Detection of defects in groundwall insulation of HV generator stator windings with a microcontroller system

In this paper, a multi-function acoustic signal analysis system with a microcontrol chip (TMS320c25) is introduced for detecting defects within groundwall insulation in generator stator windings. When the stator winding is tapped with a vibrator, a sound containing defects information is produced, picked up by an acoustic transducer and analyzed in the frequency domain. The detected results are displayed on a liquid crystal display and printed by a microprinter. Compared with conventional detecting methods, the system has advantages such as higher resolution, real time display of results and convenient operation.<>