How to Choose the Right Lightning Impulse Generator for Your Testing Laboratory?

Choosing a lightning impulse generator is an important decision for power transformer manufacturers, high-voltage laboratories, and electrical testing companies.

However, selecting the right equipment is not simply about choosing the highest voltage rating or the largest energy capacity.

An unsuitable configuration may lead to waveform adjustment difficulties, insufficient testing capacity, or unnecessary investment in equipment that does not match your actual requirements.

So, what should you consider before purchasing a lightning impulse generator?

Here are six important factors to help you make a better decision.

The first thing to consider is the maximum impulse test voltage required by your testing applications.

Different electrical products have different insulation levels and testing requirements.

For example:

• Power transformers

• Power cables and cable accessories

• High-voltage insulators

• Bushings

• Switchgear and other high-voltage electrical equipment

A generator with insufficient output voltage cannot meet the required test level.

Before selecting a model, check the rated voltage and insulation requirements of your test objects.

For laboratories focusing on high-voltage transformer testing, a 2400kV lightning impulse generator can provide a suitable voltage range for demanding applications, depending on the specific transformer insulation level and test configuration.

Many buyers focus heavily on voltage ratings while overlooking another important parameter: stored energy.

The rated voltage determines the maximum nominal voltage output, while the rated energy indicates the energy stored in the generator's capacitor system.

Both parameters affect the generator's suitability for different test objects.

For example, large transformers may have considerable equivalent capacitance. The generator must therefore be properly configured to achieve the required impulse voltage and waveform.

When comparing different manufacturers, do not evaluate equipment based on kV alone.

Consider the following:

• Rated impulse voltage.

• Rated stored energy.

• Equivalent capacitance of the test object.

• Required test voltage under actual loading conditions.

• Expected testing applications.

The SXCY-2400kV/240kJ Lightning Impulse Generator combines a rated voltage of 2400kV with stored energy of 240kJ, making it a high-energy solution for demanding insulation testing applications.

A high-voltage impulse generator must do more than generate high voltage.

It must also produce the required impulse waveforms.

The standard lightning impulse waveform commonly used in transformer testing is 1.2/50 μs.

What do these numbers mean?

• 1.2 μs represents the virtual front time.

• 50 μs represents the time to half-value on the wave tail.

Depending on the testing standard and test object, laboratories may also need chopped lightning impulse waveforms.

Waveform performance can be influenced by the generator configuration, test object capacitance, and wave-shaping components.

Therefore, before purchasing, confirm:

• Which impulse waveforms are required?

• Can the system adjust the wave front and wave tail?

• Is chopped-wave testing required?

• Is a suitable voltage measuring and recording system included?

These questions help ensure that the equipment can meet your actual testing needs rather than simply its advertised maximum voltage.

A common purchasing mistake is comparing only the main generator unit.

In reality, a lightning impulse test system consists of several coordinated components.

A typical configuration may include:

The exact configuration depends on your testing requirements.

A properly integrated system can help reduce compatibility issues, simplify operation, and improve overall testing efficiency.

When requesting a quotation, ask the supplier to clearly identify the included equipment, optional accessories, and technical specifications.

High-voltage impulse testing involves extremely high electrical energy.

Equipment selection should therefore include a careful evaluation of system safety and operational requirements.

Important considerations include:

Safety protection: Appropriate grounding, interlocking, emergency shutdown, and discharge arrangements.

Laboratory layout: Sufficient installation space, electrical clearance, grounding arrangements, and environmental conditions.

Installation and commissioning: Professional guidance to ensure the equipment is correctly installed and configured.

Operator training: Clear operating procedures and technical training for laboratory personnel.

After-sales support: Access to technical assistance, troubleshooting, spare parts, and maintenance guidance.

A reliable supplier should be able to discuss these requirements before equipment delivery, not only after a problem occurs.

For customers who require high-voltage and high-energy impulse testing capabilities, the SXCY-2400kV/240kJ Lightning Impulse Generator is designed for demanding testing applications.

Its main rated specifications include:

The system is suitable for applications such as power transformer insulation testing and other high-voltage testing projects when matched to the relevant technical requirements.

For a recent project, Sansion Power manufactured and commissioned a 2400kV/240kJ impulse generator for a customer requiring testing capabilities for 330kV power transformers.

The project involved equipment assembly, system commissioning, waveform verification, and factory acceptance testing.

This experience highlights why selecting a manufacturer with practical engineering and system integration capabilities is important.

To avoid unnecessary communication and receive a more accurate technical proposal, prepare the following information before contacting an impulse generator manufacturer:

1. What types of electrical equipment do you need to test?

2. What is the maximum required impulse test voltage?

3. What rated energy or test object capacitance should the system accommodate?

4. Do you require full-wave, chopped-wave, or switching impulse testing?

5. Do you need a complete testing system, including the measuring, control, and data acquisition systems?

Providing these details allows the engineering team to evaluate your requirements and recommend a more suitable configuration.

Selecting the right lightning impulse generator is not just about purchasing a high-voltage machine. It is about finding a testing solution that matches your products, laboratory requirements, and future development plans.

Sansion Power specializes in electrical testing equipment for the power industry, providing high-voltage testing solutions for transformer manufacturers, testing laboratories, and power engineering companies.

If you are planning to purchase a 2400kV/240kJ Lightning Impulse Generator or upgrade your existing high-voltage testing facilities, contact our engineering team.

Share your test object specifications and required impulse voltage. We can help evaluate your application and recommend an appropriate system configuration.

Sansion Power – Your Partner in High-Voltage Electrical Testing Solutions.