Factors Affecting Polarization and Depolarization Current Measurements on Insulation of Transformers

Polarization and depolarization current measurements are promising on-site, off-line, non-destructive, non-invasive diagnostic tool for condition assessment of paper-oil insulation of transformers. Interpretation of the results of polarization and depolarization current is complex and hence not practiced as a routine diagnostic method for condition monitoring of transformers. This paper discusses various factors affecting polarization and depolarization current measurements with a deeper insight into the theoretical and practical aspects of this technique. Some of the concerns of PDC measurement are explained with support from simulation and experimental studies on paper oil insulation of a laboratory model transformer. Few case studies are discussed to highlight the difficulties in interpretation of results.