For ten months of 2020, employees of the regional service for insulation and overvoltage protection (RSIOVP) of the “Ulyanovsk Distribution Grids” branch of Rosseti Volga, PJSC conducted 8,702 tests of electrical equipment. These included 1,427 tests at 0.4/6/10 kV transformer substations (TS), 695 tests at 110/35 kV substations and 4,072 tests of 110 kV supporting and core insulation.

Power engineers manage to achieve the maximum accuracy and efficiency in electrical tests and measurements thanks to the use of modern diagnostic methods and high-tech equipment. In particular, the vibroacoustic method is used to detect microcracks on the porcelain of supporting and core insulation. Also, since 2017, the “Ulyanovsk Distribution Grids” branch has been using the ultrasonic method for diagnostics of the high-voltage porcelain structure.

The most effective, so-called non-contact method for diagnosing the state of equipment and structures without taking them out of operation, is thermal imaging control. Thermal imaging tests allow power engineers to identify even minor defects by capturing and converting infrared radiation into the visible spectrum. In 2020, RSIOVP specialists examined 81 high-voltage substations, 65 high-voltage overhead lines and 1,466 6-10 / 0.4 kV transformer substations using a thermal imager.

The branch also has a modern high-performance chemical and chromatographic laboratory that analyzes samples. According to the results of ten months, the laboratory personnel carried out 857 analyzes of transformer oil samples. Physicochemical and chromatographic analyzes carried out on electronic equipment using new techniques and technologies make it possible to determine any deviations from the norm as accurately as possible and diagnose slowly developing defects in transformers at an early stage.

“Timely diagnostics and equipment condition monitoring allow preventing technological disruptions in grids caused by equipment malfunction. All data obtained in the course of measurements, tests and inspections of electrical equipment are taken into account when forming and adjusting annual production programs", says Igor Antonov, Deputy Director and Chief Engineer of the “Ulyanovsk Distribution Grids” branch.