EXCOUNT-II — Technical information

Combined Surge Counter and Condition Monitor

for Metal-Oxide Surge Arresters

PTHVP/A 2282 EXCOUNT-II — Technical information 1

 Table of Contents:
Introduction to EXCOUNT-II 3
Surge Counting 4
General 4
Surge counting with EXCOUNT-II 4
Leakage Current Measurements 5
Leakage current of metal- 5
oxide arresters
Resistive leakage current 6
Harmonics in the leakage current 6
Leakage current measurements 7
with EXCOUNT-II
Resistive leakage current information 10
from the arrester manufacturer
Evaluation of resistive leakage 11
current levels
Technical Data 12
Dimensions 13
References 13

2 PTHVP/A 2282 EXCOUNT-II — Technical information

Introduction to EXCOUNT-II
The rising demands for improved reliability of power supply and reduced mainte-
nance costs have increased the attention on condition monitoring of equipment in
HV substations. As far as metal-oxide surge arresters are concerned, there are two
important aspects which are related to the reliability of the arresters:
The stress on the arrester in terms of the intensity
and frequency of impulse currents
The condition of the arrester in terms of its insulating
properties in normal service
The first aspect is addressed by performing continuous surge counting and the
second by leakage current measurements on regular basis.
The EXCOUNT-II is designed to handle both surge counting and leakage current
measurements in a single monitoring system. The EXCOUNT-II system comprises a
sensor, see Figure 1, permanently mounted at the base of the arrester, see Figure
2, a transceiver for wireless communication with the sensor, see Figure 3, and
proprietary software installed on a personal computer.

Fig. 1. EXCOUNT-II sensor. Fig. 2. EXCOUNT-II sensor mounted

at arrester base.

Fig. 3. EXCOUNT-II transceiver.

In the following, the bases for surge counting and leakage current measurements
are described, and the corresponding functions of the EXCOUNT-II are presented.
For general information on various diagnostic methods for metal-oxide arresters,
please refer to IEC 60099-5.

PTHVP/A 2282 EXCOUNT-II — Technical information 3

 Surge Counting
General
The primary aim of a surge counter is to give an indication of the stress on
the arrester from impulse currents caused by overvoltages. In addition, surge
counters may be helpful in analysing the occurrences of overvoltages on the
system, provided the surge counting information is sufficiently detailed.

Surge counting with EXCOUNT-II

Surge counters operate at impulse currents above a certain amplitude. The
EXCOUNT-II sensor is equipped with an impulse current transformer for registration
of discharge currents from 10 A and above, see Figure 4.
The measured current peak values are sorted into five impulse current ranges and
stored in the EXCOUNT-II memory along with the date and time of each impulse.
The impulse current ranges are: >10 A, >100 A, >1000 A, >5000 A and >10000 A. The
precision of the impulse current measurements is optimized with regard to lightning
current impulses. The EXCOUNT-II memory keeps the information on the 1000 most
recent impulses, with a maximum rate of 2 impulses per second. For technical data
on surge counting, see Table 1.

Impulse
current
transformer

Fig. 4. Internal parts of the EXCOUNT-II sensor.

The memory content is transmitted to the EXCOUNT-II transceiver, see Figure 3, at

the time of the leakage current measurements described below. The surge counter
data is later transmitted to a personal computer and analyzed by means of the
EXCOUNT-II software.
The use of the detailed surge counting information provided by the EXCOUNT-II
is not limited to the estimation of arrester stresses. The information can also be
used to analyse the occurrence of the last 1000 lightning overvoltages with regard
to date, time and amplitude of the arrester impulse current. When this information
is combined with data from event recorders etc., investigations of lightning faults or
other system events may be greatly facilitated.

4 PTHVP/A 2282 EXCOUNT-II — Technical information

Leakage Current Measurements
Apart from the brief occasions when a surge arrester is functioning as an overvol-
tage-limiting device, it is expected to behave like an insulator. The insulating
properties are essential for the length of life of the arrester and for the operation
reliability of the power system. Any deterioration of the insulating properties of
a metal-oxide arrester will cause an increase in the resistive leakage current, at
given values of voltage and temperature. Therefore, the resistive leakage current
in service can be used as a diagnostic tool to check the condition of a surge
arrester. Leakage current measurements for diagnostic purposes are usually made
on temporary basis at regular intervals. Repeated measurements may be necessary
for closer investigations, if significant changes in the condition of an arrester are
revealed by temporary measurements.

Leakage current of metal-oxide arresters

The total leakage current of a metal-oxide arrester can be divided into capacitive
and resistive parts, see Figure 5, with a predominant capacitive component and
a significantly smaller resistive part (5 to 20% of the total current). The capacitive
leakage current is caused by the permittivity of the metal-oxide varistors, by the
stray capacitances and by internal grading capacitors (if applied).
A large increase in the resistive leakage current is needed before a noticeable
change occurs in the total leakage current level. Therefore, the total leakage current
is unsuitable for arrester diagnostic purposes. Instead, it may be used for other
diagnostic or maintenance purposes, e.g. to estimate the prevailing amount of
insulator surface pollution and the associated need for insulator washing, greasing
etc. of the insulators in the substation.
The resistive component of the leakage current, on the other hand, is a sensitive
indicator of any changes in the voltage-current characteristic of a metal-oxide
arrester. The EXCOUNT-II is equipped for measurement of the total leakage current
and, optionally, for measurement of the resistive leakage current. In this way, the
EXCOUNT-II may be equipped to fulfil different diagnostic needs in addition to surge
counting.

Fig. 5. Electrical representation of a metal-oxide arrester in the leakage current region.

PTHVP/A 2282 EXCOUNT-II — Technical information 5

 Resistive leakage current
The resistive leakage current is defined as the peak value of the resistive compo-
nent of the leakage current, i.e. the instantaneous value of the leakage current
when the voltage across the arrester is at its maximum (dU/dt = 0). In the
leakage current region, the resistive current depends on the voltage stress and
temperature of the varistors. The typical non-linear behavior of the resistive
leakage current is shown in Figure 6 for two different varistor temperatures. The
voltage stress is expressed as the ratio of the operating voltage to the rated
voltage of the arrester (U/Ur).

Fig. 6. Example of voltage-current characteristics of a metal-oxide arrester

The maximum continuous operating voltage of an arrester (the Uc according to

IEC, or the MCOV according to ANSI) usually corresponds to a voltage stress in the
range 0,7-0,85 p.u. of the rated voltage.
In normal arrester applications, the operating voltage stress usually ranges from
0,5 to 0,8 p.u. of the rated voltage. In this range, the resistive leakage currents
at +20°C may vary from 10 to 600 µA depending on the size and make of the
varistors.

Harmonics in the leakage current

The non-linear voltage-current characteristic of a metal-oxide arrester, illustrated
in Figure 6, gives rise to harmonics in the leakage current when the arrester is
energized with a sinusoidal voltage. The harmonic content depends on the degree
of non-linearity, which is a function of voltage stress, temperature and make of
the arrester. As an example, the third harmonic content of the leakage current is
typically 10-40% of the resistive current.
The harmonic content of the leakage current can, therefore, be used as an indica-
tor of the resistive leakage current. Using harmonics for measuring the resistive
leakage current is advantageous compared to other methods, since no voltage
reference is needed to determine the resistive part of the leakage current. The
third order harmonic is of special interest in this respect, since it has the largest
magnitude of the current harmonics.

6 PTHVP/A 2282 EXCOUNT-II — Technical information

 The actual resistive leakage current level can be readily determined from measu-
rements of the third harmonic, provided the appropriate information is available
regarding the third harmonic content of the resistive current at the prevailing voltage
stress and temperature. This information is specific to the arrester make and type,
and must therefore be supplied by the arrester manufacturer.

Fig. 7. Total leakage currents of metal-oxide arresters in different service conditions.

Another source of harmonics in the leakage current is the harmonic content in the
system voltage. The voltage harmonics produce capacitive harmonic currents in the
arrester. This is clearly illustrated in Figure 7, showing results from leakage current
measurements on two different arresters in service conditions that are significantly
different in terms of system voltage harmonics.
The capacitive harmonic currents produced by the voltage harmonics may be of
the same order of magnitude as the harmonic currents generated by the non-linear
resistive leakage current. This means that the third harmonic content originating
from the system voltage interferes with the third harmonic content associated
with the resistive leakage current of the arrester. In order to perform accurate
measurements of the resistive leakage current by means of third order harmonic
analysis, it is therefore necessary to compensate for the third order harmonic
content in the system voltage.

Leakage current measurements with EXCOUNT-II

When the EXCOUNT-II is optionally equipped for measurement of resistive leakage
currents, the measurement is based on third harmonic analysis of the leakage
current with compensation for the third harmonic in the system voltage. The com-
pensation is performed by simultaneous measurements of both the total leakage
current of the arrester and the current induced in a field probe, the latter being
proportional to the harmonic content in the system voltage.

PTHVP/A 2282 EXCOUNT-II — Technical information 7

 The principle for measurement of the resistive leakage current with the
EXCOUNT-II is the same as for the original leakage current monitor, LCM, developed
by ABB Switchgear and TransiNor, and described in detail in [2].
The procedure for leakage current measurement with EXCOUNT-II is presented
step-by-step in the following:

Field probe

Zero-flux current
transformer

Fig. 8. Internal parts of the EXCOUNT-II sensor.

The total leakage current is measured by means of the zero-flux current transfor-
mer, and the electric field generated by the system voltage is measured in terms
of the current induced in the field probe, both shown in Figure 8. The field probe
current, see Figure 9, is used to compensate for the harmonic content in the system
voltage.
Every 10 seconds, the data communication system of the EXCOUNT-II sensor
is activated to establish contact with an EXCOUNT-II transceiver in the vicinity.
If successful, the sensor makes the current measurements described above and
transmits the measured data to the transceiver. In addition, the sensor also trans-
mits surge counting data along with data on ambient temperature and sensor
identity, etc. For details on the sensor/transceiver data communication system, see
Table 1.

8 PTHVP/A 2282 EXCOUNT-II — Technical information

 Electric field
surrounding the
arrester

Field
probe

Ip

Fig. 9. Principle of field probe for determination of system voltage harmonics.

In the transceiver, the magnitudes of the currents are checked with regard to the
measurement ranges (see Table 1). Extremely low current levels, caused by the
arrester being out of operation etc., are also identified. Accepted measurements
are analysed by means of Discrete Fourier Transformation (DFT) to determine the
magnitude and phase angle of the first and third order harmonic components of
the total leakage and field probe currents (for resistive leakage current option).
Several measurements are analysed to verify the stability of the current levels. The
leakage current data (as well as the surge counting data) are temporarily stored in
the transceiver for later downloading to a personal computer.
By means of the EXCOUNT-II software, the leakage current and surge counting
data are analyzed and presented for each arrester. The resistive leakage current
level (optional) is calculated in two steps: First, the resistive third harmonic of
the arrester leakage current, with compensation for the third harmonic in the
voltage, is determined by the equation below (for a three-phase installation). For a
detailed explanation of the equation, see [2]. Secondly, the resistive leakage current
is determined from the resistive third harmonic current by means of information
supplied by the arrester manufacturer.
The ratio of the resistive leakage current to the third harmonic current depends on
the operating voltage stress (the operating voltage divided by the rated voltage) and
the arrester temperature (in practice, the ambient temperature). These parameters are
therefore recorded at the time of the leakage current measurements. The ambient
temperature is automatically measured by the sensor, while the operating voltage is
entered into the transceiver at the time of the leakage current measurement.

PTHVP/A 2282 EXCOUNT-II — Technical information 9

 Resistive leakage current information from the arrester
manufacturer
The information from the arrester manufacturer is given in accordance with IEC
60099-5 [1] for each arrester type. All ABB type arresters are included in the
EXCOUNT-II software to allow measurements of resistive leakage currents. To
be ably to correctly calculate the resistive leakage current for non-ABB type of
arresters the characteristics of that type must be added to the data base. Please
contact your ABB office for further information. The manufacturer’s information
comprises:
Maximum recommended levels of resistive leakage current and resistive third
harmonic current at a specified voltage stress (U/Ur = 0,7) and a specified
ambient temperature (+20°C). These conditions are referred to as “standard
operating conditions”.
Multipliers for the resistive leakage current and the resistive third harmonic as
functions of voltage stress and ambient temperature. These multipliers are used
for converting the actual values of voltage stress and ambient temperature at
the time of measurement to standard operating conditions. Examples of such
multipliers are given in Figures 10 and 11.

Fig. 10. Typical information for conversion to standard operating voltage conditions.

Fig. 11. Typical information for conversion to standard ambient temperature conditions.

10 PTHVP/A 2282 EXCOUNT-II — Technical information

Evaluation of resistive leakage current levels
By means of the manufacturer information, the resistive leakage current level is
determined from the resistive third harmonic current, and the results obtained under
the actual operating conditions are converted to the standard operating conditions.
After conversion, the results of the leakage current measurements can be evaluated
in two different ways:
The converted leakage current level can be compared with previous results
obtained for the same arrester, to reveal any significant changes in the leakage
current level over time.
The converted leakage current level can be compared with the maximum level
recommended by the arrester manufacturer.
These comparisons are carried out by the EXCOUNT-II software. The results may be
presented and documented in graphs, tables and reports.

PTHVP/A 2282 EXCOUNT-II — Technical information 11

Technical data
The technical data presented below are valid for all versions of the EXCOUNT-II system. Special
considerations are indicated for the different measurement and application options, e.g. resistive leakage
current measurement, indoor application, etc.

Surge counting Optional

Counting threshold (8/20 µs)
Surge current amplitude
classification (8/20 µs)
Error in surge counting amplitude
10 A Measuring range of resistive 10 – 2000 µA
leakage current (peak level)
10–99 A
100-999 A Error in resistive leakage current < 10 µA (10 – 50 µA);
1000-4999 A < 20% (50 – 2000 µA)
5000-9999 A
Diagnostic method Method B2 - Third order harmonic
> 10 000 A
classification acc. to analysis with compensation for
< 20% IEC 60099-5, Amendment 1 harmonics in the voltage.

Surge counting time resolution < 0.5 s

Surge counting time stamp format YYYY:MM:DD:hh:mm:ss

Sensor/Transceiver Data Communication
(1 s resolution) Type AM radio (OOK)
ETS and FCC approved
Surge counting memory capacity 1000 registrations (wrap-around)
Frequency 868.35 MHz
(916.50 MHz for North America
Leakage Current Measurement and Australia)
Measuring range of total leakage 0.1 – 50 mA
Antenna Integrated on circuit-board
current (peak level) (10-bit A/D conversion, autorange)
Output power -3dBm (0.75 mW)
Error in total leakage current < 5%
Operation range 60 m

General
Sensor Transceiver
Climatic conditions Sealed, water-tight design, IP 67 Weather-proof, IP 54
(Battery compartment, IP 65)

Ambient temperature –50 °C to +60 °C -10 °C to +50 °C

range Operation: –40 °C to +60 °C

Measuring frequency 50 or 60 Hz (automatic) N/A

range

Short-circuit capability 65 kA acc. to IEC 60099-4 N/A

Power supply Outdoor version: Powered from 9 Volt battery

built-in solar cell and field probe Alkaline type
Indoor version: 9 Volt lithium 6LR61/PP3
battery 6LR61/PP3
Battery replacement 8 years with 1200 mAh lithium > 4 hours
period battery (for indoor use)

12 PTHVP/A 2282 EXCOUNT-II — Technical information

Dimensions

EXCOUNT-II
ID. No: XXXXXXXX
Cat. No:
1HSA44X XXX-X
Made in Sweden

Sensor Transceiver

References
[1] IEC 60099-5 Ed. 1.1 (2000-03): Surge arresters - Part 5: Selection and application recom-
mendations.

[2] J. Lundquist, L. Stenström, A. Schei, B. Hansen, ”New Method for Measurement of the
Resistive Leakage Currents of Metal-Oxide Surge Arresters in Service,” IEEE Trans. on
PWRD, Vol. 5, No. 4, November 1990.

PTHVP/A 2282 EXCOUNT-II — Technical information 13

 Produced by: HVP/MD MF
Catalogue Publ. PTHVP/A 2282en Edition 1, 2001-11

ABB Power Technology Products AB

High Voltage Products
Surge Arresters
S-771 80 LUDVIKA, SWEDEN
Tel: +46 (0)240 78 20 00
Telefax: +46 (0)240 179 83
E-mail: arresters.div@se.abb.com
Internet: http://www.abb.com/arrestersonline
14 PTHVP/A 2282 EXCOUNT-II — Technical information