A climate-neutral future is only feasible if wind and solar plants function reliably, power grids are greatly expanded and, last but not least, the equipment in primary substations remains in good condition. To ensure that the power supply also stays reliable with clean energy, suitable test systems are therefore becoming increasingly important. They help new plants join the grid without faults and ensure that existing equipment is serviced or replaced in good time.
Test systems for the energy revolution
Test systems from HIGHVOLT help make sustainable electricity generation possible. This overview shows how!
Test systems for the energy revolution
Test systems from HIGHVOLT help make sustainable electricity generation possible. This overview shows how!
Cable test for offshore wind turbines
Cable test for offshore wind turbines
Offshore wind parks make a crucial contribution to increasing the amount of climate-friendly electricity in the energy mix. At the same time, the generative performance of wind power generators is constantly increasing. For new wind parks, the operating voltage of the connection cables from the wind turbines to the collection and connecting platforms is now being increased to 66 kilovolts everywhere. The experts at the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) therefore decided to permit – in addition to the soak test (a 24-hour test at nominal voltage) – only resonance testing for operating voltages greater than 36 kilovolts in the new IEC 63026 standard for submarine cables up to 72.5 kV. HIGHVOLT is the only provider of a testing system that is weather-proof and therefore always available offshore despite adverse conditions.
Mobile test system for wind power nacelles
Mechanical vibrations of the rotors, lightning strikes, frequent load changes and a high number of switching operations – the transformers in the nacelles of wind turbines are exposed to enormous loads. If they fail, it is a time-intensive and costly feat to repair or even replace them. What can be done? Ideally, check the transformers regularly to be able to identify impending damage at an early stage. The standard method to do this is the induced voltage test with partial discharge diagnostics. But how does that work at more than a hundred meters above the ground, with little space in the nacelle? HIGHVOLT has developed a portable testing system that operators or service providers can use to inspect the condition of the transformer insulation directly in the nacelle itself.
Mobile test system for cable runs
Mobile test system for cable runs
HIGHVOLT is a pioneer when it comes to testing cables based on polymer insulating materials, such as cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) in high-voltage applications. The engineers from Dresden built the first-ever mobile testing system, which fits on a semi truck trailer. It can therefore be transported to almost any location without special permits, even where there is no space for large testing systems. This includes cities and densely populated regions where more and more cables are being routed underground. The testing trailer is designed for cable lengths of up to ten kilometers; for longer cables, multiple testing systems can also be connected in parallel and in series.
XXL reactors for cable runs
XXL reactors for cable runs
Renewable energy sources are often far away from populated areas. Ever-greater distances need to be traveled to transport the electricity to where it is needed. Projects with submarine and land cable sections of several hundred kilometers are therefore increasing around the world. The cable sections must be tested in advance so that nothing goes wrong during operation. Since conventional testing systems soon fall short in this regard, HIGHVOLT has developed special XXL reactors. In the resonance testing method, they provide four times the power at just twice the volume of previous reactors. The power can be further increased through series and parallel connection, meaning that cable lengths of up to 200 kilometers can be tested.
Live monitoring for cables
When malfunctions occur during operation, the HiRES Locator can help. This online measuring device is connected to critical medium-voltage and high-voltage cables and locates a breakdown in real time, immediately raising an alarm. As a result, operators know where they have to fix the problem. In contrast, in conventional testing methods, the fault is only located once the malfunction has occurred. Then, a suitable, powerful voltage source must be brought to the cable and measurements made in a costly and time-intensive procedure. The HiRES Locator is therefore a cost-effective solution for monitoring these cable sections in real time.
Mobile high voltage test for transformers
Mobile high voltage test for transformers
Globally, power transformers are reaching a critical age. At the same time, power grid loads are increasing due to the supply of renewable energies. Operators can check whether the transformer needs servicing with tests such as the induced voltage test and loss measurements in a no-load state and under load. Often, this necessitates dismantling the power transformer, draining the oil and then transporting it to the factory – at significant logistical effort and expense. HIGHVOLT has therefore developed a test system that fits on a semi truck trailer. It can be used to perform high voltage tests directly in the primary substation. The operator can decide based on the measurements whether removal is even necessary or if cheaper on-site repairs will suffice.
