9AKK107992A0049

Owning
2NAA000030 Creation Approval Security
Organization: Date: Date: Level: Language: EN Revision: A Pages: 18
ELDS 24/03/2021 24/03/2021 Internal
Life Cycle Status: Approved Created: Carlo Gemme, Marco Testa
Document: Procedure Reviewed: Callisto Gatti
Coverage: ELDS Approved: Marco Egman

PDCOM PDs detection system

application validation procedure

Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Statement of intent ................................................................................................................ 2
2 SCOPE .................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 This document use ................................................................................................................ 3
2.2 Validity ................................................................................................................................... 3
2.3 Abbreviations......................................................................................................................... 4
2.4 Related documents and links ................................................................................................ 5
2.5 PDCOM functionality ............................................................................................................. 6
2.6 Safety integration with VIS .................................................................................................... 7
3 STEP 1 – SELECTION OF VIS AND CAPACITIVE COUPLING .......................................... 8
4 STEP 2 – SWITCHGEAR INSTALLATION .......................................................................... 8
5 STEP 3 – VIS DETECTION VALIDATION WITH PDCOM ................................................... 9
6 STEP 4 – CALIBRATION (OPTIONAL)................................................................................ 9
7 STEP 5 – PD MEASUREMENT AS FAT (OPTIONAL) ...................................................... 10
8 STANDARD REQUIREMENTS........................................................................................... 13
9 STEP 6 – COMMUNICATION WITH SWICOM (OPTIONAL) ............................................. 14
10 STEP 7 – COMMUNICATION WITH GATEWAY (OPTIONAL) .......................................... 14
APPENDIX 1 - APPROVED VIS DESIGNS ............................................................................................. 15
APPENDIX 2 - IEC 62271-206 TEST PROCEDURE ............................................................................... 16
APPENDIX 3 - IEC 61243-5 TEST PROCEDURE ................................................................................... 17
REVISION HISTORY ............................................................................................................................... 18

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1 Introduction

1.1 Statement of intent

The following procedure provides a method of statement on the test sequence required
to validate PDCOM application in a specific switchgear design.
It is recommended to select the supplying VPIS and/or VDS system according to the
next chapter description to limit the number of tests and provide a reasonable coverage
of normal production offering with PDCOM as an add-on option.
It is mandatory to validate PDCOM with VDS, while it is not with VPIS, although strongly
suggested at least for one application as reference configuration for later customer
related projects execution.
Dielectric type testing is not required, as PDCOM does not modify the MV part
components but only uses signal from existing, already validated VIS system (when VIS
is used in this document, it means both VPIS and VDS).
Validation procedure includes:
- VIS current indication, with PDCOM and “VIS interface” installed
- Partial discharge source detection with a parallel IEC 60270 measurement system
- Calibration (optional)
- Communication with SWICOM (optional)
- Communication with Gateway (optional)
This internal procedure covers all possible AIS and GIS, addressing both ABB and non-
ABB designs.

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2 Scope
This procedure applies to:
- All ABB switchgear validation with PDCOM application
- All retrofit designs developed as part of a customer order with ABB or non-ABB
switchgear

2.1 This document use

This document is for internal ABB use only and cannot be shared externally.

2.2 Validity
Validation requirements introduced by this document shall be applied to new PDCOM
application projects with VPIS, if not extensible from validation done on comparable designs.
Validation of VDS functionality with PDCOM shall be done for each single type of VDS and
capacitive coupler, due to higher safety requirement of such devices, and extension is at this
point deemed not applicable to VDS.
All following releases are immediately effective unless otherwise stated.

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2.3 Abbreviations
AIS Air Insulated Switchgear
BIL Basic Impulse Level
CB Circuit Breaker
ELDS Electrification Distribution Solutions
FAT Factory Acceptance Test
GIS Gas Insulated Switchgear
GPM Global Product Manager
KPI Key Performance Indicator
I&C Installation and Commissioning
LCM Life Cycle Management
LSC Local Service Centre
MV Medium Voltage
PD Partial Discharge
PDCOM Partial Discharge Condition Monitoring
PO Purchase Order
PSC Primary Service Centre
SAT Site Acceptance Test
SRV Service
SWICOM Switchgear Condition Monitoring
ToT Transfer of Technology
TR Technical Report
VDS Voltage Detection System, IEC 61243-5
VIPS Voltage presence indicating systems, IEC 62271-206
VIS Voltage Indication System (generic name including both VDS and VIPS)

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2.4 Related documents and links

Documents
IEC 60270: 'High-voltage test techniques – Partial discharge measurements', 2000
IEC TR 62271-307-2015 - High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 307:
Guidance for the extension of validity of type tests of AC metal and solid-insulation
enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and
including 52 kV
IEC 62271-200: AC metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above
1 kV and up to and including 52 kV Edition 2.0 2011-10
IEC 62271-206: Voltage presence indicating systems for rated voltages above 1 kV and
up to and including 52 kV
IEC 61243-5:1997: Live working - Voltage detectors - Part 5: Voltage detecting systems
(VDS)
Links
EPDS I&C policy ABB Documents 2NAA000047

PDCOM installation manual SWICOM-PDCOM Installation Manual ([Link])

SWICOM installation manual SWICOM Installation Manual ([Link])

SWICOM technical manual SWICOM Technical Manual ([Link])

Schematic drawings SWICOM Circuit Diagram ([Link])

MyRemoteCare gateway manual ABB AbilityTM Asset Health

Internal Video Trainings are available for calibration and install sequences.

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2.5 PDCOM functionality

PDCOM PD alerting system is normally integrated into switchgear when a voltage indicating
system (VIS) is available in the low voltage (LV) compartment, with no need to access the
medium voltage equipment. Thus, it enables easy installation in new lineups for green field
applications and quick upgrade in brown field installations without significant downtime and
changes to the medium voltage components.
In such cases the PD sensor (detail C) is connected to the capacitive signal provider e.g.
post insulators (A) feeding the VIS by interposing a “VIS interface” device (B) enabling to get
signal for PD alert function, figures below.

Fig 1: PDCOM alert system

Fig 2: LV compartment view – VIS interface (B), PDCOM (C) and Gateway (E)

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PDCOM system follows IEC 60270 Standard approach, as the signal from the capacitive
provider e.g. post insulator, is routed to the low voltage instrument compartment and into the
“VIS interface” device, then into the PD sensor built-in measurement impedance to process
all three phases at high-frequency and at power frequency for phase reference.
All the electronic of PDCOM PD alert system is installed in the low voltage compartment as
shown above, each bay hosts the “VIS interface” and the PD sensor.
SWICOM unit (detail D) enables direct reading of raw data from one, two or three PDCOM
sensors, runs analytics for calculation of measurements and KPIs, shares the same values
on the local display and with the cloud through the Gateway (detail E) in order to ensure
storage of historical data, trending and alarm management across several locations.

2.6 Safety integration with VIS

PDCOM electronics is designed in such a way that it integrates seamlessly with VIS and
should thus support partial discharge detection addition into existing switchgear installations
or integration in new ones with VIS system, by:
- Transparency of PDCOM electronics for the power signal: at 50/60Hz, as it exhibits
a very low series impedance and a very large parallel impedance.
- Failsafe mechanism of the series element: even if the high-frequency impedance
fails into an open circuit, a back-to-back diode circuit allows for the power signal to
flow from the coupler to VIS, supporting high working voltage.
- No-glow feature is only run for 100ms out of 1s (i.e. 10% duty cycle). This limitation
is implemented in hardware and is thus still enforced in case of software failure.

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3 Step 1 – selection of VIS and capacitive coupling

Make an analysis of typical VIS systems applied by SWG factory or SRV unit and choose the
one covering most frequent offerings for the functional test, possibly at least 80% of sales or
higher.
Verify typical coupling capacitor used for such VIS and capacitance range (in pF).
Select the highest typical coupling capacitance for the testing, based on application voltage.
PDCOM will provide higher signal to noise ratio and will work better with higher coupling
capacitance, so possibly select for the same VIS rated voltage application a higher
capacitance coupling value.
See examples in Appendix 1 for switchgear qualified VIS.

4 Step 2 – Switchgear Installation

Install PDCOM in the low voltage compartment and connect VIS interface (component
marked B in figure) according to installation manual and below schematic diagram.

Coaxial cable connection to the coupling capacitance are preferred, cable shield to be
terminated on the “VIS interface” J11 connector for each cable – phase coupling. Faston type
connection on “VIS interface” needs to be grounded on a nearby earthing point, see Fig. 2 B.
J11 and J12 are screw terminal. Refer to installation manual for details.

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5 Step 3 – VIS detection validation with PDCOM

This step has the objective to validate VIS systems considered to be representative of most
of the offerings for VPIS type and for capacitance values, as chosen in step 1. The same
shall be applied for all VDS systems for each specific type offered.
After validation, the type defined can be freely offered with PDCOM system option and shall
be reported in appendix 1 for usage in the rest of ELDS community (information needs to be
given to this document creator, including the type tested configurations and by providing
relevant test report).
Validation is performed according to routine testing procedure prescribed in IEC 62271-206
and reported in appendix 2 for VPIS and IEC 61243-5 and reported in appendix 3 for VDS.

6 Step 4 – Calibration (optional)

During installation a parallel commercial PD calibrator enables to verify sensitivity and
detection capability of the new PD alert system and to calibrate it by injecting a reference PD
signal of defined charge value, preferably 100pC to 500pC.1
An automated frequency band tuning calibration sequence enables to select best operating
frequency range in a 300kHz-3MHz range to increase sensitivity and to avoid or limit the
background noise.
Such operation is performed on a dead system – non voltage applied, as PD calibrator has
normally no voltage withstand capability2.
Calibration requires access to power parts for parallel connection of the PD calibrator, it is
recommended to calibrate each PDCOM in the nearest possible configuration to real
operation, e.g. the section where PDCOM is installed shall be connected, CB closed, ES
open, up to next tie open that normally is the subsystem boundary.
Fig 3 shows signal from the calibrator, set at 500pC, injected on phase L1. Signal is well
above background noise and automated calibration procedure provides a good signal over
noise ratio at selected operating frequency.
Small cross talk effects of the calibration across the other phases in a factor 1/10 are
observed.

1
Commercial calibrators example:
HVPD Partial Discharge Pc Calibrator cod.HVPDPR19001 1pC-100nC, [Link]
Hafely type KAL 9511 Basic Partial Discharge Calibrator Type B mid range 10-1000pC,
HVT_DS_HAEFELY_KAL_9511_Basic_Partial_Discharge_Calibrator_V2004.pdf ([Link])
Double Lemke DJ LDC-5 calibrator -5-500pC LDC-5 calibrator - Doble Engineering Company
2
IEC 60270 5.2 Calibration procedure
As the capacitor C0 of a calibrator is often a low-voltage capacitor, the calibration of the complete test arrangement is performed
with the test object de-energized. For the calibration to remain valid, the calibration capacitor C0 should not be larger than 0,1 Ca
(test object capacitance). Consequently, C0 must be removed before energizing the test circuit.

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Irrespectively of the fact this procedure will be done or not at the factory, it will need to be
executed again in field in any case.
On site calibration shall be done in a system configuration as near as possible to real
operation, possibly with feeder power cables connected (CB closed), as that is
representative of real operation and cables have a limited effect on system sensitivity. Such
configuration needs to be approved by customer, with as many feeders as possible
connected.

Fig. 3 Calibration phase, pulses on phase L1

7 Step 5 – PD measurement as FAT (optional)

PD measurement at workshop is not mandatory but it is recommended on a few order
related projects at the time of the product introduction in the SWG factory or SRV unit to gain
experience on the system and to train technicians that shall perform such verification on site
as SAT, according to IEC 62271-200 recommendations3.
Live voltage is applied to switchgear under test. This shall be done on the full switchgear in
delivery, if possible, or a meaningful section, 4-5 panels at least, if the section needs to be
moved at PD lab location. It shall be run on a section with preferably busbar installed, or
alternatively with wires replacing the busbars, as usually done on switchgear assembly line
for power frequency routine test, and after the calibration step 4 described before.

3
IEC 62271-200 chap. 7 Routine tests
The routine tests shall be made on each transport unit and, whenever practicable, at the manufacturer's factory to ensure that the
product is in accordance with the equipment on which the type test has been carried out.

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PD measurement enables to define the PD base level (background noise) of the section
tested and verify signals acquired from PDCOM.
It is possible to generate a PD signal above switchgear background noise such as a corona
effect by installing a wire in air connect to HV parts or a PD source as shown in fig. 4 in a
cable compartment (the figure is provided for indicative purposes only).
Testing voltage and sequence shall be performed according to IEC 62271-200 annex BB,
preferably according to procedure A, supplying one phase at a time.
The PD generation shall provide at the test voltage a PV value (Qiec) in the order of
magnitude of the calibration done, i.e. preferably in the 100-200 pC up to 500-1000pC, in
order to have a PD phenomenon possibly and reasonably stable and to compare PDCOM
readings from SWICOM interface with the parallel IEC 60270 PD measurement system.
The output data of PDCOM sensor values are updated with a 5 minutes interval and are the
inputs to derive calculated measurements based on a statistical summary and indicators.

Fig. 4 Surface discharges – top HV electrode and interposed plexiglass-PMMA or equivalent

insulating thick sheet to bottom ground electrode, PDCOM raw data and voltage signal

These data are available for an immediate comparison to parallel IEC 60270 PD
measurement system on SWICOM HMI4, and in particular discharge strength (IEC) and
pulse rate, as shown on SWICOM Bay measurement pages below, that are refreshed every
5min for the expert view.

4
Ref. SWICOM technical manual, chap. 7.2.1 The calculated data are statistical summaries derived from PDCOM measurements.
The data are updated every hour and calculated over the last day using a rolling window model, for this reason SWICOM
requires a minimum period of time to collect samples and calculate meaningful values. The quality of calculated data is adjusted
accordingly and only after the first 12 hours the quality is set to GOOD.

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8 Standard requirements
IEC 62271-1 Edition 2.0 2017-07
7.2.10 Partial discharge tests
Unless otherwise specified by the relevant product standard, partial discharge tests are not
required. When tests are required, the measurements shall be made according to IEC 60270.

IEC 62271-200 Edition 2.0 2011-10

7.101 Partial discharge measurement
This test is subject to agreement between manufacturer and user.
The measurement of partial discharges may be appropriate as a routine test to detect possible
material and manufacturing defects especially if organic insulating materials are used therein
and is recommended for fluid-filled compartments.
If such a test is agreed, the procedure shall be as described in Annex BB.

Fig. 5 IEC 62271-200 appendix BB test circuit and procedure

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9 Step 6 – Communication with SWICOM (optional)

PDCOM alert system communication with SWICOM is not part of VIS and PD detection
validation procedure but will be part of any project related order at the SWG factory or SRV
unit and it is recommended to be executed to gain experience on the system and to train
personnel that shall perform such configuration and verification. Please refer to PDCOM and
SWICOM install manuals.

10 Step 7 – Communication with Gateway (optional)

SWCOM communication with cloud services Gateway is not part of VIS and PD detection
validation procedure but could be part of project related orders at the SWG factory or SRV
unit and it is recommended to be executed to gain experience on the system and to train
personnel that shall perform such configuration and verification. Please refer to SWICOM
and Gateway install manuals.

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APPENDIX 1 - approved VIS designs

The following list includes the approved VIS designs, that passed the validation
procedure. New validated designs are added regularly.

Factory/SWG VIS type Capacitor Other - wiring

1 – ITABB/UniSec- VPIS Grey CT type TPU 2RDA021560A0001
UniGear IEC 62271-206 60.15 24kV Faston terminal
3WDA020579P0001 Ck-PE = 14pF
2 – ITABB/UniSec- Capacitive test indicator- Capacitive post Shielded cable,
Enel SWG 3WDA027513 insulator 24kV 2RDA027514
Enel DY811 225mm T34042
Enel DY1054
C=10pF
3 – ITABB/UniSec- VPIS Black – obsolete Gsec capacitive Shielded cable,
obsolete installed IEC 61958 insulator 24kV 3WCA023919
base 3WCA023400 2RDA006771 Faston terminal
C=15-18pF
4 – ITABB – No VPIS – direct to PDCOM Capacitive post 43922310 shielded
retrofitting / UniGear and VIS interface insulator 24kV cable – ferrule
ZS1 24kV DCP 20/5000 terminal
50018 SM4482_190306
C=150pF signal screw

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APPENDIX 2 - IEC 62271-206 test procedure

The following briefly recalls the validation procedure according to IEC 62271-206 to be
applied to VPIS system with PDCOM and “VIS interface” properly installed.

IEC 62271-206:
7 Routine tests
7.1 General
The VPIS shall be installed in the switchgear or controlgear. Then the dielectric tests
according to 7.1 and 7.2 of IEC 62271-15 shall be applied to the complete switchgear or
controlgear including the VPIS.

7.2 Clear indication

A clear indication test according to 6.3 shall be carried out. If it has been demonstrated
during type testing that the indication of the VPIS is not severely affected by the voltage
condition of adjacent phases, then the routine test may be carried out as a single-phase
test.

6.3 Clear indication of VPIS

If VPIS are used in three-phase systems, the following test shall be performed on a
three-phase basis.
A three-phase voltage source shall be connected to the main circuit of the switchgear
containing the coupling element and its neutral point to the earthing connection of the
switchgear. No other equipment, for example, phase comparators or other measuring
devices, shall be connected to the connecting point.
The test voltage shall be increased until the indication "voltage present" appears. The
applied line-to-earth voltage Uvp shall be recorded. The line-to-earth test voltage shall
then be increased up to the rated voltage (Ur).
The test is considered as passed if the voltage Uvp is between 10 % of Unmax and 45
% of Unmin in three-phase systems and if a clear indication "voltage present" is given in
the voltage range from Uvp to Ur.
Additionally, in the case of a repetitive indication, it shall be verified that the frequency of
repetition is equal to, or higher than, 1 Hz in the voltage range from 45 % of the nominal
voltage to Ur.

5
IEC62271-1 (7.1 ed.1.0) Dielectric test on the main circuit, A dry, short-duration power-frequency voltage test and (7.2 ed 1.0)
Tests on auxiliary and control circuits.

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APPENDIX 3 - IEC 61243-5 test procedure

The following briefly recalls the validation procedure according to IEC 61243-5 to be
applied to VDS system with PDCOM and “VIS interface” properly installed.

NOTE: IEC 61243-5 does not include any routine tests procedure and therefore IEC
62271-206 is used instead for the general part while the equivalent chapter of IEC
61243-5 is taken for the second part.

IEC 62271-206:
7 Routine tests
7.1 General
The VPIS* shall be installed in the switchgear or controlgear. Then the dielectric tests
according to 7.1 and 7.2 of IEC 62271-16 shall be applied to the complete switchgear or
controlgear including the VPIS*.

*VDS in our case.

IEC 61243-5:
5.11 Clear indication in integrated VDS

5.11.1 If non-screened connecting leads are used in n-phase systems, the following test
shall be performed on an n-phase basis.
If no severe influence on the measuring voltage from the adjacent phases is detected by
the type tests, then the routine test may be carried out as a single-phase test.

5.11.2 The live part of the equipment containing the coupling electrode shall be
connected to a voltage source. No other equipment, for example phase comparators or
other measuring devices, shall be connected to the test point. The voltage shall be
increased until the indication "voltage present" appears. The applied voltage Uet shall be
registered. After that the test voltage shall be increased up to 120 % of the nominal
voltage.
The test is considered as passed, if the voltage Uet is in the range of 10 % to 45 % of
the nominal voltage in three-phase systems, and if clear indication "voltage present" is
given in the voltage range from Uet to 1,2 Un.

NOTE – For systems other than three-phase the applicable phase-to-phase or phase-to-
earth voltage should be used to determine the upper limit for Uet, for example 78 % of
the nominal voltage in single pole earthed single phase systems, 39 % of the nominal
voltage in mid-point earthed single-phase systems.

6
IEC62271-1 (7.1 ed.1.0) Dielectric test on the main circuit, A dry, short-duration power-frequency voltage test and (7.2 ed 1.0)
Tests on auxiliary and control circuits.

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Revision History

Revision Approved By Date Revision Notes

A Marco Egman 24-03-2021 First release

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