Large-scale wind parks utilize different types of transformers, including cast-resin, also known as dry-type transformers, installed in wind turbines.

However, performing onsite PD testing on cast-resin transformers installed in the constricted spaces of wind park turbines can be quite challenging. In addition, surrounding high electromagnetic interferences, or noise, can affect the ability to reliably detect harmful PD activity.

In this episode, OMICRON PD measurement experts Christoph Engelen and Dr. Alex Kraetge discuss how off-line PD testing is performed on cast-resin transformers in wind park turbines, what needs to be considered and how the related measurement challenges can best be overcome with the right diagnostic tools.

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Since we last spoke with Gustav Lundqvist in Energy Talks Episode Number 3, he has grown his electrical measurement service company Kraftdiagnos in relation to both team size and the types of tests performed for customers on both medium-voltage and high-voltage electrical equipment in power grids throughout Sweden.

Touch voltage measurements on power lines are one area of testing that remains in high demand for the customers of Kraftdiagnos.

In this episode, Gustav offers practical tips about performing power line measurements, and explains how he best utilizes his team and testing equipment to perform these potentially dangerous power line measurements over greater distances in a highly safe and efficient way.

Gustav also describes how OMICRON testing solutions save his teams valuable time when performing these measurements remotely in the field and how the testing software enables him to quickly create the reports in a central location.

👉 More information about power line testing is available on the following page: https://www.omicronenergy.com/en/application/offline-testing/transmission-lines/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast-shownotes&utm_campaign=podcast-episode-21-link-transmission-lines&utm_content=application-page

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In today’s power systems, data is growing exponentially. Therefore, industry-specific data management solutions are becoming essential to enable better decision making for planning, organization, and execution.

The successful operation of expanding power grids, PAC systems and IED networks is based on how well their data management systems enable system operators to easily access consistent, up-to-date and traceable data.

Additional legal stipulations in the energy industry – such as documented evidence that a careful inspection of all system components has been performed – require system operators to implement secure and reliable data management technology.

In this episode, OMICRON data management experts Stefan Schöner and Will Scheibe describe the best practices for establishing a centralized data management system in power grids, how to develop a data management strategy and plan, as well as which data management system technology can be implemented to ensure the greatest efficiency, accessibility and reliability.

For more information regarding centralized data management, please visit: https://www.omicronenergy.com/en/application/protection-testing/maintenance-data-management/

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Earthing systems, also known as grounding systems, ensure that persons in and around electrical substations are not exposed to dangerous, electric voltage shocks.

For safety and functional purposes, an earthing or grounding system connects specific parts of an electrical power system with the ground, typically the Earth's conductive surface. If electrical equipment at a substation is adequately grounded, stray voltage resulting from any circuit faults will be reduced to safe levels. However, if electrical equipment is not grounded properly, unsafe voltages could exist, which could be dangerous or even lethal to substation personnel and persons in the surrounding area.

In this episode, OMICRON product manager and earthing/grounding system expert Josef Schmidbauer discusses how regular testing of earthing or grounding systems can ensure the safe and reliable operation of electrical power systems.

For example, what role does an earthing or grounding system play in the power system, when and why is testing important, and which tests are typically performed? Josef also describes the applicable international testing standards, and how to make earthing or grounding system testing an efficient and integral part of overall power system testing. Lastly, he highlights the matching OMICRON solutions used for earthing or grounding system testing.

More information about earthing and grounding system testing can be found on the following page: https://www.omicronenergy.com/en/application/offline-testing/grounding-systems/

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A substation automation system (SAS) is a collection of hardware and software components that are used to monitor and control an electrical power system. Substation automation systems are essential since they increase both the integrity and safety of the electrical power network.

In this episode, Thomas Schossig, an expert in the field and product manager for the StationScout testing solution from OMICRON, discusses why substation automation system testing is essential and describes the various tests performed.

In addition, he addresses the challenges faced by testing engineers up to now and how to make the testing process faster and more efficient. Lastly, Thomas highlights the benefits of using the latest smart testing solutions, such as StationScout, to verify the performance of substation automation systems. For more information about StationScout, please visit: http://omicronenergy.com/stationscout

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In the event of a power system malfunction, circuit breakers must be able to disconnect the fault current as quickly and reliably as possible, thereby protecting all subsequent equipment.

Circuit breaker testing is performed to check and verify both the performance of individual switching mechanisms and the timing of the overall tripping system. This ensures the safe and reliable performance of this key link in the power system asset chain.

In this episode, Florian Fink, OMICRON product manager and circuit breaker testing enthusiast, talks about the importance of medium-voltage circuit breaker testing. He describes, for example, how medium-voltage circuit breaker testing differs from high-voltage circuit breaker testing, what are the typical tests and how often should they be performed.

Florian also reflects on his many years of circuit breaker testing experience and gives insights into what should be considered during off-line as well as in-service testing on medium-voltage circuit breakers.

You can find more information about circuit breaker testing here: https://www.omicronenergy.com/en/application/offline-testing/air-insulated-switchgear-ais-testing/

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Over the past decade, there have been many developments in the area of managing power system testing data in an increasingly digital work environment.

The growing trend for cloud-based data management solutions is improving how data can be centrally stored in a safe location and shared among teams.

With PTM DataSync WEB and PTM Data Analytics, OMICRON meets this current trend. These two additional modules upgrade OMICRON’s popular Primary Test Manager, or PTM, software with a cloud-based client server solution for secure data backups and easy ways of sharing and analyzing server data.

In this episode, Martin Pfanner, one of the original founders of OMICRON electronics and product manager for OMICRON’s Primary Test Manager software, describes how such cloud-based data management solutions can ease the daily work of commissioning and maintenance teams and how cyber security demands can be met.

Find out more about Primary Test Manager software: https://www.omicronenergy.com/en/products/primary-test-manager-ptm/

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Partial discharge (PD) measurement and analysis are considered a highly effective, non-destructive diagnostic method for assessing the condition of electrical insulation.

Most PD measurements have been typically performed under AC voltage to detect potential failure-causing insulation defects.

However, the shift towards decentralizing energy supplies and the growing number of solar power generation stations, remote offshore wind farms, electric vehicle charging stations, and HVDC power transmission systems have dramatically increased the development of DC power grids. This in turn has intensified the need for measuring PD under DC voltage as well.

In this episode, OMICRON PD measurement and analysis experts Bogdan Gorgan and Ulrike Broniecki discuss the importance of PD testing. They also highlight the differences between AC and DC PD testing as well as what you should consider when performing these tests. Lastly, they describe the tools available that make AC and DC PD measurement and analysis easier than before.

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A continuously changing power grid presents challenges that influence work practices and priorities, not only now but also into the future. What are these challenges, and how can they be best overcome?

In this episode, Florian Fink, OMICRON product manager for industrial and distribution power grid applications, describes what is driving change in the power grid and how resulting challenges can best be mastered. He highlights how trying new ways of working and sharing experiences with colleagues are essential for preparing for current and future demands.

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Protection systems play a key role for the safe and reliable operation of today’s electricity power systems. This is relevant for all power system grids in generation, transmission and distribution, industrial, railway, and marine applications. In order to guarantee their reliable operation, protection systems should be tested on a regular basis.

There are two different approaches used for protection testing: one approach is called settings-based protection testing and the other is called system-based protection testing.

In this episode, OMICRON protection testing experts Cord Mempel and Christopher Pritchard discuss the differences between these two testing approaches, their advantages, and how they can be combined in a meaningful way. They also describe the OMICRON solutions available for each testing approach and offer their insights on the future of protection testing.

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