Figure 1. Ceramic insulators for breakdown voltage testing.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) defines high voltage circuits as those with more than 1000 V for alternating current and at least 1500 V for direct current. The study of high voltage circuits is important in order to improve efficiency, safety and reliability of high voltage AC and DC power systems.
Figure 2. High voltage transmission line tower.
When certain meteorological or loading conditions exist, the air begins to ionize, splitting into positively and negatively charged particles. An electrical spark, or flash of light can be seen once the breakdown voltage of the device has been reached. This can happen to solids, such as insulators, cables or conductors, or liquids, such as the fluids within capacitors and transformers. It is therefore important to properly test these high voltage electrical components to determine the breakdown voltage, as well as its effect on component performance. The HVL at Drexel University provides students with this testing environment.
Lab Facilities
The High Voltage Laboratory consists of:
- two stackable 150kV transformers
- rectifiers for (HVDC) experiments
- a spark gap for calibration
- interchangeable insulator string
- a Jacob’s ladder apparatus.
- Simulated rain conditions
- Sample solid insulators for testing
Figure 3. Two stackable 150kV transformers.
Lab Capabilities
Tests can be performed on:
- high voltage AC (up to 300kV)
- rectified high voltage DC (up to 40kV)
- transient analysis via an impulse generator
The testing of voltage breakdown is possible on all three phases of matter as follows:
- Solids: glass and ceramic insulators
- Liquids: transformer oils
- Gas: air
Figure 4. Spherical spark gap testing.
Experiments
HVL is used as part of the Drexel University curriculum. Experiments have been designed to provide hands-on educational experience illustrating basic topics in the area of high voltage engineering. Below are some of the experiments performed in the HVL:
- Spark Gap Experiment
- Insulator Flashover Experiment
- Transformer Oil Breakdown Tests
- Jacob’s Ladder Experiment
- Group Experimental Design Project
Figure 5. Jacob’s ladder experiment.