Partial discharges on low voltage stator windings subjected to voltage surges from IFDs - A look at conditions where partial discharges (PD) may occur

Random wound stator windings may suffer from premature failures. Partial discharges (PD), a predominant cause of failure, may occur between turns during fast rise-time voltage surges. Turn-to-turn or phase-to-phase failures result from degradation of organic magnet wire enamel impregnants of voltage surges. This paper discussed specific characteristics, mechanisms, and conditions where PD may occur. Furthermore, it will present methods to identify stators at risk to allow assessment of the acquired data using voltage surge measurements.