Thermography of aged contacts of high voltage equipment

New developments in diagnostic tools and systems are necessary for a reliable and economic evaluation of the condition of equipment in power systems. In a research project a tool for the condition of contacts of centre break disconnector, which is used under normal operation by the aid of a thermography measurement system, has been developed. In this paper, an overview about the laboratory investigation of the temperature load behaviour and the environmental influence onsite for new and aged disconnector contacts are given. A condition evaluation tool for contacts, which was the aim of the project, has been created. The basic method for the evaluation is presented, and also two additional easements for a fast identification of suspect contacts are presented. With this evaluation tool and the usage of a thermography based measuring system, a condition based maintenance strategy can be applied, whereby an early detection of damages is possible and so power quality and reliability increase.