PHENIX AC Dielectric Test Systems are designed and built to perform dielectric testing on cables, switchgear, bushings, capacitors, fuses, arrestors, motors, etc. to comply with IEEE Standard 4-1995 and IEC Standard 60060.
PHENIX Technologies has been supplying AC Dielectric Test Systems and AC Resonant Test Systems for over 25 years. PHENIX Technologies has built a reputation as a manufacturer of custom-built test equipment and they strive to design and build systems that meet their customer's exact needs. Phenix offers a wide range of AC Dielectric Test Systems; power ratings from 30kV to over 1000 kVAC are available. They have developed expertise in the field of high voltage, high current, and high power. A large percentage of their business has been focused on the development of many types of AC Dielectric Test Sets, including AC Resonant Test Systems and Variable Frequency Resonant Test Systems.
PHENIX Technologies offers a complete line of AC Dielectric Test Sets with output voltage and power ratings to meet all testing requirements. They offer superior reliability and versatility for years of extended service life. Their ISO 9001 Certification ensures the highest in-house quality controls in both the design and manufacturing process. They have provided AC Dielectric Test Systems to customers around the world to meet and/or exceed their individual testing needs.
Controls.
PHENIX offers a choice of four control packages to meet the full spectrum of testing requirements. Their basic models will satisfy many requirements while their state-of-the-art PLC controlled models with Windows™-based software programs provide remote control, data acquisition, automation capabilities, and more for more demanding applications. Software customization is available for specific requirements not met by standard models.
System Controls and Software Features
Windows™-Based Software can increase your testing productivity and reliability
The PHENIX AC Dielectric software provides innovative features through an operator-friendly interface. Specific test parameters can be entered or previous test profiles or “recipes” can be recalled for easy test duplication. Test results are graphically displayed to pinpoint real-time voltage, current, step, dwell and duration characteristics. Results can be stored and sorted in a variety of configurations, creating an invaluable test database to recall or printout as needed.
Test Results.
Choose to view or print results in either graphical chart format (as shown) or a table format. Real-time graphical display of voltage, current, step, dwell and duration characteristics provide an actual test snapshot for precise, accurate analysis. Customize reports for a concise analysis of results in your preferred format.
Test History.
Create and organize your test database for easy test recall and review. Easily search results by entering relevant values in the search field. Results can be sorted by 4 different criteria.
Test Profiles.
Create new test profiles by choosing either a custom test, cycle test, or step test format and then selecting a tap value. A window appears to enter specific test criteria, and the test profile is saved and is ready to run or download. Quickly recall previous profiles by either test type, description, or ID value.
Standard Metering.
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Meter calibration traceable to NIST Standards
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Voltmeters are output-connected, peak responding, calibrated to RMS value.
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Current is measured at the low potential side of the high voltage transformer, and metering is RMS responding.
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Analog Voltmeters are +/- 2% F.S. accuracy
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Digital Voltmeters are +/- (0.8% of reading + 0.2% of range + LSD)
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Analog Ammeters are +/- 3% F.S. accuracy.
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Digital Ammeters are +/- (0.8% of reading + 0.2% of range + LSD)
Burn Feature.
The “Burn Feature” is a current limiting choke which is connected in series with the primary winding. This feature offers the ability to burn the faults in the test specimen at a controlled current level. The “Burn Feature” is available with a rating from 25-100% of rated kVA.
Voltage Measurement.
Steel tank type units rated over 100 kV usually make use of the bushing with a built-in measuring tap which allows use of the bushing as a capacitive divider. Cylinder type units up to 350kV can be supplied with an internal resistive divider. Above 350kV, units are supplied with free standing capacitive voltage dividers.
Current Measurement.
The current is measured at the low potential end of the transformer high voltage winding. This is accomplished with either a high accuracy CT or a high precision resistor for lower power applications.
Regulator.
The regulator is an air insulated, variable auto-transformer. It is housed in a rugged steel cabinet, including a main input circuit breaker and a contactor for high voltage ON/OFF. A limit switch is also provided for “zero-start inter-lock.” The regulator is normally located close to the main input supply.
Types of AC Dielectric Tests.
PHENIX Technologies offers AC Dielectrics in two fundamental design categories:
Conventional or Compensated?
Which type of AC Dielectric Test Set is appropriate for you depends on both the application, and economics.
For all applications where the capacitive test object also contains a relatively high resistance value, a conventional AC Dielectric Test Set is recommended.
In a Conventional AC Dielectric Test Set the high voltage transformer, the regulator, and therefore the main power input are rated for 100% of the output power of the test set. This type of system is the most versatile in that it will test virtually any type of load.
There are three primary methods of compensation:
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Gapped-Core
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Primary Compensation
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Resonant Test Systems
Gapped-Core AC Dielectric Test Set
In this type of design the input to the high voltage transformer, the regulator, and therefore, the main power is usually sized for 50% of the rated output power.
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The HV transformer is designed with a gap in the magnetic core which provides reactive compensation to cancel out a portion of the capacitive load presented by the test object.
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Under no-load condition and full load conditions, the unit draws full input current.
Primary-Compensated AC Dielectric Test Set
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Inductance introduced into the primary circuit by means of a low voltage reactor.
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Regulator and main input power can be much smaller than the high voltage transformer rating, which is rated for the full output power.
Typical System Components
PHENIX standard line of AC Test Systems designs supplies high voltage for tests of electrical apparatus in accordance with IEC60060, IEEE Standard 4, IEC 60270 test standards.
Designs can be modified to supply:
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A variety of physical configurations suitable for varying installation requirements.
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Mobile Systems.
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Add-on Partial Discharge test and measurement components.
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Customization for production component testing by adding test chambers.
Flexible System Control Options
PHENIX Technologies offers four control packages designed to meet your testing needs. The Computerized Deluxe (CD) control package offers a large graphics interface display, standard RS-232 port, all of the automatic modes and many other features as shown in the chart below.
The Computerized Standard (CE) package gives you the most affordable solution equipped with standard RS-232 port and pre-programmed automatic modes. The S-series control packages are designed for manual control. The CD or CE display packages enable PC or laptop computer control.
Cables
Shielded, multiconductor control cables (6m/20ft.) are provided for connection between the controls, voltage regulator and high voltage transformer. NOTE: the cable between the controls and regulator is only 3m/10ft when the regulator is not motorized. On units rated at 200kV or higher, the interconnect cables are 9m/30ft. each.
Connectors or terminal blocks for higher power units are mounted on the voltage regulator and high voltage transformer for power interconnection, but non-control power cables must be provided by the customer.
Ground studs are located on the controls, voltage regulator, and high voltage transformer for permanent connection to a station ground.
Quality Assurance
All units are subjected to rigorous factory testing before shipment. A copy of the test report is supplied with each unit. The standard factory test sequence includes:
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Ratio and polarity test
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Resistance measurement
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Short-circuit measurement
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No-load test
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Meter calibration
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110 percent overvoltage test at 2 minutes
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Flashover test
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Partial discharge test*
* Standard partial discharge level at full voltage is less than 10 picocoulombs. Lower pd levels are available upon special request.
Additional System Options
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Control desk
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Single-width pedestal only
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Single-width, with writing table
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Double-width, with writing table
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Casters for high-voltage transformer or regulator
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Partial discharge level less than 5pC or 2pC at full rated output voltage.
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Extra length control cables
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Full kVA taps at various voltage levels (600D & 600C controls only)
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Manual tap selector in HV transformer (standard feature)
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Motorized tap selector in HV transformer
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Units above 200kV with fully rated voltage regulators
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Noise suppressing filter for main supply
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Noise suppressing isolation transformer for main supply
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Protective sphere gap
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Measuring Sphere gap
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High voltage filter
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Standard gas capacitors
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PD & Tan Delta measurements