Analysis of Generator Stator Remaining Breakdown Voltage for Power Plant

The reliability of stator windings is very important for stable operation of generators, while they are under thermal, mechanical, environmental, and electrical stresses over years of operation. Utility companies are very interested in the remaining breakdown voltage of generators and utilize the corresponding data for maintenance or replacement of generators. In most cases the remaining breakdown voltage is measured by performing a non-destructive dielectric strength test. In this paper, the remaining breakdown voltage of a generator is predicted using statistical methods by comparison with actual measured data, considering the cooling method, maker, and years of use of generators, as a means to supplement the existing methods. This method can be used to minimize the errors that may occur when only the dielectric strength test is used.