On the occasion of the workshop "Transformers—Operation and Diagnostics," ABB AG presented the following at the industrial exhibition: ABB AG – Engineering Solutions – Halle Plant exhibited the world’s largest mobile surge voltage test system.

After being manufactured at the plant, power transformers undergo a variety of tests to verify production quality and design. This includes a surge voltage test to verify their resistance to overvoltages caused by switching operations and atmospheric discharges (lightning).

Power transformers are required not only in the power grid but also at power plants; however, after installation, it is not always technically feasible (since the infrastructure may have been dismantled) or economically viable to transport these transformers to a plant for repair. Consequently, a mobile repair facility is set up on site, and the corresponding tests must then be performed. A surge voltage test is also required when power parameters are increased or the design is modified—both of which can also be performed on site. Of course, the system can also be used at the factory in the event of a failure of a stationary system.

This impressive test system, which can generate a surge voltage of up to 1.8 million volts (for lightning surge voltage; 1.3 MV for switching surge voltage) with an energy of up to 300 kJ, was set up and exhibited at the university in Zittau. Other distinctive features of this system include immediate operational readiness due to the selected components, the use of fault-tolerant surge capacitors, and the avoidance of mineral oil as insulating oil for greater environmental compatibility.

The system generated a great deal of interest among students, staff, and local residents, so that throughout the day, experts from ABB AG – Engineering Solutions – Halle Plant were able to explain the system and demonstrate its application.

The organizers of the transformer workshop would like to extend their sincere thanks to ABB AG for providing and organizing the event.