COMPARISON OF RESULTS FROM PARTIAL DISCHARGE AND EMI TESTS ON

IDENTICAL MACHINES

S A Higgins and R F Uys

Eskom Enterprises (Pty) Ltd –
TSI Division
South Africa

1. ABSTRACT

Eskom has Iris capacitive bus couplers mounted on a number of its machines. These are used
for regular partial discharge testing. Eskom has also been developing an automated version of the EMI
test. The test, as conducted by Eskom, uses the Iris capacitive couplers as the transducers to detect the
EMI signature. The Iris partial discharge test, when performed at a particular power station, indicated that
there was high overhang discharge activity from all the machines. EMI tests were then also performed on
all the running units at the same power station. The results from these two sets of tests provide a very
interesting comparison between Iris test data and EMI test data. There is a strong correlation between
the EMI test data and the Iris test data, both indicating an overhang problem.

2. INTRODUCTION

EMI testing has its origins in the area of transmission and distribution. EMI Diagnostics is the
acquisition, classification and interpretation of the radio frequency spectra produced by high voltage
systems. Since the 1930’s these techniques have been used to measure and classify sources of radio
interference near overhead power lines (Timperley, 1997b). Such techniques have been applied to
rotating machines since around 1980 (Timperley, 1997b). Eskom has been researching the value of EMI
testing. To fully understand the value of the test, EMI tests have been performed on a number of
Eskom’s machines.

The IRIS test has come to be regarded as a standard for on-line partial discharge detection by
many utilities. The Iris test is part of Eskom’s routine test program. These tests are performed, at an
interval of between six months and a year, on all the machines that have capacitive bus couplers fitted to
them. Eskom has built up a library of IRIS PD results from most of its generator fleet. It is interesting to
note that the EMI test results for all the machines tested show a strong correlation with the partial
discharge measurements. The focus of this paper is the comparison of EMI and PD measurements from
the generators at Eskom’s Matimba power station. This comparison was used to highlight a potential
problem in the overhang of the machines.

3. BACKGROUND

In 2002, one of the units on Eskom’s Matimba power station suffered a catastrophic failure in the
insulation in the overhang area. This machine was one of a number of Matimba machines refurbished
using the STAR rewind technique featuring a revised water box design. There was concern about the
possibility of similar problems arising in sister machines. Consequently, a number of condition monitoring
tests were performed on the other running units.

4. THE EMI TEST EQUIPMENT

The Rohde and Schwarz (R&S) radio frequency receiver (model number ESS) is the main piece
of test equipment used for the capture and analysis of EMI signatures. Most EMI information is of the

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impulse type, and is chaotic and unpredictable in nature. This makes it unsuitable for examination with a
conventional spectrum analyser. Spectrum analysers generally employ narrowband techniques to
selectively examine the repetitive signals within each of many bandwidths. This is not adequate for
detection of EMI signals. Additionally, spectrum analysers generally do not have the required dynamic
range to properly display the microvolt EMI pulses. The R&S ESS is an analogue receiver complying with
CISPR22.

5. COUPLING OF EMI TEST EQUIPMENT

A high impedance earthing system is used for most of Eskom’s generators. This makes coupling
of a single radio frequency current transformer (RFCT) to a common earth attached to the star point
impossible. This is because there is no single earth return point wired directly to the power station earth
mat. However, most of Eskom’s generators are equipped with IRIS on-line bus-couplers, and the IRIS
termination box. The ESS test receiver is connected to the termination points in the bus coupler
termination box and the EMI signals are derived directly from the measured data. This presents three
partially independent signals from each of the three phases. This has been beneficial in providing more
insight into EMI signal interpretation.

6. TESTS

EMI tests have been performed on the STAR rewound Matimba unit 1, Lethabo unit 2 and Matla
unit 6. The results from these tests are represented in Figure 1.

comparison between Matimba, Matla and Lethabo Units, RMS EMI levels, Dwell time = 10msec, step
200 spacing = 1,6%
190 Matimba Unit 1 RMS EMI
180 Matla Unit 6 RMS EMI
170 Lethabo Unit 2 RMS EMI

160
150
140
130
EMI level (dBuV)

120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1.00E+04 1.00E+05 1.00E+06 1.00E+07 1.00E+08 1.00E+09
Frequency (Hz)

Figure 1: Average EMI traces for Matimba unit 1, Lethabo unit 2 and Matla unit 6

It can be seen from figure 1 that the EMI tests for both the Lethabo and Matla units are similar.
The result from Matimba (black trace) shows that there is more EMI energy being generated above 1
MHz, particularly between 80 MHz and 800 MHz. This frequency range corresponds with the overhang
portion of the generator. This could indicate that there is either an electrical or mechanical problem in the
overhang.

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 The EMI data from Matimba 1 is used in the above comparison, as it is representative of the
situation found on all Matimba units. For comparison, Figure 2 shows the EMI test results from the STAR
rewound Matimba units 1, 3, 4 and 5.

Matimba Units, RMS EMI levels, 01/08/02, Dwell time = 10msec, step spacing = 1,6%
200
Unit 1 RMS EMI
190
Unit 3 RMS EMI
180
Unit 4 RMS EMI
170 Unit 5 RMS EMI
160
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1.00E+04 1.00E+05 1.00E+06 1.00E+07 1.00E+08 1.00E+09
Frequency (Hz)

Figure 2: Average EMI traces for Matimba units 1, 3, 4 and 5

Figure 2 clearly illustrates that the four Matimba generators tested exhibit very similar EMI
signatures. All four machines indicate an overhang problem. This is confirmed by the partial discharge
measurements.

7. IRIS PARTIAL DISCHARGE TESTS

Eskom has built up a substantial library of Iris PD results from the test performed on its generators
that have capacitive couplers fitted. The incidents at Matimba presented an opportunity to compare EMI
diagnoses with established Iris PD interpretations. In nearly all cases, a very strong correlation was
observed. The strongest correlations are discussed as part of this paper. The EMI test result library that
Eskom has built up as part of its ongoing EMI research program confirmed the particular insulation
problems observed using the Iris test.

8. COMPARISON OF EMI AND IRIS PD TEST RESULTS

For comparison purposes the Iris PD and EMI test data from Lethabo Unit 1 red phase is
presented. This data is used to illustrate the levels of EMI associated with moderate overhang activity.

A full set of Iris PD and EMI test data are available for Eskom’s Matimba Units 1, 3, 4 and 5. In the
interests of brevity, only information for one of the phases of each machine is presented here, but the
trends are clear.

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8.1 LETHABO UNIT 1

IRIS PD Snapshot tests Single phase EMI spectrum

1999 01 August 2001
Red phase:
Lethabo Unit 2
100

90 Unit 2 Red phase

80

70

60

EMI level (dBuV)

50

40

30

20

10

-10
1.00E+04 1.00E+05 1.00E+06 1.00E+07 1.00E+08 1.00E+09
Frequency (Hz)

Note that the peaks in the 80 to 300MHz region are

principally below 45dBuV – considerably lower than
for the Matimba machines, and confirming the
findings of the IRIS test.
Low to Medium overhang activity with peaks of
550mV.

8.2 MATIMBA UNIT 1

IRIS PD Snapshot tests Single phase EMI spectrum

October 2002 01 August 2002
Red phase:
Matimba Unit 1, 01/08/02, MW, MVar, Dwell time = 10msec, step spacing = 1,6%
100

90 Unit 1 Red phase

80

70

60
EMI level (dBuV)

50

40

30

20

10

-10
1.00E+04 1.00E+05 1.00E+06 1.00E+07 1.00E+08 1.00E+09
Frequency (Hz)

Note that the peaks in the 80 to 300MHz region are

in the order of 65dBuV. This region indicates
overhang activity. These readings are high.
Medium to high overhang activity with peaks of
1000mV. Anything above 1000mV is considered
high.

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8.3 MATIMBA UNIT 3

IRIS PD Snapshot tests Single phase EMI spectrum

05 September 2002 01 August 2002
White Phase:
Matimba Unit 3, 01/08/02, MW, MVar, Dwell time = 10msec, step spacing = 1,6%
100

90 Unit 3 white phase

80

70

60

EMI level (dBuV)

50

40

30

20

10

-10
1.00E+04 1.00E+05 1.00E+06 1.00E+07 1.00E+08 1.00E+09

Frequency (Hz)

Note that the peaks in the 80 to 300MHz region are

over 70dBuV. This region indicates overhang
activity. These readings are very high.

High overhang activity with peaks of 1500mV.

Anything above 1000mV is considered high.

8.4 MATIMBA UNIT 4

IRIS PD Snapshot tests Single phase EMI spectrum

October 2002 01 August 2002
White phase:
Matimba Unit 4, 01/08/02, MW, MVar, Dwell time = 10msec, step spacing = 1,6%
100

90 Unit 4 white phase

80

70

60
EMI level (dBuV)

50

40

30

20

10

-10
1.00E+04 1.00E+05 1.00E+06 1.00E+07 1.00E+08 1.00E+09

Frequency (Hz)

Note that the peaks in the 80 to 300MHz region are

in the order of 60dBuV. This region indicates
overhang activity. These readings are high.
High overhang activity with peaks of 1600mV.
Anything above 1000mV is considered high.

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8.5 MATIMBA UNIT 5

IRIS PD Snapshot tests Single phase EMI spectrum

October 2002 01 August 2002
Blue Phase:
Matimba Unit 5, 01/08/02, MW, MVar, Dwell time = 10msec, step spacing = 1,6%
100

90 Unit 5 blue phase

80

70

60

EMI level (dBuV)

50

40

30

20

10

-10
1.00E+04 1.00E+05 1.00E+06 1.00E+07 1.00E+08 1.00E+09

Frequency (Hz)

Note that the peaks in the 80 to 300MHz region are

in the order of 50 to 70dBuV. This region indicates
overhang activity. These readings are very high.
High overhang activity with peaks of 1500mV.
Anything above 1000mV is considered high.

9. CONCLUSIONS

A clear relationship between the results of the IRIS Partial Discharge test and the results
obtainable using EMI techniques has been established. The tests cannot be considered to be in
competition with each other. Rather they are seen as supportive tests that can be used to more
accurately diagnose fault conditions.

10. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to thank Eskom Generation, without whom the testing would not have
been possible and Eskom Research, Development and Demonstration for providing the funding that
made this research work possible. The authors would also like to thank Mr. J Timperley of American
Electric Power who has provided invaluable assistance to Eskom’s research into EMI testing.

11. REFERENCES

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Timperley, J.E. (1981), “Electrical Spectrum Analysis of Operating Hydro Electric Machines”, EPRI
Workshop on Rotating Machinery Insulation, St. Louis, Missouri, 22 – 23 September 1981.

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