photo of High Voltage Test Facility in December 2011. View Google map.

For more information

Bill McDermid, PEng, FIEEE
Director, HVTF
1-204-360-3787

Email the High Voltage Test Facility.