Predicting life from analysis of field aged 500 kV series capacitors

The ability to predict life of utility equipment offers an opportunity to improve service reliability and to make economic decisions. This paper addresses determining the electrical life of 500 kV series capacitors by analysis of field aged samples. The analysis of the capacitors was based on a program to review historical data, to perform electrical and laboratory testing and to study the capacitors after testing by dissecting the unit. The results of the analysis are presented.