0000000000004841
AUTHOR
A. Imburgia
showing 30 related works from this author
Partial discharge detection and localization along medium voltage cables
2017
In the last years different partial discharge (PD) measuring techniques have been developed because PD diagnostic is the most widely tool to evaluate the insulation condition of a power cable. Recently non-conventional methods and sensors have been used in order to reach improved results in PD measurements. The purpose of this work is to perform measurements that allow to study the variation of pulses when they travel along a MV cable and to locate the pulse source through the time arrival difference of the pulses obtained from two sensors installed separately.
Effect of Acoustic Wave Reflections on Space Charge Measurements with PEA Method
2018
The Pulsed Electro-Acoustic (PEA) method is the most used technique for space charge detection in solid dielectrics. The methodology is largely employed in the field of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission and is based on the detection of acoustic waves generated by charges vibration. One of the most common problems arising during the detection is the presence of multiple reflections taking place due to the presence of means discontinuity in the different PEA cell components. This reflection phenomenon, if not well taken into account, could cause incorrect interpretation of the PEA output signal. It is easy to understand that a simulation model is a basic tool to understand the w…
Partial Discharge Detection Using a Spherical Electromagnetic Sensor
2019
The presence of a partial discharge phenomenon in an electrical apparatus is a warning signal that could determine the failure of the insulation system, terminating the service of the apparatus and/or the network. In this paper, an innovative partial discharge (PD) measurement instrument based on an antenna sensor is presented and analyzed. Being non-intrusive is one of the most relevant features of the sensor. The frequency response of the antenna sensor and the features to recognize different PD sources and automatically synchronize them with the supply voltage are described and discussed in details. The results show the performance of the instrument can make a fast and correct diagnosis …
Experimental investigation on different rainfall energy harvesting structures
2018
In this paper proposes an experimental comparison between different rainfall harvesting devices and the study of the corresponding electrical rectifying circuit. More in detail, three harvesting structures are considered: the cantilever, the bridge and the floating circle. For each of the proposed structure, different waveforms have been acquired and discussed. The processed data have been compared in order to suggest the best choice for the rectifying circuit, from the simplest one to the most endorsed in the technical literature.
Space charge behavior of different insulating materials employed in AC and DC cable systems
2017
In this work, the space charge accumulation in three different XLPE based material has been carried out by using the PEA (Pulsed Electro-Acoustic) method. The specimens provided by a cables industry have been subjected to the same DC stress during polarization time at environment temperature. Afterwards, the high voltage generator has been turned off and the amount residual charge has been evaluated. The space charge profiles during polarization and depolarization have been carried out and compared. Finally, the distribution of electric field within the samples has been reported. In particular, the maximum distortion of electric field has been calculated by taking into account the distribut…
Finite-Difference Time-Domain Simulation of Tower and Grounding Subjected to Lightning
2015
In this paper the behavior of a tower and its grounding system, subjected to a lightning, is faced. Finite difference time domain (FDTD) method has been chosen in order to study the non-linear time domain behavior of the system. The electromagnetic problem has been described by using two type of first order time derivative equations: Maxwell's equations and Telegraph equations. Aim of this work is to evaluate the possibility of a flashover between tower and power line, by considering different cases of study.
Partial discharges characteristics during load transients in an HVDC model cable
2021
The occurrence of Partial Discharges (PD) in HVAC cables is widespread considered as one of the most important concerns for the stability of the insulation. To date, the role of PD in the ageing and definitive fault of HVDC cables has been poorly investigated. This is mainly due to some practical difficulties in the performing of the measurements. Compared to the PDs occurring under AC stress, the higher inception voltages and the lower repetition rates, obtainable under DC voltage, make the exclusion of the measurement noise more difficult. This paper is focused on the study of the characteristics of the PDs occurring in an artificial defect located in proximity of the outer dielectric' su…
Detection of Partial Discharges at Square Shaped Voltages
2018
Due to the wide use of electronic converters and the introduction of new powerful power electronics devices, the input waveforms most often used are becoming much different than the traditional power frequent sinusoidal one. In High Voltage (HV) apparatus particularly, this condition can increase the stress on the insulation systems that may lower the reliability of the whole power grid. This type of input voltage, often showing an increased voltage gradient, causes problems in the Partial Discharge (PD) measurement setup and acquisition systems, also due to the increased harmonic content. In this paper, the main aim is to discuss how to suitably approach the measurement technique of PDs at…
Partial discharges behavior under different rectified waveforms
2017
In this work, a previous software used to simulate partial discharges (PDs) under Alternating Current (AC) stress has been modified in order to evaluate the PDs behavior under a voltage stress close to the Direct Current (DC) waveform. By using a full-wave and a half-wave rectifier, the specimen with an air void defects has been subjected to a gradual constant stress. Finally, a capacitive filter has been inserted in order to produce a steadier voltage supply. Simulation results show that under an almost DC waveform, the PDs activity become less compared to AC stress.
The Acoustic Wave Behavior Within the PEA Cell for Space Charge Measurement
2018
In order to evaluate the acoustic wave behavior within the Pulsed Electro Acoustic (PEA) cell, a simulation model has been developed in this work. The model, implemented in Matlab environment, is based on the analogy between acoustic and electrical quantities. Therefore, it was possible to model the PEA cell as cascade connected lossy transmission lines. The model has been validated theoretically by making a comparison with a simulation result found in literature. The experimental validation has also been made by using the PEA cell of the LEPRE high voltage lab. In addition, four graphs have been realized. Two of them can be used to establish in easy and fast way to obtain the minimum groun…
Different Space Charge Behavior of Materials Used in AC and DC Systems
2017
The aim of the present work is to evaluate the behavior, from the space charge accumulation phenomenon point of view, of three different XLPE specimens used as insulation materials in high voltage systems. Considering that under DC stress the charge accumulation is more relevant as compared to the AC case, in the specimens for DC applications additives are typically added. In this work, three different specimens are analyzed. One is a free additive sample used conventionally under AC stress and two others include different additives that are used under DC stress. In order to measure the space charge accumulation, the Pulsed Electro Acoustic (PEA) method has been employed. For each sample, t…
Partial Discharges Diagnostics Along Medium Voltage Cables
2018
In the last years different partial discharge (PD) measuring techniques have been developed because PD diagnostic is the most widely tool to evaluate the insulation condition of a power cable. Recently non-conventional methods and sensors have been used in order to reach improved results in PD measurements. New sensors based on wireless technology were developed in order to simplify PD measurement especially for on-line, on-site diagnosis. The purpose of this work is to perform measurements that allow to study the variation of pulses when they travel along a medium voltage cable and characterize a new smart PD source detector and locator, named Wings sensor. For these purposes, internal PD …
Contributed Review: Review of thermal methods for space charge measurement.
2016
The space charge accumulation phenomenon has garnered great interest over the last two decades because of the increased use of direct current in high voltage electrical systems. In this context, a significant relevance has been achieved by the thermal methods, used for solid dielectrics. This paper presents a review of this non-destructive measurement system used for the measurement of space charge. The thermal pulse method, the thermal step method, and the laser intensity modulation method are described. For each configuration, the principle of operation, the thicknesses analyzed, and the spatial resolution are described, reporting also the main related applications
Partial Discharge Measurements under DC Voltages Containing Harmonics Produced by Power Electronic Devices
2018
Partial Discharge (PD) monitoring is one of the main diagnostic instrument to evaluate the reliability of modern electrical transmission and distribution systems. The widespread use of High voltage dc (HVDC) connections increase the demand of voltage source converters (VSCs) which, as a consequence, has brought about new challenges in the field of partial discharge measurements. In fact, the output voltage waveforms generated by AC/DC modular multilevel converters (MMCs) are affected by a significant harmonic content which influences the Partial Discharges (PDs) activity. For this reason, previous research mainly investigated the PD phenomenon on the AC side of the converter. The aim of the…
Partial discharges on IGBT modules: Are sinusoidal waveforms sufficient to evaluate behavior?
2014
In recent years, the increasing use of AC-DC converters, especially in the field of renewable energy sources has led to the implementation of new modulation techniques, in particular the ones based on the pulse width modulation. The purpose of the present work is to verify the different behavior that is obtained when the components are subjected to the partial discharge test carried out with a sinusoidal waveform, and when they are subjected to PWM stress-type, similar to the actual signal generated by this type of electronic components. By considering equal rms value of the fundamental sine wave, the comparison has shown different partial discharges patterns.
Pulsed Electro-Acoustic Method for specimens and cables employed in HVDC systems: Some feasibility considerations
2018
Recent experiments on the use of the PEA method for testing dielectric materials in specimens and comparison with a detailed model provide an insight of the phenomenon and suggest the need of adopting similar models also for cables. What is said is even more important considering the possible future adoption of the PEA methodology to test DC cables for Pre-Qualification and Type Tests. The use of an accurate model of the PEA cell used for testing specimens and related experiments prove that the thickness of the different parts composing the PEA setup is a basic element for providing accurate charge reading and interpretation of the phenomenon. Both simulation and experimental results, carri…
Wireless Power Transmission for house appliances: A small-scale resonant coupling prototype
2016
This paper presents a low cost prototype of wireless power transfer system based on resonant coupling. The system here proposed can be useful for house appliances battery charging systems: as a matter of fact, it consists mainly of two copper wire coils or windings, placed one in front of the other on the same axis. By exploiting the coils resonance coupling effect, electric energy can be transferred from the inductor coil to the receiver in order to charge the batteries. Low cost experimental tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed wireless power transfer prototype, being it capable to reach an efficiency of about 80% and more along a distance of 30 cm.
Partial discharge of gel insulated high voltage power modules subjected to unconventional voltage waveforms
2016
Performances and duration of the new generation of high voltage power electronic components are dependent on dielectric materials aim to insulating their internal terminals. The presence of defects, some due to faults generated during the manufacturing process, but also due to the internal design of layers and connections, can cause local enhancements of electric field and consequently possible activity of partial discharges phenomena or other effects (aging, tracking) that may result in reduction of device reliability. Furthermore, the usage of unconventional voltage waveforms, like square waves or pulse width modulated waves, additionally increases the electrical aging of the insulation s…
A new technique for partial discharges measurement under DC periodic stress
2017
The aim of the present work is to recognize the type of defect in insulating materials employed in DC electrical systems. This analysis, under AC stress, is carried out by using the Phase Resolved method (PRPD). While, under constant voltage stress this method cannot be performed and measurements show complexities. In order to overcome these problems, a new technique is proposed, based on the application of a periodic continuous waveform. Simulation results, carried out by using a model based on a time-variable conductance of an air void defect, showed the PRPD pattern that can be obtain. Furthermore, compared to the constant DC stress, the measurement duration became lower and the discharg…
Review of acoustic methods for space charge measurement
2015
In the last decade, due to the increased use of direct current, the space charge accumulation phenomenon has reached more interest. In this regard, several non-destructive measurement systems were used. In particular, for solid dielectrics, the acoustic methods have had greater success. This review presents a brief historical evolution of the Pulse Electro- Acoustic (PEA) method, describing the working operation, the thicknesses analyzed and the spatial resolution for the different configurations of the PEA cell. The Pressure Wave Propagation (PWP) method in both configurations Piezo-PWP and Laser Induced Pressure Pulse (LIPP) is also described.
PD characteristics at Square Shaped Voltages Applying Two Different Detecting Techniques
2016
Nowadays power electronic converters are widely used and the fast switching voltage fronts results in an increased stress on the insulation material and may cause a reduction of the HV systems reliability. Nonsinusoidal voltage waveform have influence on the partial discharges (PD) characteristics in insulating systems due to the increased harmonic content which causes problems mainly in electrical PD measurement setups. In fact, impulse voltages cause strong switching disturbances, which make it much more difficult to distinguish PD signals from noise. This work investigates the influence of repetitive steep pulses on different types of test objects exposed to square wave voltages applying…
Economic evaluation of PV system for EV charging stations: Comparison between matching maximum orientation and storage system employment
2016
This article addresses the problem of the choice of a generation system to be implemented to reduce the impact of charging electric vehicles at University. Based on the behaviour of the student population, it is identified the electrical load. Two possible solutions are evaluated in order to manage the peak load: an orientation of the panels in order to increase the power at defined time and the use of storage system. The main strength and weakness points of two systems are investigated by taking into account the Levelized Cost of Energy.
A new approach to partial discharge detection under DC voltage
2018
The continuing development of HVDC power transmission systems presents many problems related to evaluation of the reliability of power system assets [1]-[5]. In this context the identification of insulation defects plays a key role in preventing unexpected failures of electrical components. Partial discharge (PD) measurement is a useful approach to assessing the condition of HV power apparatus and cables. Such measurements are also widely employed for HVAC systems. The inception mechanisms of PD in AC systems are well-known, and measurements are usually performed following the IEC 60270 standard [6]. PD measurements under DC voltage present complexities related to the nature of the phenomen…
Space Charges and Partial Discharges Simultaneous Measurements under DC Stress
2016
In the field of HVDC, the main causes of insulation aging are due to the space charge and PD phenomena. In particular, the purpose of the present work is to verify a possibility to measure simultaneously the space charge and the PDs under DC stress in order to evaluate the correlation between both phenomena. The space charge was measured by using a modified PEA cell and PDs were measured by using a novel wireless sensor system. The space charge profile and the PD pulses carried out simultaneously have been reported and discussed.
Partial discharge behavior under single phase half and full-bridge rectifier
2017
The aim of the present work is to simulate partial discharges (PDs) phenomena under voltage stress close to the Direct Current (DC) waveform. The employed waveforms have been realized by using a full-wave and a half-wave rectifiers. After that, in order to generate a steadier voltage supply, a capacitive filter has been inserted in the output of the half-wave rectifier. Simulations have been carried out by modifying a previous software used in the case of Alternating Current (AC). Finally, experimental tests have been carried out in order to validate simulation results.
Space Charge Measurement under DC and DC Periodic Waveform
2018
In High Voltage systems, Partial Discharges (PDs) monitoring are one of the main diagnostic instrument to evaluate the reliability of the apparatus. Under Alternating Current (AC) stress, PDs detection and recognition techniques are well consolidated. On the contrary, the monitoring of PDs under Direct Current (DC) stress is difficult due to complexities related to the nature of the phenomenon, which cause the beginning of PDs events in proximity of the dielectric breakdown. This problem has been partially overcome by using a continuous Periodic waveform (DCP) with positive average value, as described in a recent published work. Under DC stress, another degradation factor is the Space Charg…
PV systems in the vertical walls: A comparison of innovative structures
2016
This paper presents the performance comparison of PV windows with the purpose of tracing the behavior of next-generation systems, which could favor architectonical integration. More in detail, a dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and blue and grey thin film silicon panels have been analyzed. The systems can be placed behind a window or behind a wall of glass blocks. The three generation systems are then compared in terms of both efficiency and Fill Factor.
Partial discharges at different voltage waveshapes: Comparison between two different acquisition systems
2018
In modern HV apparatuses the wide use of electronic converters, increase the stress on the involved insulation systems and thus affect the reliability of the whole power grid. Additionally, such non-sinusoidal voltage shapes contain high gradient flanks that create problems in the detection of partial discharge (PD) activity. The aim of this paper is to discuss the methodology on how to suitably approach PD detection in insulation systems exposed to various voltage waveshapes in general by comparing two different measuring systems. The first one, equipped with a resonant PD decoupler, designed specifically for detection at typical power electronic waveshapes and the other one, based on an a…
Interpretation of PEA Output Signal in a Multilayer Specimen
2018
The aim of the present work is to evaluate the acoustic waves behavior within the Pulsed Electro-Acoustic (PEA) cell, in case of a multilayer specimen, in order to avoid misinterpretation of the output signal. Due to the reflection phenomenon of the acoustic waves travelling within the PEA cell, the output signal could be distorted. Because this aspect, for a given PEA cell with certain ground electrode and absorber thicknesses, depends on the sound velocity and thickness of the specimen under test, the latter must be carefully sized. For this aim, some useful relationships, that must be taken into account are given and described. In particular, a three layers sample simulating an air void …
Review of space charge measurement systems: acoustic, thermal and optical methods
2016
In the last decade, remarkable developments have concerned the methods of space charge measurement in the field of insulation systems diagnostic. In particular, methods based on acoustic and thermal phenomena have been largely used. The present review provides a broad overview on the different techniques used describing, for each of them, the working principle, the main features and the most relevant applications. Further details are provided for the Pulsed Electro-Acoustic (PEA) method, as it seems to be the most used. This article provides more details on its historical evolution, showing evidence for its technological limits and taking into consideration the advantages and drawn from the…