IT System

Insulation monitoring: The concept

Operating principle of an insulation monitoring device

The insulation monitoring device is connected between the live supply conductors and earth and superimposes a measuring voltage Um. In the event of an insulation fault, the insulation fault RF closes the measuring circuit between the system and earth, generating a measuring current Im that is proportional to the insulation fault. This measuring current generates a corresponding voltage drop at the measuring resistance Rm, which is evaluated by the electronics.

If this voltage drop exceeds a specific value equivalent to the under shooting of a specific insulation resistance, a signal will be output. IEC 61557-8 specifies detailed requirements to be met by insulation monitoring devices. Insulation monitoring devices serve as early-warning systems, providing operators with the information they need in order to have appropriate maintenance measures taken in good time.

IEC 61557-8 specifies that insulation monitoring devices must support a prescribed measuring principle which enables them to monitor both symmetrical and asymmetrical deteriorations in insulation.

Notes

  • A symmetrical deterioration in insulation can be said to occur when the insulation resistance of all conductors in the system to be monitored declines to (approximately) the same extent. An asymmetrical insulation deterioration can be said to occur when the insulation resistance, e.g. of a conductor, declines to a significantly greater extent than that of the other conductor(s) in the system.
  • Devices known as earth fault monitors, which use the voltage unbalance (voltage shift) occurring in the event of an earth fault as a sole measuring criterion, are not insulation monitoring devices under the terms of this standard.
  • Under certain system conditions, a combination of various measuring techniques, including unbalance monitoring, can be used for monitoring.

Notes:

Symmetrical insulation faults are common in DC voltage systems and control circuits. If the resistance of both insulation faults is approximately equal, insulation monitoring devices ope-rating on the basis of the principle of superimposed voltage measurement will not be able to detect these insulation faults. It is for this reason that IEC 61557-8 requires the use of continuous insulation monitoring devices.

Measurement methods

“Superimposition of measuring DC voltage”

A popular measuring method is to superimpose a measuring DC voltage between the phase and PE conductor.

This measurement procedure is suitable for monitoring conventional AC, 3(N)AC systems, e.g. motors. If it is used in AC, 3(N)AC systems containing galvanically connected DC components, these DC currents will distort the measurement result. In other words, insulation faults on the DC side will be signalled with an increased response sensitivity.

The system leakage capacitances Ce prevailing in the system are simply charged to the measuring voltage and have no effect on the measurement following a brief initial response.

“AMP” measurement method

The AMP measurement method patented for Bender is based on a special clocked measuring voltage which is controlled by a micro-controller and adapts automatically to the prevailing system con-ditions. Software-based evaluation enables system leakage currents causing interference on the evaluation circuit to be differentiated from the measured variable proportionate to the insulation resistance in ohms. This means that broadband interferences as they occur, for example, during converter operation, do not adversely affect the precise determination of the insulation resistance.

The AMP Plus measurement method takes interference suppression to the next level. Devices supporting this measurement method can be used universally in AC, DC and AC/DC systems, e.g. systems with varying voltages or frequencies, high system leakage capacitances or DC voltage components. This makes them ideal for use in today's state-of-the-art distribution systems, which are usually subject to this type of interference (converters, EMC).

Summary of measurement methods

There is a direct relationship between the IT system, its structure, its components and the measurement method of the insulation monitoring device. Knowing which insulation monitoring device works with which measurement method is therefore important from a planning point of view. The following table lists the measurement methods that can be selected on the basis of system parameters.

5 good reasons for the IT system with insulation monitoring

Optimised maintenance

  • Insulation deteriorations are early recognised and signalled
  • Automatic localisation of sections of the system with insulation faults
  • Optimised planning of time and personnel resources
  • Central information about the condition of the electrical installation
  • Remote diagnosis via Internet/Ethernet

Increased operating reliability

  • No interruption to operation in the event of phase-to-earth faults
  • No control malfunction in the event of insulation faults
  • Electrical installations are kept at a high level of availability
  • Offline monitoring

Improved economic efficiency

  • Expensive and unexpected interruptions to operation are avoided
  • Time and costs for maintenance are reduced
  • Weak points in the installation are recognised
  • Investment management is supported

Increased accident prevention

  • Low touch currents in small and medium-sized installations
  • No malfunctions in control circuits of equipment and machines

Increased fire prevention

  • Gradually developing insulation faults are detected at an early stage
  • Arcing faults, a frequent cause of fire, do not occur
  • Areas subject to explosion and fire hazards can be separated from the rest of the system by means of isolating transformers and can be monitored
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