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DDF Measurements on Stator

Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

TECHNICAL BROCHURES
December 2023 - Reference 918
TECHNICAL BROCHURE

DDF Measurements on
Stator Windings – Part 1
Survey Answers
WG A1.70

Actively Contributing Members

M.G. KRIEG-WEZELENBURG, Convenor NL J.H. KRIEG NL

R. MESSEL US A. SHAIKH CA
S. PANT US S. DELUCCHI IT
O. MONTANO US A. PICCOLO IT
G. VELASQUEZ US A. HERRERA DE
R. TREMBLAY CA F. ÖTTL AT
H. SEDDING CA T. HILDINGER BR

Supporting Members

A.M.H. KRIEG NL I. SIMMONDS GB

X. CHEN NL S. RODRIGUEZ ES
H. HATANO JP T. TRAN AU
L. IMAIZUMI BR P. WIEHE AU
G. LEMESCH AT M. BRCIC HR
H. ZHU US C. YANG CN
J. WEIDNER DE

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ISBN : 978-2-85873-623-2
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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Executive summary
Dielectric Dissipation Factor (DDF) measurement, also known as tangent delta (tanδ) or power factor
testing, is the measurement of the dielectric losses in an Electrical Insulation System (EIS). In the field
of rotating electrical machines, the method is used for assessing the condition of an EIS and the
consistency in the manufacturing quality of individual stator bars/coils and stator windings.
The DDF is a ratio between the resistive current and the capacitive current of a dielectric system.
Changes in the DDF over time could be an indication of a physical change, deterioration of the insulating
material, and/or the presence of contamination or moisture.
This technical brochure (TB) provides the results of three questionnaires that were internationally
distributed to collect DDF measurement records of newly manufactured and in-service wound stator
windings of rotating electrical machines as well as information concerning the execution of these
measurements, its effectiveness, and its value for determining the insulation condition. These
questionnaires were sent to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), users/owners, and third-party
test companies/institutions. Each questionnaire was tailored specifically to each respondent group. After
some introductory chapters on background information, definitions, measurement methods, test
equipment and influence factors, this brochure contains the answers to the questionnaires and the
analysis thereof.
The questionnaires covered the following topics:
• Standards and procedures
• Measurement setup and equipment used
• When performing a DDF measurement
• Execution of DDF measurement
• Criteria concerning DDF results
• Evaluation of DDF results
• Recommendations
The working group received a total of 17 questionnaires from OEMs, 29 questionnaires from
users/owners, and 25 questionnaires for testing organizations. From the completed 17 OEM
questionnaires, two were submitted by a combined OEM/Service centre repair shop and one by a
service centre only. From the 29 users/owners’ questionnaires completed, 27 were submitted by actual
owners and two by independent consultants.
The review of the submitted answers did not show a significant difference between the respondent
groups concerning the answers on the “yes” / “no” questions concerning the various topics. The
assessment showed that multiple standards, criteria, and test methods are being applied in the industry
nowadays for DDF testing.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Contents
Executive summary ................................................................................................................ 3

1. Introduction................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Purpose ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Target.......................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 7
1.4 Approach .................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.5 Response ................................................................................................................................................... 8

2. Dielectric Dissipation Factor ....................................................................................... 9

2.1 Definition of DDF ....................................................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Physical mechanism ................................................................................................................................. 9
2.3 Influence factors on dielectric loss .......................................................................................................... 9
2.4 Equivalent Circuit diagram ..................................................................................................................... 10
2.5 Key parameters ........................................................................................................................................ 12

3. Insulation Systems and Historical Perspective ....................................................... 13

3.1 Typical insulation materials used .......................................................................................................... 13
3.2 Principal insulation systems .................................................................................................................. 13
3.3 Historical perspective ............................................................................................................................. 13

4. Measurement Method................................................................................................. 14
4.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 14
4.2 Definitions ................................................................................................................................................ 14
4.3 HV source ................................................................................................................................................. 14
4.4 Measurement set-up ................................................................................................................................ 15
4.4.1 Historical situation .............................................................................................................................. 15
4.4.2 The inverted bridge ............................................................................................................................ 15
4.4.3 Grounding bridge midpoint ................................................................................................................. 16
4.4.4 Modern equipment ............................................................................................................................. 17
4.4.5 Measurement circuits ......................................................................................................................... 17
4.4.6 Connection of windings ...................................................................................................................... 20
4.4.7 Set-up mistakes ................................................................................................................................. 21
4.5 Measurement procedure ......................................................................................................................... 21

5. Criteria in standards................................................................................................... 23
5.1 IEEE Std 286TM-2000 ................................................................................................................................ 23
5.2 IEC 60034-27-3 (2015) .............................................................................................................................. 23
5.3 EN50209 (1998) ........................................................................................................................................ 23
5.4 T/CSEE 0008-2016 T/CEEIA 260-2016 .................................................................................................... 23
5.5 VGB-S-166-00-2014-02-EN ...................................................................................................................... 23
5.6 KEMA S13/S14:2011-S17:2011 ............................................................................................................... 24
5.7 KEMA S22:2012 ....................................................................................................................................... 24

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

6. Response to questionnaire ....................................................................................... 25

6.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 25
6.2 Standards and procedures ..................................................................................................................... 26
6.2.1 DDF measurement on new stator windings ....................................................................................... 26
6.2.2 Own procedures used ........................................................................................................................ 26
6.2.3 (Inter)national standards used ........................................................................................................... 27
6.2.4 More comprehensive procedure used................................................................................................ 27
6.2.5 Deviating from internal procedure on request of customer ................................................................ 28
6.3 Measurement setup and equipment used ............................................................................................. 29
6.3.1 Voltage source ................................................................................................................................... 29
6.3.2 Measurement frequency .................................................................................................................... 29
6.3.3 Quality of sine wave ........................................................................................................................... 30
6.3.4 Type and brand of measurement equipment ..................................................................................... 30
6.3.5 Calibration interval for equipment ...................................................................................................... 31
6.3.6 Reference capacitor - type ................................................................................................................. 31
6.3.7 Reference capacitor - capacity value ................................................................................................. 32
6.4 When a DDF measurement is performed ............................................................................................... 32
6.4.1 Moment of performing DDF measurement during manufacturing process......................................... 32
6.4.2 Motivation to perform a DDF measurement ....................................................................................... 33
6.4.3 Regular performance of DDF measurements .................................................................................... 35
6.4.4 Time interval between DDF measurements ....................................................................................... 35
6.4.5 Who is performing the DDF measurement ......................................................................................... 36
6.5 Execution ................................................................................................................................................. 36
6.5.1 DDF measurement configuration ....................................................................................................... 36
6.5.2 Capacitance as a measurement quantity ........................................................................................... 37
6.5.3 Voltage levels .................................................................................................................................... 38
6.5.4 Conditioning ....................................................................................................................................... 40
6.5.5 Moment of recording the DDF measurement ..................................................................................... 40
6.5.6 Application of postprocessing ............................................................................................................ 41
6.5.7 Combination with other kind of measurements .................................................................................. 41
6.5.8 Other recorded information ................................................................................................................ 42
6.6 Criteria concerning DDF results ............................................................................................................. 43
6.6.1 Requirements/criteria general ............................................................................................................ 43
6.6.2 Calculation of characteristics ............................................................................................................. 43
6.6.3 Requirements/criteria for different types of insulation ........................................................................ 46
6.6.4 Requirements/criteria for direct water-cooled windings...................................................................... 47
6.6.5 DDF criteria used for evaluation ........................................................................................................ 47
6.7 Evaluation of DDF results ....................................................................................................................... 50
6.7.1 DDF measurement for evaluation of windings ................................................................................... 50
6.7.2 DDF results on individual bars necessary for evaluation of DDF results of a stator winding.............. 50
6.7.3 Fleet database DDF results of stator windings .................................................................................. 51
6.7.4 Trend analysis of DDF results on stator windings - I .......................................................................... 51
6.7.5 Trend analysis of DDF results on stator windings - II ......................................................................... 51
6.7.6 Use of DDF measurement results as pass/fail decision ..................................................................... 51
6.7.7 Use of DDF measurement results as tool for residual lifetime estimation .......................................... 52
6.7.8 Use of DDF historical data for analysis and recommendations .......................................................... 52
6.7.9 Information provided to customers by testing organizations .............................................................. 52
6.8 Recommendations................................................................................................................................... 52
6.8.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 52
6.8.2 Providing or receiving recommendations ........................................................................................... 53
6.8.3 Time interval between DDF measurements ....................................................................................... 54
6.8.4 Recommended maximum voltage level ............................................................................................. 55
6.8.5 Recommended DDF measurement voltage levels ............................................................................. 56
6.8.6 Recommended DDF criteria .............................................................................................................. 56

7. Summary ..................................................................................................................... 57

APPENDIX A. Definitions and abbreviations ..................................................................... 58

A.1. General terms .......................................................................................................................................... 58
A.2. Specific terms .......................................................................................................................................... 58

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

APPENDIX B. Links and references ................................................................................... 61

APPENDIX C. Questionnaires ............................................................................................. 62

C.1. Questionnaire for owners ....................................................................................................................... 62
C.2. Questionnaire for manufacturers ........................................................................................................... 71
C.3. Questionnaire for testing organisations................................................................................................ 79

APPENDIX D. Specific questionnaire answers .................................................................. 88

D.1. Related to 6.5.4 Conditioning ................................................................................................................. 88
D.2. Related to 6.5.8 Other recorded information ......................................................................................... 88
D.3. Related to 6.7.2 DDF results on individual bars necessary for evaluation of DDF results of a stator
winding ................................................................................................................................................................. 89
D.4. Related to 6.7.4 Trend analysis of DDF results on stator windings - I ................................................ 90
D.5. Related to 6.7.5 Trend analysis of DDF results on stator windings - II ............................................... 91
D.6. Related to 6.7.6 Use of DDF measurement results as pass/fail decision ........................................... 92

APPENDIX E.......................................................................................................................... 93
E.1. Figures and Illustrations ......................................................................................................................... 93
E.2. Tables ....................................................................................................................................................... 94
E.3. Equations ................................................................................................................................................. 95

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this working group is to review the state-of-the-art Dielectric Dissipation Factor (DDF)
testing on form wound stator windings of rotating electrical machines, to investigate typical DDF values
of new and in-service stator windings, to evaluate the effectiveness of this test and whether this method
provides additional value in the process of assessing the condition of stator winding insulation. This
Technical Brochure (TB) shall give the user assistance in decision making for using DDF testing as a
beneficial tool in evaluation of the insulation system condition of a stator winding.

1.2 Target
This brochure aims to make an inventory/assessment of the practice of DDF measurements and their
results on the condition assessment of the insulation of “in general” high voltage form-wound stator
windings of rotating machines with the aim to provide a world-wide sound basis for future discussions
on this topic.

1.3 Background
Dielectric Dissipation Factor (DDF) measurement, also known as tangent delta (tanδ) or power factor
testing, is the measurement of the dielectric losses in an Electrical Insulation System (EIS). In the field
of rotating electrical machines, the method is used for assessing the condition of an EIS and the
consistency in the manufacturing quality of individual stator bars/coils. The measurement of DDF is
widely used to evaluate the quality of complete stator windings, both as an acceptance test after
manufacturing and as test to evaluate the condition of in-service stator windings due to ageing and/or
contamination.
Electrical insulation ageing is a complex multi-factor process of thermal, electrical, ambient and
mechanical stresses that lead to an increase of electrical losses within the insulation subject to high
voltage. Hence, trending of the dielectric loss over time can be employed as one of the indications of
certain types of insulation behaviour as a result of ageing. Although DDF provides information about the
condition of the EIS, the DDF measurement provides only global average information of the insulation
of the component under test. The measurement is not able to identify local sources and does not provide
information concerning the location of a specific defect within the insulation system. In other words, the
DDF test averages the contribution of the inherent dielectric losses of the solid material plus the
additional losses caused by, for instance, partial discharges (PD) over the length of the stator bar or
coil, or surface currents due to contamination as well as losses caused by the end potential grading. On
completely installed stator windings the latter of these losses cannot be avoided as it can on single bars
(e.g. using guard rings).
In 2016, a CIGRE working group distributed a questionnaire to collect data on DDF testing of newly
manufactured stator bars and coils worldwide to gain better insight and provide a basis for future
discussions on DDF measurement results. The working group received 167 responses accounting for
119 datasets containing more than 20 000 bar/coil measurement records. These records covered four
different types of electrical insulation systems: vacuum pressure impregnation (VPI), resin-rich (RR),
resin-rich hydrostatic (RH) and global vacuum pressure impregnation (GVPI), originating from 19
different manufacturers and produced at 30 sites in 16 countries. These collected measurement results
were analysed in relation to various influence factors. The analysis of the data showed that, in general,
the measured DDF levels were clearly lower than the limits given in the IEC standard 60034-27-3 [B1].
The data also showed that negative tip-up values occur occasionally. Furthermore, the DDF values were
hardly influenced by the rated voltage or the core length. Finally, distinct/notable differences in DDF
values between insulation systems were found as well as significant differences between comparable
insulation systems produced by different manufacturers probably due to differences in EIS design and
manufacturing processes. The analysis and results were incorporated into technical brochure 769 -
Dielectric dissipation factor measurements on new stator bars and coils [B2].
Dielectric dissipation factor measurements are widely used, all over the world, to assess the condition
of, in general, high voltage stator winding insulation of rotating machines. Since updated publicly
available information concerning this topic is scarce, in 2020 a new CIGRE working group was started
to investigate DDF measurement and capacitance measurement results on complete stator windings.
Such an investigation would complement the work that was already performed and published by means
of TB 769 - Dielectric dissipation factor measurements on new stator bars and coils [B2].

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

1.4 Approach
The working group developed a questionnaire and performed a survey to investigate the following:
• Where are these measurements used?
• What practices are used (at what voltages/measurement equipment)?
• What is the repetition rate of the measurements?
• What results are found during the service life of the winding?
• Which criteria are used?
• Is trending in time used?
• What is the impact of measurements? Are there consequences or actions taken?
To be able to assess the influence of factors such as insulation system, rated voltage, rated power,
rated speed, rated frequency, construction, Inner Corona Protection (ICP), Outer Corona Protection
(OCP), End Corona Protection or stress grading (ECP), manufacturer and manufacturer location; this
kind of information was also collected where available.
In 2020 three questionnaires (see APPENDIX C), to acquire information concerning DDF and
capacitance measurements performed on form wound stator windings of rotating electrical machines,
were distributed. One questionnaire targeted manufacturers of stator windings, one for users/owners of
stator windings or their representatives and one for parties that perform DDF measurements for others.
The questions in each of the questionnaires were tailored to the target group.

1.5 Response
The working group received 71 filled questionnaires and 4466 measurement sets on stator windings. 29
questionnaires for users/owners, 25 questionnaires for testing organizations and 17 questionnaires for
manufacturers were filled in and returned. The records came from stator windings of 66 different
manufacturers and were produced in 32 countries, resulting in a robust database for units with a rated
voltage ≥ 6kV, which was considered to be sufficient to perform meaningful statistical analyses. For
lower voltage ranges the number of records is limited, at least in some evaluation categories. The
records received were analysed not only in relation to the above-mentioned aspects but also the spread
in DDF measurement results of stator windings. The development of the results, as function of age of
the winding, was assessed and available criteria that were provided by the respondents were reviewed.
The amount of information and measurement results received was such that it was decided to divide
the information over two technical brochures. This brochure concerns part 1 containing some
introductory chapters and background information about DDF as a characteristic insulation material
parameter, as well as considering influence factors, measurement methods, testing equipment and
international standards. The main part of this brochure presents an overview of the answers to the
questionnaire. The analysis of the obtained stator winding measurement results is incorporated in part 2.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

2. Dielectric Dissipation Factor

In this chapter the concept of DDF is briefly discussed. To better understand the concept, the well-
established representative equivalent circuit for the insulation system is shown. Finally, the chapter
describes the characterization of DDF. In other words what quantities are being used to assess and
compare measurements of the test object.

2.1 Definition of DDF

By definition, the DDF is the tangent of the angle δ (at a predetermined voltage, frequency and
temperature) where δ = 90° - φ with φ being the angle between the sinusoidal AC voltage that is applied
to an electrical one-port (in electrical circuit theory a pair of terminals connecting an electrical network
or circuit to an external circuit) and the current flowing through this one-port (Figure 2-1). In this case
the one port is representing the stator winding EIS.

Figure 2-1: Vector diagram of current I and voltage U with angle of losses
Formally the losses in the one-port are equal to P = UI cosφ with φ being the angle between the voltage
U and the current I. When introducing the angle δ the formula changes to P = UI sinδ. It is customary to
use the value of tanδ as a measure for the losses. This originates from the fact that with a classical
measurement bridge a tanδ can be measured directly. Translating this tanδ into sinδ is not very difficult,
certainly nowadays, but since for low values of δ the difference between tanδ and sinδ is smaller than
the accuracy of measurement equipment, it is common to look at tanδ instead of sinδ.
In IEC 60034-27-3 Table A.1 [B1] and Std IEEE 286 [B3] the relation between power factor (PF = cosφ)
and dissipation factor (DF = tanδ) is worked out in more detail including a table that shows the
differences depending on the actual values.

2.2 Physical mechanism

An ideal insulating material does not dissipate any energy and functions as an ideal pure capacitor
(without any losses). When an AC voltage is applied to an ideal insulating material, a pure capacitive
current will flow. This current leads the voltage by 90 degrees. In practice, an insulating material will
dissipate some energy called dielectric loss. This dielectric loss is an insulation material property.
While assessing the losses generated in an insulating material under an electrical field, the following
categories can be distinguished:
• Conduction losses
• Polarization losses
• Discharge related losses.
Further explanation can be found in TB 769 - Dielectric dissipation factor measurements on new stator
bars and coils [B2].

2.3 Influence factors on dielectric loss

When assessing the results of DDF measurements it is important to realize that several influence factors
can cause the losses mentioned in section 2.2 and influence the measured DDF values. Mayor influence
factors are the following:
• EIS material properties
- Type of tape and mica
- Type of resin system and/or varnishes
- Type of stress grading tapes and/or varnishes
• EIS design
- Different insulation layers
- Inner corona protection (ICP)

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

- Outer corona protection (OCP), for example surface conductivity of OCP, stator core ohmic
resistance contact
- Stress grading or end corona protection (ECP)
- Electrical field strength
- Boundary layers
- Type of insulation system (RR, RH, SVPI, GVPI)
• EIS manufacturing process
- Taping
- Impregnation
- Curing
- Rewinding quality
• EIS ageing processes
- Thermal
- Electrical
- Ambient
- Mechanical, including thermo-mechanical
• Environmental or external influences during measurement
- Temperature
- Contamination of the surface of the winding
- Moisture
- Frequency and harmonics
- External noise
In several of the above-mentioned influence factors a decisive role is played by the occurrence or
formation of voids, including larger scale delamination, within the system in which partial discharges
develop. But, for instance, also plain physical material properties such as conductivity play a role.
Further detailed information on the physics behind the DDF can be found in literature.
The increase of the DDF and the tip-up can be highly affected by the applied stress grading. TB 769 -
Dielectric dissipation factor measurements on new stator bars and coils [B2] can be consulted for more
information concerning the above-mentioned influence factors.

2.4 Equivalent Circuit diagram

As described in section 2.2 and 2.3 several types of losses can be present in an EIS. The insulation
system dependent on the various features present in the system, including these losses, can be
represented in an equivalent electrical circuit. The equivalent circuit diagram explained in this chapter
is a simplification of the loss mechanisms in the insulation system of rotating machines. It does not
provide a physical explanation but enables a better understanding.
One possible equivalent circuit is given in Figure 2-2, adapted from Küchler [B4] where four elements
are defined:
• An ideal capacitance C0 (without any losses), representing the ideal insulation defined by the
geometry of the insulation
• A combination of a capacitance Ci and a resistor Ri representing the polarization losses due to
the movement of charge in the system and accounting for the change in capacitance due to
differences in relative permittivity
• A resistor R∞ representing the conduction losses (DC resistance)
• A second resistor RPD representing the discharge losses (due to internal partial discharges as
well as external discharges such as corona and tracking)
In a first approximation the first elements can be considered (more or less) constant whereas the fourth
element (RPD) usually cannot be considered constant.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Figure 2-2: Combined equivalent circuit diagram of the ideal capacitance, polarization and
conductivity, freely adapted to Küchler [B4]
When observing the behaviour of the insulation system without discriminating the various elements that
are contributing, a simpler equivalent circuit can be defined. Two versions of this circuit exist: a series
circuit and a parallel circuit. The former consists of one capacitor and one resistor connected in series.
The latter consists of one capacitor and one resistor connected in parallel.

CS series capacitance RS series resistor

UC voltage at capacitance UR voltage at resistor
 = 2f angular frequency

Figure 2-3: Series equivalent circuit diagram and vector diagram of a lossy insulation system
[B1]

CP parallel capacitance RP parallel resistor

UC voltage at capacitance UR voltage at resistor
 = 2f angular frequency

Figure 2-4: Parallel equivalent circuit diagram and vector diagram of a lossy insulation system
[B1]
Which of these equivalent circuits is used depends on the situation, however, it must be stressed that
the elements of these circuits have no direct physical meaning other than that the losses dissipated in
the circuit resistor are a measure for the actual losses in the system. They serve merely as a
mathematical representation of the phenomenon. Therefore, RS is not equal to RP and CS is not equal
to CP.
DDF = tan (𝛿) = ω ∗ 𝐶𝑆 ∗ 𝑅𝑆
Equation 2-1

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

1
DDF = tan (𝛿) =
ω ∗ 𝐶𝑃 ∗ 𝑅𝑃
Equation 2-2
For a slightly different approach formulating DDF refer to IEEE Std 286 [B3].

2.5 Key parameters

In insulation systems of rotating electrical machines, the DDF has been shown to be dependent on the
applied voltage. To be able to assess and compare measurements it is necessary to define some “key”
values for the DDF. Over the years, and influenced by local industry practice, the following key values
have been defined and are in use:
• tanδ at low voltage at 20% of the line-to-line voltage UN (= ULL)
• tanδ at 25% of line-to-ground voltage (0,25ULG ≈0,14UN)
• tanδ at voltages starting from 0,2UN up to UN (or 1,2UN, 1,4UN or even 2UN) incremented with 0,2UN
or even 0,1UN steps
• tanδ at line-to-ground voltage (ULG ≈0,58UN)
• Δtanδ0,2max: maximum Δtanδ per step of 0,2UN
• Δtanδ0,6-0,2: also indicated as “tip-up”
• Δtanδ1,0-0,2: total increase from tanδ0,2 till tanδ1,0
The dissipation factor at low voltage (e.g. 0,2UN) is an indicator of the inherent dielectric losses in the
insulation, where losses related to PD are not supposed to occur when het inception voltage of PD is
expected to be above 0,2UN. As mentioned above, the DDF tip-up test involves measuring the DDF at
a minimum of two voltage levels. In North America in IEEE 286 [B3], the standard for capacitance and
dissipation factor testing of stator winding insulation, a tip-up value is usually defined as a difference of
DDF values at 100% and 25% of the rated line-to-ground voltage of the stator. Some organizations,
largely outside North America, for example VGB PowerTech e.V. specification [B5], record DDF at
several different voltage levels even up to 1,4 times rated phase-to-phase voltage and calculate several
different tip-up values at different levels. IEC 60034-27-3 [B1] recommends measuring DDF from 0,2UN
to 1,0UN, in 0,2UN increments, where UN is the rated phase-to-phase voltage of the stator winding. The
PD inception voltage may be discerned by plotting the DDF increase as a function of voltage.
In this brochure the following key parameters, given in the International Standard IEC 60034-27-3 [B1],
are used for interpretation of the DDF results:
1. Absolute DDF at low voltage of 0,2UN (tanδ0,2), to get information about insulation system condition
below PD inception voltage
2. Maximum change of DDF at a defined voltage step ΔU, e.g. 0,2UN, as the test voltage is raised in
fixed increments (Δtanδ/0,2UN). This maximum increase per 0,2UN has been considered to be a
measure for integral PD activity due to internal voids in an insulation system.
3. Characteristic DDF tip-up as a difference between the two predefined voltage steps of 0,6UN and
0,2UN marked as Δtanδ = tanδ0,6 – tanδ0,2. In this brochure the term “tip-up” is exclusively used for
the increase in DDF factor between the voltage levels of 0,2UN and 0,6UN.
4. Shape of DDF curve versus test voltage up to rated voltage, tanδ = f (U/UN)
The DDF tip-up is an important parameter providing information about voids and delamination present
in the insulation system structure of stator winding bars or coils as well as complete phase windings.
Empirical limits of these DDF parameters are used for quality control of stator winding EIS during the
manufacturing process, even if there are no limits given in international standards for complete phase
windings. In addition to the DDF, the capacitance (C) results are also taken into account. The following
parameters are used for the interpretation of the capacitance results:
5. Absolute capacitance (C) at low voltage of 0,2UN
6. Absolute capacitance (C) at rated voltage 1,0UN
7. Change in capacitance from a low voltage of 20% up to 100% of rated voltage UN:
100 (C1,0 - C0,2)/C0,2

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

3. Insulation Systems and Historical Perspective

3.1 Typical insulation materials used
The electrical insulation system (EIS) of a form wound stator winding is a composition of different
electrical insulation materials (EIM) with very diverse mechanical, thermal and electrical characteristics.
The performance of a stator winding EIS depends on the configuration of the different EIM, the
technology and design used, as well as the manufacturing process.
Since the DDF differs from one EIM to another, the combination of various materials together with the
manufacturing process, have an influence on the DDF of the final stator winding EIS. Some of the
materials found in the main types of form wound, mica based, insulation systems used in stator windings
of rotating electrical machines, over the last few decades up until the present day, are given below:
Among materials presently used
• Mica splitting flakes
• Fine mica paper
• Glass fabric and fibre
• Carbon containing tape, fabric or varnish for ICP and OCP
• Silicon carbide containing tape, fabric or varnish for ECP
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) film and fleece
• Polyimide film
• Unsaturated polyester resin
• Epoxy resin including modified epoxy resin
• Ester-imide resin
• Silicone resin
Among materials used for older machines that may be still running
• Mica splitting flakes
• Cotton tape
• Asbestos tape
• Silk fabric
• Cellulosic paper film
• Natural rubber/Gutta-percha
• Asphalt (bitumen)
• Shellac resin

3.2 Principal insulation systems

Nowadays, the following four major types of EIS are used in stator windings:
• Resin Rich pressed and cured in heated plate moulds (RR)
• Resin Rich with vacuum treatment and hydrostatic pressure in high viscosity fluid (RH)
• Vacuum Pressure Impregnated (VPI)
• Global Vacuum Pressure Impregnated (GVPI)
A brief outline of historic developments of stator winding insulation and a description of the four different
types of EIS currently in use are given in TB 769 - Dielectric dissipation factor measurements on new
stator bars and coils [B2].

3.3 Historical perspective

A historical review of measured DDF values can be found in TB 769 - Dielectric dissipation factor
measurements on new stator bars and coils [B2]. Therefore, this topic will not be addressed in this
document.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

4. Measurement Method
4.1 Introduction
In this chapter the method of measuring dielectric loss factors is discussed, and those items that differ
from the standard measurement methods as already described in TB 769. Main items in this respect
are the fact that most stator windings have three phases, the stator cores are almost always grounded
and that, in many cases, the capacitance of the winding is rather large.

4.2 Definitions
• GST (grounded-specimen test)
a measurement where one of the two terminals of the test object is connected to ground. The test
object is here the main wall insulation that is present between a winding phase and stator core or
the insulation between two winding phases mainly in the end winding region.
• UST (ungrounded-specimen test)
a measurement where none of the two terminals of the test object is connected to ground.
• GSTg (grounded-specimen test with guarding)
a measurement where one of the two terminals of the test object is connected to ground and the
other winding phases are connected to the guard terminal of the test equipment.
• Reference capacitor
a highly accurate capacitor with virtually no losses. Internally the low voltage electrode is preferably
encompassed by the high voltage electrode to minimize the stray capacitance to ground. Usually
the capacitor is gas filled (SF6 at elevated pressure, or air under high vacuum), but solid dielectrics
are sometimes used.
• Stray capacitance
the capacitance between various live parts of the measurement circuit and its surrounding
structures, such as grounded objects and cable screens, etc. The stray capacitance is the cause
of leakage currents, measured in the test circuit, that are considered a source causing
measurement errors.

4.3 HV source
The description of the measurement set-up can be separated into two sections: in this section the first
part considers the source that is needed to energize the winding, in the following section the
measurement set-up itself is addressed.
The first issue that must be considered, when performing DDF measurements on stator windings, is that
a suitable power source must be used. Two main properties determine the capacity of the power source:
the capacitance of the windings to ground and the rated voltage level of the machine. Combined with
the required test levels (up to which voltage the measurement is required) and whether all three phases
must be measured simultaneously, the maximum current that the source should be able to provide is
determined.
The most straight forward way to generate the necessary voltage is by using a fixed ratio high voltage
transformer in combination with a low voltage variable transformer. The downside of this method is that
the system draws a large current from the grid. An improvement can be made by compensating a part,
or even all, of the capacitive current by the connection of some reactors in parallel to the supply. This
can be done at the primary side of the high voltage transformer or at the secondary, high voltage side
of the transformer, which is then effectively parallel to the test object. The option used (or even a
combination of both) depends on the properties of the reactors (inductance, voltage rating and current
rating). In case the reactors completely compensate the capacitive current of the test object, the circuit
is also known as a parallel resonant circuit. Figure 4-1 shows at the top an example of a circuit diagram
with both a compensating reactor at the primary side (blue) and one at the secondary side (green).
In some situations, the voltage that can be supplied by the high voltage transformer is not sufficiently
high. In these cases, an option is to use a series resonant circuit where a reactor is connected between
the secondary windings of the transformer and the test object. In the bottom part of Figure 4-1 this circuit
is shown. In this option the inductance of the reactor must be tunable to reach the resonant condition at
the supply frequency in which the output voltage can be increased up to several times the output voltage
of the transformer. Depending on the capacitance of the test object it can be necessary to connect an
additional capacitor in parallel to the test object to prevent the resonant inductance being set at an
inconveniently high value.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Usually, the resonant reactor is provided with a gapped iron core where the required inductance value
is obtained by adjusting the airgap in the core. At very high inductance values, the airgap can become
that small that risk of damage to the core exists from the vibration of the core parts due to the magnetic
field. Also, these adjustable reactors tend to produce more noise (sound) at a smaller airgap and, finally,
the saturation level of the core decreases with smaller airgaps, which can lead to a distorted output
voltage.

Figure 4-1: Supply circuit with parallel compensation (top) and series resonant (bottom)

4.4 Measurement set-up

A significant difference with DDF measurements on complete stators compared to the measurement on
single bars or coils, is that most stators frame and core are solidly grounded or at least in galvanic
contact with structures that are at ground potential. Only in manufacturing locations it may be feasible
to insulate the complete stator frame from the ground level, but on machines in service this is almost
always impossible.
4.4.1 Historical situation
With the classical Schering bridge measurement set-up, using a HV-transformer that is connected to
ground, the bridge midpoint is on a potential (voltage) that has a low value but principally is not equal to
ground potential. Therefore, this measurement set-up cannot be used without modifications when the
stator itself is already grounded.
In the past, two ways to deal with this issue have been developed:
• The inverted bridge
• Grounding the bridge midpoint, whilst removing the ground connection from the HV transformer
4.4.2 The inverted bridge
The concept of the inverted bridge is simple, the entire bridge is connected to the high voltage terminal
of the test object. To be able to operate the bridge, either the measurement equipment must be
controlled remotely, or the operator must be at high voltage potential. In the latter case the entire
measurement set-up is positioned in a Faraday cage. Figure 4-2 shows the circuit diagram where CX
denotes the winding to be measured and CN the reference capacitor. It is not difficult to imagine that
this option bears some safety issues that must be addressed. In modern practice, this option is hardly
ever used.

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Figure 4-2: Inverted bridge

4.4.3 Grounding bridge midpoint

The option of connecting the bridge mid-point to the ground and disconnecting the transformer from the
ground seems a simple straight forward solution, however, a complication arises when using this circuit.
First consequence is that the low end of the transformer windings is now at a potential slightly different
from ground. This may lead to some safety issue that have to be dealt with. But worse is that the
capacitance of the transformer windings with respect to ground is now in effect connected in parallel to
the capacitance of the test object. The impact depends, of course, on the value of this capacitance and
the DDF related to this capacitance, which may have a different value for certain types of transformers
(dry type, oil cooled).
Fortunately, to overcome this issue, a measurement method is available to remove the influence of this
stray capacitance. In this method two measurements must be performed, one with the test object
disconnected from the HV-source and a second measurement with the object connected. With the first
measurement the value of the stray capacitance, CS, is determined as well as its dissipative losses
(DDFS). After the second measurement, where the overall capacitance Ctot and DDFtot are determined,
the capacitance of the test object Cx and the dissipation factor DDFx can be found using the formulae:
Cx = Ctot − CS
Ctot ∙ DDFtot − CS ∙ DDFS
DDFx =
Ctot

A clear disadvantage of this approach is that, when the additional capacitance is large and has a
significant dielectric loss, the accuracy of the determination of the DDF of the test object itself quickly
decreases.
When any additional capacitors are connected to the circuit, for instance to facilitate a resonant high
voltage supply, care must be exercised whether they also must be included in the evaluation. This
depends on their low voltage connection point, the actual ground level or the return connection of the
high voltage transformer.
Particularly when measuring large objects like complete stator windings care must be taken when the
windings are energized using a screened HV-cable. Note the capacitance and dielectric losses of this
cable are included in the measurement results.
Theoretically, the influence of the transformer stray capacitance can be removed by connecting the
transformer casing and core to the return terminal of the transformer. The downside of this action,
however, is that the transformer must be entirely insulated from ground and will be at some elevated
potential, not being grounded. Through the lower part of the bridge the transformer will be indirectly
grounded, but from a safety perspective this might not be a preferable solution.
One advantage exists with the grounding of the bridge midpoint: it is not necessary anymore to employ
methods to eradicate the influence of stray capacitance of secondary cabling between reference
capacitor and test object. A driving screen solution, like the automatic Wagner grounding, is superfluous
here.

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4.4.4 Modern equipment

With modern equipment, whether using a balanced transformer (arms ratio bridge) or (internal) resistive
current shunts, the issue of a grounded test object still exists. Since these modern systems are not
comparing the voltage in two branches but comparing (either magnetically through a transformer or
electronically) the currents in two branches (through the reference capacitor and through the winding(s)
under test), the necessity to have a common base of voltage for the comparison is not present, which
gives more freedom in the set-up of the test circuit.
Either the current sensing element is located between ground and low voltage terminals of the
transformer, or the current sensing element is between high voltage terminals of the transformer and
the winding to be measured. In practice, both methods are in use and will be discussed in the next
subsections.
Also here, the influence of the stray capacitance of the high voltage transformer, as well as that of other
additional capacitors, must be considered including that of the cable used to energize the winding.
An advantage of measuring the current through the reference capacitor is that from this value the applied
voltage can be directly deduced based on its capacitance value.
In some equipment a reference resistor is used instead of a capacitor. This does not alter the principle
of the determination of the DDF, the only difference is that here a phase difference of 90° denotes a
zero DDF value whereas with a capacitor the same is reached at 0° phase difference. In case of a
resistor, it is important that it must be entirely non-inductive and have a low stray capacitance to ground.
4.4.5 Measurement circuits
The main issue when measuring the dielectric dissipation factor of a stator is: what to do with the two
other windings present in the stator? A general rule states that these windings shall be connected to
ground. Standard IEC 60034-27-3 [B1] even prescribes this arrangement. However, this arrangement
results in the (stray) capacitance (as well as the associated dissipation losses) between the end
windings of the phases to be included in the measurement depending on the way the measurement
circuit is grounded.
Figure 4-3 shows the measurement set-up for a system connected to measure the DDF for phase U
while the other two phases are connected to ground. The current sensing elements are depicted as
variable resistors, one for the reference capacitor (CN), the other for the test object, denoted with CX.
The high voltage source is connected to the midpoint between the two sensors, that usually is denoted
as the guard terminal (also the v-terminal). In this way the current drawn by the stray capacitance of the
source is not measured by the current sensors. In addition, it must be clear that the high voltage source
cannot be directly grounded, otherwise the test object current cannot be measured.
In the following figures the path where the measurement current flows is colored red. The reference
path is colored green and those parts of the circuit that carry a guard current are colored yellow.

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Figure 4-3: GST measurement of CUG, phases V and W grounded, standard measurement setup

When carefully observing the circuit, it becomes clear that not only the main capacitance of winding U
to ground (CUG) is measured, but that also the stray capacitances between phase U and the phases V
and W are included in the measurement result.

A simple method to change the circuit to solely measure the main capacitance CUG is shown in Figure
4-4. By connecting the phases V and W to the guard terminal (v), the current drawn by the stray
capacitances between the phases is diverted directly to the return terminal of the high voltage source.

Figure 4-4: GSTg measurement of CUG, phases V and W connected to the guard v

The next option is to connect both the phase windings V and W to the high voltage terminal of the
source. The result is shown in Figure 4-5 and now the three main winding capacitances CUG, CVG, and
CWG are measured in parallel.

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Figure 4-5: GST, measurement of all phases simultaneously

Finally, a fourth connection diagram is shown in Figure 4-6, here only phase V is grounded, and phase
W is connected to the measurement terminal of the equipment. Since in this situation the measurement
terminal is not connected to ground, this is called a UST version of the set-up.

Figure 4-6: UST measurement of CWU, phase W grounded, phase V connected to the guard (v)
When the current sensor is placed at the high voltage terminal, elimination of the stray capacitances to
the two other windings can only be reached by connecting all windings to the high voltage source. Figure
4-7 shows the circuit. The downside of this action is that the HV-supply must be able to deliver three
times the current necessary for a single-phase measurement. In the standard set-up that is mainly used,
with the two other windings grounded (Figure 4-8), the stray capacitances between the windings are
automatically included in the measurement result but with the advantage that only one phase winding
must be energized.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Figure 4-7: GST measurement of CWG, U and V guarded at HV-potential

Figure 4-8: GST measurement of CWG, U and V grounded

4.4.6 Connection of windings

A principal issue when measuring the dielectric loss factor of a complete stator is that the capacitive
current flowing into the winding will partly magnetize the core of the machine, which in turn will lead to
losses in the core as well as cause induced voltages in the other windings.
When both ends of the winding are connected, the capacitive current will evenly distribute over both
ends and effectively the current flowing in the winding will be balanced. Thus, no net magnetic flux can
be produced by the winding. In this way any losses in the magnetic core are prevented. Figure 4-9
illustrates this phenomenon.

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Figure 4-9: Consequence of winding connection

Fortunately, with a rotating electrical machine the magnetic circuit always contains an airgap. Even with
a rotor present the airgap is still of a considerable size, with the smallest found in asynchronous
machines. The result is that the net magnetization will be low, usually leading to negligible losses.
This situation is typically different for transformers where only a very small current is needed to
completely magnetize the core.
A drawback of short circuit connections between both ends of the winding, particularly in the case of
large machines, can be that in these connections stray currents can be induced originating from nearby
current-carrying conductors that influence the measurement results. Also, with large machines, such as
hydro generators, both connections of a winding may be inconveniently positioned far from each other.
4.4.7 Set-up mistakes
Practice shows that it is easy to make mistakes when performing dissipation factor measurements,
particularly with a machine in-situ. Several mistakes can be avoided by using the measurement
procedure as described in the next section.
Further issues:
Be sure that the grounding of the measurement set-up is right. Have only one dedicated connection
point for the grounding.
When using short-circuited windings check whether induced currents are present before energizing the
winding. Keep in this respect the low voltage supply circuit of the test transformer at a distance from the
stator.

4.5 Measurement procedure

When performing a DDF measurement on a stator of a rotating electrical machine the following items
should be addressed:
• Carry out the test with a team of at least two persons.
• Check the proper functioning of all equipment to be used (preferably before leaving for the
measurement site) and the condition of measurement and test cables.
• Verify that the equipment is within its calibration period.
• Collect the relevant data of the machine that is to be assessed (rating plate, documentation)
• Prepare a circuit diagram of the measurement set-up with special attention to grounding and
guarding. Identify possible sources of stray capacitance and try to modify the circuit in such a way
that the influence of these stray capacitances is minimized.
• Identify the grounding terminal of the stator.
• Check that all external connections to the stator winding (breakers, CTs/VTs, surge capacitors,
surge arrestors, busbars, etc) have been removed including the connection between phases at the
neutral (when present).
• Check that all sensors in the windings and core (temperature, vibration, et cetera) are duly
grounded.
• Check that the shaft of the machine as well as any winding system on the rotor is grounded.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

• Verify through an IR (insulation resistance) and PI (polarization index) measurement that the stator
windings can be energized without the risk of immediate failure. Do not forget to ground the
windings afterwards for a sufficiently long period of time (at least 4 times the duration of voltage
application). Refer to IEC 60034-27-4 [B6] or IEEE 43 [B7] for more information.
• In case the stator is insulated from the building ground, check the insulation resistance of this
insulation. Beware of the use of inferior materials such as wooden blocks or contaminated
materials.
• Make the voltage supply connections and the measurement connections using appropriate cables
and clamps.
• Decide whether to short circuit all windings or not.
• Ground each phase winding at only one location to avoid ground loops where currents can be
induced. Remove the grounding only when necessary for the measurement.
• Check the measurement set-up against the circuit diagram with special attention to the grounding
and guarding, including those of the cable screens.
• Apply the necessary safety measures according to local regulations such as fencing in the test
area, use of safety stops and dead men switches. Refer also to EN 50191 [B8] for additional
information.
• Check the test voltage for harmonic content of the test voltage, also in case the test equipment can
tolerate or even compensate for disturbances that are present. Refer to IEC 60060-1 [B9] for the
requirements on the test voltage, where the general rule is given that the ratio between the RMS
value of the voltage and the peak value should be within 5% of √2 where the shape of the voltage
is approximating a sinusoid with both half-cycles closely alike.
• Be aware of possible presence of electromagnetic interference. Use the capabilities of the
measurement equipment to suppress interference.
• Record the ambient conditions (humidity, temperature), winding temperature, core temperature and
presence and pressure of hydrogen (all if applicable). In case the winding temperature is lower than
the ambient temperature high risk exists that condensation is present on the end windings which
can have a large influence on the measurement results. Generally, the DDF measurement should
only be carried out when condensation is absent.
Note: the measurement is never performed when the stator winding cooling system is still under
vacuum (during drying). There are known cases where flashover / flashovers occurred through
PTFE hoses at voltages of 2 – 6 kV.
• In case of direct water-cooled windings, record whether water is present. With water present record
temperature, pressure, and conductivity. The measurement must be carried out with circulating
water. When the winding is drained it should also be thoroughly dried and an insulation resistance
measurement should be made to check the dryness. Refer to IEC 60034-27-4 [B6] or IEEE 43 [B7]
for more information.
• Immediately prior to the measurement of a winding phase it is recommended to perform
conditioning on this phase of winding at the highest test voltage level and keep that level for at least
5 minutes while grounding the other two winding phases. Purpose of this action is to stabilize the
partial discharges and dielectric loss.
• Perform the measurement at the prescribed voltage intervals up to the highest voltage and for each
of the prescribed winding configurations (each phase separately, all together, one or more phases
guarded out, without any winding connected).
• Depending on the equipment used, record all data as it is found at the instrument(s) display.
Subsequently, make the calculations to obtain the actual capacitance and DDF values.
• After each test sequence the measurement results should be checked for completeness,
consistency and plausibility before changing for the next test sequence. Important information in
this respect can be the results of earlier measurements. After finalization of the measurement a
final check of the results is suggested before dismantling the measurement set-up, especially if the
deviations between the phases are significantly higher than expected.
• The above given recommendations regarding the measurement procedure are without guarantee
for correctness and completeness. Not only but especially regarding health and safety issues all
national standards must be complied. If the international standards are more stringent it is
recommended to fulfil these additionally - if it is not in contradiction to the national standards,

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5. Criteria in standards
Only a limited number of standards and general specifications exist that address dissipation factor
measurements on complete stator windings. Below is list of available international standards along with
general specifications being currently used by the industry for dissipation factor measurements on
complete stator windings. Only a few of them specifies the acceptance criteria.

5.1 IEEE Std 286TM-2000

The IEEE standard [B3] describes measurement methods for complete stator windings in different
configurations and gives some notes on the analysis of the results of these measurements.
However, this standard mentions no criteria. On voltage range that should be used some words are
given but much is left to the parties involved.

5.2 IEC 60034-27-3 (2015)

In the IEC standard [B1] dealing with the DDF measurements the measurement method is explained
and some words are present to describe the analysis of the results.
In this document also no criteria are given for complete windings, neither is there a voltage range
mentioned.

5.3 EN50209 (1998)

This European standard [B10] addresses the measurement of DDF on complete stator windings briefly,
specifying that the measurement should be taken at room temperature and in the voltage range between
0,2UN and 1,0UN in steps of 0,2UN.
Concerning criteria, it is only mentioned that these are upon agreement between the involved parties.

5.4 T/CSEE 0008-2016 T/CEEIA 260-2016

These Chinese standards [B11] are the only national standards known that do specify criteria on the
measured DDF of complete stators. The voltage range is given starting at 0,2UN up to 1,0UN in steps of
0,2UN.
In the criteria a distinction is made between various types of machines and rated voltages. Table 5-1
gives an overview of the values.
Maximum values x 10-3 tanδ0,2 tanδ1,0 Δtanδ0,2
Large/medium generators 30 60 40
AC motors 6 kV ≤ UN ≤ 10 kV 20 60 10
AC motors 10 kV < UN ≤ 13 kV 20 60 15
AC motors UN > 13 kV 20 60 20
Table 5-1: DDF Criteria in Chinese Standards
Remarkable is the specified value for the DDF at the rated voltage UN. In no other international or
national document is this voltage base used to specify a criterion.

5.5 VGB-S-166-00-2014-02-EN
The VGB S-166 [B5] is a standard for quality control during the procurement of new generators by VGB
Powertech in Germany. This document prescribes the performance of a DDF measurement over a
voltage range up to 1,4UN, in steps of 0,2UN, starting at 0,2UN. The DDF criteria used in VGB S-166 are
listed in Table 5-2.
Key parameter Maximum values x 10-3
Voltage 0,2UN tanδ0,2 20
Voltage range 0,2UN …0,6UN Δtanδ0,2 4
Voltage range 0,6UN …1,0UN Δtanδ0,2 6
Voltage range 1,0UN …1,4UN Δtanδ0,2 ---
Table 5-2: Criteria in VGB Standard and KEMA specifications
A specific provision is made for stators with a core length shorter than 2 m. In that case the criteria can
be adapted in agreement between the involved parties.

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5.6 KEMA S13/S14:2011-S17:2011

As with the VGB document, the KEMA documents are specifications intended for the use in procurement
of new equipment, namely the S13/S14 generator specifications [B12] and the S17 motor specification
[B13].
The requirements in the KEMA documents are identical to those at VGB (Table 5-2). The only difference
is that KEMA does not make the remark on stators with a short core length (< 2 m) but mentions that in
case insulation systems are applied with a low resistive stress grading it recommends comparing the
DDF measurement results on sample elements with and without guards applied.

5.7 KEMA S22:2012

KEMA S22 [B14] is a specification dealing with diagnostic measurements on rotating electrical
machines, particularly those in service. In this document the measurement range is limited to 1,0UN
instead of the value of 1,4UN in the other KEMA documents.
The document does not give criteria but states that for modern insulation systems the starting value at
0,2UN is usually expected to be no greater than 10x10-3 combined with a DDF increase over the entire
voltage range (Δtanδ1,0-0,2) limited to 10x10-3.
In case tanδ0,2 is over 30x10-3 an investigation into the possible causes is advised. The same is advised
when the trend of DDF over the voltage range is negative.

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6. Response to questionnaire
6.1 Introduction
Three questionnaires (see APPENDIX C) to acquire information concerning DDF and capacitance
measurements performed on form wound stator windings of rotating electrical machines were developed
and distributed in 2020. One questionnaire targeted manufacturers of stator windings, another
user/owner of stator windings or their representatives and finally one to parties that perform DDF
measurements for others. The questions in each of the questionnaires were tailored for each target
group. The respondents were allowed to fill in more questionnaires when they had different roles in the
process. Besides answering questions, the respondents were asked to provide as many DDF and
capacitance measurement results as possible.
In each questionnaire the respondent was asked what the main activity was. The respondents of the
user/owner questionnaire(s) could choose the following options:
• Owner/user/operator
• Consultant
• Research centre/University
• Other
The respondents of the manufacturer questionnaire could choose the following options:
• Original equipment manufacturer (of rotating electrical machines)
• Repair shop/Service centre
• Other
The respondents of the testing organization questionnaire could indicate the following main activities:
• Original equipment manufacturer
• Repair shop/Service centre
• Testing organization
• Research centre/University
• Owner
• Other
Two of the questionnaires contained five sections:
1. General
2. Execution
3. Criteria, evaluation and assessment
4. Recommendations
5. A sheet with requested information of provided measurement results or data sets
The user/owner questionnaire contained only four sections. This questionnaire did not contain the
section “recommendations”.
This chapter provides the responses received from the field by means of these questionnaires. The
questions on the above-mentioned sections are addressed in the next eight sections. The number of
sections is enlarged to improve their readability and structure. In each section, the answers of the three
respondent groups are provided and compared with each other. First, the question and/or a description
of the question is shown followed by an overview of the answers received. The exact questions can be
found in APPENDIX C. Detailed information, accompanying the answers, is incorporated in APPENDIX
D.
In total 29 questionnaires for user/owner, 25 questionnaires for testing organizations and 17
questionnaires for manufacturers were filled in and returned. The owner questionnaire was completed
by 27 owner/user/operators and two consultants. The manufacturer questionnaire was answered by 14
OEM’s, two organizations indicated a combination of main activities OEM and repair shop/service centre
and one as a service centre only. The testing organization questionnaire was completed as shown in
Figure 6-1.
The next sections provide the results of the assessment on the answers received.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Figure 6-1: Main activities of the 25 respondents of the testing organization questionnaire
In the presentation of the results in the following sections no subsequent distinctions are made with
regard to the main activities performed by the respondents. The results of each respondent group are
presented using the following designations:
• The answers of the Manufacturer questionnaire are indicated with “Manufacturer” or “M”
• The answers of the Owner questionnaire with “Owner” or “O”
• The answers of Testing organization questionnaire with “Testing organization” or “T”.

6.2 Standards and procedures

Questions concerning standards and procedures are part of the general section of the questionnaire.
Each question indicates to which respondent group the question was meant.
6.2.1 DDF measurement on new stator windings

The first question in the manufacturer questionnaire (1.1) was “Do you perform a DDF measurement on
stator windings as a standard QA activity at new build?”. The owners were asked in question 1.1 whether
they request a DDF measurement at the purchase of a new machine or a rewind as part of the inspection
and test plan. Table 6-1 and Figure 6-2 show the response.

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Owners 25 3 1 29
Manufacturers 12 5 0 17

Table 6-1: DDF measurement applied on new Figure 6-2: Distribution of answers for DDF
stator winding measurement on new stator windings
The same question was asked to the owners for stator windings in service. 25 owners responded with
yes and four with no.
6.2.2 Own procedures used
The manufacturers and testing organizations were asked in question 1.2 whether they have their own
procedures to perform the DDF measurement on stator windings. Their response is shown in Table 6-2
and Figure 6-3.

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Testing organizations 18 7 0 25
Manufacturers 12 5 0 17

Table 6-2: Own procedure for DDF measurements Figure 6-3: Distribution of answers on use of own
on stator winding procedure for DDF measurements on stator
windings

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6.2.3 (Inter)national standards used

The manufacturers and testing organizations were asked in question 1.3 whether their own procedures
to perform the DDF measurement on stator windings is in accordance with one of the (inter)national
standards, for example IEC 60034-27-3, EN50209, IEEE 286, KEMA S13/14, KEMA S17, VGB-S-166-
00-2014-02-EN? The owners received the question (1.3) whether they use an (inter)national standard
(e.g. the ones just mentioned) when specifying the DDF measurement for a new machine or rewind?
The responses are shown below.

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Testing organizations 22 3 0 25
Owners 19 8 2 29
Manufacturers 12 5 0 17

Table 6-3: Use of international standards for DDF Figure 6-4: Distribution of answers on use of
measurement on stator winding international standards for DDF measurements on
stator windings
The owners were also asked whether they use an (inter)national standard when specifying the DDF
measurement for stator windings in service (existing). The answers were almost the same; twenty
owners responded with yes, eight with no and one respondent did not answer the question. Table 6-4
and Figure 6-5 show a breakdown of the international standards the various respondents referenced.
KEMA S13/14

No response
60034-27-3

VDE 530-27
VGB S-166
number of

KEMA S17

KEMA S22
procedure

EN50209

IEEE 286
answers

Internal

Answers
Total

IEC

Testing organizations 35 9 0 4 16 3 2 1 0 0 0
Owners - new or rewind 36 10 8 3 2 2 0 1 0 6 4
Owners - in service 38 11 9 4 2 2 0 0 0 8 2
Manufacturers 30 10 0 7 2 2 0 2 1 6 0

Table 6-4: (Inter)national standards used for DDF measurement on stator windings
([B1], [B5], [B10], [B12], [B13], [B14], and [B15])

Figure 6-5: International standards indicated for DDF measurements on stator windings

6.2.4 More comprehensive procedure used

All respondent groups were asked whether they use or request a procedure that is more comprehensive
compared to the international standards.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Testing organizations 6 17 2 25
Owners 6 21 2 29
Manufacturers 1 14 2 17

Table 6-5: Use of more comprehensive Figure 6-6: Distribution of answers on use of more
procedures for DDF measurement on stator comprehensive procedures for DDF
winding measurements on stator windings
The respondents were also requested to specify the more comprehensive procedure when applicable.
A respondent of the manufacturer questionnaire provided the following response:
• Procedure is based on experience and adapted to test equipment brand used.
The respondents who completed the testing organization questionnaire stated the following regarding
the use of a more comprehensive test procedure:
• Use of a more detailed test procedure
• Monitoring of DDF on a rising ramp and also on the voltage drop being applied, obtaining several
parameters (machines in service)
• Voltage Steps on 0,1UN instead of 0,2UN
• Measuring up and down the voltage steps to see an eventual hysteresis
The owners responded in the following ways:
• Half of the values indicated in VDE-0530, but only for bars/coils, not for the entire winding
• For the complete installed winding the following Site Acceptance Test (SAT) shall be performed for
fingerprint reference: Loss factor measurements at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 % UN on one phase at
a time with the other two phases grounded
• Voltage Steps on 0,1UN instead of 0,2UN
• Tanẟ (f = 15-300 Hz)
The owners were also asked whether they request a procedure that is more comprehensive compared
to the (international) standards when specifying the DDF measurement for stator windings in service.
The answers were almost the same as for new windings: 23 owners responded with no, five with yes
and one respondent did not answer the question. Concerning the procedure, the following answers were
given:
• Agreed separately in each case
• Voltage Steps on 0,1UN instead of 0,2UN
• tanẟ (f = 15-300 Hz)
6.2.5 Deviating from internal procedure on request of customer
The manufacturers and testing organizations were asked (question 1.16 and 1.15 respectively) whether
they -upon request- perform DDF measurements on the client’s instruction deviating from their own
standard procedure. Refer to Table 6-6 and Figure 6-7.

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Testing organizations 10 14 1 25
Manufacturers 10 4 3 17

Table 6-6: Deviating from internal DDF Figure 6-7: Distribution of answers deviating from
measurement procedure on customer request internal DDF measurement procedure on
customer request
The respondents were also asked to quantify how often it occurs (% of the cases). Eight from the ten
respondents of each group that answered the question with yes quantified the cases. Six testing
organisations responded that it concerns max 5% of the cases. One responded that it is always
performed on customer request but did not give a percentage. One testing organisations replied that it
concerns 10% of the cases. One manufacturer answered that it concerns 20% of the cases. For two it
concerned 10%. Two other manufacturers 5% and for thee it concerned <2% of the cases.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

6.3 Measurement setup and equipment used

Questions concerning the measurement set-up and equipment used are part of the general section of
the questionnaire. In the sections below each question is indicated to which respondent group the
question was meant.
6.3.1 Voltage source
The manufacturers (question 1.6) and testing organizations (question 1.5) were asked what kind of
voltage source they use to perform the DDF measurement on stator windings. The owners on the other
hand were asked whether they prescribe the voltage source to be used (question 1.10).
25 testing organizations, 11 owners and 14 manufacturers provided an answer. In general, the
manufactures have one kind of transformer available while the testing organizations sometimes have
more options. Only two owners allowed different kinds of voltage sources. Table 6-7 and Figure 6-8
show the distribution of the available voltage sources. Which of the voltage sources the testing
organizations use more often cannot be deduced from the provided information.

Transformer with
transformer with
power frequency

Oscillating wave
Test instrument

voltage source
locally available

No response
resonant set

transformer

Depends on
with built -in

Answer no
(LC-circuit)
Classical

Answers

Testing organizations 9 13 10 0 1 0 0
Owners 5 4 5 0 0 17 1
Manufacturers 10 4 0 1 0 0 3

Table 6-7: Voltage source used to perform a DDF measurement on a stator winding

Figure 6-8: Distribution of the answers concerning the voltage source

6.3.2 Measurement frequency

The manufacturers and testing organizations were asked “Which measurement frequency range do you
use?”. It concerned question 1.7 and 1.6 respectively from the questionnaires.
All testing organizations and 15 of the 17 manufacturers provided an answer to this question. The
distribution of the answers is shown in Table 6-8 and Figure 6-9.
No Response
Between 45

Between 55

VLF - 0,1 Hz
45 - 65 Hz
and 55 Hz

and 65 Hz

Total

Answers
60 Hz

Testing organizations 16 4 4 1 1 0 26
Manufacturers 9 3 3 0 0 2 17

Table 6-8: Measurement frequency used to perform a DDF measurement on a stator winding

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Figure 6-9: Distribution of the answers concerning measurement frequency

6.3.3 Quality of sine wave

Questions 1.8 of the manufacturer questionnaire and 1.7 of the testing organization questionnaire dealt
with the topic “quality of the sine wave”. The respondents were asked whether they observe and assess
the quality of the sine wave. The owners on the other hand were asked whether they impose the
requirements concerning the quality of the sine wave (question 1.11). Refer to Table 6-9 and Figure
6-10 for the answers.

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Testing organizations 10 14 1 25
Owners 5 23 1 29
Manufacturers 5 10 2 17

Table 6-9: Do you observe and assess the quality Figure 6-10: Distribution of answers concerning
of the sine wave? the quality of the sine wave

6.3.4 Type and brand of measurement equipment

The respondents were asked what type of measurement equipment is used nowadays. Choices given
were “direct measurement” (where only the voltage over the test object, the current through the test
object and the power consumed are recorded and the DDF is calculated from these values), “transformer
ratio arms bridge”, “Schering bridge”, “Digital bridge” and “other”. Already during the construction of the
survey, it was anticipated that possibly the respondents would not exactly know what kind of technology
is hidden in their own test equipment. Therefore, the next question was “what brand and type of
measurement equipment is used”.
The answers to the question concerning the principal type of measurement instrument, used by the
manufacturers and testing organizations, show that many of them do not exactly know what technology
is hidden in their instruments. Therefore, to get a real insight into the actual status, the answers to the
question “what actual brand and type of measurements are employed by the respondents” were used.
The 25 testing organizations mentioned 33 times a brand of equipment (several use more than one
brand). In total it concerned eight brands. The 17 manufacturers mentioned 18 times a brand. In total it
concerned six different brands. Four manufacturers did not provide an answer to this question.
Based on the answers on the actual instruments used, distribution over the types of instruments could
be made. Figure 6-11 shows that 64% of the instruments mentioned work according to the digital phase
shift method. Another 26% is also digital/automatic but also incorporates a differential transformer,
making variations of the transformer ratio arm bridge. Finally, in 11% of the cases a classical transformer
ratio arm bridge was used that was operated manually. The classical hand operated Schering bridge
was not used anymore by the respondents.
Looking at the accuracy of the instruments used, there is no clear relation between the type of instrument
and its accuracy. On average, the accuracy of the instruments used is 1 x 10-4, with the most accurate
having a value of 1 x 10-5 and the least accurate 4 x 10-4 (Figure 6-12). It must be mentioned that these
values are specified, guaranteed values. In practice the typical accuracy is usually better (up to a factor
10) than the guaranteed values.
The resolution of the displayed values is, as expected, for all instruments either equal to the guaranteed
accuracy or a factor of 10 or more better than the stated accuracy.

30
 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Figure 6-11: Distribution of type/technology of Figure 6-12: Accuracy of DDF measurement

DDF measurement equipment equipment

6.3.5 Calibration interval for equipment

The information the respondents provided on the question concerning the calibration interval of the used
equipment is provided in Table 6-10 and shown in Figure 6-13. There were 21 testing organizations and
15 manufacturers that provided a response to this question.

unknown

Response
1 year

2 year

3 year

4 year

5 year

Total
No
Answer

Testing organizations 7 7 1 0 5 1 4 25
Manufacturers 7 6 1 1 0 0 2 17

Table 6-10: Calibration interval for measurement equipment

Figure 6-13: Calibration interval used for measurement equipment

6.3.6 Reference capacitor - type

Question 1.12 of the manufacturer questionnaire concerns the following: “What kind of reference
capacitor do you use?”. In the testing organization questionnaire it concerns question 1.11.
Unknown
Insulation

Response
insulation
Polymer

None

Total
Gas

No

Answers

Testing organizations 8 10 6 1 0 25
Manufacturers 2 11 1 0 3 17

Table 6-11: Type of reference capacitor used to perform DDF measurements

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Figure 6-14: Type of reference capacitor used to perform DDF measurements

6.3.7 Reference capacitor - capacity value

Question 1.13 of the manufacturer and 1.12 of the testing organization questionnaires addressed the
capacity value of the reference capacitor used. 14 Manufacturers provided a response to this question
and 22 testing organizations. The distribution of the answers is shown in Table 6-12.
100 till 101

Response
unknown

Total
1050 pF

1033 nF
1000 till
Answers
200 pF

500 pF
80 pF

10 nF

N/A

No
pF

Testing organizations 1 7 1 1 13 1 1 1 5 0 31
Manufacturers 0 8 0 0 6 0 0 0 2 3 19

Table 6-12: Value of reference capacitor used

Figure 6-15: Distribution of value of reference capacitor used

6.4 When a DDF measurement is performed

6.4.1 Moment of performing DDF measurement during manufacturing process
In question 1.5 of the manufacturer questionnaire, the manufacturers were asked at what stage(s) of
the manufacturing process of a new winding is a DDF measurement performed. The owners received
the question (1.6) whether they prescribe at what stage(s) the DDF measurement has to be performed.
26 Owners and 15 manufacturers answered the question. Some of the respondents provided multiple
answers indicating that the DDF measurement was performed at various stages. The owners clearly
requested more measurement stages compared to the manufacturers. According to the response to the
survey, the preference is to perform the DDF measurement at least twice during the manufacturing
process.
Number of stages 1 2 3 4 5 6 Other Total
Owners 6 9 3 3 0 1 4 26
Manufacturers 6 7 2 0 0 0 0 15

Table 6-13: How often the DDF measurement is performed or requested during manufacturing of a new
stator winding

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Before the voltage

soon as winding is

After the voltage

After completion
Both before and
after the voltage
On the stator as

After a heat run

of the machine

commissioning
withstand test

withstand test

withstand test

(if applicable)
(2 x Un +1)
completed

After (re-)

Other

Total
Answers

Owners 9 5 4 3 11 3 7 5 47
Manufacturers 9 3 6 0 3 2 0 4 27

Table 6-14: Moment the DDF measurement is performed during manufacturing of a new stator winding

Figure 6-16: Distribution of the answers when the DDF measurement is performed during manufacturing
Other options according to the manufacturers are:
• According to customer requirements
• After test field run
The owners mention the following other options:
• No particular sequence
• After 1 year of operation and at the end of warranty
• Follow proposal OEM/Consultant
• During type test
6.4.2 Motivation to perform a DDF measurement
The respondents were asked “Do you use one of the following criteria for the decision to request or
perform a DDF measurement?”. Owner’s question 1.4, for manufacturers question 1.15 and for testing
organizations question 1.14. The following options could be selected:
• Rated line to line voltage UN of the stator winding
• Presence of a semi-conductive layer (OCP layer)
• Type / construction of insulation system
• To have a fingerprint measurement for reference
• Contractual QC test (this option was only available for manufacturers)
• Others
The response for each of the respondent groups is shown in the next tables and figures.

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Testing organizations 18 3 4 25
Owners 16 8 5 29
Manufacturers 8 3 6 17

Table 6-15: Rated line to line voltage UN is a Figure 6-17: Distribution of answers rated line to
decision criterion line voltage UN is a decision criterion

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Testing organizations 6 8 11 25
Owners 6 16 7 29
Manufacturers 5 5 7 17

Table 6-16: Presence of OCP is a decision Figure 6-18: Distribution of answers OCP is a
criterion decision criterion

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Testing organizations 7 8 10 25
Owners 5 16 8 29
Manufacturers 4 5 8 17

Table 6-17: Type / construction of insulation Figure 6-19: Distribution of answers type /
system is a decision criterion construction of insulation system is a decision
criterion

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Testing organizations 16 3 5 24
Owners 18 10 1 29
Manufacturers 8 2 7 17

Table 6-18: To have a fingerprint for reference is a Figure 6-20: Distribution of answers a fingerprint
decision criterion for reference is a decision criterion

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Manufacturers 10 2 5 17

Table 6-19: Requirement for a contractual QC test Figure 6-21: Distribution of answers requirement
is a decision criterion for a contractual QC test is a decision criterion
The option “others for the decision to perform a DDF measurement” resulted in the following responses
from the testing organizations:
• Voltage level as criteria is dependent on the construction
• Routine Outage
• Periodic testing, condition assessment
• Assess the condition of the insulation
• We try to perform DDF measurements in every generator regardless of the type of insulation or the
presence of a semi-conductor layer. Consistency is the key and trending can help us identify any
changes within the insulation tested
• QC test after production - customer acceptance test - part of lifetime assessment together with PD
test on old machines
• Expected condition of machine, part of service contract
Only one manufacturer provided a response at the option “other”:
• Standard quality test during manufacture
Two owners provided the following information at the option “other”:
• We rely on OEM/consultant/service company that carries out the measurement, only on main
generator and high-power pump motors (> 4 MW)
• Age of windings, criticality of the machine

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

The respondents were requested to indicate the minimum voltage level they use -for the decision- to
perform a DDF measurement. Almost half of the respondents provided a response as shown in Table
6-20. The distribution of the minimum voltage levels used is provided in Figure 6-22

2 kV ≤ U < 3 kV

3 kV ≤ U < 4 kV

5 kV ≤ U < 6 kV

6 kV ≤ U < 7 kV

Line to ground

reduce for old

No response
winding
0,2 UN

<2 kV

Total
8 kV
Testing organizations 1 2 1 1 2 5 1 1 0 11 25
Owners 0 0 1 6 1 5 0 0 1 15 29
Manufacturers 3 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 9 17
Total 4 2 3 10 3 11 1 1 1 35 71

Table 6-20: Minimum voltage level used for DDF measurements

Note: It seems that respondents might not have understood the question correctly.

Figure 6-22: Distribution minimum voltage level for DDF measurements

6.4.3 Regular performance of DDF measurements

The owners were asked whether they perform DDF measurements regularly on windings in service. 29
answers were received. 76% of the respondents answered with yes and 24% with no.
6.4.4 Time interval between DDF measurements
Regarding windings in service the owners were also asked what time interval is used between
measurements. 22 Owners (76%) provided a response to this question. In general, the respondents did
not indicate a fixed time period but a certain bandwidth that was used.

Figure 6-23: Time between DDF measurements

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Four owners did not provide a time period but provided the following response:
• Depending on condition
• DDF is sometimes included in testing scope by OEM or service provider when carrying our testing
program
• During outage of Minor or Major Turbine inspection / depend on the machine work hours and not
time
• Part of maintenance outage works; 8 years (was 6 years), depends on extent of generator
maintenance work carried out
23 Owners provided the information regarding the background for the time interval between the DDF
measurements of windings in service. The distribution of the answers is shown in Figure 6-24.

Figure 6-24: Background for the time interval shown in Figure 6-23

6.4.5 Who is performing the DDF measurement

On the question to the owners “Who is performing the DDF measurements in service?” 25 owners
provided an answer. The distribution of the answers, regarding the parties that perform the DDF
measurement for the owner, is shown in Figure 6-25.

Figure 6-25: Party that is performing the DDF measurements on stator windings in service for owners

6.5 Execution
The second section of the questionnaire concerns the execution of the DDF measurement. This section
contains six questions. The difference between the questions is small for the three respondent groups.
6.5.1 DDF measurement configuration
In question 2.1 of the questionnaire the manufacturers (M) and testing organizations (T) were asked
what DDF measurement configuration they use. The owners (O) received the question if they specify
the DDF measurement configuration.
Table 6-21 and Figure 6-26 provide an overview of the distribution of the 71 answers received on this
question.

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Testing organizations 25 0 0 25
Owners 19 8 2 29
Manufacturers 15 0 2 17
Total 59 8 4 71

Table 6-21: Using/specifying DDF configuration Figure 6-26: Distribution using/specifying DDF
configuration

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

The respondents were requested to indicate the configuration. The possible choices were the following:
• Total winding (all phases) to core
• Single phase to core (which is connected to the other phases and at the same electrical potential)
• Between phases
• All three mentioned options
The 59 respondents that answered with “Yes” selected multiple options. In total 100 configurations were
selected. The distribution of the options is shown in Table 6-22 and Figure 6-27. Figure 6-28 shows the
combinations of configurations the respondents use.

phase to

Between
winding
to core

phases
Single
Total

core
Answers Total

Testing organizations 17 24 6 47
Owners 5 19 6 30
Manufacturers 8 15 0 23
Total 30 58 12 100

Table 6-22: Used/specified DDF measurement Figure 6-27: Distribution of applied DDF
configuration measurement configurations

The following combinations were chosen as shown in Figure 6-28.

Figure 6-28: Distribution of applied combination of configurations for DDF measurement

6.5.2 Capacitance as a measurement quantity

The second question was whether the concerned party (manufacturers, owners and testing
organizations) regarded capacitance as a measurement quantity in their analysis. 28 responses were
received from the owners, 15 responses from the manufacturers and 24 responses from the testing
organizations. While most of the manufacturers and testing organization responded “Yes”, more than a
third of the owners said they do not use capacitance as a measurement quantity. Refer to Table 6-23
and Figure 6-29.

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Testing organizations 23 1 1 25
Owners 19 9 1 29
Manufacturers 14 1 2 17
Total 56 11 4 71

Table 6-23: Using/specifying capacitance as Figure 6-29: Distribution using/specifying

measurement quantity capacitance as measurement quantity

The 56 respondents that answered with “Yes” selected multiple options. In total 94 configurations were
selected. The distribution is shown in Table 6-24 and Figure 6-30.

37
 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

phase to

Between
winding
to core

phases
Single
Total

core
Answers Total

Testing organizations 15 23 7 45
Owners 5 19 5 29
Manufacturers 6 14 0 20
Total 26 56 12 94

Table 6-24: Used/specified capacitance Figure 6-30: Distribution of applied capacitance

measurement configuration measurement configurations

The following combinations were chosen as shown in Figure 6-31.

Figure 6-31: Distribution of applied configurations for capacitance measurement

6.5.3 Voltage levels

The manufacturers and testing organizations were asked at which voltage levels the DDF measurement
was performed and whether it was relative to the rated line-to-line voltage or to the rated line-to-ground
voltage. The owners received the question “which voltage levels did they specify”. This was a multiple
choice/open question. The owners provided responses related to new/rewind as well as to existing
machines. It concerned question 2.3 for the manufacturers and testing organizations and question 2.4
for the owners.
23 Owners provided a response concerning new/rewind stators, choosing 25 options. Two owners
indicated that they used rated line-to-ground voltage and fixed voltage levels. One owner provided the
applicable voltage range 3,3/√3 – 22/√3. 21 Owners responded concerning windings in service choosing
22 options. Out of the total 15 respondents for manufacturers, 60% said they only use rated line-to-line
voltage, 13% used rated line-to-line or line-to-ground voltage. Out of the total 29 respondents for testing
organization, 68% used only rated line-to-line voltage, 4% used a combination of rated line-to-line
voltage and fixed voltage levels, 24% used line-to-ground voltage in combination with fixed voltage
levels and 4% only line-to-ground voltage levels. Refer to Table 6-25 for an overview of the numbers
and Figure 6-32 for the distribution of the “Yes” answers.
Rated line to

Rated line to
line voltage

No answer

Answers
voltage

voltage
ground

levels
Fixed

Total

Testing organizations 18 7 7 0 32
Owners new/rewind 16 5 4 6 31
Owners in service 12 6 4 8 30
Manufacturers 12 3 3 2 20
Total 58 21 18 16 113

Table 6-25: Response voltage base for DDF measurement

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Figure 6-32: Distribution of applied voltage base of “Yes” answers

The respondents were requested to provide the starting value, increment and final voltage value applied
during the DDF measurement in relation to the voltage base. Not all respondents gave feedback to this
question.

Respondent x U LL Respondent x U LG
Starting Value 0,1 0,2 Starting Value 0,1 0,2 0,25
Owners new/rewind 2 14 Owners new/rewind 1 1 2
Owners in service 2 9 Owners in service 1 3 2
Manufacturer 1 10 Manufacturer 0 2 0
Testing Organization 5 13 Testing Organization 0 4 1
Total 10 46 Total 2 10 5

Table 6-26: DDF starting values used in Table 6-27: DDF starting values used in relation to the line-
relation to the line-to-line voltage ULL to-ground voltage ULG
Respondent Fixed voltage level (kV)
Starting Value 1,0 1,5 2,0 2,3 4,0
Owners new/rewind 0 0 2 0 0
Owners in service 0 0 2 0 0
Manufacturer 0 0 1 0 1
Testing Organization 1 1 2 1 1
Total 1 1 7 1 2
Table 6-28: Fixed DDF starting values used

Respondent x U LL Respondent x U LG
Incremental Value 0,1 0,2 Incremental Value 0,05 0,0625 0,1 0,2 0,25
Owners new/rewind 1 13 Owners new/rewind 0 0 1 1 2
Owners in service 1 10 Owners in service 1 0 1 2 2
Manufacturer 2 9 Manufacturer 0 0 0 2 0
Testing Organization 6 12 Testing Organization 0 1 0 3 1
Total 10 44 Total 1 1 2 8 5

Table 6-29: DDF increments used in Table 6-30: DDF increments used in relation to the line-to-
relation to the line-to-line voltage ULL ground voltage ULG

Respondent Fixed incremental steps (kV)

Incremental Value 0,5 1,0 2,0
Owners new/rewind 0 2 2
Owners in service 0 2 2
Manufacturer 0 0 1
Testing Organization 1 0 2
Total 1 4 7

Table 6-31: Fixed DDF increments used

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Respondent x U LL
Final Value 0,6 0,8 1,0 1,2 1,4 ULL+1 (kV) 2xU LL+1 (kV)
Owners new/rewind 0 1 7 6 2 1 0
Owners in service 0 2 9 2 0 1 0
Manufacturer 1 0 5 4 2 0 0
Testing Organization 0 2 14 2 1 0 1
Total 1 5 35 14 5 2 1

Table 6-32: Final DDF voltage level in relation to the line-to-line voltage ULL

Respondent x U LG
Final Value 0,8 1,0 1,1 1,2
Owners new/rewind 0 3 1 1
Owners in service 0 6 0 0
Manufacturer 0 2 0 0
Testing Organization 0 5 0 1
Total 0 16 1 2

Table 6-33: Final DDF voltage level in relation to the line-to-ground voltage ULG
Some respondents indicated that they used fixed final voltage levels that are not related to the rated
voltage of the machine. Testing organizations reported the values 8 kV (1x), 10 kV (1x) and 15 kV (1x).
The maximum of 15 kV was the limit caused by the available transformer. One owner responded that
they use fixed voltage levels as starting value (2 kV) with increments (2 kV) and that the final voltage
level during the DDF measurement is the even voltage level above the line-to-line voltage rating of the
machine.
6.5.4 Conditioning
The respondents were asked if conditioning is carried out or is specified to be carried out before the
DDF measurement was performed. 27 responses were received from the owners, 13 responses from
the manufacturers and 23 responses from the testing organizations. Out of these 63 responses, 24
respondents answered with “Yes” specifying or using conditioning, 39 answered “No”.

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Testing organizations 9 14 2 25
Owners 8 19 2 29
Manufacturers 7 6 4 17
Total 24 39 8 71

Table 6-34: Using/specifying conditioning Figure 6-33: Distribution using/specifying

conditioning
Furthermore, owners, manufacturers and testing organizations were also asked to describe the
procedure and specify the conditioning time. Eight owners, eight manufacturers and eleven testing
organizations provided more information on their process. This response is incorporated in appendix
D.1.
6.5.5 Moment of recording the DDF measurement
The fifth question concerned the moment when the DDF results are recorded. The manufacturers and
testing organizations were asked “When during the measurement do you record the DDF measurement
results?”. The question for the owners was slightly different as it concerned whether they specify at
which moment the results should be recorded. Refer to Table 6-35 and Figure 6-34. Out of the 29
owners, eight mentioned they recorded at increasing voltage, five recorded at both increasing and
decreasing voltage, and 14 answered no. Out of the 17 manufacturers, 11 mentioned they recorded at
increasing voltage, three recorded at both increasing and decreasing voltage and the remaining did not
answer. Lastly, out of 25 testing organizations, 18 mentioned they recorded at increasing voltage, one
recorded at decreasing voltage, four recorded at both increasing and decreasing voltage, and two did
not answer. Figure 6-35 shows the actual moment of recording by the respondents who actually record
the DDF results.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Testing organizations 23 0 2 25
Owners 13 14 2 29
Manufacturers 14 0 3 17
Total 50 14 7 71

Table 6-35: Answers concerning recording of the Figure 6-34: Distribution of answers concerning
DDF results recording of the DDF results

Figure 6-35: Distribution of the moment of recording of the DDF results

6.5.6 Application of postprocessing

In question 3.1 of the questionnaire the manufacturers (M) and testing organizations (T) were asked
whether they apply post processing of the DDF measurement results. The owners (O) received the
question if they accept post processing of the DDF measurement results. For example, if a temperature
correction factor was applied to DDF results and capacitance before reporting.
Table 6-36 and Figure 6-36 provide an overview of the distribution of the answers the 71 respondents
provided on this question. The two testing organizations and one manufacturer that answered with “Yes”
indicated that it was according to internal criteria. Two owners that did not answer the question provided
the following remark: “no experience” and “no particular requirement”, respectively.
No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Testing organizations 2 22 1 25
Owners 8 17 4 29
Manufacturers 1 14 2 17
Total 11 53 7 71

Table 6-36: Post processing of DDF Figure 6-36: Distribution of answers

measurement results concerning post processing of DDF
measurement results

6.5.7 Combination with other kind of measurements

The manufacturers and testing organizations were asked whether they combine the DDF measurement
with other types of measurement, for instance IR, PI, PD, frequency domain spectroscopy (FDS),
voltage withstand test, and so on. Furthermore, it was requested to provide the sequence of tests. Five
manufacturers did not answer the question. 12 of the remaining 12 manufacturers (100%) also perform
a voltage withstand test, while 11 of the 12 manufacturers (92%) also combine the DDF measurement
with IR measurements and PD measurements. Eight out of 12 (67%) perform the insulation resistance
measurement for ten minutes and calculate the polarization index. One manufacturer stated to use
ultraviolet (UV) camera, ultrasonic imager or a dark room when necessary and another indicated the
capacitance measurement.
Concerning the sequence, seven out of 12 manufacturers that provided an answer gave the information
concerning the sequence. Insulation resistance measurements are performed first. Three manufacturers
indicated that they perform the PD and DDF measurements next followed by the voltage withstand test.
The other four answered that the voltage withstand test is performed after the IR measurements followed
by the DDF and PD measurements.
Four of the 25 testing organizations did not provide an answer to this question. 86% of the testing
organizations that provided an answer combined the DDF measurement with a PD measurement. 76%
also perform an insulation resistance measurement, while 38% combined the DDF measurement with

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

a voltage withstand test. 19% also perform a DC ramp test as well. 10% of the testing organizations that
provided an answer also perform the following inspections and measurements: visual inspection,
winding resistance and DC resistance measurement, DC step test, FDS and DD test. Next to that a
variety of measurements were performed by 5% of the testing organizations that provided an answer. It
concerns leakage current harmonics, U-I characteristics, AC and/or DC leakage current, step voltage
DC (SVDC), step voltage AC (SVAC), polarization depolarization current (PDC) analysis, tip-up (T/U),
HF, Corona probe, DC voltage withstand tests and capacitance measurements.
Eleven of the testing organizations provided the information concerning the sequence of the tests. In
general, the insulation resistance measurement was performed first and the DDF measurement was
performed before the voltage withstand test, which is often combined with the PD measurement.
Sometimes the PD measurement was performed before the DDF measurement or vice versa.
6.5.8 Other recorded information
This question addressed the recorded information along with the measurement results. Fourteen options
were provided including the option “other”. Since this was an open-ended question, owners,
manufacturers and testing organizations had the liberty to provide their own answers. The
manufacturers and testing organizations were asked “What data do you record with the DDF
measurement?”. The question for the owners was slightly different as it concerned the question “whether
they specified what has to be recorded with the DDF measurement”. 19 Owners indicated that they
specified this information, eight responded that they did not specify and two did not answer the question.
All the testing organizations and 15 of the 17 manufacturers provided a response. In total it concerned
59 responses selecting, in general, more options. The response on the fourteen options, supplemented
with three options that were mentioned more often, are shown in Table 6-37 and Figure 6-37. The
percentage shown is related to the number of responses (59). Additional information is provided in
appendix D.2.
Number
Topic of times %
selected
Ambient Temperature 58 98%
Relative humidity 54 92%
Winding Temperature 49 83%
Rating plate data 45 76%
Date of manufacture 44 75%
Thermal class of insulation 34 58%
Type of Insulation 33 56%
Date of rewind 32 54%
No. (e.g. serial number) 28 47%
Stator winding cooling system 28 47%
Rotor present or not 20 34%
Presence of cooling water 19 32%
Conductivity of cooling water 16 27%
Air Pressure 4 7%
Altitude 3 5%
Dewpoint 2 3%
Test atmosphere in generator 2 3%
Capacitance single phases/ three phases 2 3%

Table 6-37: Additional information recorded along with the DDF measurement results

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Figure 6-37: Additional information recorded along with the DDF measurement results

6.6 Criteria concerning DDF results

6.6.1 Requirements/criteria general
Question 3.2 and 3.3 of the questionnaire concerns the requirements/criteria on DDF and on
capacitance measurement results. All three respondent groups were asked whether they applied such
requirements/criteria. The responses are shown in the tables and figures below.

No No
Answers Yes No Total Answers Yes No Total
answer answer
Testing organizations 19 6 0 25 Testing organizations 11 11 3 25
Owners 20 8 1 29 Owners 13 14 2 29
Manufacturers 11 3 3 17 Manufacturers 5 9 3 17
Total 50 17 4 71 Total 29 34 8 71

Table 6-38: Requirements / criteria for Table 6-39: Requirements / criteria

DDF measurements results concerning capacitance measurement
results

Figure 6-38: Distribution of answers Figure 6-39: Distribution of answers

requirements/criteria concerning DDF requirements/criteria concerning
measurement results capacitance measurement results

6.6.2 Calculation of characteristics

Question 3.4 of the questionnaire asked how the characteristic DDF and capacitance parameters are
calculated in relation to the specified voltage base. Forty-two respondents provided an answer to this
question. The use of line-to-line voltage or line-to-ground voltage is shown in the following figure and
table.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Number
Both U LL
Answers of partici- U LL U LG
and U LG
pants
Testing Organizations 20 15 5 0
Owners 12 6 5 1
Manufacturers 10 7 0 3
Total 42 28 10 4

Table 6-40 and Figure 6-40: Distribution of responses between ULL and ULG

In the following analysis, the answers expressed in ULL (=UN) and ULG will be treated separately
preceding the overview. First the distribution of the voltage base used for the DDF starting value is
shown by Table 6-41, Table 6-42, Figure 6-42 and Figure 6-43, followed by the tables and graphs of the
voltage base used for the DDF tip-up including the voltage range, then the total increment is addressed
and finally the maximum voltage increment. According to IEC 60034-27-3 the tip-up is defined as the
increase of DDF between 0,2ULL and 0,6ULL. The received answers concerning the tip-up show that the
designation “tip-up” was not only used for this particular increment but for a large variation of increments.

Figure 6-41: Distribution of answers voltage base for starting value

Starting value 0,2 U LL 0,1 U LL 1 U LL 2 [KV] Starting value 0,2 U LG 0,25 U LG 2 [KV]
Testing Organizations 13 1 1 0 Testing Organizations 3 1 1
Owners 6 1 0 0 Owners 3 2 1
Manufacturers 7 0 0 1 Manufacturers 1 0 0
Total 26 2 1 1 Total 7 3 2

Table 6-41: Distribution responses starting value Table 6-42: Distribution responses starting value
based on ULL based on ULG

Figure 6-42: Distribution starting value Figure 6-43: Distribution starting value
based on ULL based on ULG

Figure 6-44: Distribution of answers voltage base for DDF tip-up

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Voltage range
1,0-0,2 1,0-0,6 0,8-0,2 0,6-0,2 0,6-0,1 Total
tip-up (U LL)
Testing Organizations 3 1 1 7 1 13
Owners 0 0 0 6 0 6
Manufacturers 1 0 1 5 0 7
Total 4 1 2 18 1
Percentage 15% 4% 8% 69% 4%

Table 6-43: Voltage range tip-up based on ULL

Voltage range
1-2 [kV] 1-0,25 1-0,2 0,8-0,2 0,6-0,2 Total
tip-up (U LG)
Testing Organizations 1 1 2 0 1 5
Owners 1 2 2 1 0 6
Manufacturers 1 0 0 0 1 2
Total 3 3 4 1 2
Percentage 23% 23% 31% 8% 15%

Table 6-44: Voltage range tip-up based on ULG

Figure 6-45: Distribution voltage range Figure 6-46: Distribution voltage range
tip-up based on ULL tip-up based on ULG

Figure 6-47: Distribution of answers voltage base for total increment

Total voltage increment

1,4 - 0,2 1,0 - 0,2 1,0 - 0,1 1,0U N- 2kV 0,8 - 0,2 Total
(U LL)
Testing Organizations 0 3 1 0 4 8
Owners 0 1 1 0 0 2
Manufacturers 1 3 0 1 0 5
Total 1 7 2 1 4
Percentage 4% 28% 8% 4% 16%
Table 6-45: Total voltage increment based on ULL

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Figure 6-48: Total voltage increment based on ULL

The total voltage increment based on ULG is in all three of the answers (1,0 - 0,2) ULG

Figure 6-49: Distribution of answers voltage base for maximum voltage increment per step
Voltage increment U LL 0,2 0,1 Total Voltage increment U LG 0,25 0,2 0,0625 2 kV ΔDDF/ΔU LG Total
Testing Organizations 10 2 12 Testing Organizations 0 0 1 1 0 2
Owners 7 0 7 Owners 1 2 0 0 0 3
Manufacturers 7 0 7 Manufacturers 0 0 0 0 1 1
Total 24 2 Total 1 2 1 1 1
Percentage 92% 8% Percentage 17% 33% 17% 17% 17%

Table 6-46: Maximum voltage increment Table 6-47: Maximum voltage increment based on ULG
based on ULL

6.6.3 Requirements/criteria for different types of insulation

Question 3.5 asked the three groups of respondents whether they applied different requirements/criteria
on the DDF measurement results for different types of insulation. The owners and testing organizations
were also asked whether they applied different requirements/criteria for new windings compared to
windings in service.

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Testing organizations 13 9 3 25
Owners 9 18 2 29
Manufacturers 5 10 2 17
Total 27 37 7 71

Table 6-48: Different DDF Figure 6-50: Distribution answers DDF

requirements/criteria for different types of requirements/criteria for different types of
insulation insulation

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Testing organizations 11 11 3 25
Owners 8 19 2 29
Total 19 30 5 54

Table 6-49: Different DDF Figure 6-51: Distribution answers DDF

requirements/criteria for new windings requirements/criteria for new windings compared
compared to windings in service to windings in service

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

6.6.4 Requirements/criteria for direct water-cooled windings

Question 3.8 of the owners questionnaire asked if the owner applied specific criteria for DDF results
obtained on direct water-cooled windings with water still circulating. This question was not asked to the
manufacturers or testing organizations. Four owners applied specific criteria, twenty did not and 3
owners did not answer the question. The distribution is shown in Figure 6-52.

Figure 6-52: Distribution owners applying specific criteria for DDF results of direct water-cooled windings
with water still circulating
Some of the owners also provided remarks concerning DDF measurements performed on direct water-
cooled windings with water still circulating:
• Water conductivity < 1 μS/cm
• Must be corrected using losses from DC insulation resistance test
• Trended over time and compared between phases. Recently, a water leak was identified into a
stator bar based on the DDF results. The DDF between phases from 0,5 to 2 kV were similar.
Above 2 kV and especially at 5 kV the results from one phase were very different: A and C phase
DDF 3,3% while B phase was 5,1%. The bar was replaced, and re-testing resulted in similar data
for all three phases.
The following remark concerned the DDF measurement performed without water:
• Measurement without water in winding and after heating cooling channels.
6.6.5 DDF criteria used for evaluation
In the survey respondents were asked to provide criteria that are used when performing DDF
measurements. Question 3.6 gives the possibility to differentiate between the criteria for new stators
and stators in service. In question 3.7 a further differentiation is possible for particular insulation systems.
Not all respondents were willing to provide their criteria, but, on the other hand, some respondents
applied more than one set of criteria. In total 88 sets of answers, here referred to as “entries”, to these
two questions could be distinguished, some of them only stated that criteria were used, and others
comprised a full set of criteria and anything between these two extremes.
For instance, 45 entries are present that gave a criterion for the starting value tanδ0,2, whereas 39 entries
gave a value for the tip-up. A criterion for the tanδ0,2max is present in 33 of the entries.
6.6.5.1 Starting value tanδ0,2
From question 3.4 (refer to section 6.6.2) it is clear that not everyone uses the same voltage level to
determine the starting value. However, no distinction is made regarding the actual voltage level, the
values reported are used as they are without any normalization. Figure 6-53 gives the distribution of the
answers differentiated by the owners, testing organizations and manufacturers.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Figure 6-53: Criteria DDF starting values Figure 6-54: Criteria DDF starting values
Clearly, most of the respondents that give an answer to this question use either 2% or 3% as a criterion
of starting value. However, the higher values of 4% and 5% are also mentioned. When the differentiation
is changed to new stators versus those in service the reason for these higher values becomes clearer.
Figure 6-54 shows that the high values were only used for stators that were not brand new.
Another observation from the results is that none of the manufacturers which responded used a criterion
lower than 2%, whereas some owners and testing organizations used a lower value of 1,5% or even
1%. Finally, an attempt was made to differentiate between the insulation systems. Unfortunately, a large
spread is present in the answers ranging from variants of epoxy mica and asphalt systems and
discrimination on process technique (VPI, RR, RH, …) up to differentiation between the presence of an
ECP or not. Particularly, the latter may imply that some respondents did not understand the question as
intended and gave an answer related to single bar or coil measurements. Therefore, only the distribution
of the clear answers which discriminate between asphalt systems and epoxy-resin and mica systems
are reported in Figure 6-55. The results as shown in Figure 6-55 show very clear that the higher values
are solely connected with older insulation systems and that the criterion for the epoxy resin-based
systems ranges from 1% to 3%. The reported answers are only given by the owners and testing
organizations, none of the manufacturers specified the type of insulation systems.

Figure 6-55: Criteria DDF starting values split according to insulation technology

6.6.5.2 Tip-up tanδ0,6-0,2

Based on the answers to questions 3.6 and 3.7, 77 entries (sets of criteria) are present that give a
voltage range for the tip-up value. Obviously, this is more than the number that was found in the answers
to question Q4, since the several respondents had more than one set of criteria under certain situations
such as new versus in-service stators or different insulation system technologies.

Within the 77 entries 47 entries use the 0,6ULL-0,2ULL (=0,4ULL) range, 12 entries use the range ULG-
0,2ULG (= 0,46ULL) and another 4 used the range ULG-0,25ULG (=0,43ULL). However, other respondents
use smaller ranges (down to =0,23ULL) or larger ranges (up to =0,8ULL).
From the 77 entries only 39 entries also specified a tip-up value. 24 of these use the =0,4ULL-range, 9
use the =0,46ULL-range, 1 used the =0,43ULL-range and from the other 5 entries 4 used the lower
and 1 the higher voltage ranges. To be able to compare the given criteria based on increase of DDF

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

values versus voltage, all criteria supplied have been normalized to a standard voltage range of
=0,4ULL.
In Figure 6-56 the distribution of all 39 entries is shown. To aid the interpretation of the results the
multiple values were grouped together to obtain seven categories. Figure 6-57 shows the results of each
of the respondent groups (owners, manufacturers and testing organizations) across the seven
categories. Most of the owners provided their tip-up criteria. Despite probably having their own internal
criteria not many manufacturers provided their criteria. Figure 6-58 shows a distribution of the tip-up
values in relation to the new stators and in-service stators.
The literature shows that one of the determining factors of the tip-up levels is the technology used in the
insulation system. As discussed in the previous section only limited input regarding the starting value
was available. Looking at Figure 6-59 it is observed that the asphalt-based systems are generally
allowed to have a larger tip-up than the various epoxy-mica systems.

Figure 6-56: Distribution criteria DDF tip-up Figure 6-57: Distribution criteria DDF tip-up

Figure 6-58: Distribution criteria DDF tip-up Figure 6-59: Distribution criteria DDF tip-up

6.6.5.3 Increase tanδ0,2max

Regarding increase of dielectric loss over a voltage step of 0,2ULL the assessment was made solely on
the values supplied by the respondents. Here no normalization has taken place. In total 33 entries
specified a value for the tanδ0,2max with 15 different values. Figure 6-60 shows a distribution of entries
over these values. In the figure the categories 3;6 and 4;6 are included that are related to respondents
that have two different criteria dependent on the voltage steps concerned.
Regarding tip-up values some categories have been defined and Figure 6-61 shows a distribution
including the differentiation in the three respondent categories. 26 out of the 33 entries (almost 80%)
limited the increase to 6 x 10-3 or less.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Figure 6-60: Distribution criteria DDF tanδ0,2max Figure 6-61: Distribution criteria DDF tanδ0,2max

Figure 6-62: Distribution criteria DDF tanδ0,2max Figure 6-63: Distribution criteria DDF tanδ0,2max

6.7 Evaluation of DDF results

6.7.1 DDF measurement for evaluation of windings
The first question asked to the testing organizations was: “Do you consider a DDF measurement to be
a basic measurement as part of an evaluation of the condition of a winding in service?”. All 25
respondents answered this question with yes.
6.7.2 DDF results on individual bars necessary for evaluation of DDF results of a
stator winding
The manufacturers and owners were asked if they considered DDF measurement results on individual
bars necessary for the evaluation of the DDF results of the complete winding. It concerns question 3.7
in the questionnaire for the manufacturers and question 3.9 in the questionnaire for the owners.

No
Answer Yes No Total
answer
Owners 7 18 4 29
Manufacturers 7 8 2 17
Total 14 26 6 46

Table 6-50: necessity DDF results Figure 6-64: Distribution of answers concerning
individual bars for DDF evaluation of a necessity of DDF results individual bars for
complete winding evaluation of a complete winding
The manufacturers were asked regarding their motivation in case of a ‘yes’ answer and the owners to
provide their criteria. The responses of seven owners concern requirements for new stator bars only
and no answers were related to the question. See appendix D.3 for additional remarks of owners and
manufacturers.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

6.7.3 Fleet database DDF results of stator windings

The manufacturers (question 3.8) and owners (question 3.10) were asked if they maintained a fleet
data base of all measured windings.

No
Answer Yes No Total
answer
Owners 17 11 1 29
Manufacturers 7 8 2 17
Total 24 19 3 46

Table 6-51: Manufacturers and owners Figure 6-65: Distribution of manufacturers and
maintaining a fleet database owners maintaining a fleet database

6.7.4 Trend analysis of DDF results on stator windings - I

The manufacturers (question 3.9) and testing organizations (question 3.8) were asked if they used trend
analysis, not in terms of the trend of one stator, but to compare the results of the winding under test with
similar windings, for example, with the same insulation system and voltage level. The question for the
owners (question 3.11) was slightly different: Do you use trend analysis over the years in general on the
total fleet of your stators? For instance, based on type of insulation system and/or rated voltage level?

No
Answer Yes No Total
answer
Testing Organization 16 7 2 25
Owners 7 18 4 29
Manufacturers 5 9 3 17
Total 28 34 9 71

Table 6-52: Application of trend analysis Figure 6-66: Distribution of respondents applying
not in terms of the trend of one stator trend analysis not in terms of the trend of one
stator
The respondents were asked to explain their motivation of applying trend analysis or not and to provide
information concerning the approach. A lot of information was received. The responses are incorporated
in appendix D.4.
6.7.5 Trend analysis of DDF results on stator windings - II
The testing organizations and owners were asked whether they assess the trend of DDF measurement
results over the years for stators they measure. It concerns question 3.9 in the testing organizations
questionnaire and 3.12 in the owners questionnaire.

No
Answer Yes No Total
answer
Testing organization 22 1 2 25
Owners 19 8 2 29
Total 41 9 4 54

Table 6-53: Testing organization and Figure 6-67: Distribution of testing organization
owners applying trend analysis over and owners applying trend analysis over years
years
The respondents were requested to provide a description. The testing organizations provided sixteen
remarks and owners ten. These remarks are incorporated in appendix D.5.
6.7.6 Use of DDF measurement results as pass/fail decision
All respondent groups were asked whether they used the DDF measurement as a pass/fail (P/F)
criterion or for other purposes (FOP)? It concerns question 3.11 for the testing organizations, 3.13 for
the owners and 3.10 for the manufacturers. Two testing organizations, two owners and three
manufacturers used the DDF measurement both as a pass/fail criterion and for other purposes.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

For other Pass/fail

Answers Yes No No answer
purpose Decision
Testing Organization 7 9 2 10 6
Owners 8 16 1 6 8
Manufacturers 4 8 2 6 4
Total 19 33 5 22 18

Table 6-54: Use of DDF measurement as pass/fail decision

Figure 6-68: Distribution of use of DDF measurement results

Besides the question for the use of the DDF measurement results as a pass/fail criterion or for other
purposes the respondents were requested to provide the criteria and possible corrective measures.
Twelve remarks (eight FOP and six P/F) were received from the testing organizations, eleven remarks
(six FOP and seven P/F) from the owners and six (five FOP and two P/F) from the manufacturers. Some
respondents provided more than one remark. These responses are incorporated in appendix D.6.
6.7.7 Use of DDF measurement results as tool for residual lifetime estimation
The owners were asked “do you use the DDF measurement as a tool for condition assessment of
residual lifetime estimation of aged stator windings?”. It concerned question 3.14 of the owner
questionnaire. Fourteen owners answered this question with yes, thirteen with no and two owners did
not provide an answer.
6.7.8 Use of DDF historical data for analysis and recommendations
The testing organizations were asked whether they provide analysis and recommendations based on
their historical data. It concerned question 3.10 of the testing organization questionnaire. Twenty testing
organizations answered with yes, one with no and four did not provide an answer.
6.7.9 Information provided to customers by testing organizations
The testing organizations were asked what they provide to their customer. It concerned question 3.12
of the testing organization questionnaire. Three options could be chosen: measurement results,
assessment of the condition of the winding based on present results and assessment of the condition
of the winding based on the past and present measurement results (trend). Twenty-four testing
organizations provided an answer. One testing organization provides an assessment of the “present”
results and an assessment of the “past” results but only when data shows a significant change. The
received answers are shown in Table 6-55.
Measurement results
Measurement results Only assessment of
Only measurement and assessment of
Answers and only assessment past and present Total
results present and past
of present results results
results
Testing organization 3 4 14 3 24

Table 6-55: Kind of information provided by testing organizations concerning the DDF results

6.8 Recommendations
6.8.1 Introduction
The questionnaire for the testing organizations and manufacturers contained the section
“recommendations”. The type and number of questions asked to both respondent groups were slightly
different. Five questions were asked to the manufacturers and three to the testing organizations. In the
general part of the owner questionnaire one question concerning recommendations was incorporated.
In this section the responses received from the testing organizations, manufacturers and owners are
shown.

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

6.8.2 Providing or receiving recommendations

Both the testing organizations and manufacturers were asked in question 4.1 “Do you give
recommendations to your client with respect to DDF measurements to be performed in the future?”. The
owners on the other hand received the question (1.5) “Do you receive recommendations from others
with respect to the DDF measurements?”. The respondents were invited to indicate the kind of
recommendations as well. Table 6-56 and Figure 6-69 show the number and percentage of the owners
that responded. Figure 6-70 shows a distribution of the advisors.

No
Answers Yes No Total
answer
Owners 18 11 0 29

Table 6-56: Recommendations with Figure 6-69: Distribution of answers concerning

respect to DDF measurements received recommendations received by owners
by owners

Figure 6-70: Distribution of answers concerning recommendations received by owners

From the total of 16 responses to this part of the questionnaire provided by the manufacturers, eight
manufacturers confirmed that they provided recommendations. Two manufacturers added that it is part
of their service, one manufacturer included it as an operation and maintenance standard procedure and
the other two manufacturers indicated that it is suggested as trend analysis. From the total of 25
responses to this part of the questionnaire provided by the testing organizations, 24 testing organizations
answered to provide a recommendation to the owner. In total 81 recommendations were selected. Ten
owners provided information concerning the type of recommendations received, concerning DDF
measurement on new/rewound windings and 15 owners received recommendations concerning
windings in service. A distribution of the 81 recommendations given by the 24 testing organizations is
shown in Figure 6-71 and are provided in comparison with a distribution of the 13 recommendations
provided by the eight manufacturers. Figure 6-72 shows a distribution of the 25 respective 38
recommendations received by the owners to new/rewind respective in-service windings.

Figure 6-71: Recommendations of manufacturers and testing organizations concerning future

DDF measurements

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Figure 6-72: Examples of recommendations owners receive concerning DDF measurements

6.8.3 Time interval between DDF measurements

Both manufacturers and testing organizations were asked in question 4.2 to provide their recommended
time interval and motivation (when applicable).
Four of the 17 manufacturers provided an answer to this part of the questionnaire. One of the
manufacturers responded that it was recommended to perform the measurement each year, another
indicated that it should be part of major outages, the third said that it should be part of the winding
maintenance and the last recommended to perform the first trend measurement after 4-5 years and the
following depending on the results. Three manufactures provided their motivation for repeating the DDF
measurement during the life of the electrical rotating machine: to perform a trend analysis of the winding
condition.
Twenty of the 25 testing organizations provided an answer to this question and five did not reply. In
some cases, it concerned the multiple answers resulting in a total of 30 responses. A distribution of the
responses is provided in Table 6-57.
The age of the winding 10 29%
Condition of the winding 10 29%
Other 10 29%
No answer 5 14%
Total 35 100%
Table 6-57: Distribution responses recommended time interval provided by testing organizations
Most important reasons to recommend a time interval were the age of the winding (it concerned 33% of
the responses) and the condition of the winding (33%). The remaining 33% were covered under “other
reasons” and could be separated into six different categories. Refer to Figure 6-73 for a distribution of
all reasons.

Figure 6-73: Motivation of testing organizations for suggesting a time interval for future DDF
measurements.
21 suggestions for a time interval were received from the testing organizations. The time intervals have
been divided in steps of two years for a better visualization of the answers. The suggested time interval

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

and the motivation of testing organizations are shown in Table 6-58 and Figure 6-74. It was not possible
to include the following two answers in these overviews:
• Less than five years
• Depending on duty cycle

0<t≤2 2<t≤4 t>4 Other time

Answers time interval
years years years interval
Age of the winding 3 3
Condition of the winding 5 2 1
Other reasons
(maintenance, outages, 5 1 1
internal standard, etc.)

Table 6-58: Time interval for future DDF Figure 6-74: By testing organizations suggested
measurements suggested by testing time interval for future DDF measurements
organizations
Motivations indicated by the testing organizations are grouped in two categories, the internal standard
and trending. Refer to Figure 6-75 for the distribution.

Figure 6-75: Motivation of testing organizations for suggesting a certain time interval
The category “internal standard” included the following answers:
• At every minor/major outage
• Depending on operation duty and machine
• Together with other results e.g. PD, PI, etc.
• Internal standard (not specified)
• Every year
• Insurance criteria
The category “trend” included the following answers:
• General trending
• Check degradation
• Check winding conditions
• Overall diagnostic plus trend
• Check risk of failure
6.8.4 Recommended maximum voltage level
Both manufacturers and testing organizations were asked in question 4.3 to provide their recommended
maximum voltage level and motivation (where applicable).
Three answers were provided by three different manufacturers. The recommended maximum voltage
reached during the DDF measurement has been indicated as 1,0UN. Furthermore, two motivations were
given:
• Low stress for insulation system
• Follow the standard

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Fifteen testing organizations answered this question with 23 responses. Also, here the multiple options
were selected. Possible choices were the age of the winding, the condition of the winding and ‘other’ (to
be specified). See Figure 6-76 for their recommendations.

Figure 6-76: Reason of testing organizations for suggesting a maximum voltage level

With regards to the maximum voltage level recommended by the testing organizations, the most
common responses were: 32% ULL (=UN) and 23% ULG; 45% of the answers concerned other maximum
levels. Those levels were in general, between ULG and UN. See Figure 6-77 for the details.

Figure 6-77: Maximum voltage test level suggested by testing organizations for future
measurements

6.8.5 Recommended DDF measurement voltage levels

The manufacturers were requested to provide their recommended DDF measurement voltage levels
and motivation (where applicable).
Three manufacturers answered this part of the questionnaire. Two manufacturers recommended the
measurement to be performed starting from 0,2UN to 1,0 UN with 0,2UN increments, the motivations
given are in one case to respect the standard and in the other case the possible comparison with the
fingerprint measurement. The third manufacturer recommends the value 1,0 UN as a single
measurement point in order to give a lower stress to the insulating system.
6.8.6 Recommended DDF criteria
The manufacturers were asked to provide their recommended criteria and motivation.
Two replies were given to this part of the questionnaire. In one case the criteria was the one included in
standard VDE 05.30 and in the other case the IEC standard. However, neither standard contains criteria
concerning DDF measurement results on stator windings.

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7. Summary
This technical brochure (TB) provided the results of three questionnaires that were internationally
distributed to collect DDF measurement records of newly manufactured and in-service stator windings
of rotating electrical machines as well as information concerning the execution of these measurements,
its effectiveness, and its value for determining the insulation condition. Each questionnaire was tailored
specifically to each respondent group. These questionnaires were sent to Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEMs), users/owners, and third-party test companies/institutions.
The working group received a total of 17 questionnaires from OEMs, 29 questionnaires from
users/owners, and 25 questionnaires from testing organizations. From the completed 17 OEM
questionnaires, two were submitted by a combined OEM/Service centre repair shop and one by a
service centre only. From the 29 users/owners’ questionnaires completed, 27 were submitted by actual
owners and two by independent consultants.
The review of the submitted answers did not show a significant difference between the respondent
groups concerning the answers on the “yes” / “no” questions concerning the various topics. The
assessment showed that multiple standards, criteria, and test methods are being applied in the industry
nowadays for DDF testing.
Next to answers to the questionnaire the respondents provided actual measurement results. After
assessment and analysis of these results, the working group will create another TB, designated as Part
2, that will provide the results of the data analysis.

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APPENDIX A. Definitions and abbreviations

A.1. General terms

Table A.1 - Definition of general terms used in this TB

Acronym Phrase Definition
TB Technical Brochure A publication produced by CIGRÉ representing the
state-of-the-art guidelines and recommendations
produced by an SC WG. Individual Members, or staff
of a Collective Member can download the PDF for
free using their login credentials (copyright
restrictions for use within their own CIGRE
Membership only)
SC Study Committee One of the 16 technical domain groups of CIGRE
WG Working Group A group formed by a SC to develop a TB on a
particular subject of interest

A.2. Specific terms

Table A.2 - Definition of technical terms used in this TB

Acronym Phrase Definition
AC Alternating Current
C&DF Capacitance and Dissipation Factor
Cn Reference Capacitor
CEEIA China Educational Equipment
Industry Association
Cos See PF
Cs Stray Capacitance
CSEE China Association for Science and
Technology Engineering
CT Current Transformer
CTOT Overall Capacitance
Cx Winding to Be Measured (Test
Object)
DC Direct Current
DD Dielectric Discharge
Δtanδ Delta tangent delta Change in tangent delta described in section 2.5
DF Dissipation Factor
DDF Dielectric Dissipation Factor Also known as (tan)
DDFs Dissipative Losses
DDFTOT Overall Dissipation Losses
DDFx Dissipation Factor of Test Object
ECP End (or External) Corona Protection Silicium carbide containing tape, fabric or varnish on
the overhang section of bar or coil
EIM Electrical Insulation Material
EIS Electrical Insulation System
ElCID Electromagnetic Core Imperfection
Detection

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Acronym Phrase Definition

EN European Standard Implemented by the national CEN and CENELEC
Members as a national standard
FDS Frequency Domain Spectroscopy
FOP For Other Purpose
GST Ground Specimen Test See Figure 4-3, Figure 4-5, Figure 4-7, Figure 4-8
GSTg Grounded-Specimen Test with See Figure 4-4
Guarding
GVPI Global Vacuum Pressure Type of insulation system described in section 3.2
Impregnation
HF High Frequency
HV High Voltage
ICP Inner Corona Protection (Semi-) conductive layer at the copper conductor at
the inside of the main wall insulation in slot section
of bar or coil
IEC International Electrotechnical
Commission
IEEE Institute of Electrical Electronics
Engineers
IR Insulation Resistance
IRIS Iris Power Qualitol Group
KEMA N.V. tot Keuring Electrotechnische Originally Dutch test institute nowadays part of Nor-
Materialen Arnhem wegian/German certifying company DNV GL
LC Inductance and capacitance
M Manufacturers
O Owners
OCP Outer Corona Protection (Semi-) conductive layer at the outside of the main
wall insulation in slot section of a bar or coil
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer
PD Partial Discharge
PET Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PF Power Factor Also known as (cos)
PI Polarization Index
P/F Pass/Fail
QC Quality Control
RH Resin-Rich Hydrostatic Type of insulation system described in section 3.2.
RR Resin-Rich Type of insulation system described in section 3.2
SAT Site Acceptance Test
SVAC Stepped Voltage AC A SVAC test consists of applying an AC voltage ramp
that is gradually rising to the rated voltage and the
current is determined
SVDC Stepped Voltage DC A SVDC test consists of applying a DC voltage in
steps to determine the insulation resistance as a
function of time and voltage
SVPI Single bar or coil Vacuum Pressure Type of insulation system described in chapter 4.2
Impregnation
T Testing Organizations
tan See DDF
Tip-up In this TB the term tip-up is exclusively used for the
increment of DDF between 0,2UN and 0,6UN
(Δtanδ0,6-0,2)
T/U Tip-up

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Acronym Phrase Definition

ULG Line-to-ground voltage
ULL Line-to-line voltage
UN Nominal rated voltage Is equivalent to the line-to-line voltage
UST Ungrounded Specimen Test
VDE Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker The VDE is meant to indicate safety and quality in
electrical, information and medical technologies.
VGB Verein Großkraftwerkbetreiber Originally German society of power station operators
nowadays VGB PowerTech
VLF Very Low Frequency
VPI Vacuum Pressure Impregnation Type of insulation system described in chapter 4.2
VT Voltage transformer
Measurement record A number of DDF values measured on a single
winding element at various voltages
Dataset A collection of measurement records belonging to
one rotating electrical machine

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APPENDIX B. Links and references

[B1] IEC 60034-27-3, Rotating electrical machines - Part 27-3: Dielectric dissipation factor
measurement on stator winding insulation of rotating electrical machines, 2015
[B2] CIGRE Technical Brochure 769 - Dielectric dissipation factor measurements on new stator
bars and coils
[B3] IEEE 286, Recommended Practice for Measurement of Power Factor Tip-Up of Electric
Machinery Stator Coil Insulation; 2000 reaffirmed 2013
[B4] A. Küchler, Hochspannungstechnik Grundlagen – Technologie – Anwendungen, VDI-Buch
4, Auflage 2017, ISBN 978-3-662-54699-4
[B5] VGB-S-166-00-2014-02-EN, Quality Assurance in the Manufacture of Generators, 2014,
ISBN 978-3-86875-778-1 published by VGB PowerTech e.V., an international technical
association for generation and storage of power and heat
[B6] IEC 60034-27-4, Rotating electrical machines - Part 27-4: Measurement of insulation
resistance and polarization index of winding insulation of rotating electrical machines,
2018
[B7] IEEE 43, Recommended Practice for Testing Insulation Resistance of Electric Machinery,
2013
[B8] EN 50191, Erection and operation of electrical test equipment, 2010
[B9] IEC 60060-1, High-voltage test techniques - Part 1: General definitions and test
requirements, 2010
[B10] EN 50209, Test of insulation of bars and coils of high-voltage machines, 1998
[B11] T/CSEE 0008-2016 T/CEEIA 260, Test method for insulation performance of stator
windings of large and medium-sized motors, 2016
[B12] S13/S14, KEMA specification for hydrogen, liquid and air-cooled, synchronous a.c.
generators with rated voltage 5 kV and above, DNV GL, 2011
[B13] S17, KEMA specification for electric motors, DNV GL, 2011
[B14] S22, DNV KEMA specification for diagnostic measurements on rotating electrical
machines, DNV KEMA, 2012
[B15] VDE 0530-27-3 (formally DIN EN 60034-27-3 VDE 0530-27-3) German version of the
European harmonized version of the IEC 60034-27-3

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APPENDIX C. Questionnaires
C.1. Questionnaire for owners

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C.2. Questionnaire for manufacturers

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C.3. Questionnaire for testing organisations

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APPENDIX D. Specific questionnaire answers

D.1. Related to 6.5.4 Conditioning
Some of the owners included the following responses to the question concerning conditioning:
• Time between 2 – 5 minutes or voltage 0,8 Un or UN depending on the type, conditions and/or
age of the generator or motor.
• Usually done with other test including voltage withstand test
• Preference is for test to be done with machine hot, hydrogen (if applicable). For water cooled stators
the preference is for the test to be done after vacuum drying is completed
• Disconnection of phases; temperature; draining; cleaning
• Insulation resistance and polarization index must be in good condition
• Visual inspection for cleanliness, physical condition, insulation resistance (IR), Polarization Index
(PI), age of winding in service, time since last DDF measurement.
• Generator temperature
The responses of manufacturers are shown below including a ‘No” response:
• The following time periods for conditioning are mentioned:
- UN for 5 minutes each phase
- 2 minutes
- 30 minutes
- Apply voltage equal to ULG for 1 minute.
• Rise the voltage up to the maximum testing voltage and keep for 3 minutes. Then decrease to the
initial testing voltage and start collecting the results.
• Conditioning of each single phase for 5 minutes at UN (as part of PD measurement before) can be
assumed
• No - Usually, if the measurement results are abnormal, we will test again with the conditioning at
the highest voltage for 1 minute.
Provided responses by the testing organizations:
• The following time periods for conditioning are mentioned:
- 3 - 5 minutes
- 5 minutes
- 1 – 3 minutes at 0,2 UN
- 5 minutes at 0,6 UN
- 2 minutes after reaching maximum test voltage
- 5 minutes at 1,0 x UN
- For 5 Minutes at UN only if PD measurement is performed before
• No - However, we have read and seen procedures where soaking of the stator windings at the max
rated L-G voltage is recommended.
• No – Only if requested
• No – Different to PD Test.

D.2. Related to 6.5.8 Other recorded information

The following additional responses were provided by the owners concerning other recorded
information:
• Equipment used for measurement
• Equivalent operating hours
• Excitation characteristics
• Gas Pressure
• Generator characteristics (SN, UN, IN, nN)
• If H2 in stator
• Location
• Machine Number
• Number of starts
• Resonator setting
The following additional responses were provided by the manufacturers:

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• Coils amount per phase

• HV test level
• New bars replaced in old winding
• Serial Number
• Stress-grading length
• Type of machine design which gives info about core length
The following additional responses were provided by the testing organizations:
• If a stator was boxed up or open to atmosphere
• Absolute humidity
• DDF test equipment
• For a hydrogen cooled stator: Hydrogen/CO2 pressure & hydrogen purity
• If stator cooling water system had been dried out & filled with nitrogen / air
• Number of terminals
• Operating time
• Presence of H2
• Pressure of H2
• Shielding method
• Star point
• Test site
• Values of last test performed
• Water cooled machines always tested without water
• Winding configuration

D.3. Related to 6.7.2 DDF results on individual bars necessary for

evaluation of DDF results of a stator winding
The owners provided the following additional remarks concerning this question:
• Factory test of all bars/ coils:
- Pass/fail criteria: The main insulation loss factor gradient (tan δ)/(U/UN) shall not exceed
0,20 % for each step of 20 % of UN up to 1,2UN for the whole slot portion, independently to the
insulation system type
- For information: The main insulation loss factor gradient measurement shall be carried out on
all bars or coils up to 2UN by steps of 20% of UN.
- Site test of complete winding: For information: Loss factor measurements at 20, 40, 60, 80
and 100 % UN on one phase at a time and the two others and ground
• KEMA S13/14 specification for hydrogen, liquid and air-cooled, synchronous a.c. generators with
rated voltage 5 kV and above and S17 KEMA specifications are designed for electric motor
standards
• On individual bars only: DDF < 1,5 % when measured from 0,2UN by steps of 0,2UN up to 0,6UN
with guards. The average value of readings must be < 1,0 % and 80 % of the bars must have a
DDF Tip-up (0,6 – 0,2 UN) < 0,4 %
• On individual bars according to EN50209. Test of insulation of bars and coils of high-voltage
machines (two owners)
• We do not request values for bars tested without guarding. Those values are used for calculation
of DDF on complete phase winding
• Experience is that the OEM takes single bar measurements as production quality control. No
additional measurements without guarding are required by us
• Measurements on individual bars are requested for manufacturing of new machines only. Criteria
acc. VGB-S-166-00-2014-02-EN, assessment of uniformity of production depending on the voltage.
Eight manufacturers provided a response. However, the response does not provide any motivation
concerning use of individual bar results to assess a winding. Only the relevant responses are shown
below:
• The measurement result is the average value of the whole winding, which cannot reflect the most
deteriorated bar. Even if the loss is large, it cannot determine whether the winding is insulation
deteriorated or a few empty space in the more bars
• The result of a complete winding is approximately the average of all the coils connected in parallel.
It means the chances of detecting one single bad coil or bar is lower than when measuring individual

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coils or bars. However, by complementing with other tests, it is perfectly possible to recognize if
there are deviations
• Correlation of single bar positions in winding with DDF results of phases
• The measurement electrodes for individual bars and winding are different. Guarding shielding
technology is used for individual bars and is not used for winding. DDF measurement for individual
bars is a useful method to inspect the insulation quality of the slot portion.

D.4. Related to 6.7.4 Trend analysis of DDF results on stator windings - I

Nine owners provided the following motivation and approach concerning the topic addressed in section
6.7.4:
• Approach: If we see a significant increase, we discuss this with the OEM, service supplier or in
depended specialist
• Motivation: Condition evaluation of generator; Approach: Checking trends of testing results
• Approach: Trend measurements for every 4-5 years depending on the type of insulation system
• Motivation: We think this could be a good approach for units of a same design
• According to rated voltage; Planning of maintenance;
• Approach: We follow the advice of our consultant and let him do the analysis
• Motivation: We believe the trending and comparison to similar generators; Approach: Analyse
trending and compare results with similar generators. We value the evaluation from the testers and
the OEM also as they have access to many more different machines
• Motivation: To confirm the growth trend of the values; Approach: The trend analysis in done for
each stator individually
• Motivation: Evolution over time for dielectric dissipation; Approach: Comparing the current values
with those from the commissioning and from the norms in force.
Five manufacturers provided the following motivation and approach:
• Motivation: Trending can be useful to validate the process over many units; Approach: Comparison
• Motivation: To monitor any change in the insulation quality; Approach: To plot the trend of DDF
parameters per specific insulation system as a function of manufacturing dates
• Motivation: The monitoring of the stability of the manufacturing process; Approach: six sigma tools
are used to control the process
• Motivation: Needed for unguarded measurements on complete stator windings
• Motivation: Manufacturing process and quality control (GVPI); Approach: comparison.
Fourteen testing organizations provided the following motivation and approach:
• Approach: Applied for sister units
• Motivation: Different insulation systems have different characteristics; Approach: We have a
database so we can compare with other similar machines
• Motivation: In case they are operating in similar condition of electrical parameter and load;
Approach: If they are of the same manufacturer and the same year of manufacture
• Motivation: To help customer determine if their machine is in good condition or not and what are
the next steps that should be taken in to account for machine reliability. However, this is NOT simply
based on C&DF measurements only other diagnostic data such as PD are also considered;
Approach: This evaluation is based on internal database for several machines tested over decades
• Motivation: Comparing one unit with similar units can potentially indicate abnormal and concerning
results, if found to be significantly different than the rest of the population; Approach: Results are
compared with results extracted from database. There are currently no defined criteria to determine
whether a unit passes or fails in these comparisons
• Motivation: Both of the methods can contribute to evaluation; Approach: Trending of one stator and
also compare with similar machines
• Motivation: Comparison of the DDF results with other motors with similar windings and also motors
which are exactly the same. We are assessing many motors within our company, and it regularly
happens that we have several of the same motors in one installation. Approach: When buying new
motors, we always carry out the first measurements. When the motors are in operation, we carry
out measurements once a year to assess the trend
• Approach: We have an extensive database of motors and generators and compared by
manufacturers, voltage class, type of insulation, etc
• Motivation: Based on the premise that sister units are made using the exact insulating materials
and they are manufactured using the same procedures/steps, in principle; Approach: Is based on

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the size of each unit and the comparison is phase to phase for both power factor and capacitance
readings
• Motivation: For analysis of aging condition compared to other machines and equivalent operating
hours
• Motivation: Partly done in course of lifetime assessment; Approach: Comparison
• Motivation: To check the insulation condition; Approach: Comparing starting point DDF, tip-up
values and maximum voltage value
• Motivation: Gives a rough idea if the values are at least in the same range ; Approach: just compare
the values at the different voltage levels
• Motivation: To see the insulation evolution in time; Approach: Reducing the generator power and,
if is necessary, restoration of insulation.

D.5. Related to 6.7.5 Trend analysis of DDF results on stator windings - II

The owners remarks concerning the topic addressed in section 6.7.5 are the following:
• Look for sudden changes or upward trend as part of asset management
• Change of DDF/C
• Sometimes I find out if all values in the years have been properly registered in the trend reports,
but I can’t asses the trend by myself
• I looked for any increase in the DDF over time
• We follow advice of OEM and consultant
• Trend the tests results over the entire life of the machine. Test during major outages or opportunity
arises. Try to keep the same tester and test equipment as much as possible for consistency
• Comparison of measuring results with previous readings and information from additional diagnostic
measurements / visual inspection
• PD, insulation resistance
• Data is trended and compared to past results on a per machine basis
• Comparing the current values with those from the commissioning and from the norms in force.
The testing organizations commented the following:
• If earlier measurements are available, we compare with them
• We compare DDF characteristic measuring values through years and analyse increase or decrease
of it
• If they exist, yes
• Results are compared to prior results only to identify if significant changes are observed, but at the
moment there are no criteria to determine whether a unit passes or fails
• Compare results from previous years
• Once a year
• After three measurements we have the tendency, it also depends a lot on the degree of
contamination
• A historical power factor and capacitance data evaluation is performed to assess any changes
within the insulation system. Variations of 25% and 10% for power factor and capacitance
respectively warrant additional testing for investigation. Test conditions such as time of the year,
humidity and temperature at the time of testing are considered. The same with test configurations
and test instrument integrity
• We visualise the test results over the course of time
• For aging condition assessment and residual lifetime estimation
• Database with all results, so every result measured can be trend analysed
• Partly, if multiple measurements are available
• Ideally, yes, however that was not a standard test in the company I used to work, then not so many
data analysed
• To see if something changed, values at same voltage steps, hysteresis
• Compere values with other measurements and follow the trend
• The insulation decreases.

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D.6. Related to 6.7.6 Use of DDF measurement results as pass/fail

decision
The FOP comments followed by the P/F comments of the owner are the following:
• FOP: Taking measures if the testing results doesn’t fulfil the criteria
• FOP: Evaluation of the insulation condition of the stator winding
• FOP: To confirm the condition of the insulation due to the age of machine, based on the trend
• FOP: Increase knowledge in our department
• FOP: Assessment of insulation condition / aging. P/F: for manufacturing of new machines
(uniformity / quality of manufacturing process). Possible correction: sorting out of defective bars
before completion of new winding. For machines in service: DDF can give a possible indication
(amongst others) for a rewind
• FOP and P/F: Pass/fail criteria: high tgẟ at 15 Hz is humidification; high tgẟ at 300Hz is degradation
(all maybe)
• P/F: DDF is part of overall assessment of new windings, with some tolerance on DDF and DDF
Tip-up requirements
• P/F: Criteria for new winding bars/coils
• P/F: If the year-to-year DDF >3% stator winding cleaning and IR and IP additional measurement
tests should be initiated
• P/F: Mainly for water cooled stator windings, see the fourth comment of question 8b. Also had a
case of tape migration on an asphalt stator winding which these measurements helped to confirm
• P/F: Continued service /Retrofit.
The manufacturers comments are the following:
• FOP: Some customers use this as a quality point for the winding
• FOP: When testing single coils; P/F: Measures: VDE 0530- 27 requirements
• FOP: Manufacturing quality control (GVPI)
• FOP: As fingerprint
• FOP: Statistics; P/F: According to standards
• P/F: Decision always involves the analysis of the PD behaviour in addition to the DDF. In addition,
the production of a specific stator is traced, in case of deviation from the regular criteria. Corrective
actions depend on the potential causes identified, after investigation. It can be that a complete
rejection is required. Post-curing and re-impregnation are examples of corrective actions, when the
potential causes are related to this.
The FOP comments followed by the P/F comments of the testing organizations concerned the following:
• FOP: Only for assessment of the condition of the winding based on the past and present
measurement results (trend)
• FOP: We use it in conjunction with other tests to provide a better assessment of the insulation
system
• FOP: Describing condition of winding and assessment of any need for improvement, service or
similar
• FOP: condition assessment
• FOP: To “take a picture” of insulation condition by the time of the testing
• FOP: Compere with other trend measurements like PD
• FOP: To define the degree of contamination, degree of aging; P/F: Proceed with cleaning, drying
and even rewinding
• FOP: Maintenance operations; P/F: Restore the insulation
• P/F: Surge or partial discharge test must be performed
• P/F: Results higher than values indicated in 3.6 fail. Possible correction measures include cleaning
of winding
• P/F: If the DDF deviates too much from previous values, we start a further investigation of the
motor. Think of a deviation of around 15-20%. In case of too much deviation, we also assess other
measurements (for example IR, PI, temperature, humidity and PD) and if possible, a visual
inspection of the motor. Also we use the DDF values to check if a motor is dry enough after a
cleaning overhaul together with other measurements
• P/F: For acceptance test at new windings.

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APPENDIX E.
E.1. Figures and Illustrations
Figure 2-1: Vector diagram of current I and voltage U with angle of losses ........................................... 9
Figure 2-2: Combined equivalent circuit diagram of the ideal capacitance, polarization and
conductivity, freely adapted to Küchler [B4] .......................................................................................... 11
Figure 2-3: Series equivalent circuit diagram and vector diagram of a lossy insulation system [B1] ... 11
Figure 2-4: Parallel equivalent circuit diagram and vector diagram of a lossy insulation system [B1].. 11
Figure 4-1: Supply circuit with parallel compensation (top) and series resonant (bottom) ................... 15
Figure 4-2: Inverted bridge .................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 4-3: GST measurement of CUG, phases V and W grounded, standard measurement setup .... 18
Figure 4-4: GSTg measurement of CUG, phases V and W connected to the guard v ........................... 18
Figure 4-5: GST, measurement of all phases simultaneously .............................................................. 19
Figure 4-6: UST measurement of CWU, phase W grounded, phase V connected to the guard (v) ....... 19
Figure 4-7: GST measurement of CWG, U and V guarded at HV-potential............................................ 20
Figure 4-8: GST measurement of CWG, U and V grounded................................................................... 20
Figure 4-9: Consequence of winding connection .................................................................................. 21
Figure 6-1: Main activities of the 25 respondents of the testing organization questionnaire ................ 26
Figure 6-2: Distribution of answers for DDF measurement on new stator windings ............................. 26
Figure 6-3: Distribution of answers on use of own procedure for DDF measurements on stator
windings ................................................................................................................................................. 26
Figure 6-4: Distribution of answers on use of international standards for DDF measurements on stator
windings ................................................................................................................................................. 27
Figure 6-5: International standards indicated for DDF measurements on stator windings ................... 27
Figure 6-6: Distribution of answers on use of more comprehensive procedures for DDF measurements
on stator windings.................................................................................................................................. 28
Figure 6-7: Distribution of answers deviating from internal DDF measurement procedure on customer
request ................................................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 6-8: Distribution of the answers concerning the voltage source ................................................ 29
Figure 6-9: Distribution of the answers concerning measurement frequency ....................................... 30
Figure 6-10: Distribution of answers concerning the quality of the sine wave ...................................... 30
Figure 6-11: Distribution of type/technology of DDF measurement equipment .................................... 31
Figure 6-12: Accuracy of DDF measurement equipment ...................................................................... 31
Figure 6-13: Calibration interval used for measurement equipment ..................................................... 31
Figure 6-14: Type of reference capacitor used to perform DDF measurements .................................. 32
Figure 6-15: Distribution of value of reference capacitor used.............................................................. 32
Figure 6-16: Distribution of the answers when the DDF measurement is performed during
manufacturing ........................................................................................................................................ 33
Figure 6-17: Distribution of answers rated line to line voltage UN is a decision criterion ...................... 33
Figure 6-18: Distribution of answers OCP is a decision criterion .......................................................... 34
Figure 6-19: Distribution of answers type / construction of insulation system is a decision criterion.... 34
Figure 6-20: Distribution of answers a fingerprint for reference is a decision criterion ......................... 34
Figure 6-21: Distribution of answers requirement for a contractual QC test is a decision criterion ...... 34
Figure 6-22: Distribution minimum voltage level for DDF measurements ............................................. 35
Figure 6-23: Time between DDF measurements .................................................................................. 35
Figure 6-24: Background for the time interval shown in Figure 6-23 .................................................... 36
Figure 6-25: Party that is performing the DDF measurements on stator windings in service for owners
............................................................................................................................................................... 36
Figure 6-26: Distribution using/specifying DDF configuration ............................................................... 36
Figure 6-27: Distribution of applied DDF measurement configurations ................................................ 37
Figure 6-28: Distribution of applied combination of configurations for DDF measurement .................. 37
Figure 6-29: Distribution using/specifying capacitance as measurement quantity ............................... 37
Figure 6-30: Distribution of applied capacitance measurement configurations .................................... 38
Figure 6-31: Distribution of applied configurations for capacitance measurement ............................... 38
Figure 6-32: Distribution of applied voltage base of “Yes” answers ...................................................... 39
Figure 6-33: Distribution using/specifying conditioning ......................................................................... 40
Figure 6-34: Distribution of answers concerning recording of the DDF results..................................... 41
Figure 6-35: Distribution of the moment of recording of the DDF results .............................................. 41
Figure 6-36: Distribution of answers concerning post processing of DDF measurement results ......... 41
Figure 6-37: Additional information recorded along with the DDF measurement results ..................... 43

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Figure 6-38: Distribution of answers requirements/criteria concerning DDF measurement results...... 43

Figure 6-39: Distribution of answers requirements/criteria concerning capacitance measurement
results .................................................................................................................................................... 43
Table 6-40 and Figure 6-40: Distribution of responses between ULL and ULG ...................................... 44
Figure 6-41: Distribution of answers voltage base for starting value .................................................... 44
Figure 6-42: Distribution starting value based on ULL ........................................................................... 44
Figure 6-43: Distribution starting value based on ULG ........................................................................... 44
Figure 6-44: Distribution of answers voltage base for DDF tip-up ........................................................ 44
Figure 6-45: Distribution voltage range tip-up based on ULL ................................................................. 45
Figure 6-46: Distribution voltage range tip-up based on ULG ................................................................ 45
Figure 6-47: Distribution of answers voltage base for total increment .................................................. 45
Figure 6-48: Total voltage increment based on ULL .............................................................................. 46
Figure 6-49: Distribution of answers voltage base for maximum voltage increment per step .............. 46
Figure 6-50: Distribution answers DDF requirements/criteria for different types of insulation .............. 46
Figure 6-51: Distribution answers DDF requirements/criteria for new windings compared to windings in
service ................................................................................................................................................... 46
Figure 6-52: Distribution owners applying specific criteria for DDF results of direct water-cooled
windings with water still circulating ........................................................................................................ 47
Figure 6-53: Criteria DDF starting values .............................................................................................. 48
Figure 6-54: Criteria DDF starting values .............................................................................................. 48
Figure 6-55: Criteria DDF starting values split according to insulation technology ............................... 48
Figure 6-56: Distribution criteria DDF tip-up .......................................................................................... 49
Figure 6-57: Distribution criteria DDF tip-up .......................................................................................... 49
Figure 6-58: Distribution criteria DDF tip-up .......................................................................................... 49
Figure 6-59: Distribution criteria DDF tip-up .......................................................................................... 49
Figure 6-60: Distribution criteria DDF tanδ0,2max .................................................................................. 50
Figure 6-61: Distribution criteria DDF tanδ0,2max .................................................................................. 50
Figure 6-62: Distribution criteria DDF tanδ0,2max .................................................................................. 50
Figure 6-63: Distribution criteria DDF tanδ0,2max .................................................................................. 50
Figure 6-64: Distribution of answers concerning necessity of DDF results individual bars for evaluation
of a complete winding ............................................................................................................................ 50
Figure 6-65: Distribution of manufacturers and owners maintaining a fleet database .......................... 51
Figure 6-66: Distribution of respondents applying trend analysis not in terms of the trend of one stator
............................................................................................................................................................... 51
Figure 6-67: Distribution of testing organization and owners applying trend analysis over years ........ 51
Figure 6-68: Distribution of use of DDF measurement results .............................................................. 52
Figure 6-69: Distribution of answers concerning recommendations received by owners ..................... 53
Figure 6-70: Distribution of answers concerning recommendations received by owners ..................... 53
Figure 6-71: Recommendations of manufacturers and testing organizations concerning future DDF
measurements ....................................................................................................................................... 53
Figure 6-72: Examples of recommendations owners receive concerning DDF measurements ........... 54
Figure 6-73: Motivation of testing organizations for suggesting a time interval for future DDF
measurements. ...................................................................................................................................... 54
Figure 6-74: By testing organizations suggested time interval for future DDF measurements............. 55
Figure 6-75: Motivation of testing organizations for suggesting a certain time interval ........................ 55
Figure 6-76: Reason of testing organizations for suggesting a maximum voltage level ....................... 56
Figure 6-77: Maximum voltage test level suggested by testing organizations for future measurements
............................................................................................................................................................... 56

E.2. Tables
Table 5-1: DDF Criteria in Chinese Standards ...................................................................................... 23
Table 5-2: Criteria in VGB Standard and KEMA specifications............................................................. 23
Table 6-1: DDF measurement applied on new stator winding .............................................................. 26
Table 6-2: Own procedure for DDF measurements on stator winding .................................................. 26
Table 6-3: Use of international standards for DDF measurement on stator winding ............................ 27
Table 6-4: (Inter)national standards used for DDF measurement on stator windings .......................... 27
Table 6-5: Use of more comprehensive procedures for DDF measurement on stator winding ............ 28
Table 6-6: Deviating from internal DDF measurement procedure on customer request ...................... 28
Table 6-7: Voltage source used to perform a DDF measurement on a stator winding ......................... 29
Table 6-8: Measurement frequency used to perform a DDF measurement on a stator winding .......... 29

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 TB 918 – DDF Measurements on Stator Windings – Part 1 Survey Answers

Table 6-9: Do you observe and assess the quality of the sine wave? .................................................. 30
Table 6-10: Calibration interval for measurement equipment ............................................................... 31
Table 6-11: Type of reference capacitor used to perform DDF measurements.................................... 31
Table 6-12: Value of reference capacitor used ..................................................................................... 32
Table 6-13: How often the DDF measurement is performed or requested during manufacturing of a
new stator winding ................................................................................................................................. 32
Table 6-14: Moment the DDF measurement is performed during manufacturing of a new stator
winding................................................................................................................................................... 33
Table 6-15: Rated line to line voltage UN is a decision criterion ............................................................ 33
Table 6-16: Presence of OCP is a decision criterion ............................................................................ 34
Table 6-17: Type / construction of insulation system is a decision criterion ......................................... 34
Table 6-18: To have a fingerprint for reference is a decision criterion .................................................. 34
Table 6-19: Requirement for a contractual QC test is a decision criterion ............................................ 34
Table 6-20: Minimum voltage level used for DDF measurements ........................................................ 35
Table 6-21: Using/specifying DDF configuration ................................................................................... 36
Table 6-22: Used/specified DDF measurement configuration .............................................................. 37
Table 6-23: Using/specifying capacitance as measurement quantity ................................................... 37
Table 6-24: Used/specified capacitance measurement configuration .................................................. 38
Table 6-25: Response voltage base for DDF measurement ................................................................. 38
Table 6-26: DDF starting values used in relation to the line-to-line voltage ULL ................................... 39
Table 6-27: DDF starting values used in relation to the line-to-ground voltage ULG ............................. 39
Table 6-28: Fixed DDF starting values used ......................................................................................... 39
Table 6-29: DDF increments used in relation to the line-to-line voltage ULL ......................................... 39
Table 6-30: DDF increments used in relation to the line-to-ground voltage ULG ................................... 39
Table 6-31: Fixed DDF increments used............................................................................................... 39
Table 6-32: Final DDF voltage level in relation to the line-to-line voltage ULL....................................... 40
Table 6-33: Final DDF voltage level in relation to the line-to-ground voltage ULG ................................ 40
Table 6-34: Using/specifying conditioning ............................................................................................. 40
Table 6-35: Answers concerning recording of the DDF results............................................................. 41
Table 6-36: Post processing of DDF measurement results .................................................................. 41
Table 6-37: Additional information recorded along with the DDF measurement results ....................... 42
Table 6-38: Requirements / criteria for DDF measurements results ..................................................... 43
Table 6-39: Requirements / criteria concerning capacitance measurement results ............................. 43
Table 6-40 and Figure 6-40: Distribution of responses between ULL and ULG ...................................... 44
Table 6-41: Distribution responses starting value based on ULL ........................................................... 44
Table 6-42: Distribution responses starting value based on ULG .......................................................... 44
Table 6-43: Voltage range tip-up based on ULL ..................................................................................... 45
Table 6-44: Voltage range tip-up based on ULG .................................................................................... 45
Table 6-45: Total voltage increment based on ULL ................................................................................ 45
Table 6-46: Maximum voltage increment based on ULL ........................................................................ 46
Table 6-47: Maximum voltage increment based on ULG........................................................................ 46
Table 6-48: Different DDF requirements/criteria for different types of insulation .................................. 46
Table 6-49: Different DDF requirements/criteria for new windings compared to windings in service ... 46
Table 6-50: necessity DDF results individual bars for DDF evaluation of a complete winding ............. 50
Table 6-51: Manufacturers and owners maintaining a fleet database .................................................. 51
Table 6-52: Application of trend analysis not in terms of the trend of one stator .................................. 51
Table 6-53: Testing organization and owners applying trend analysis over years ............................... 51
Table 6-54: Use of DDF measurement as pass/fail decision ................................................................ 52
Table 6-55: Kind of information provided by testing organizations concerning the DDF results .......... 52
Table 6-56: Recommendations with respect to DDF measurements received by owners ................... 53
Table 6-57: Distribution responses recommended time interval provided by testing organizations ..... 54
Table 6-58: Time interval for future DDF measurements suggested by testing organizations ............. 55

Table A.1 - Definition of general terms used in this TB ......................................................................... 58

Table A.2 - Definition of technical terms used in this TB....................................................................... 58

E.3. Equations
Equation 2-1 .......................................................................................................................................... 11
Equation 2-2 .......................................................................................................................................... 12

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 ISBN : 978-2-85873-623-2

TECHNICAL BROCHURES
©2023 - CIGRE
Reference 918 - December 2023