How to Improve Data Reliability and Test Process Control in Lightning Impulse Testing?

In high-voltage laboratories, generating an impulse voltage is only one part of the testing process.

Engineers must also capture the waveform, evaluate its parameters, check whether the results meet the applicable requirements, and maintain control over the entire testing procedure.

A generator may successfully produce an impulse voltage, but without effective measurement and waveform analysis, engineers cannot fully evaluate the test result.

Several challenges commonly affect the testing process:

1. Delayed result evaluation

When measurement data needs to be analyzed separately, engineers may spend additional time determining whether the test result is acceptable.

2. Disconnected control and measurement systems

If control and measurement software operate independently, engineers may need to switch between different interfaces to complete a test.

3. Limited visibility of test conditions

Without clear displays of equipment status and protection values, operators may find it difficult to monitor the testing process efficiently.

4. Repetitive manual operations

Manual parameter checking and result evaluation increase workload, especially during repeated impulse tests.

To address these challenges, Sansion Power has upgraded the measurement, waveform acquisition, and control software of its SXCY Lightning Impulse Generator.

One of the key improvements in the upgraded SXCY system is its measurement software.

During an experiment, the software can directly display whether the test result is qualified or unqualified.

This allows engineers to identify the evaluation result without having to rely entirely on separate manual analysis.

In addition to the result indication, the software displays relevant process values, including parameters identified in the system interface such as U, P, A, T, A, and R.

These values help engineers review the measurement process and understand the test data.

Why is this important?

Because a useful measurement system should do more than display a final result.

It should also provide information that helps engineers understand how the result was obtained.

For high-voltage laboratories, direct result indication and process-value display can simplify routine test review and improve the convenience of data evaluation.

Waveform acquisition is an essential part of lightning impulse testing.

The shape and parameters of an impulse waveform provide important information for evaluating the performance of the test and the insulation characteristics of the equipment under test.

The upgraded SXCY system includes dedicated waveform acquisition software as part of its overall software upgrade.

Together with the measurement and control software, it supports a more integrated testing workflow.

For engineers, this means waveform-related information can be incorporated into the overall test process rather than treated as an entirely separate operation.

When evaluating impulse voltage waveforms, parameters such as peak voltage, front time, and time to half-value are commonly relevant, depending on the waveform type and applicable testing standard.

A suitable waveform measurement and analysis system is therefore important for reliable test evaluation.

Note: The applicable measurement methods, parameter definitions, and acceptance criteria should follow the relevant testing standards and the validated configuration of the measurement system.

A particularly valuable feature of the upgraded SXCY system is the interaction between its control software and measurement software.

In some conventional workflows, the control system and measurement system operate relatively independently.

Engineers may need to review measurement results and then manually return to the control interface to determine the next operation.

The upgraded SXCY software supports communication between these two systems.

For example:

1. The generator performs the preset test procedure.

2. The measurement software acquires and evaluates the test data.

3. The measurement software identifies an unacceptable result.

4. The software can communicate with the control system and issue a corresponding prompt, such as requiring grounding or stopping the equipment, according to the configured logic.

This coordination helps connect measurement results with the subsequent operating procedure.

It also helps operators respond to test conditions more efficiently.

Importantly, software prompts and equipment protection functions should work together with the system's designed electrical interlocks and safety procedures. Software interaction does not replace the required physical safety measures.

A high-voltage impulse test involves more than simply setting a target voltage and triggering the generator.

Operators also need to understand the current equipment condition.

The upgraded SXCY control software provides real-time displays of relevant operating parameters, including:

• Equipment efficiency.

• Equipment utilization.

• Operating status.

• Protection values.

These displays help engineers monitor the equipment during experiments and understand its operating condition.

The communication function further supports automatic tracking and automatic calculation when the relevant communication connection is established.

This creates a more coordinated operating environment for the control and measurement processes.

For manufacturers of power transformers and other high-voltage electrical equipment, test consistency and data management are important parts of quality control.

The upgraded SXCY system helps laboratories improve the organization of testing operations through several coordinated functions.

These functions are especially useful for laboratories that conduct frequent impulse tests and need to manage multiple test stages.

The upgraded SXCY Lightning Impulse Generator can be considered by organizations involved in high-voltage electrical testing, including:

• Power transformer manufacturers.

• High-voltage switchgear manufacturers.

• GIS manufacturers.

• Electrical equipment testing laboratories.

• Power research and testing institutions.

• Third-party high-voltage testing organizations.

Whether the objective is to improve daily testing efficiency, simplify measurement operations, or enhance coordination between control and measurement systems, the software configuration is an important factor when selecting an impulse testing solution.

A modern lightning impulse testing system should provide more than high-voltage generation capability.

It should also help engineers control the test process, acquire waveform data, evaluate results, and monitor equipment conditions.

The upgraded SXCY Lightning Impulse Generator integrates control software, measurement software, and waveform acquisition software to provide a more coordinated testing experience.

If you are planning a new high-voltage laboratory or upgrading an existing impulse testing system, Sansion Power can discuss the appropriate configuration according to your voltage level, test objects, waveform requirements, and applicable standards.

Contact Sansion Power to learn more about the SXCY upgraded Lightning Impulse Generator.