Selecting Sensor for On Load Tap Changer Contacts Degree of Wear Diagnostics

摘要

Results of scientific research works considering selection of measuring transducer applied for registration of acoustic emission signals generated by on load tap changers are presented in the paper. During the coupling process acoustic emission signals are generated by: the mechanical setup of tap changer, contacts operation, and other phenomena. For most on load tap changers types, the working medium is insulation oil in which the acoustic wave being formed propagates to the steal tank. There exists a possibility to register acoustic emission signals with a piezoelectric transducer attached to the outer tank surface or with a hydrophone immersed in the oil. Acoustic emission signal obtained in such manner contains information which describes operation of the power tap changer and the selector. A comparative analysis of acoustic emission signals generated by on load tap changers working under laboratory conditions, with applied measuring transducers with different transmittances, is presented in the paper. The comparative analysis was performed in order to determine their suitability for on load tap changers technical condition diagnosis. Based on the results achieved, one transducer which allows the registration of acoustic events generated during on load tap changers operation was selected.