Design Of The Pulse Generator For Testing And Validating Partial Discharge Measuring Systems

Abstract

This article deals with the design and implementation of a pulse generator serving as acalibration generator for setting up measuring systems for monitoring the activity of partial discharges(PD) in the high-voltage power transformers or gas insulated switchgears (GIS). After installingthe measuring device, it is advisable to test the entire measuring chain and, if necessary, setparameters that would affect the correct detection of PD signals. Calibration pulse generators areused for setting and validating measuring chain. These are usually used in systems that sense theelectromagnetic activity of PD. Correct and timely detection of PD can avert a transformer accidentand thus contribute to higher safety in power plants. The proposed generator should serve as theoutput part of a programmable generator, which did not reach sufficient parameters of output pulses.The goal was to achieve a rising time around 100 ps and an amplitude of more than 6 V usingmodern and very fast operational amplifiers and step recovery diodes as a sharpener of the inputpulse. The measurements show waveform of the output voltage pulse.