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 on-site 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.