STUDENT KIT LAB MODULE

Program: EE242/CEEE242/CEEE223 Semester: 7

Ownership: Discipline of Power
Date
Version: 3.0 Sep 2023
Issued:
Course Name: ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY V
Course Code: EPO662
Mode of Delivery:  Face to Face Virtual

HIGH VOLTAGE AC GENERATION AND BREAKDOWN

Authors

Prepared by : Dr. Ngah Ramzi Hamzah Date : Dec 2010

Dr. Dalina Johari

1st Revision : Date : Feb 2019
Faranadia Abdul Haris
Dr. Dalina Johari
2nd Revision : Date : Mac 2022
Faranadia Abdul Haris

3rd Revision : Dr. Dalina Johari Date : Sep 2023

 ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Field/Module: High Voltage / HV1

Experiment Title: HIGH VOLTAGE AC GENERATION AND BREAKDOWN

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

CLO1: Work in a team effectively to perform laboratory work (A3).
CLO2: Display proficiency using laboratory tools in conducting
experiments (P4).
Course Learning
Outcomes: CLO3: Determine a suitable technique to solve the Complex
Engineering Problem (C4).
CLO4: Present the findings observed from the experiment/case study
clearly and effectively through a lab/PBL report (A3).

Upon completion of this experiment, students should have the:

MO1: Ability to construct and set up high voltage AC test circuit with
safety measures.
Module Outcomes: MO2: Ability to apply the knowledge on AC breakdown knowledge
studied in the previous semester.
MO3: Ability to perform analysis on the AC breakdown
phenomenon.

1. Perform the tasks as given/instructed in the lab module.

Instructions:
2. Submit the report in a group.

1. No food or drink is allowed in the lab unless food or drinks are

provided as a part of the lab.
Safety 2. Shoes must be worn in the lab.
Instructions:
3. Please ensure all the diagram connections are checked or
approved by the instructor/assistant engineer before running the
experiment.
4. Always bring a test pen during laboratory sessions.

2
1. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

1. Introduction

In High Voltage Engineering applications, the dielectrics also known as electrical insulators can be
categorized as either gas/vacuum, liquid and solid insulations. High-pressure gas also provides a
flexible and reliable medium for high-voltage insulation. The high-pressure gases suitable for
insulation are Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), Nitrogen (N2), Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Freon (CCl2F2).
Vacuum is the best insulator with a dielectric strength of up to 1012 V/cm limited by emission from the
electrode surfaces. Under high vacuum conditions, the breakdown cannot occur due to collisional
processes as in gases; hence, the strength is quite high. Vacuum insulation is used in particle
accelerators, X-ray and field emission tubes, electron microscopes, capacitors, and circuit breakers.

2. PRE-LAB WORK

2.1. Explain the function of switchgear in the electrical power system.

(2 marks)

2.2. Why is it important to quench the arc that occurs in the switchgear?
(2 marks)

2.3. List and briefly explain the medium used to quench the arc in switchgear.
(6 marks)

2.4. State the type of switchgear that uses vacuum as a medium to quench the arc and explain the
operation of this switchgear.
(5 marks)

3
3. EXPERIMENTAL WORK

3.1 Preparing the Test Vessel DG100

Procedures

1. Turn the cap B1 to counterclockwise until the cap B1 is detached from the portion B. Refer Figure
1.1

2. Turn the locking screw A counterclockwise until the portion B can be lifted away from the test
vessel assembly.

3. Properly place portion B on a flat surface that will not cause scratch to the electrode C1 or
bending of the rod D as shown in Figure 1.2.

4. Wipe the interior wall of the test cell E and the electrode C2 using the designated jig ; to ensure
no moisture and oil droplets inside the test cell E. Refer Figure 1.3 and Figure 1.4.

5. Wipe portion B and the electronic rod C1 and D need to be cleaned from moisture and oil as
shown in Figure 1.5 and Figure 1.6 using the designated jig.

6. Carefully re-assemble all the detached parts of the test vessel DG100 as shown in Figure 1.7.

7. Adjust portion F to ensure the electrode C1 is aligned with the electrode C2 as shown in Figure
1.8.

8. Measure the gap between the electrodes C1 and C2 as shown in Figure 1.8. The default setting is
1.0 cm, and the gap adjustment can ONLY be carried out by the Lab Instructor.

9. Wipe the exterior part of the Test Vessel as shown in Figure 1.10

10. By using three fingers, turn the valve G in clockwise direction. Do not close the valve G too
tightly.

4
5
6
3.2 Using the Vacuum Pump (BO78R04)

Procedures

1. The connection between Test Vessel and Vacuum Pump is shown in Figure 2.1.
2. Based on Figure 2.2, turn the valve G three rounds in counterclockwise direction to flush out air
inside the Test Vessel.
3. Wait for 10 seconds and turn the valve G at the Test Valve clockwise until finger tight.
4. Turn lever I on the side of the vacuum pump to ON position (Figure 2.3) and lever H on top of the
vacuum pump to ON position (Figure 2.4).
5. Wait for 3 seconds to “flush out” air in the vacuum pump.
6. Turn lever I and lever H in sequence to OFF position.
7. Connect the Portable Vacuum Pump BO78R04 to the Test Vessel DG100 via the hose J. Ensure a
tight fitting at the hose ends.
8. Plug the electrical socket K to the wall outlet.
9. Switch ON the power supply at the vacuum pump by pressing the toggle switch L.
10. Turn the lever I to OPEN position.
11. From OFF position turn the lever H for 10 degrees only. At this moment, the pointer on meter M
will turn counterclockwise.
12. By using three fingers, turn the valve G in a counterclockwise direction. The pointer on meter M
will drop and stay at a stable position for quite some time.
13. Adjust the lever H slowly so that the pointer on the vacuum meter M starts to increase slowly.
14. When the pointer reaches -0.1 bar (which is 50% of the desired pressure), turn the valve G 1 time
in a clockwise direction.
15. When the pointer reaches -0.15 bar (the desired pressure), turn the valve G1 time in a clockwise
direction.
16. When the pointer reaches -0.2 bar (the desired pressure), turn valve G1 time in a clockwise
direction; to seal valve G.
17. Turn OFF the Valve G at the Test Vessel clockwise little by little as shown in Figure 2.6 and be
alert to close it when the Pressure Meter shows the desired value.
18. Turn off the vacuum pump by pressing toggle switch L as shown in Figure 2.7.
19. Turn lever I to OFF position.
20. Turn lever H to OFF position.
21. Disconnect the hose J from the Test Vessel as shown in Figure 2.8.
22. Turn lever H and lever I to ON position simultaneously.

7
23. Unplug the electrical socket K out from the wall socket outlet as shown in Figure 2.9.
24. Return the Vacuum Pump to its original condition and position as shown in Figure 2.10.

8
9
3.3. Discharging Using Discharge Rod

Procedures

1. The discharge rod for the AC system is shown in Figure 3.

2. The operator shall hold the rod at the end without the hook.
3. The operator shall apply safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as shown in Figure 3.1 and
Figure 3.2.
4. The operator shall handle the discharging rod at the handle end.
5. Touch the hooked end to all live parts (surface by surface) of the test circuit for discharging
process as shown in Figure 3.3.

10
6. After touching all the live parts, place the hook to attach to the component nearest to the test
transformer T100 as shown in Figure 3.4.
7. Before conducting an experiment, make sure the hook is removed from the hanging place and
put it on the rubber mat.

11
3.4. Experiment High Alternating Voltage Generation

Procedures

1. Setup the circuit as shown in Figure 4.1 The box indicated with A letter consists of measuring
circuit and the construction of the circuit is shown in Figure 4.2
2. Place the MCP 100 at the correct position as shown in Figure 4.3.
3. Remove the shorting wire for this experiment as shown in Figure 4.4. When not in use, the
MCP100 is shorted for maintaining its accuracy.
4. Use a metal rod as connector between MCP 100 and the capacitor as shown in Figure 4.4.
5. Ensure that the equipment and all metal parts in contact or slightly above the floor are properly
earthed in Figure 4.4.
6. After setting up the circuits of Figure 4 and 5, consult the instructor and check the circuits for
correct wiring of the testing circuit and earth circuit as shown in Figure 4.5. For safety precaution,
ensure that the discharge rod is connected to the earth circuit.
7. Remove the discharge rod upon completing procedure 6 as shown in Figure 4.6.
8. All personnel should leave the testing area.
9. Close the fence gate properly as shown in Figure 4.8.
10. Switch on the system by turning on key 1 once to the right (position 1) and return to vertical
(position 0) as shown in Figure 5.3. Turn on the computer by pressing power switch 2 (see Figure
6).
11. Select “EPO660” User Account WGMSWIN.

12
13
14
15
12. Once Microsoft Windows is displayed on the monitor 3 , press on the Mode PC button 4 and
Display Test button 5 on the SIMATIC PANEL.
13. Switch on the ICM compact unit 6 . Observe and record the partial discharge reading (in pC) on
the ICM compact unit 6
14. The toggle asked for save previous work, immediately click for “NO”. If click “SAVE”, it will
corrupt the system.
15. Look for the WGMSWIN icon on the desktop and double click it. The monitor screen will display
the main panel as shown in Figure 7.
16. Click on the “File” menu and then click on “Open” sub-menu. A dialog box as shown in Figure
8 will be displayed. You will be asked if you want to “Save changes to WgmsMan?”. Select “No”
to prevent the system from collapsing.
17. A directory will then appear Then go to “Local C Hard disk > Program Files HIGHVOLT >
Wgmswin > Templates > 02007 > V2.6 > Gradually Successive.xlsm” as shown in Figure 9.
18. Double-click on the “Gradually Successive” file and then at the bottom of the simulation have
toggle button then press test result as shown in Figure 10 will be displayed.

19. Fill in the Name of Operator, Date, Test Object, Number of experiments for reference and also
Remarks to labeled as a name of experiment.
20. Before running the experiment, setting the simulation and set the parameter is mandatory refer
table 1 for the value.
21. Click Test Setting tab at the bottom of the page and the page will come up as the Figure 11
22. Click the “Settings” button on the left-hand side of the panel. A sub-panel as shown in Figure 5.4
will be displayed.
23. Click on the “Limits” tab and the sub-panel will display as shown in Figure 5.5. Set the “voltage
limit”, i.e. the maximum voltage to be tested. The current limit and current comparator limit are
to be left as displayed.
24. Click on the “WBG Settings” tab and the sub-panel will display as shown in Figure 5.6. Set the
parameters as instructed in Table 1.
25. Click on the “Climate Conditions” tab. Select the “AC” option as shown in Figure 5.7. Keep the
other data and parameters as displayed.
26. Click on the “OK” button. The sub-panel will disappear, leaving only the main panel being
displayed. Observe that the parameters on the top side of the panel are automatically set. Check
that the “Switch on Ready” is displayed.

16
27. Click on the “Ready ON” button (bottom left-hand side of the main panel). “Ready ON” button
and “Operate ON” button will illuminate. The warning beacons on the fence will be flashing with
red light as shown in Figure 5.8.
28. Click on the “Operate ON” button (bottom left-hand side of the main panel). “Operate ON”
button will illuminate.
29. Observe and record the reading displayed on the ICM Compact unit 6 (Figure 6).
30. Give warning by sounding the horn (XXX) or call-out, “Attention! Switch on!”. Ensure that there
are no personnel in the testing area (within the fence).
31. Click on the “START” button (bottom right-hand side of the main panel.
32. The main panel will display the progress of test voltage. Observe that the Actual Voltage may be
slightly different from the Setting Voltage (on the top side of the panel). Record both values.
33. Observe and record the reading displayed on the ICM compact unit 6 from time to time.
34. This step No. 35 and 36 may be repeated for several values of test voltage. At each value of test
voltage, record the Actual Voltage and Setting Voltage. Also, record the reading displayed on
the ICM compact unit 6.
35. After the test has been completed, click on the “Operate OFF” button and then the “Ready OFF”
button.
36. Open the gate of the fence as shown in Figure 5.9.
37. Contact the discharge rod to the circuit. Faithfully observe the method of discharging as taught
by the instructor. Leave the discharge rod in contact with the testing circuit as shown in Figure
5.10.
38. After completing the experiment, remove the MCP100 from the circuit and re-attached the
shorting wire for safe keeping.

17
18
19
Figure 5.6

20
21
3.5. Experiment One Minute Power Frequency Test

Procedures

1. Setup the circuit as shown in Figure 12. The Test Vessel is to be placed as the Test Object. The
setup must be made within the testing (fenced) area.
2. Ensure that the discharge rod is connected to the earth circuit.
3. The measuring circuit is shown as crossed box in Figure 12. For details of the circuit, refer to
Figure 13.
4. Ensure that the equipment and all metal parts in contact and properly earthed.
5. After setting up the circuits of Figure 12 and 13, consult the instructor and together check the
circuits for correct wiring of the testing circuit and earth circuit.
6. Once the correct wiring is confirmed, remove the discharge rod.
7. Leave the testing area and head for the Control Measuring and Automatization System (see
Figure 14).
8. Ensure that there are no personnel in the testing area (within the fence).
9. Ensure that there is no discharge rod in contact (electrically or mechanically) with the test circuit.
10. Close the fence gate properly.
11. Switch on the system by turning on the key 1 once to the right (position 1) and return to vertical
(position 0). Turn on the computer by pressing power switch 2 . (See Figure 14).
12. Once Microsoft Windows is displayed on the monitor 3 ,press on the Mode PC button 4 and
Display Test button 5 on the SIMATIC PANEL.
13. Look for the WGMSWIN icon on the desktop and double click it. The monitor screen will display
the main panel as shown in Figure 15.
14. Click on the “File” menu and then click on “Open” sub-menu. A dialog box as shown in Figure
14 will be displayed. You will be asked if you want to “Save changes to WgmsMan?”. Select
“NO”.
15. Then go to “Local C Hard disk > Program Files > HIGHVOLT >Wgmswin > Templates > 02007
> V2.6 > Gradually Successive.xlsm”.
16. Double click on the “Gradually Successive.xlsm” file and the panel will be displayed as shown
in Figure 16.
17. Move the cursor onto the cell with dark borders (below the Disruptive voltage at gradually
successive voltage) and click the mouse’s left button. A sub-panel will appear as shown in Figure
17.

22
23
24
25
18. In this experiment, set the parameters according to the data in Table 3. After all the parameters
have been confirmed, click on the “OK” button.

Table 3: Parameters to be set.

Voltage Stress
Limit voltage [kV]: 40 Tolerance of step voltage [%]: 2
Final voltage [kV]: 30 No. of cycles: <5
Start voltage [kV]: 5 Duration of step: 00:01:00
Step voltage [kV]: 1 Break duration: 00:00:05
Rate of voltage rise [kV/s]: 3

19. Click on the “Test Results” tab of the Page menu (at the bottom of the panel). The panel will
appear as shown in Figure18.
20. Enter the operator’s name, date of experiment conducted, name of test object, test number and
remarks (if any) on the “Test Results” page.
21. Click on the “Ready ON” button (bottom left-hand side of the main panel). “Ready ON” button and
“Operate OFF” button will illuminate. The warning beacons on the fence will be turning with red
light. Check that the Indicator Bar displays “Switch on Operate”.
22. Click on the “Operate ON” button (bottom left-hand side of the main panel). “Operate ON”
button will illuminate. Check that the Indicator Bar displays “Ready”.

26
23. Give warning by call-out, “Attention! Switch on!” Ensure that there is no personnel in the testing
area (within the fence).
24. Click on the “START” button (bottom right-hand side of the main panel).
25. The operator should give warning by call-out/countdown the Actual Test Time once the main
panel displayed the progress of test voltage.
26. Observe and record the Actual Voltage on the SIMATIC PANEL.
27. Observe and record the Partial Discharge on the ICM Compact unit.
28. Once the breakdown voltage is reached, the profile of the voltage will drop to zero. The main
panel will display Actual Time Test (on the top side of the panel) as “00:00:XX”.
29. Click on the “Operate OFF” button and then the “Ready OFF” button.
30. Repeat step 24 through 32 to complete the no. of cycles set in Table 3.
31. Click “File” on the menu bar and then click “Save As”. Then go to “Desktop” icon, click on the
“EPO660_TEST_RESULTS” folder. Name the fiIe as “Gradually Successive.xlsm where XX is
the operator’s group number and YY is the test number.
32. Click “File” on the menu bar and then click “Close”. You will be asked if you want to “Save
changes to “Gradually Successive?”. Select “No”.
33. Open the gate of the fence.
34. Perform discharging with the discharge rod and leave the discharge rod in contact with the
component nearest to the test transformer T100.
35. Setup the Test Vessel for a vacuum pressure of -0.4 bar.
36. Repeat steps 14 through 37 until the vacuum pressure of the test vessel reach -1.0 bar.
37. Copy all results in a folder and download to a pen drive.

4. RESULTS

Student should include the findings such as completed the tables and presented the graphs of
Experiment 3.4 and 3.5

Experiment 3.4

1. Observe and record the Actual Voltage on the SIMATIC PANEL.

2. Observe and record the Partial Discharge on the ICM Compact unit.

27
 Table 1.1
Partial Discharge
Setting Voltage (kV) Actual Voltage (kV)
(Coulomb)
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Experiment 3.5

1. Observe and record the Actual Voltage on the SIMATIC PANEL.

2. Observe and record the Partial Discharge on the ICM Compact unit.

3. Observe and record item No.1 and 2 at different vacuum pressure (-0.2 bar, -0.4 bar, -0.6 bar, -
0.8 bar and -1.0 bar)

Table 1.2: (Pressure: -0.2 bar)

Partial Discharge
Setting Voltage (kV) Actual Voltage (kV)
(Coulomb)
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

4. Plot the graph of breakdown voltage versus vacuum pressure.

28
5. DISCUSSIONS
5.1 Based on Experiment 1, the maximum setting voltage has been set to 20kV with a test object of
MCP100 (Standard Capacitor). Why did the breakdown occur at a setting voltage of 20kV?
(3 marks)
5.2 What types of ‘Law’ for breakdown in gases that involved in Experiment 2?
(2 marks)
5.3 Explain the working principle of law stated in answer (4.2) with a necessary diagram and
equation.
(10 marks)
5.4 Explain two methods that can been used in this experiment to generate High AC Voltage.
(10 marks)
5.5 Based on the experiment, the breakdown occurs in non-uniform electric field. Hence, explain the
form of the discharge occurs between the two electrodes with a necessary diagram.
(7 marks)
5.6 Explain the process of Electron Avalanche in gaseous insulator with a necessary diagram.
(8 marks)

6. QUIZ
6.1. High voltage engineering is a requirement for electrical engineering students as it has many
practical applications. Give three (3) modes of high voltage applications.
(3 marks)
6.2. Differentiate between an insulator and a conductor by showing their energy band diagram.
(4 marks)

6.3. Define the terms of dielectric strength and electric field stress.
(3 marks)

7. CONCLUSION
Conclude in detail the findings and the outcomes of this experiment. This should include the summary
of knowledge gained, comments and discussion of the results, errors and their possible sources and
how this experiment can be improved.

8. REFERENCES
1. Naidu M.S. and Kamaraju V., High Voltage Engineering 2nd ed, Tata McGraw-Hill Publ. Co.,
Ltd., New Delhi, 1996.
2. J. R. Lucas, High Voltage Engineering, 2001
3. E. Kuffel, W.S. Zaengl and J. Kuffel, High Voltage Engineering: Fundamentals, 2nd, Newness,
2000, ISBN: 8181477367

END

29