DC High Voltage Supply for cable test 2

[MCEvitts]

First off hello everybody my name is Mark and I am a Transmission and Distribution tester for a power company that is in the process of performing acceptance testing newly installed 230KV cable.My company has a 40 year old DC high voltage supply we call the erector set to do our HVDC testing (Universal Voltronics Model BAP-660-5-CW)which just had two of it's two foot long diodes bite the dust (they began emitting a propane type odor) which has now limited our hipot capability to 440KV of which we are only allowed to take the voltage to 80% of 440KV 352 KV (as opposed to 660KV/528KV). Our specs call for 500 KV 15 minute test so we are looking to get the diodes replaced or repaired and we are in contact with the new company who took over Universal Voltronics, Unipower to see if they can help us.

My question to you all is that if my company decides to replace the entire 660KV unit who makes the better modular test set? We are looking at Phenix Technolgies Model 440-5ST and Hipotronics 8175 PL 4. Do any of you have experiences you'd be willing to share about these or other DC hipot sets? Thanks in advance!

 

[ScottyUK]

Haefely in Switzerland are probably worth a call. Nice gear, pricey, but nothing is cheap at that voltage.



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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[MCEvitts]

Thanks Scotty, I believe Haefely is associated with Hipotronics here in the states. Decent products not so great customer service though.

 

[dpmac]

We have three Hipotronics 8175-PL systems. Two systems have (5) 175kVdc modules and are capable of 875kVdc. We have run them to over 1000kVdc in the field. The much older third system has (3) 150kV modules. Each system is well over 30 years old and have only been used in the field enviroment. We have owned them for about 20 years. I would be glad to speak to you about them if you like. Drop me an email to request"AT"advtest.com

Pat

 

[MCEvitts]

Thanks Pat, do tell about your experiences with the PL-8175 series. They must be fairly reliable if they have been around twenty years. I'm particularly interested in what is needed to set the unit up so far as stacking the units vertically, basically do you use a man lift or just have your testers manhandle the units up a ladder to stack them? Mark Evitts, T&D Test, Pepco (Potomac Electric Power Co.) Washington, DC

 

[mvonherr]

Mr. Evitts,
We make a unit competitive to the PL-8175, which we would encourage you to consider. One of the biggest advantages of our C and E series DC hipots, is they are air insulated. This makes them much easier to maintain, as well as lighter so it is easier to setup.

www.voncorp.com