Port Said University

Faculty of Engineering
Electrical Engineering Department

HIGH VOLTAGE
LABORATORY MANUAL

Supervised by
Prof. Dr. Sobhy Serry Dessouky
Dr. Ramadan Ali

2016-2017
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-1

Name: ………………………….. Group: …………………………..

Date: ………………………….. Grade: …………………………..

LAB-1

Measurement of High Voltage (AC) by Two-Spheres

Objectives:
Upon completion of this lab, the student will be able to:
 Study the different methods of HVAC measurement.
 Understand the sphere-gap method for HVAC measurement.
 Draw the relationship between the breakdown voltage
(standard/actual) and sphere gap distance.
 Make a calibration of a high voltage transformer using sphere-gap
method.
Introduction:
High voltages can be measured in different ways:
 Direct measurement:
a- Electrostatic Voltmeter.
b- Sphere gap.
 Indirect measurement:
a- Transformer ratio.
b- Resistive potential divider.
c- Capacitive potential divider.
- Indirect Measurement:
a) Transformer ratio:
In this method the high voltage side measured by measuring the low voltage
side of the transformer then multiplied by the transformer ratio (V2=V1*(N2/N1))
as shown in Fig. 1. This method is not very accurate because voltage measured
depends on load conditions of the transformer. This method measures the rms
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-1

voltage. In order to determine the peak value, the measured voltage has to be
multiplied by √2 (for sine wave).

V2
V1

Fig. 1. Transformer ratio method.

b) Resistive potential divider:

In this method, a high resistance potential divider is connected across the high-
voltage winding, and a definite fraction of the total voltage is measured by means of
𝑅1+𝑅2
a low voltage voltmeter as shown in Fig. 2. (𝑉𝐻.𝑉 = 𝑉𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 )
𝑅2

R1
VH.V
R2 Vm

Fig. 2. Resistive potential divider method.

c) Capacitive potential divider:

Replacing the resistances by capacitors, the high voltage side can be measured
by low voltage electrostatic voltmeter as shown in Fig. 3. This method also measures
𝐶1+𝐶2
the r.m.s. value. (𝑉𝐻.𝑉 = 𝑉𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 )
𝐶1

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Fig. 3. Capacitive potential divider method.
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-1

- Direct Measurement: (Sphere-gap):

The sphere gap method of measuring high voltage is the most reliable and is used as
the standard for calibration purposes. In the measuring device, two metal spheres are
used, separated by a gas-gap. The potential difference between the spheres is raised
until a spark passes between them. The breakdown strength of a gas depends on:
- The shape, size and surface conditions of the electrode.
- The gap distance between spheres.
- The temperature, pressure and humidity of the air.
The density of the gas (generally air) affects the spark-over voltage for a given gap
setting. Thus the correction for any air density change must be made. The air density
𝑃(273+𝜗0 )
correction factor 𝛿 = , where 𝑃0 and 𝜗0 at standard condition.
𝑃0 (273+𝜗)
The spark over voltage for a given gap setting under the standard conditions (Vn)
(760 torr pressure and at 20oC) must be multiplied by the correction factor (K) to
obtain the actual spark-over voltage.
𝑉𝐵.𝐷 = 𝐾. 𝑉𝑛

Experiment Procedures
List of Instruments:
1. Auto-transformer for low voltage (0-220 V)
2. Voltmeter for low voltage.
3. Electrostatic voltmeter for high voltage.
4. High-voltage transformer (220 V/100 KV).
5. Resistor (50 K.ohm).
6. Two-spheres.
Procedure:
1- The temperature and the atmospheric pressure of the room are measured
before starting the experiment.
𝑃(273+𝜗0 )
2- Calculate the air density correction factor from equation 𝛿 = ,
𝑃0 (273+𝜗)
then the correction factor K is obtained from the (K, 𝛿) chart.
3- Calculate the break down voltage according to equation 𝑉𝐵.𝐷 = 𝐾. 𝑉𝑛 ,
where Vn is the B.D voltage at standard condition which depends on
spheres diameter and the gap distance.
4- Repeat no.3 for different gap distances.
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-1

5- Draw the standard B.D voltage versus gap distance curve.

6- Connect the circuit as shown in Fig. 4. With pre-setting the auto-
transformer and gap distance at minimum value.
7- Increase the low voltage side by using the auto-transformer till break down
occurs between the spheres.
8- Record the low and high voltage readings multiplied by √2 (peak value).
9- Repeat no.7 for different gap distances and record readings.
10- Draw the actual B.D voltage versus gap distance curve.
11- Draw the low voltage side versus high voltage side of the trandformer.

E.V
220 V-AC V

Auto-
Transformer H.V.
Transformer

Fig. 4. Circuit diagram.

Experimental Calculations and Results:

Atmospheric measurements Correction Factor
Temp. (oc) 𝜹
Pressure (mm Hg) K

Gap (mm)
Standard B.D.V (Kv)
Actual B.D.V (Kv)
Low voltage side (V)

Comments:
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HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-2

Name: ………………………….. Group: …………………………..

Date: ………………………….. Grade: …………………………..

LAB-2

Liquid Dielectric Tester

Objectives:
Upon completion of this lab, the student will be able to:
 Study the liquid dielectrics especially transformer oil.
 Draw the relationship between the breakdown voltage of the
transformer oil and the gap distance.
Introduction:
- Liquid dielectrics are more useful as insulating materials than gases. This is
because liquids are usually 103 times denser than gases. They possess much higher
dielectric strength of the order of 10 MV/cm. Oil is about 10 times more efficient
than air or nitrogen in its heat transfer capability when used in transformers. In actual
practice the strengths obtained are only of the order of 100 kV/cm.
- Liquid dielectrics are used mainly as impregnates in high voltage cables and
capacitors, and for filling up of transformers, circuit breakers etc. Liquid dielectrics
also act as heat transfer agents in transformers and as arc quenching media in circuit
breakers.
- When used for electrical insulation purposes they should be free from moisture,
products of oxidation and other contaminants.
- The most important factor that affects the electrical strength of an insulating oil
is the presence of water in the form of fine droplets suspended in the oil. The
presence of even 0.01% water in transformer oil reduces its electrical strength to
20% of the dry oil value.
- The dielectric strength of oil reduces more sharply, if it contains fibrous
impurities in addition to water.
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-2

Transformer Oil:
- Transformer oils are the cheapest and the most commonly used in power
apparatus. It is an almost colorless liquid, when in service, the liquid in a transformer
is subjected to prolonged heating at high temperatures of about 950C, and
consequently it undergoes a gradual ageing process.
- With time the oil becomes darker due to the formation of acids and resins, or
sludge in the liquid.
- Regular sampling and testing of insulation oil taken from transformers is a
valuable technique in a preventative maintenance program. If a proactive approach
is adopted based on the condition of the transformer oil, the life of the transformer
can be extended.

Experiment Procedures
List of Instruments:
1. Liquid dielectric tester.
2. Transformer oil sample.
Procedure:
1. Fill clean test cell shown in Fig.1 with specimen to be tested.
2. Place cell in unit shown in Fig.2.
3. Close glass door.
4. Switch power ON.
5. Select rate of rise (IEC 2000 VPS)s.
6. Push “START”.
7. Unit will automatically apply test voltage and record breakdown value.
8. Reset unit and repeat with different gap distances.
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-2

Fig. 1. Test cell.

Fig. 2. Liquid dielectric tester unit.

Experimental Calculations and Results:

Gap (mm)

Breakdown voltage
(Kv)

Comments:
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HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-3

Name: ………………………….. Group: …………………………..

Date: ………………………….. Grade: …………………………..

LAB-3

Measurement of Voltage Distribution

along Suspension Insulators

Objectives:
Upon completion of this lab, the student will be able to:
 Study the solid insulators: types, characteristics and materials.
 Study the string efficiency and its improvement methods.
 Measure the string efficiency without/with guard ring.
Introduction:
a) Overhead Transmission Lines Insulators:
- The insulators for overhead lines provide
insulation to the power conductor from
ground.
- The insulators are connected to the cross
arm of the tower and the power
conductor passes through the clamp of
the insulator.

b) Characteristics of Solid Insulators:

1. High Mechanical strength.
2. High Electric strength.
3. High insulation resistance.
4. Free from impurities and moisture.
5. Withstand the flashover phenomenon.
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-3

c) Insulator Materials:
1- Porcelain
● Mechanical strength is higher than glass
● Low leakage current
● Less effected by temperature
● Electric strength is 60 kV/cm
● Used with any number of units to increase
the insulation level
2- Toughened Glass
● Glass is cheaper than porcelain.
● Electric Strength is 140 kV/cm.
● lower coefficient of thermal expansion.
● Glass insulators are used up to 33 kV lines.

d) Types of Insulators

1- Pin Type Insulators 2- Suspension 3- Strain Insulators

Insulators
- Pin type insulator consists
of a single or multiple units.
- They are used up to 33 kv.
- For higher voltages the pin
type insulators are very
heavy and more costly.
A type of insulator used to - They are used to take the
support a conductor of an tension of the conductors at the
overhead transmission line terminals, at angle towers,
line, consisting of one or a and at road crossings.
string of insulating units - The strings are placed in
suspended from a pole or horizontal plane.
tower, with the conductor
attached to the end.
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-3

e) Voltage Distribution over Insulator:

(a) Actual insulator schematic. (b) Electrical representation schematic

f) Insulator (string) Efficiency:

η = (Vtotal/n.Vmax) x 100%
V: Voltage across the insulator string, (phase Volt) .
n: number of insulator units.
Vmax: Voltage across the insulator unit near to the power line (for n = 3, Vmax = V3).
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-3

g) Improvement of String Efficiency “Methods of Equalizing

Potential”:
1- Long cross arm: reducing the ground capacitance relative to the capacitance
of insulator unit (reduce m where m = ce/cs): This can be done by increasing
the length of cross arm.
Disadvantages: taller supporting tower which uneconomical.
2- Grading of insulator units: using insulator units with different capacitances.
Disadvantages: requires large stocks of different units which is uneconomical
and impractical.
3- Guard Ring: using a large metal ring surrounding the bottom insulator unit and
connected to the line. This gives a capacitance which will cancel the charging
current of ground capacitance.
- Advantages:
1- Equalizing the voltage drop across each insulator unit.
2- Protects the insulator against flash over.

(a) Actual insulator with guard ring. (b) Electrical representation schematic of insulator
with guard ring.
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-3

Experiment Procedures
List of Instruments:
1. Auto transformer for low voltage (0-220 V)
2. Voltmeter for low voltage (220 V)
3. Suspension Insulator Model.
Procedure:
1. Connect the circuit as shown in figure 1.
2. Switch on the 3 phase auto-transformer and measure Vtotal ,V1….V6 by
using voltmeter then record readings.
V𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙
3. Calculate string efficiency from equation 𝜂 = ∗ 100%
𝑛∗𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥
4. Reconnect the circuit as shown in fig.2 and repeat steps number 2&3.

Experimental Calculations and Results:

Without guard ring With guard ring

Vtotal Vtotal
V1 V1
V2 V2
V3 V3
V4 V4
V5 V5
V6 V6
String efficiency String efficiency
𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙
𝜂1 = ∗ 100% = 𝜂2 = ∗ 100% =
𝑛 ∗ 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑛 ∗ 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-3

Cs V
Cm Cring

L
Auto-transformer
AC-supply
N

Fig. 1.
L

Cs V
Cm Cring

L
Auto-transformer
AC-supply
N

Fig. 2.

Comments:
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HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-4

Name: ………………………….. Group: …………………………..

Date: ………………………….. Grade: …………………………..

LAB-4

Measurement of Earth Resistance

Objectives:
Upon completion of this lab, the student will be able to:
 Study the measurement of earth resistance principals.
 Study the different methods used for reducing earth resistance.
 Measure the earth resistance using the Fall-of-Potential method.

1- Introduction:
By earthing, we mean, making a connection to the general mass of the earth .
It’s use is so wide spreaded that many points of the supply network. From the
generators to the consumer apparatus, earth electrodes will be found.
Earthing prevent excessive voltage during disturbances and provide a low
resistance path to earth for lightening surges. For protecting building and substations
from lightening strokes , lightening arrestors are to be used which must be used with
a low earth resistance connection to earth the very large current to be discharged to
the general mass of earth . In accordance with standards, the resistance of the
earthing system depends upon the size of electrical system.
Installation
For large power stations R=0.5-1 Ohm
For small substations R= 5 ohm
For smaller substations R=10-20 ohm
The above values of the earthing resistance’s is related to the fact that when rating
increases the short circuit current increases, and “R” then must be smaller.
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-4

2- Earthing Measurement Principles

The object of an earth electrode system is to provide a low resistance to foreign
currents that may cause injury or damage or disrupt equipment. The currents will
dissipate safely when properly conducted to earth via the electrode. There are three
components to the resistance :
• Resistance of the electrode materials and connections to them
• Contact resistance between the electrode and the soil surrounding it
• Resistance of the surrounding earth.

The resistance of the electrode materials is purposely made small so their

contribution to the total resistance is negligible. Generally, copper materials are used
throughout. Ground rods usually are copper-coated steel for strength, although
galvanized steel ground rods are found in applications where corrosion is a problem.
The contact resistance between the electrode and soil is negligible if the electrode
materials are clean and unpainted when installed and the earth is packed firmly.

Generally, the resistance of the surrounding earth will be the largest of the
three components. An earth electrode system buried in the earth radiates current in
all directions and eventually dissipates some distance away depending on the soil’s
resistance to current flow, as indicated by its resistivity.

When Earthing resistances are too high, they may be reduced by one of the
following methods:
 Using additional ground rods
 Longer rods are particularly effective where low-resistance soils are too far
below the surface to be reached with the ordinary length rods
 Soil treatment to reduce resistance, there are two practical ways of
accomplishing this method
a) Container method
b) Trench method
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-4

3- Concentric earth shells around and earth electrode

The shell closest to the electrode has the
smallest surface area and offers the
greatest resistance.

The next shell has larger area and lower

resistance, and so on.

A distance eventually will be reached where

the additional earth shells do not add
significantly to the resistance.
Resistance For hemispherical electrode:
ρ
𝑹=
2πa
Where , ρ : resistivity of soil
a: distance of element

4- Fall of potential test

The Fall-of-Potential method is the most common way to measure earth
electrode system resistance, as shown a known current I is passed between the
earth and current electrode and a potential difference V between earth and potential
electrode.

If the current is I and the potential difference is V then:

V
𝑹=
I
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-4

Notes
 Distance between earthing electrode and current electrode should be
at least 20 meter and by increasing the distance D we can get more
accurate value. (40 m is recommended)
 The correct reading is found when distance P is 62% of D . It
also is important that D be large.

Experiment Procedures
List of Instruments:
1. Digital earth tester
2. three electrodes (earth, two auxiliary, 75 cm at least)
3. Hammer
4. long wires (20 m at least)
Procedure:
 connection
1- Using hammer and water , stick the auxiliary earth spikes P and C into the
ground deeply. They should be aligned at an interval of 62%D to D from
the earthed equipment under test .
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-4

2- Connect the green wire to the earthed equipment under test , the yellow
wire to the auxiliary earth spike P and and the red wire to
the auxiliary earth spike C from terminals E, P and C of the instrument
 Earth voltage measurement
Set the range switch to earth voltage position , earth voltage will be
indicated to display

 Precise measurement
1- Set the range to 2000 ohm position and press the test button
2- LED remains illuminated under testing
3- Turn the range switch to 200 ohm and 20 ohm when the earth resistance is
low, this indicated value is the earth resistance of the earthed equipment
under test
 Repeat the experiment for different distances as shown in the table
below and write down the value of earth resistance in each time

Experimental Calculations and Results:

D (m) P(0.62D) (m) R (ohm)

20 12.5
40 25
60 37
80 50
100 62

Comments:
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HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-5

Name: ………………………….. Group: …………………………..

Date: ………………………….. Grade: …………………………..

LAB-5

Measurement of Earth Resistivity

Objectives:
Upon completion of this lab, the student will be able to:
 Study the types of soil that affects earth resistivity.
 Study the factors affecting earth resistivity.
 Measure the earth resistivity using four-terminal method.
1. Introduction:
The term “earth resistivity” expressed in ohm-centimeters (ohm-cm) is one basic
variable affecting resistance to earth of an electrode system.
Measurements of earth resistivity are useful also for finding the best location and
depth for low resistance electrodes. Such studies are made, for example, when a new
electrical unit is being constructed; a generating station, substation, transmission
tower, or telephone central office.
Finally, earth resistivity may be used to indicate the degree of corrosion to be
expected in underground pipelines for water, oil, gas, gasoline, etc. In general, spots
where the resistivity values are low tend to increase corrosion.

2. Type of Soil Affects Resistivity

Whether a soil is largely clay or very sandy, for example, can change the earth
resistivity a great deal. Table I show the wide range in values note also the spread of
values for the same general types of soil in Fig. 1.
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-5

Table I: Resistivities of Different soils

Fig. 1. Relation between character of soil and resistance

of driven electrode at increased depths.

3. Factors Affecting Earth Resistivity

a. Moisture and Dissolved Salt:
In soil, conduction of current is largely electrolytic. Therefore, the amount of
moisture and salt content of soil radically affects its resistivity. The amount of water
in the soil varies, of course, with the weather, time of year, nature of sub-soil, and
depth of the permanent water table.
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-5

Table II shows typical effects of water in soil; note that when dry, the two types
of soil are good insulators (resistivities greater than 1000 x 106 ohm-cm).
Naturally occurring salts in the earth, dissolved in water, lower the resistivity
(table III).
Table II: Effect of moisture content on Earth resistivity

Table III: Effect of salt content on Earth resistivity

a. Temperature:
An increase in temperature will decrease resistivity: (1) water present in soil
mostly determines the resistivity, and (2) an increase in temperature markedly
decreases the resistivity of water. The results shown in Table IV confirm this. Note
that when water in the soil freezes, the resistivity jumps appreciably; ice has a high
resistivity. The resistivity continues to increase an temperatures go below freezing.
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-5

Table IV: Effect of temperature on Earth resistivity

Experiment Procedures
List of Instruments:
1. Megger Tester.
2. Four Rods.
3. Hammer.
4. Electric Connection Wires (40 meters).
5. Water/Salt.
Procedure:
1- Using the hammer, stick the four rods as shown in Fig. 2. Note that (A) is
the distance of the average earth resistivity needed to be measured.
2- Connect the four wires to the Megger instrument following the same
sequence of Fig. 2. i.e. (C1, P1, P2, C2).
3- From Megger tester, shown in Fig. 3, press (4 Pole) button and record
reading.
4- Repeat step 3 three times and take an average value.
5- Add water to the working area and repeat steps 3 and 4.
6- Add water/salt to the working area and repeat steps 3 and 4.
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-5

Fig. 2. Four-terminal method of measuring earth resistivity.

Fig. 3. Megger (DET5/4D) earth tester.

HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-5

Experimental Calculations and Results:

Soil Reading Average
Dry
Dry
Dry
Water
Water
Water
Water/Salt
Water/Salt
Water/Salt

𝜌 = 2𝜋𝐴𝑅

where ρ is the average soil resistivity to depth A in ohm-cm, A is the

distance between the electrodes in cm, and R is the Megger earth tester
reading in ohms.

Comments:
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HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-6

Name: ………………………….. Group: …………………………..

Date: ………………………….. Grade: …………………………..

LAB-6

Ferranti-Effect in Transmission Lines

Objectives:
Upon completion of this lab, the student will be able to:
 Study the Ferranti-effect occurs on overhead transmission lines.
 Observe experimentally the Ferranti-effect in a model of transmission
line with/without load.
Introduction:
A long transmission line/cables draws a substantial quantity of charging
current. If such a line/cable is open circuited or very lightly loaded at the receiving
end, the voltage at receiving end may become greater than voltage at sending end
due to capacitive reactance. This is known as Ferranti Effect.

Both capacitance and inductance is responsible to produce this effect. The

capacitance (which is responsible for charging current) is negligible in short line but
significant in medium line and appreciable in long line. Hence, this phenomenon
occurs in medium and long lines. The figure shown below is representing a
transmission line by an equivalent pi (π)-model. The voltage rise is proportional to
the square of the line length.
R L

Ic

Vs C C Vr

Fig. 1. An equivalent (π)-model of transmission line.

HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-6

P VL N

Vs
VR
IC

O Vr M

Fig. 2. Voltages phasor diagram of the equivalent transmission line model.

In the phasor diagram shown above -

OM = receiving end voltage, Vr
OC = Charging current drawn by capacitance, Ic
MN = Resistive drop,VR
NP = Inductive reactance drop, VL

Experiment Procedures

List of Instruments:
1. Three phase power supply.
2. Transmission line module (10 modules).
3. Three phase resistive load.
4. Ammeter.
5. Voltmeters.
Procedure:
1- Connect the first T.L module with the three-phase supply and left the
receiving end opened as shown in Fig. 3.
2- Switch on the supply and take the measurement devices readings.
3- Record the measured data on the table below.
4- Connect another T.L module (increasing line length) and repeat steps 2 and 3.
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-6

5- After connecting 10 modules of T.L, connect the three-phase load at the

receiving end side and record the measured data on the table.

No. of connected
Is modules Ir
L1 A A
V V
Three-phase L2 Three-phase Three-phase Three-phase
Power Supply L3 T.L Module T.L Module Load
V V
Vs Vr
N

Fig. 3. Laboratory setup.

Experimental Calculations and Results:

No. T.L Modules Sending end Sending end Receiving end Receiving end
Number voltage (Vs) current (Is) voltage (Vr) current (Ir)

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HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-6
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-6
HV Lab. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPT. LAB-6