Method and apparatus for in situ field stator bar insulation capacitance mapping

摘要

A method or means suitable for measuring the capacitance related to a portion of the insulation on a stator winding within a motor or generator, is disclosed. The method or means comprises a conductive electrode pad 311 attached to an inflatable bladder 310 which is located on an adjustable tip portion 308 of a support member such that the electrode pad 311 can be positioned in a remote location between stator windings and the bladder 310 inflated such that the electrode is pressed against a portion of an insulated stator winding and then taking a capacitive measurement which relates to the insulation on the said portion. The support member may be a telescoping elongate member with a bendable articulated tip portion 308 which may be set in a required configuration until it is manually reconfigured. A number of measurements may be taken to map the capacitive values of the stator winding insulation. A wire and an air hose 312 may extend along the support member. The wire connects the conductive electrode pad 311, at the end of the support member, to a remote capacitance measuring device. The air hose 312 may be connected to the bladder 310 via a valve arrangement for inflating and deflating the bladder and for controlling the pressure applied to the bladder. Spacer plates 305, 306 may also be attached to the bladder to adjust for different distances between the stator windings.