Measurement and Analysis of Partial Discharge in Switchgear

Claude Kane Igor Blokhintsev Alexander Golubev

Predictive Diagnostics of Eaton Predictive Diagnostics of Eaton Predictive Diagnostics of Eaton
Electrical Electrical Electrical
5421 Feltl Road 5421 Feltl Road 5421 Feltl Road
Suite 190 Suite 190 Suite 190
Minnetonka, MN 55436 Minnetonka, MN 55436 Minnetonka, MN 55436
ClaudeKane(d,eaton.com IgorBlokhintsevWeaton.com AlexanderGolubev@eaton.com

Abstract: Partial discharge technology has been applied to * Maintenance Options

medium voltage rotating machines for many years. This
technology can now be applied to support on-line diagnostics of
medium voltage switchgear assemblies. Partial discharge sensors
have been developed, with calibration both in the factory-test
floor environment, as well as in the field under normal operating
conditions. The application of partial discharge measurement
technology to MV switchgear will be presented, with actual
examples of pending failures, which were identified by on-line
partial discharge measurements. This application of partial
discharge technology can greatly aid in the day-to-day reliability
and life-extension of the medium voltage electrical power
substation assemblies.
INTRODUCTION
* How the continuous monitoring of partial discharges can
overcome these major maintenance deficiencies.
TRADITIONAL METHODS
Traditionally, PD tests have been performed on a periodic
basis, approximately every 6 to 12 months. However, most
standards related to the online assessment of insulation
systems recommend trending of data in order to provide the
best assessment. Setting alarms or basing judgments on PD
pulse magnitudes (Qm) alone are not sufficient. The basis for
this statement is twofold.

In today's competitive environment, increasing demands are
being placed on the management of physical assets. It has
become imperative to capitalize on advances in technology
that allow new approaches to the maintenance of these
physical assets. These include reliability-centered
maintenance, predictive diagnostics, condition monitoring and
expert systems. Concemed customers and suppliers are taking
advantage of the convergence of these new technologies to
implement proactive maintenance programs to improve the
performance and extend the life of their installed base of
equipment. In process industries, this approach has also been a
significant factor in reducing unscheduled downtime, allowing
scheduled preventive maintenance to prevail over costly
outages. Partial Discharge (PD) monitoring [1-4] has evolved
as a reliable means of determining deterioration in insulation
systems for medium voltage rotating machines and power
distribution equipment. This technology has proven very
effective when used on systems applied at 4000 volts and
above.
This paper explores the following as they apply to medium
voltage switchgear:
* Reliability and Failure Statistics
* Why the Main Bus is not inspected and tested
* Several case studies of observed MV switchgear bus
failure modes will be presented The recommendations of
the various maintenance guidelines
1) No standard exists that clearly defines what magnitude of
PD activity is considered "good" or "bad". Some suppliers
of PD technology have published data in an attempt to get
to this point, but the data is conflicting, and thus
controversial. Some of the variables that exist in field
measurement of PD activity include:
a) Lack of calibration. - No calibration of the system
has been performed. Many less than ideal
installations of coupling capacitors at the line
terminals of motors and generators have been
observed. The high frequency signals produced by a
PD event attenuate quickly as the traveling wave
moves through a winding. In order for the PD signal
to properly propagate, a low inductive circuit is
required. Unless calibration has been performed on
each and every machine, comparison of absolute
values of Qm is not valid.
b) In many cases, a pulse count is much more important
than magnitude. In order to choose the proper
parameters to monitor, we recommended following
any of the key standards related to making PD
measurements found within IEEE and IEC. We also
recommend that PD power or PD Intensity be the key
factor to monitor since they take into account both
magnitude and pulse count.
c) Trending is the key factor in determining the
condition of an insulation system. A low level of PD

0-7803-9145-4/05/$20.00 C2005 IEEE

203
 increasing quickly will signify a major defect, while a switchgear bus, some plants may apply a high-potential test
high level of PD that is stable indicates there is a occasionally, but for the most part, specifically the MV line-
major defect, but it is not getting worse. A generally side bus that runs the length of the gear is not inspected nor
accepted "rule of thumb" in the PD industry is that a provided any level of maintenance or testing. This is further
doubling of PD levels in six months will indicate the discussed in the next section.
insulation is in poor condition and is quickly
deteriorating.
2) There are several external factors that may significantly
affect partial discharge. The most important are voltage,
temperature, humidity or absolute moisture in the air or
insulating fluid, load current and hydrogen pressure.
Neglecting these factors may produce incorrect diagnostic N~~~~~~~~~~% 9
conclusions resulting in missing a problem or producing a
false alarm. In addition, correlating PD characteristics to
these factors frequently provides valuable information
that allows one to further discriminate the type of PD
failure mechanism and to plan more appropriate
corrective action. _ ,.O7 P_ mw, Swalearo. ca. c.d. .33 .* ew *.. X.
b"O*7T_w _ n .JW T_
hi~~~3
_ n

RELIABILTY AND FAILURE STATISTICS Figure 1 - Average Downtime Hours per Year by Equipment Type
The IEEE Standard 493-1997, IEEE Recommended Practice
for Design of Reliable Industrial and Commercial Power WHY THE MAIN BUS IS NOT INSPECTED
Systems - Gold Book completed end-user surveys over two OR TESTED
time periods. This data is relatively old, but at the same time it
does represent the majority of existing medium voltage
electrical equipment in service today. [1]. Table I and Figure There are many reasons why the main bus of MV switchgear
I show the comparable hours of downtime per year of a is not inspected nor tested. Listed are some typical plant
variety of industrial equipment. conditions.
* No redundancy built into the overall plant system to allow
for outages of the main MV switchgear bus.
Table 1 * Complete outage may be required to test MV switchgear
Failure Rates and Average Downtime per Year for line-side bus, and this is unacceptable in most cases, even
Common Industrial Electrical Equipment during outages since power is required for other
IEEE Standard 493-1997 Avg. maintenance activity throughout the plant.
All Industry Failure Avg. Downtime * Plants do not view bus as an active piece of equipment
Equipment Type RateNYear Hours/Outage Hours/Year
Swltchgear - Bus Only7 Sections 0.0119 261 21.7413 like a transformer or circuit breaker.
Large Power Transformers 0.013 1076 13.988 * And probably most importantly, this can be costly and
MV Synchronous Motors 0.0318 175 5.565
MV Induction Motors 0.0404 76 3.0704 time consuming to remove covers and inspect all the
Cables (Below Grade) .3000 feet 0.00613 53 0.97467 joints as compared to testing a breaker or transformer.
Cable TerrninatIons (3) 0.000814 284 0.693528 Basically, a complete visual inspection of non-segregated
Small Power Transformers 0.0025 217 0.5425
MV Circuit Breakers 0 0064 89.3 0.57152 bus duct is sometimes practically impossible without a
Bus Duct - 30 feet 0.0038 128 0.4864 substantial outage and extensive labor to remove many
panels.
We note that transformers are identified as highly critical
assets and we also know from experience that much Due to the long lead time to failure of MV switchgear bus
preventive and predictive maintenance is completed on plant systems, some plants actually become complacent with the
electrical transformers. This includes ongoing inspections to minor crackling sounds they hear coming from their
predictive diagnostics such as dissolved gas analysis of the switchgear. To an experienced field engineer that crackling
transformer oil to complete insulation and AC testing during and the smell of ozone are obvious trouble-signs, but to some
maintenance outages. Tap changers are also serviced during less-experienced personnel this just becomes part of the
maintenance outages. [2,3]. switchgear operating characteristics.
Other items summarized in Figure 1, including cables, motors While the majority of MV switchgear bus failures are
and circuit breakers are also normally scheduled for extremely catastrophic, there is a substantial time period
maintenance inspections and testing. Concerning the between such failures, which creates a false sense of security.

204
When switchgear bus failures occur, they typically last for a
few days or longer depending on the severity of the failure.
Depending on the age of the switchgear, spare bus pieces may
not be readily available and custom manufacturing requires
additional time. In the interim, cable bypasses are usually
applied, which is labor intensive and this requires a second
complete outage to restore the damage bus and insulation with
permanent replacement equipment.
It has been observed by the authors and other contributors to
this paper that in many cases a short final bridging of medium
voltage to ground can have devastating effects. Part of this is
due to the ionization of the air within the switchgear bus
compartment after the arc is initiated. This ionized air
becomes a conductor without any additional help from
contamination or conductive paths to ground. The ionized air
will continue to bridge other areas of MV voltage to ground.
Another factor is the inherent air-gaps which were part of the
design of early MV switchgear systems. These air-gaps
resulted in high potential stresses, which caused partial
discharges across the air-gaps and resulted in insulation
deterioration until eventual failure if not detected by a visual
inspection.
For example, older MV switchgear intemal bus consisted of
squared-copper bar, within an insulation sleeve. This sleeve
then penetrated the switchgear cells through a surrounding
insulating support barrier. This design contains small air gaps,
or voids, between the copper bar and the insulation sleeve, and
between the insulation sleeve and the support barrier [4]. This
is illustrated in Figure 6 and by the actual observed corona at
these air-gaps in Figure 7.
This sense of security with the low failure rate on MV
switchgear bus systems can be deceiving. For switchgear
systems ten years or older, we most often find signs of partial
discharges or corona during detailed inspections or during bus
change-outs or upgrades. By the time the switchgear reaches
twenty to thirty years in life, it is very common to find pitting,
active tracking and treeing within the bus supports.
Additionally, one of the weakest points within the MV
switchgear are the rear compartment barriers of draw-out type
Potential Transformers (PT) or Control Power Transformer
(CPT) drawers. Under normal conditions these deteriorating
components may holdup but if system conditions or
environmental conditions were to change they may result in
immediate catastrophic failures.
205
CASE STUDIES
Case I Medium Voltage Switchgear
- -
Paper Mill
This case study is based on making periodic PD measurements
on a lineup of 13.8 kV switchgear, consisting of 21 cubicles.
The switchgear was approximately eight years old. Since
installation, no outage was taken for testing and maintenance
due to budgets and production constraints. At the time of
measurement, no permanent PD sensors were installed in the
switchgear. Therefore, temporary Radio Frequency Voltage
Sensors (RFVS) sensors were installed in each cubicles
current transformer (CT) circuit. This sensor uses the natural
capacitance between the CT and the main bus which couples
the high frequency signal generated by a PD event to the
secondary winding of the CT. The data was collected using a
commercially available partial discharge analyzer.
Little to no PD was detected until testing cubicle 13. Cubicle
13 showed definite signs of significant PD activity. The
cubicle is a bus tie breaker feeding a current limiting reactor.
On August 13th 2003 there was approximately 1,000 amps of
load current flowing through the tie connection. In making
confirmation tests on the following day, approximately 100
amps were flowing. Significant changes in PD activity were
noted between the two days. Tests performed on the second
day showed considerably lower PD activity than the previous
day. This is shown in the bar charts in Figure 2. The bottom
chart compares the number of pulses occurring per cycle while
the top chart compares the Partial Discharge Intensity (PDI).
PDI is a calculated value of the amount of energy in the
discharges in milliwatts.
25- PD Intensity (mWj
10-
5-
0-
CT3j.3
l.o- Pulse Repetition RoteapUlses per 60Hz cycle)
125-
75-
50-
0-
Qgs
,
302n34a22 0.14.2h30:37
Figure 2 Comparison of PD activity in Cubicle 13 on subsequent
-
days
Upon inspection of the switchgear, the defect shown in Figure.
3 was observed. The problem was a result of improper
placement of a current transformer. One can also observe the
early stages of a defect developing on the middle phase.
Although only two tests were performed it is evident that load activity ceased. This is the time period when the ultrasonic
(most likely temperature) caused the variation on PD activity inspection was performed.
by four to five times.

(a)

Figure 3 Defects found in cubicle 13. Improper placement of CT

During repairs were made. The

the next available outage
cause misalignment was due to improper placement of
for the
the supporting brackets that secure the CT. They were
installed upside down at the factory. During 2003 and 2004,

permanent PD sensors were retrofitted into theswitchgear and

are now connected to a continuous partial discharge monitor. Figure 5 PD distribution of all channels (a) 7:00 in the morning
-

and (b) 1:00 in the afternoon

Case 2 Medium Voltage Switchgear Figure 6 shows the results of what was found during the visual
Steel Mill inspection. Although evidence of PD was found, they
switchgear was far from having a failure. Use of ultrasonic
This case study
on a lineup of 13.8 kV switchgear that has a
is
detection equipment in an attempt to locate defects is a valid
continuous monitoring system installed.
PD The system
technology, but one must make sure the PD sites are active at
consists of multiple sets of 80 pF coupling capacitors (one set
the time of tests.
per three cubicles) and a 15 channel PD monitor. One PD
monitor can monitor 15 cubicles of switchgear. Figure 4
shows the long term trend on one of the channels.

~14
j as~
Figure 6 Results of visual inspection at one location
-

M*0W ApOI M404 Jw,Oq J,i#A 490 SepHt OdOl IbWO DWO JeW F*06

Case 3 Medium Voltage Switchgear

Figure 4 Partial Discharge Intensity (PDI) trend from one channel
-
of the PD monitor
In general the trend was downward and not near any alarm
levels. The data was reviewed and advice was given to leave
the equipment in service. Due to many past switchgear
failures before the PD monitoring was implemented, plant
personnel were nervous and planned an outage. However,
prior to the outage an ultrasonic inspection was performed on
January 21, 2005. Figure 5a shows the PD distribution on all
15 channels at 7:00 in the morning on the day of the
- -
Steel Mill
This steel mill has a continuous PD monitor on the main
switchgear feeding a key process area. The contract for
remote monitoring of the gear had expired in December 2003
and not been renewed. No one at the facility picked up the
responsibility for reviewing the data stored by the monitor nor
were the alarm contacts connected to a plant
control/monitoring system.

inspection and Figure Sb shows the PD distribution six hours

later. Sometime between 0700 and 1300 hours, the PD At 4:35 in the morning on January 2, 2005 the switchgear bus
differential relays tripped the gear offline and shutdown

206
production. A quick visual inspection and insulation
resistance tests were performed. No abnormal conditions were
found and the gear was placed back into service around 6:00
that same morning.
After the trip, the most recent stored data from the monitor
was uploaded and reviewed. Figure 7 shows the long term
trend of PD activity from cubicle I of the lineup. The lower
horizontal line represents the HI alarm point and the upper
horizontal line represents the HI-HI alarm point.
Figure 7 - Long term trend of PDI on channel I of PD monitor
As can be seen both alarm points were activated several times
over a period of months. Figure 8 zooms in to the dates
surrounding the day of the trip.
Figure 8 - PD activity surrounding date of trip
Four hours later after re-energization, the PD level was still
nearly at the HI-HI alarm point. On the following day, an
ultrasonic test was performned on the gear and no problems
were found. In reviewing Figure 8, it can be seen that on
January 3d, the PD site was not active. Using ultrasonic
equipment can be beneficial in locating a defect, if the defect
is active at the time of the test.
Figure 9 - Results of further inspection after detailed review of the
data. The picture on the right shows the most likely location of the
fault that caused the trip.
In taking a detailed look at the data and reviewing the phase
resolved fingerprints, it was recommended that the client take
207
a closer look in Cubicle I on B phase. A planned outage was
taken for a detailed inspection and Figure 9 shows what was
found. One can see in the picture on the right where there was
an arc to ground and the most likely location of the fault that
caused the trip.
Case 4- Medium Voltage Switchgear -
Defense Contractor
Now Da: J. Fob M. APf MN J_ J AD Sep Od
- Cr_a0 .poDln,
Figure 10 shows the partial discharge growth from one
channel of the PD monitor. Here the PD had started to
accelerate in the months from May to August and showed a
rapid increase in September. The partial discharges are
detected with permanently mounted sensors within the MV
switchgear. The sensors can be added during a scheduled
outage to provide ongoing continuous monitoring.
Figure 10 - Long Term PD activity from one channel of a PD
monitor. Note fast growth in September.
At this time, an outage was scheduled and the severe damage
illustrated in Figure 11 was identified.
Figure II - Results of inspection during outage
A continuous partial discharge monitoring allows for ongoing
monitoring with multiple rate-of-rise, low and high partial
discharge alarm set-points as well as remote diagnostics and
analysis.
Sensors are not required in every cubicle, but placing sensors
only at the ends of the switchgear bus has proven to be not
effective due to the attenuation of the partial discharge signals.
DISCUSSION ON SIGNAL ATTENUATION
AND TIME OF ARRIVAL PRINCIPALS IN
SWITCHGEAR
The writers have extensive experience in the measurement and
monitoring of PD activity in switchgear. A great deal of
laboratory and field research has been performed on a variety
of switchgear over the past 10 years. This includes calibration
and attenuation tests on switchgear in operating plants as well
as on manufacturers' assembly floors.
Some PD vendors are suggesting the use of only two sets of
coupling capacitors per lineup of gear with one set at each end
of the main bus. Then by using time of arrival principals ofthe
PD traveling wave, they will be able to determine the location
of the defect. In principle the theory is sound, but in actual
applications it is not effective.
As a PD pulse travels along a conductor, the pulse quickly
attenuates. It loses magnitude and its higher frequencies. In
switchgear there are many "T" connections tapping off the
main bus. The PD energy will split at each junction based on
the overall surge impedance of the system. Figure 12 shows
an ideal situation, with no reflection at the connections and
equal surge impedances (Z).
V2
P =1/2
V2 \
I.
z
p=
z Therefore if there is a 50 mV signal at the origin, C2 would
v2
P=1/2
z discrimination).
Figure 12 - Ideal scenario how PD energy will split at a "T'
connection
As the PD pulse travels from the left to right the Power (P)
will equally split at the "T" connection. The magnitude of the
pulse in Volts (V) after the "T" Connection will them be equal
to the or 0.707 or 70.7% of the original magnitude.
In actual practice, there are reflections and not all surge
impedances will be equal. The writers' experience has
demonstrated that the average attenuation factor for
switchgear to be in the range of 0.5 to 0.7 per cubicle or single
structure based on making measurements in the 1 to 20 MHz
bandwidth. If a higher bandwidth is utilized for measurements
the attention factors will be even greater.
208
Let us review how a time of arrival system will respond
assuming a normal Main - Tie - Main configuration with 8
structures per half as shown in Figure 13.
as :1 C]
1 IL±J
1 2
m 0 o 0
'I
4
Figure 13 - Common Main - Tie - Main configuration with
eight structures
This situation has one set of capacitors locate at position Cl
and another set at position C2 on the main bus. Assuming
there is a defect at location 1 that causes a PD pulse to occur.
C1 will detect that signal and trigger a timer. When the pulse
reaches C2, this will stop the timer and one can determine the
time difference and thus the location. In the case of Pulse 1,
under the best of circumstances the signal will attenuate by a
factor of 0.6 (average real life attenuation factor) per "T"
connection. By the time the pulse reaches C2 it will have a
magnitude of 0.028 of the original pulse. Although there are
many cases where high magnitude defects are detected, there
are just as many cases where there are low magnitude, high
pulse count defects. There have been many documented
pending failures of switchgear that have magnitudes in the
order of 20 - 50 mV, with a pulse count greater than 5,000
pulses per second.
see a magnitude at best of around 1.4 mV, which is highly
unlikely to be of large enough magnitude to stop the timer.
Also, the pulse shape would be so distorted; many systems
would not detect the pulse since the pulse rise time would be
in excess of six nanoseconds (common cut-off point for
Experience has taught that pulse count and partial discharge
intensity (PDI), which is the amount of energy in the pulse, to
be a more effective parameter to trend than pulse magnitude.
In the case of Pulse 2 and 3, the time of arrival system cannot
differentiate between the locations of the two defects. If the
defect is at location 4, the average total attenuation at the
sensors will be 13%. With a 20 mV signal (actual case that
was close to failure) the magnitude would be around 2.6 mV,
which is far below the threshold required to reliably trigger the
timers or even be detectable since the pulse rise time would be
in the order of 10 - 20 ns.

PLACEMENT OF AND HOW MANY
SENSORS ARE REQUIRED
Through the extensive experienced gained in the industrial
environment, it has been determined that a set of coupling
capacitors should be placed every three cubicles. For an eight
cubicle layout as shown in Figure 14, it is suggested that one
set of capacitors be located in Cubicles 2, 5 and 8 (counting
from the left).
Zone o Sensitivity
/ line testing which may incorporate time of arrival
Sensors
Figure 14 - Recommended location of sensors for eight cubicles and
approximate "Zone of Sensitivity".
Figure 14 also shows the relative "Zone of Sensitivity" for
each set of sensors. The sensors are common located in the
termination area of the feeder compartments. Ideally
mounting the sensors on the main bus is preferred, but space is
at a premium and many times is inaccessible. Figure 15
shows pictures of two common mounting methods.
Figure 15 - Common methods of sensor installation
Figure 16 shows PD levels in a 16 cubicle lineup of
switchgear that has sensors installed in nearly every cell. As * of
can be seen there was very little PD measured at the end
cubicles, whereas substantial PD activity existed at cubicles 8
and 9. The proper allocation of PD sensors throughout the * Remote diagnosticscontaining
entire line-up ensures full coverage of any potential PD
activity.
PD Power
E~~~~~~~~~~~
E~~~~~ 5X i 5
Figure 16 - PD levels distribution with sensors in every cell of a 16
structure system
The main purpose of a continuous PD monitoring system is to
alert the end user that they have a pending problem and to
provide some historical data to assist in the diagnosis. Beyond
that, an expert should be dispatched to perform additional on
measurements using temporary sensors in every structure, use
of ultrasonic equipment or simply pulling out a Potential
Transformer drawer.
A central partial discharge monitor can normally obtain data
from fifteen (15) individual PD sensors, as well as monitor
other parameters such as humidity, temperature and load
currents. These parameters have been shown to greatly help
pinpoint the cause of partial discharge activity and help
provide immediate recommendations for investigation and
correction. The continuous monitor can provide high and high-
high alarm contacts for local indication as well as RS485
remote connection for remote monitoring and analysis.
SUMMARY
The implementation of continuous partial discharge
monitoring has been successfully applied to MV switchgear.
This technology also provides a method to properly address
the long-standing maintenance requirements of MV
switchgear bus. This technology was previously been
employed on MV generators and motors in utility generation
stations. The expansion of this technology to MV Switchgear
Bus provides the following system improvements are:
* Reliability improvements via predictive maintenance at
actual operating voltages.
* Reduced number of unexpected outages.
* Improved outage planning and allocation of limited
outage resources to investigate potential areas of
excessive bus insulation deterioration without inspection
entire switchgear bus.
Older switchgear designs can be retrofitted to include
continuous partial discharge monitoring as well as new
switchgear systems
provides
continuous monitoring.
imnmediate expert support
for analysis and corrective actions
* Improvements in personnel safety due to diagnostics
without access to energized equipment and reduction of
the use of high voltage test equipment to simulate
209
 operating voltages. Regardless of the preventive or company is now a subsidiary of Cutler-Hammer. He develops new
predictive test methods, safety concems should always be technologies for on-line monitoring and diagnostics of high voltage
given the highest priority and checked prior to any electrical equipment and provides on-site expert evaluations of
actions. equipment condition for electric utilities and industrial customers.
Igor Blokhintsev received his MD in both Mathematics and Physics
Also reviewed were the issues related to PD signal attenuation from the Moscow State University, Russia. Mr. Blokhintsev has
and using time of arrival principles from a PD monitor as a extensive experience in research and design for space exploration
method of defect location. It is evident that multiple sets of applications. Since 1995 he has devoted his efforts to the field of
sensors need to be installed in order to provide appropriate diagnosis of High Voltage apparatus through Partial Discharge
detection of pending defects. analysis initially as a field engineer, then as an expert in this field and
a designer of the new diagnostic technologies. Currently he holds the
REFERENCES position of a Senior Engineer with Cutler-Hammer Predictive
Diagnostics, a department of Cutler-Hammer Engineering Services.
He has over 40 publications.
[I] IEEE Standard 493-1997, IEEE Recommended Practice for
Design of Reliable Industrial and Commercial Power Systems - Gold
Book, IEEE Inc., New York, NY, 1998.
[21 Moubray, J, Reliability Centered Maintenance, 2nd Edition,
Industrial Press Inc, New York, NY,1997-Appendix 4
[31 P. Gill, Electrical Power Eguipment Maintenance and Testing,
Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, NY, 1998
[41 Paoletti, G, Blokhintsev, I, Golubev, A., "On-Line Condition
Assessment of MV Electrical Switchgear and Ancillary Equipment
via Partial Discharge Technology", EPRI 9th Annual Substation
Conference, New Orleans, Feb. 2000
[5] James E. Smith, "Corona (Partial Discharge) Testing of Metalclad
Switchgear", The Association of Professional Engineers of the
Province of Ontario, 1985
[6] Paoletti et al, The Most Ignored Maintenance Electrical Item in
the Plant Power Distribution System and Practical Solutions, PIC -
Europe, August 2005, Basil Switzerland

VITA
Claude Kane has nearly 30 years of experience in the installation
and preventive and predictive maintenance practices on a large
variety of power distribution and generation equipment. He
graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering in February
1973. He started with Westinghouse as a field service engineer and
has held a number of technical and management positions. He has
presented numerous technical papers on the subject of partial
discharge at numerous IEEE conferences. He also was on the
committee for the development of the IEEE Guidelines for the
Measurement and Analysis of Partial Discharge on Rotating
Equipment (P-1434). Claude has recently joined Eaton Electrical and
is the Engineering Manager for the Eaton Electrical Predictive
Diagnostics Group, based in Minneapolis, MN.
Dr. Alexander Golubev received his MS in Experimental Physics
and Ph.D. in Physics and Mathematics from the Moscow Physical
Technical Institute (Russia) in 1978 and 1985, respectively. He has
an extensive experience in research and design in Laser and Electron
Beam Generation, Plasma Coatings, High Frequency Measurements.
Since 1995 he is a Manager of R&D Engineering of IPDD. This

210