Instruction Manual

Operation & Maintenance of

Capacitor Voltage
Transformer

Capacitor Sales Department

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited Bhopal 462 022
Tel: 0755 2502357
Fax: 0755 201 946, 201 609
E-mail: vkteje@bhelbpl.co.in, or, smahendra@bhelbpl.co.in

Table of Contents
Page No.
1.0 General Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1 Capacitor Voltage Divider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 Electromagnetic (EM) Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 Principle of working . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.0 Shipping, Unloading and Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.0 Initial Visual Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.0 Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.0 Initial Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.0 Erection and Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.1
Lifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.3
Nitrogen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.4
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.5
Earthing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.6
Pre Commissioning Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.0 Use of Special Aux. VT in CVT Secondary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.0 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.1
Insulator and Paint work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.2
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.3
Oil Sampling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.0 Oil filling Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.1 Instructions for topping up the EM Unit with oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.2 Refilling the EM Unit with oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11.0 Instructions for Nitrogen filling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.0 Do's & Don'ts Of CVTs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.1 Do's for CVT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.2 Don'ts for CVT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.0 Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.1 Insulating Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.2 Gasket and other Insulating materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Page 1 of 8

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The Capacitor Voltage Transformers (CVTS) are
used for supplying voltage signal to the measuring
instruments and protective relays. Simultaneously
the CVTs are used as coupling capacitors for Power
Line Carrier Communication (PLCC).
The CVT consists of the Capacitor Voltage
Divider(CVD) and Electromagnetic (EM) unit.
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It comprises of capacitor units housed in porcelain
weather casing. The bottom capacitor housing is
permanently fixed over the EM unit and tap is taken
out from this capacitor unit at an appropriate point
to give an intermediate voltage of about 22/ 3 kV
corresponding to the nominal voltage. The number
of capacitor units connected in series and mounted
one over the other in the CVD are indicated in Table

I.

Table I
Highest
system
voltage, kV

Number of
Capacitor units

up to 123

145

245

420

800

The hermetical sealing of EM unit is done along

with the bottom Capacitor mounted over it. Whereas
other Capacitor housings are independently sealed.
The 400 kV CVT is provided with corona ring at
the top, while for 800 kV CVT, corona rings are
provided at top and as well as for the few of the
junction points of capacitor housings. Detachable
line terminal is provided on the top capacitor.
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EM Unit consists of:
Adjustable medium voltage tuning reactor. The
reactance is adjusted at works to tune with the
total capacitance of high voltage and intermediate
voltage capacitors.
The Intermediate Voltage Transformer (IVT)
with voltage correction tapping windings at earth
end of the primary.

Figure 1

N9 &97
Page 2 of 8

Separate secondary windings according to the

customer requirements for measurement and
protection.
Damping device, connected across one of the
secondary windings.

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Terminal box, provided with M6 size secondary

terminals, fuses, the earthing link(s) no. 2 for
secondary winding(s) & earthing link no. 3 for
LV (high frequency) terminal M8 size of
Capacitor Voltage Divider.
The electromagnetic unit is housed in the steel tank
and filled with transformer oil. The Nitrogen gas
cushion is provided to compensate for the variations
in oil level due to change in ambient temperature.
- Primary terminal box: The tapping windings
leads of Intermediate Voltage Transformer are
brought to a circular terminal box. This primary
terminal box also incorporates LV end of primary of
IVT for earthing through tapping winding
connections. The winding continuity is maintained
through links. Links are set in position at the time of
dispatch from works and are not to be changed as
long as the VA Burden is within the specified range.
The connections are selected and made at works
depending upon the manufacturing tolerances. The
link no. 1 for joining the LV end of the primary
winding/tapping winding series connections, to earth
is also provided inside this box. Care is taken while
selecting the tap connections, so that, all the tapping
windings are tied up to a definite potential, maintain
continuity of the series connected primary circuit
and also at the same time it is ensured that no
tapping coil is getting shorted.

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The main components of CVT are indicated in the
schematic circuit diagram shown in Fig. 2.
Up
C1
C2
V1

=
=
=
=

L =
T =
V2 =

Applied Primary voltage

High voltage capacitor
Intermediate voltage capacitor
Voltage across Intermediate tap of
Capacitor Divider
Tuning reactor
Intermediate Voltage Transformer
Secondary voltage

The equivalent circuit diagram for the CVT, as

given in Fig. 3, is obtained by applying Thevenin's
theorem.

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The applied voltage for this equivalent diagram is

given by:
V1

Up

or, V1

Up

C1
C1

C2

CN
C2

Page 3 of 8

For BHEL CVTs, this intermediate voltage V1 has

been fixed as 22/ 3 kV. The equivalent capacitance
( C1 + C2 ) is compensated by the series inductive
reactance of tuning reactor and leakage reactance of
Intermediate Voltage Transformer, such that the
correct phase angle displacement between primary
and the secondary voltages is realized. The
combined losses of reactor and copper losses of
transformer windings are represented by R.

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Before shipping, the CVT is carefully inspected &
tested for electrical parameters that is accuracy and
insulation adequacy and for hermetic sealing at our
works. The Capacitor Voltage Transformers are
generally supplied as single composite unit for 72.5,
123 & 145 kV CVTs, in two parts for 245 kV
CVTs, in three parts for 420 kV CVTs & in 5 parts
for 800 kV CVTS. The corona rings are also supplied separately for 420 kV and 800 kV CVTs for
convenience of transport.
One unit of capacitor is fitted over the steel tank of
EM unit providing sealing to oil and nitrogen and
supplied in one packing case. Do not unbolt this
bottom capacitor housing as it is an integral part
of tank cover. Other units of capacitor are supplied
separately in different packing cases for 245 kV
CVTs and above.
The EM unit along with the mounted capacitor,
additional capacitors (if any) are secured to the
bottom of the wooden case by means of bolts, which
ensure its vertical position. Attention is drawn to the
handling precautions/symbol printed on the cases,
Do not drop, Do not turn upside down.
When the consignment reaches the destination, cases
should not be thrown or rolled away from the trucks
or railway wagons. Unload the cases with the help
of a crane or by other suitable lifting equipment.
During transport care is to be taken to avoid strong
vibrations and jerks. All the units of CVT that is
Capacitors and EM unit (with one capacitor
mounted) are to be transported in vertical position
only.

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On receiving the transformer, following is to be

examined/ensured:
The package should be checked against
supplier's despatch advice notes. Any discrepancy
from the advice notes should be immediately
reported to the insurance Under writers, transporters
under intimation to supplier.
Outer surface of cases should be examined for
any sign of damage or oil traces.
Open the case and physically check the CVT
and especially, capacitor porcelain housing and
incidental leakage from joints between porcelain &
metal.
In case of any damage/leakage, BHEL office
must be informed immediately with necessary
detailed information regarding the place of leakage,
breakage and short supply, if any. Serial number of
the unit should also be intimated.
However in case any oil leakage is observed it
should be attended before commissioning. The oil
leakage through gaskets, if any, can be arrested by
uniform tightening of the nuts in the vicinity.

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After the inspection, if the CVT is not installed
immediately, it is preferable to store it in upright
position on a solid and plain surface, in the packing
cases itself. The other HV capacitors supplied as
separate units must also be kept in upright vertical
position in their respective packages.
It is preferred that storage is made in a covered
place. However, if required, the CVTs can be stored
outdoor in the original packing case for a reasonable
period of time, but then it is recommended to
provide these packing cases with water proof
covering and keep it clear of rain water.
In no case capacitor unit is to be handled or stored
in horizontal or inverted position. The Capacitor
housings should never be transported by means of
rolling, otherwise inside damage can result.

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Check CVT ratio by feeding it through step up
transformer and voltage regulator. For 145 kV &
above this ratio check can be performed by
provisionally placing the upper HV Capacitor
Page 4 of 8

/Capacitors housing over the lower capacitor fitted

on EM Unit tank. If the CVT ratio differs from the
marked value, damage during transportation is
indicated.

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Lift the EM unit along with one capacitor only by
the lifting lugs, fitted on the bottom of the tank using
the sling guides.
The other capacitor housing to be lifted by Manila
rope/Nylon strap of adequate strength tied up to two
porcelain sheds.
2LO
The transformer is hermetically sealed and is
despatched with oil filled to the correct level and no
filling should be necessary at site if the correct oil
level is seen in the oil gauge. If oil level is not visible
in oil level gauge, refer Instructions for topping up
the Electromagnetic unit with oil. The correct oil
level is indicated only when the CVT bottom tank is
horizontally placed.
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The electromagnetic units of the CVTs are shipped
with sufficient Nitrogen over the oil to give a
minimum pressure of 0.25 kg/cm above
atmospheric pressure at a temperature of 25(
Celsius (Measured at the Schrader valve).

case of CVTs of 420 kV & above, corona ring is to

be fitted on the top capacitor flange.
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Ensure that the CVT is grounded in the positive
manner using the pads provided for the purpose. In
addition it must be ensured that the following links
are in their proper positions and On no account
must the transformer be energized if these links
are not properly connected.
Earth Link No.1 : It connects the low voltage end
of intermediate voltage transformer to earth. This
link is located in the circular terminal box.
Earth Link No.2: It connects one end of each
secondary output winding to earth. The earthing of
the LV end of secondary winding should be done at
one point only while making open delta.
Note:
0

Two point earthing of open delta may result in

shorted secondary and can lead to
overheating/burning of windings of the energised CVT.

CVT must not be operated with secondary

windings in closed delta otherwise heavy
current may circulate in the windings.

Earth link No.3: It connects the low voltage end of

the capacitor divider to earth when the CVT is not
used for carrier coupling. When carrier coupling is
used the earthing is achieved through the drain coil.

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All parts and particularly the porcelain sheds,
alongwith terminal should be cleaned. Place the EM
unit fitted with one capacitor on the support
structure. Mount the other capacitor units over the
bottom capacitor housing for 245 kV & above.
It must be ensured that the high voltage capacitor
unit/units is/are fitted using correct serial numbers,
as shown in the rating plate. Keep capacitor units
shorted during erection as capacitors may be
charged to dangerous voltages when brought near
the energized lines/substations.
The high voltage terminal is fixed on the top flange
of the top-most capacitor in the desired position. In

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Check ratio of the CVT at low voltage of about 230
to 2000 volts to confirm soundness. The CVT ratio
will tally with the marked value.

Page 5 of 8

If Zero secondary voltage is found this

indicates the possibility of secondary shorting
or discontinuity in winding inside the
transformer or broken connection inside the
capacitor housing.

electric strength and moisture content. If the values

are lower than the relevant standards IS 1866 then
oil should be filtered before topping up, till the
minimum withstand value of 50 kV for one min. in
2.5 mm standard gap is achieved.

The partial breakdown on the high voltage

capacitor will result in higher voltage on
secondary.

Lower secondary voltage may be due to the

partial failure in the intermediate capacitor
zone.

Nitrogen pressure may also be checked once in 3

years taking due precaution that minimum gas is
allowed to escape while checking the pressure at
Schrader valve. The minimum pressure should be as
given in instructions for Nitrogen filling. If lower,
the Nitrogen may be topped as per instructions for
Nitrogen filling.

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Do not connect any auxiliary VT or inductive
burden in the CVT secondary. However, if it
becomes unavoidable, proper design care must be
taken to ensure that the core of the Aux. VT or
inductive burden does not saturate upto three times
the rated voltage.

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Instructions for topping
electromagnetic unit with oil

up

the

2 Specification

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The oil to be used for filling/topping up must

conform to IS:335 and be uninhibited, with
minimum withstand value of 50 kV for one minute.

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2 Caution

The CVT is sealed and does not require maintenance

other than cleaning the porcelain (Capacitor
housing) at convenient intervals, when the CVT is
de-energised and capacitors are safely grounded.
Also inspect the paint work.

CVT must always be disconnected from the electric

supply system before the oil level in the tank is
lowered. Oil must not be emptied near naked lights
as the vapor released is inflammable.
2 Sampling and testing

2LO
Once the CVT has been put into service,the oil in
the tank remains in good condition for a long time,
since it is sealed from atmosphere.

The oil used for filling/topping up should be

checked as per the relevant code of practice IS
1866. However a sample taken from this oil must
always be tested for dielectric strength.
2 Topping

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Oil sampling should be kept to a minimum and it is
recommended that about Five yearly intervals are
adequate.
Oil which has been removed during sampling can be
replaced
by pumping the required amount into the EM unit as
per Instructions for topping up the Electromagnetic
unit with oil. Only the uninhibited clean degassed
deaerated oil, should be used. Test the oil sample for

i)

It is desirable to top up the oil in EM unit

under cover.
ii) Nitrogen filling schrader valve cap & assembly
to be removed & oil is to be filled in EM unit
through this opening upto the top of the cover.
iii) Drain plug shall remain closed.
iv) Refit schrader valve assembly.
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Page 6 of 8

When the BDV of oil observed is 30 kV, or is found

below the standard as per the requirement of IEC
422/IS 1866, will need complete replacement. The
refilling may also be required if the Electromagnetic
unit is opened for minor repairs.

excess oil, if any to escape slowly from the

drain plug until the correct oil level is reached
(Nitrogen taking its place in the top chamber).
iv) Final pressure to be 0.14 kg/cm in excess of
the pressure at the ambient temperature at
filling time given below.
v)

Fit and securely tighten the cover above the

Schrader valve.

vi) Allow the unit to stand idle for 24 hours before

energizing.
32/<7+(1( 3,3(
35(6685( *$8*(
)25 1,752*(1

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0 Nitrogen Gas Pressure

35(6685( *$8*(
)25 &</,1'(5

Minimum pressure of Nitrogen Gas at Schrader

valve at various ambient temperatures is given in
Table II.
1,752*(1 &</,1'(5

TABLE II

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0 Specification
The analysis of the nitrogen to be used is given
below:
Nitrogen

99.0% min.

Oxygen

1.0% max.

Water Vapour

50 ppm,max.

Ambient Temp.

N2 pressure

Deg. C

kg/cm2

0.00

10

0.03

20

0.09

25

0.17

30

0.26

40

0.35

50

0.39

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0 Nitrogen Filling

Check for any transit damage.

i) Connect the pipe line to the Schrader valve. It

must be of a type which keeps the valve pressed.
Refer sketch for Nitrogen filling.

Check the Nitrogen pressure on tank cover and

CVT ratio at low voltage before commissioning.
Check oil level in EM Unit.

ii)

Connect the Nitrogen cylinder to the Schrader

valve through a pressure reducing valve and a
pressure gauge, first expelling air from pipe
work. (The maximum pressure at the output of
the reducing valve shall be one kg/cm).

iii) With the gauge reading approximately 0.14

kg/cm in excess of the final pressure, allow

Attend leakages on CVT immediately.

Examine the capacitor porcelain for dirt deposits
and clean periodically on de-energised and safely
earthed CVT.
Check that the tank is earthed at two points and
Page 7 of 8

links 1,2 & 3 are kept in position.

Check that the primary and secondary terminal
box covers are in position and sealed properly.

'21 7V )25 &97V

Do not connect Auxiliary VT/or inductive burden

in CVT secondary which saturates before three
times the rated voltage.
Do not short the CVT secondary terminals or
primary tapping coils.
Do not connect CVT secondary in closed delta.
Open delta connections should not be earthed at
more than one point.
Do not roll or keep upside down or in horizontal
position the capacitor housings.
Do not leave primary/secondary terminal box
cover open.
Do not energize CVT from secondary side.
Do not energize CVT, if earth links 1, 2 and 3 are
not in proper position.

before eating and drinking and contaminated

clothing should be changed. Also inhalation of
fumes or vapours should be avoided.
When used oil has to be disposed off, certain
precautions are necessary to avoid risk of
environmental pollution such as large spillage and
leakage from the containers, which may otherwise
result into destruction of greenery, water birds,
fishes etc.
Normally non contaminated transformer oil free of
PCB (Poly Chlorinated Biphenyles) can be destructed by burning or sent to local authorities for
asphalt production.
The capacitor impregnating liquid dielectrol III
(PXE) is non-hazardous, therefore it is acceptable
from the stand point of human safety, ecological
safety & environmental compatibility. This fluid is
100% Biodegradable, therefore no disposal
problems are encountered. However, the failed
capacitor units should be scrapped & either it
should be incinerated or buried under ground.
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Paper, Cotton tape, PP film, Cork Gaskets & Nitrile
Rubber Gaskets can be disposed off by burning in
a place separately marked and prepared for the
purpose. In case burning is not possible, these can
be dumped in a pit and covered with earth.

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The items to be disposed off are mineral oil, PXE,
Polypropylene (PP) film, gasket and other insulating
material. For disposal of these items, following
procedure is recommended:
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The transformer oil is mineral Hydro Carbon
(Petroleum) oil. No special risks are involved in the
handling and use of transformer oil. However, attention is drawn to the need for personnel hygiene i.e.
washing of skin & clothing, which has come in
contact with oil by personnel dealing with these
products.
Hands in such cases should be washed carefully

The safety regulations governed by the National

standards or regulations and any requirements of
insurance company are to be followed. However
when working with CVTs the following safety
regulations in particular must be observed:
Since the capacitors of CVT retain the electric
charge for a long time, the disconnected
capacitors can be touched or handled only after
discharging it completely by externally shorting
and grounding the capacitor flanges.
Avoid contact with capacitor and transformer oil
dielectric, but in case of leakage and skin contact,
wash with soap and water.

Page 8 of 8