PDIV Test Report Page 1
PDIV (Partial Discharge Inception Voltage) Test Report
for Motor / Stator Windings
Comprehensive test procedure, equipment, calibration, interpretation and reporting checklist
Generated: 2025-10-06 13:31:18
Prepared by: ChatGPT (PDIV test procedure summary based on IEC 60270, IEC 60034-27-1, IEC
60034-18-41 and industry guides)
1. Purpose
- Determine PDIV (partial discharge inception voltage) the voltage at which first measurable PD
pulses appear.
- Detect manufacturing defects (voids, poor impregnation, sharp edges) and provide baseline for
acceptance and condition monitoring.
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2. Standards & References
- IEC 60270: High-voltage test techniques Partial discharge measurements.
- IEC 60034-27-1: Off-line PD measurements on stator windings.
- IEC 60034-18-41: PD-free insulation systems (Type I) for converter-fed machines.
- Vendor guides: OMICRON, Doble, etc. for practical calibration and measurement tips.
3. Required Equipment
- High-voltage source (AC or impulse) with current-limiting.
- PD detector / analyzer compliant with IEC 60270.
- Coupling capacitor OR HFCT (high-frequency current transformer) for PD signal pickup.
- PD calibrator (known charge injection), screened HV leads, grounding, EMI filters.
- Thermocouples, data logger, safety interlocks, HV protective gear.
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4. Measurement Circuits & Calibration
- Coupling-capacitor measurement: Provides apparent charge (pC) via capacitive coupling; high
sensitivity.
- HFCT on earth/ground: Detects PD pulses returning through ground; robust for large machines or
field tests.
- Calibration: Inject known charge (q_cal) via calibration capacitor, record calibration constant
and noise floor.
- Target sensitivity: lab 1-5 pC; field 10-50 pC depending on noise.
5. Test Waveforms
- AC sinusoidal (power-frequency) is common for PDIV determination.
- Impulse or repetitive-pulse methods used per IEC TS 60034-27-5 for converter-related stresses.
- Always state waveform used when reporting PDIV/PDEV.
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6. Detailed Step-by-Step Procedure
Pre-test:
- Visual inspection, measure IR and winding resistances, disconnect from external networks, record
ambient T/RH.
- Install coupling device (C_couple or HFCT), shortest screened leads, single return path to earth.
Calibration:
- Use PD calibrator to inject known charge pulses, set instrument to display pC, record sensitivity
and noise floor.
PDIV Ramping:
- Start at 0 V. Increase in controlled steps (e.g., 0.1-0.2 kV steps for LV) or slow continuous
ramp.
- At each step hold for sufficient cycles to observe PD activity. Monitor apparent charge (pC),
pulse count and PRPD.
- PDIV = lowest applied voltage where pulses exceed detection threshold (document threshold and
method).
- After detection, continue or record and then reduce to find PDEV (extinction voltage on decreasing
ramp).
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7. Data to Capture
- Test circuit diagram and connections.
- Calibration constants (q_cal, C_cal) and measured sensitivity (pC).
- Ambient conditions (T, RH).
- Ramp table: voltages, dwell times, PD magnitudes, pulse counts, PRPD plots.
- Post-test IR, Hipot, visual inspection photos and notes.
8. Interpretation & Acceptance
- PDIV values are method-dependent; compare against baseline/type-test numbers or contractual
acceptance criteria.
- Type-I PD-free systems must show no PD at specified converter stress levels per IEC 60034-18-41.
- Examine Q V curve: slow onset and low pC is less severe; steep rise indicates serious defects.
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9. Common Pitfalls & Troubleshooting
- Electromagnetic noise: use screening, filters, avoid noisy periods.
- Poor grounding / multiple earth returns: causes false signals ensure single defined return path.
- Long unshielded leads and stray capacitance distort pulses shorten & screen leads.
- Failure to calibrate: cannot report pC without calibration.
- Mixing measurement circuits: do not compare results from different circuits without normalization.
10. Safety & Practical Cautions
- HV tests are hazardous: use interlocks, current limits, trained personnel, bleeder resistors.
- PD testing during temperature changes requires careful shielding and noise control.
- Do not perform destructive breakdown tests on production units; use representative samples for
such work.
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11. Test Report Checklist (Suggested Minimum)
- Identification: machine type, serial number, winding type, operator, date.
- Standards referenced.
- Test circuit diagram, instrument list and calibration data.
- Ambient conditions and test sequence (ramp steps, dwell times).
- PDIV, PDEV, Q V table, PRPD plots (attach plots as files or appendices).
- Post-test electrical checks: IR, Hipot (if performed), surge test results.
- Visual inspection findings and photos.
- Conclusion: pass/fail against quoted acceptance criteria and recommended actions.
Notes:
- All PD magnitudes must be reported with measurement sensitivity and coupling method.
- For formal acceptance, include type-test baseline comparisons or manufacturer-specified
thresholds.
