Field-winding fault detection in synchronous machines with static excitation through frequency response analysis

• Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) is analyzed for field windings fault detection.
• The influences of the rotor speed and fault resistance have been considered.
• Ground and inter-turn faults have been successfully identified in a laboratory machine.
• Promising expectation to the use of FRA as a diagnosis tools for synchronous machines.

Frequency Response Analysis is a well-known technique for the diagnosis of power transformers. Currently, this technique is under research for its application in rotary electrical machines. This paper presents significant results on the application of Frequency Response Analysis to fault detection in field winding of synchronous machines with static excitation. First, the influence of the rotor position on the frequency response is evaluated. Secondly, some relevant test results are shown regarding ground fault and inter-turn fault detection in field windings at standstill condition. The influence of the fault resistance value is also taken into account. This paper also studies the applicability of Frequency Response Analysis in fault detection in field windings while rotating. This represents an important feature because some defects only appear with the machine rated speed. Several laboratory test results show the applicability of this fault detection technique in field windings at full speed with no excitation current.