DELTAMAXX15/20/50

And

DELTAMAXX15/20/50 - PD
Digital Loss Factor Analyzer
21.9.2006
User Manual for Software Version 1.4.5

PD Tech Power Engineering AG Switzerland info@pdtech.ch

DELTAMAXX User Manual

1. Table of Contents
1.
Table of Contents.......................................................................................................2
2.
General Remarks.......................................................................................................3
2.1
Different Versions ......................................................................................................3
2.2
Basic Function ...........................................................................................................3
2.3
Influence of Harmonics and Frequency Variation ......................................................3
2.4
Grounded and non Grounded Test Objects...............................................................4
2.5
Upgrades and Options ...............................................................................................4
3.
Scope of Supply.........................................................................................................5
3.1
The DELTAMAXX15 ..................................................................................................5
3.2
The DELTAMAXX-Shunt, DMSM-10A.......................................................................6
3.3
The DELTAMAXX-Shunt Connection Cable..............................................................7
3.4
The USB2.0 Computer Cable ....................................................................................7
4.
Test Object Connection .............................................................................................8
4.1
Shunt Selection..........................................................................................................8
4.2
Connection Layout for Grounded Test Objects..........................................................8
4.3
Connection Layout for Un-Grounded Test Objects....................................................9
5.
The Software..............................................................................................................9
5.1
Installation..................................................................................................................9
5.1.1
Driver and Software Installation .................................................................................9
5.1.2
Software Demo Mode.................................................................................................9
5.1.3
Software License Key.................................................................................................9
5.2
System Configuration...............................................................................................11
5.2.1
Configuration Password ...........................................................................................11
5.2.2
Configuration overview .............................................................................................12
5.2.3
Voltage Divider & Shunt ...........................................................................................12
5.2.4
DAQ Settings (leave unchanged) .............................................................................13
5.2.5
DAQ-Channel-Info (leave unchanged) .....................................................................13
5.3
The Main User Interface ..........................................................................................14
5.4
Operating the Software ............................................................................................15
5.4.1
Main Window (Tangens Delta) .................................................................................15
5.4.2
Partial Discharge ......................................................................................................16
5.4.3
Results Graph Showed Results ............................................................................17
5.4.4
Results List Showed Results .................................................................................18
5.4.5
Saving Data..............................................................................................................19
6.
The Step by Step Measurement Procedure (Tan Delta only) ..................................20
7.
The Step by Step Measurement Procedure (Tan Delta and Partial Discharge) ......20
8.
Specification of Tan Measuring System with Integrated Reference Capacitor .....21
9.
Specification of Partial Discharge Measuring System with Integrated Reference
Capacitor/Coupling Capacitor ................................................................................................21

Page 2 of 21

DELTAMAXX User Manual

2. General Remarks
The instrument works with high voltage. Therefore safety precautions must be taken.
Qualified personnel must install the system only. The system must be safely connected to
ground.
PD Tech Power Engineering AG cannot be held liable for faults and accidents caused by
neglected safety precautions.

2.1

Different Versions

The DELTAMAXX systems usually come with an integrated reference capacitor of 1nF
nominal.
The DELTAMAXX15 incorporates a 15kV unit (for test voltages up to 15kV). The
DELTAMAXX20 a 20kV capacitor etc..
The system can also work with already existing standard capacitors. Therefore it can be
used at even higher test voltages than those supported by PD Tech Power Engineering
AGs own high voltage components.
For these cases the reference capacitor is replaced by an input connector for a 2nd shunt
module. These shunts are designed for capacitance and desired test voltage range. Error
correction and setup are included in the software.

2.2

Basic Function

The measurement system measures the current through a test object and the current
through a reference capacitor. These currents are measured as a voltage drop on a shunt.
The voltages are detected with differential input amplifiers and digitised synchronously with
16-bit A/D converters. A mathematical signal processing allows to precisely determine the
phase angle between these two voltages. Possible errors can be compensated by software
alone.
In order to precisely measure the current through the test object, the location of the shunt
module has to be chosen properly. Due to the differential system input, signal cables do not
have a strong influence on the reading.
The basic measuring range is set by external shunts. Their current limit should not be
exceeded.
The DELTAMAXX instrument unit does not need any power supply. Its power is supplied
through the USB interface from the computer. For DELTAMAXX fitted with a partial
discharge module, an additional 5VDC power supply is needed (supplied).

2.3

Influence of Harmonics and Frequency Variation

The DELTAMAXX is largely independent of frequency and harmonic distortions. Therefore it

can be used in frequency variable, resonant test circuits in the range of 10 to 100Hz.
It can also be used in VLF or very low frequency test circuits (e.g. 0.1 Hz). In VLF test
circuits, the voltage and phase reference is measured by a reference resistor and not
through a reference capacitor.

Page 3 of 21

DELTAMAXX User Manual

2.4

Grounded and non Grounded Test Objects

The DELTAMAXX can be used on grounded and not grounded test objects.
The use of the DELTAMAXX with grounded test objects requires a tests transformer with a
floating secondary (non-fixed-grounded) winding. This situation is described in this manual.

2.5

Upgrades and Options

Battery Pack and Fibre Optical Interface

Should the high voltage test transformer or test bench be solidly grounded, neither
a standard tan delta bridge nor a DELTAMAXX can be fitted to measure loss and
capacitance of a grounded test object. In this case a DELTAMAXX version is
required which measures the current and the voltage on high voltage potential.
The circuit (see chapter 4) is upside-down in this case. Therefore, the
DELTAMAXX must be battery powered and an optical USB link is supplied.
Should this be required, any DELTAMAXX can be upgraded.

Partial Discharge Module

The partial discharge module uses the integrated or external reference capacitor
for pd coupling. The PD Module is installed or retro-fitted into the same
DELTAMAXX.

Page 4 of 21

DELTAMAXX User Manual

3. Scope of Supply
The complete supply volume contains:

3.1

DELTAMAXX15, Digital Tangens Delta Acquisition System with built in 1nF, 15kV
Reference Capacitor (or higher Voltages)
DMSM-10A, 0.5 Shunt (to measure Main Currents up to 10A)
2m shielded Shunt Cable with Lemo Connectors
2m USB 2.0 Computer Cable
1 CD with DELTAMAXX Software and USB driver.
Instruction Manual

The DELTAMAXX15
Connection to
high voltage

High voltage
reference
capacitor

Ground
Connection
M6
Ground
connection
banana 4mm

Shunt input
(differential,
LEMO)

one of these must

be connected to
Ground

Page 5 of 21

DELTAMAXX User Manual

Use the USB

Cable and
connect it to the
instrument
(Screw!) and to
the Computer
(on a USB2.0
Interface)

3.2

Power supply
for PD Module

The DELTAMAXX-Shunt, DMSM-10A

Connection to the 0V (lo

voltage side) of the high
voltage transformer
(grounded test objects)
Or, to the low voltage side of
the test object (nongrounded test object)

one of these must

be connected to
Ground

Connection to the
DELTAMAXX, using
the differential cable
(supplied)

The shunts resistance must be filled into the SETTINGS menu. Shunt resistance printed on
case. In case of shunt overload, consider alarm in user interface.

Page 6 of 21

DELTAMAXX User Manual

3.3

The DELTAMAXX-Shunt Connection Cable

The shielded DELTAMAXX shunt cable with LEMO Connector (symmetrical)

3.4

The USB2.0 Computer Cable

The USB 2.0 data cable with IP65 Protection

Page 7 of 21

DELTAMAXX User Manual

4. Test Object Connection

4.1

Shunt Selection

The shunt type should be selected, so that its current limit is not exceeded. When you have
several shunt modules, select the one with the highest resistance, so that the voltage
generated on the shunt is always as high as possible without exceeding the voltage limit.
Excess shunt voltages will be shown in the software. If this occurs a shunt module with a
lower resistance must be chosen.
The current i through a capacitive test object with a capacitance C at a given frequency f and
a test voltage U is:

i = U 2 f C
where
i
: Current in A
f
: Frequency in Hz
C : Capacitance in F
The voltage USp developed over the shunt RS should not exceed 10V peak. :

U Sp = 2 RS i 1.44 RS i
where
USp : Peak voltage drop on shunt RS
RS : Resistance value on shunt
i
: Main current through test object

Tech Tipp:
The test objects capacitance is often unknown, especially in field-testing, for the selection of
e.g. compensation reactor and shunt, the capacitance should be appreciatively known.
A standard capacitance meter is sufficient to determine this estimate.

4.2

Connection Layout for Grounded Test Objects

High Voltage

Test Object

0400V

GND

0V

Shunt

GND

Grounded test objects are e.g. large generators/motors.

Un-grounded test objects are often windings or bars in factory testing with a lower
capacitance, for these we recommend using the un-grounded test object scheme.

Page 8 of 21

DELTAMAXX User Manual

4.3

Connection Layout for Un-Grounded Test Objects

In this case the transformers HV winding is solidly connected to ground. The shunt is
inserted into the test objects ground connection as shown in the next figure.

High Voltage

0400V

GND

Shunt

0V
GND

Connection Layout for un-grounded Test objects

5. The Software
5.1

Installation

ATTENTION: BEFORE CONNECTING THE DELTAMAXX15 TO THE COMPUTER, MAKE

SURE THE SOFTWARE HAS BEEN INSTALLED FIRST !!

5.1.1 Driver and Software Installation

Insert the Software CD, go into the Software/Installer folder and run Setup. The USB driver
for the DELTAMAXX and the DELTAMAXX Software will be installed at same time.

5.1.2 Software Demo Mode

If no Hardware is connected, select skip and run in demo mode on the prompt for the
License Key. The software will show a demo calculation of the loss factor at a fixed voltage
and a simulated partial pattern on the partial discharge window.

5.1.3 Software License Key

The Software is copy protected and needs a license key to communicate with the
DELTAMAXX15 hardware. The key depends on the used hardware. User who owns several
DELTAMAXX15 units, need to provide a license key for every separate hardware.
After first start-up, the following window asks for the license key, which can be found on the
supplied documentation.

Page 9 of 21

DELTAMAXX User Manual

If the DELTAMAXX hardware is properly detected, its serial number is shown on the left; the
provided licence key must be entered on the right:

Enter here
the
provided
license key

If no key is provided (e.g. if the software was send for demonstration), just press ok. A file
browser will open, asking for a file, where the serial number is stored. If the software should
run in demo mode, just cancel this operation.
Please find the license key in our shipping documents. The license key works for one
hardware only on any PC suitable for the software.
After the key management, the following start window will open:
This window
informs about
the operating
mode of the
software
Change here
the licence key
Press here to
start the
software

The top window will show the operating mode of the DELTAMAXX software. It depends on
the provided licence key (different frequency ranges, pd module etc.)

Page 10 of 21

DELTAMAXX User Manual

5.2

System Configuration

The software connects automatically to the DELTAMAXX hardware if a correct key is

provided.
Select the
settings tab
to
configure
the system

This lights
up if the
hardware
is properly
detected

5.2.1 Configuration Password

To configure the system (we need to do that only the first time), choose the settings tab. The
following screen asks for a access password:

Enter here
the settings
password

The default password is deltamaxx and can be changed to any value including an empty
string (no password). To change the password, enter above the actual password and enter
below twice the new passwords and press change password.
If a wrong password is given, the software returns to the main window.

Page 11 of 21

DELTAMAXX User Manual

5.2.2 Configuration overview

After successful provided configuration password, the settings tab is shown:

DAQ
Channel
Information
DAQ
Settings

Voltage
Divider &
Shunt

The values to be entered depends on the hardware configuration and is provided by a

separate configuration sheet provided together with the hardware.

5.2.3 Voltage Divider & Shunt

The type of the voltage divider, by default it
is a C-R divider.
The value of the reference capacitor, default
1nF, if external reference capacitor is used,
enter here its value.
The value of the lower resistor, by default it is
500 Ohm
The value of the used shunt module, 0.5 for
DMSM-10A or 100 for the DMSM-50mA
Enter here the compensation value of the loss
factor, either in % or in degree
Enter here the default phase shift of the pd
measurement

Page 12 of 21

DELTAMAXX User Manual

Type of voltage divider:
There are 3 different voltage divider types available. The C-R combination is the default
setting for the DELTAMAXX. If the DELTAMAXX is shipped without a reference capacitor, a
R-R divider, or C-(RC) can be selected.
TD Delta Adjust
Often the DELTAMAXX is installed fixed in a high voltage test kit and this kit may have its
own small loss (e.g. loss factor of high voltage connecting cables). This loss can be
compensated by entering here the loss in degree or in percentage.
PD-Phase Adjust
This needs only changed if external components are used. The default value is 0.

5.2.4 DAQ Settings (leave unchanged)

This part will show the acquisition settings. Do not change this values, these are only for
information purposes.

5.2.5 DAQ-Channel-Info (leave unchanged)

These settings shows the hardware channel configuration.
This window is for information purposes only.

Page 13 of 21

DELTAMAXX User Manual

5.3

The Main User Interface

The user interface has several pages which are described in the following sections:

Tangens Delta
This is the page to use for measurements and to transfer measured values into the
so-called Results List which contains the results in dependence of test voltage.
The measured values are displayed in the user interface, current through test object,
voltage, capacitance, tan delta, and VBF, which is the 8th harmonic (400Hz content
when measuring with 50 Hz), sometimes used for machine evaluation.
The graphics show the measured voltage and current waveshape and their
interpolation (1st harmonic). The distortion of the waveshape is typically stronger that
seen in a voltage divider, that is so because a current proportional signal is shown.
The current through capacitances shows usually a stronger influence of harmonics,
as the impedance of a capacitor is inversely proportional to the frequency. The effect
is therefore less dominant when resistive voltage dividers are used.

Partial Discharge
This is the page to use for measurements of the partial discharge and to transfer
measured values into the so-called Results List which contains the results in
dependence of voltage.
The measured values are displayed in the user interface as test voltage, maximum
discharge (peak discharge), apparent charge and the detected frequency. The partial
discharge pattern can be visualized either in standard phase resolved partial
discharge pattern or in a 3D pattern.

Results Graph
The results graph is a display or graphical overview of all measured parameters in
automatic scale. It is based on the Results List, which is a table of the results. The
units are defined in the results list. There is a choice between scientific and certain
engineering units.

Results List
The results list shows all measured values which were transferred to the list form the
main window using the button Results to Graph List. Certain measurements maybe
deleted from the list, like double entries at one test voltage.
Furthermore, all values can be deleted from the list using the delete all button, this is
practical to do before starting a new test.
When the test is finished the table of results plus additional comments can be
exported (saved) into a HTML file, which can be edited by EXCEL or Word.

Settings
These settings are provided by PD Tech Power Engineering AG, when
commissioning the unit or when performing training. Otherwise the set values are
taken from the components used (shunt resistance etc.)

Page 14 of 21

Save result to list

5.4

Operating the Software

Select unit for display:

Scroll with arrows

5.4.1 Main Window (Tangens Delta)

Selected
View:

Waveshape & interpolation

Stops
measurement

Mesurement must
be started with
button

System is getting
data and calculating
message

System is
connected to
hardware

Connected hardware
If red: overranged voltage,
current or PD channel, e.g.
wrong shunt

DAQ: data acquisition

DEMO mode, toggle
Turns red after measurement, turns grey
again when data was transferred to list:
Press and check list

PD Tech Power Engineering AG Switzerland info@pdtech.ch

DELTAMAXX User Manual

5.4.2 Partial Discharge

Actual
Measured
Values

PD Pattern

Pattern z-Scale
settings
Lo Level
Discriminator
Eliminates
base noise

2D/3D Mode

Software Gain
Opens the
Calibration
window

Start PD
Measurement

Eliminate
vertical noise
signals
Activate
Calibration
mode for
generated
50Hz Voltage

PD Meter
Hardware
Gain
Acquisition
Time
Page 16 of 21

DELTAMAXX User Manual

5.4.3 Results Graph Showed Results

After successful acquisition, the results can be moved into a results vs. voltage graph Results to Graph List button (Main Window)

(HTML) data export, can be

opened with word or EXCEL

Units are defined in the results list

Scale is : automatic for all

For this example the voltage was increased stepwise and each step result was transferred to graph/list

Page 17 of 21

DELTAMAXX User Manual

5.4.4 Results List Showed Results

In the same time, the values are written into the results graph, they are also listed up in the Results List:
Deletes a line

Saves to
File
Deletes whole
array,
recommended
before a new test

Select unit
with arrow

Page 18 of 21

5.4.5 Saving Data

We recommend to use the HTML function only, the HTML files can be edited and read by
MS Word and MS Excel. Note that for Excel Export, MS Excel must be installed before using
this function.

PD Tech Power Engineering AG Switzerland info@pdtech.ch

DELTAMAXX User Manual

6. The Step by Step Measurement Procedure (Tan Delta only)

a) Make sure all cables has been connected correctly and properly as described in
chapter 4.2 & 4.3 in this manual
b) Connect the USB cable to the computer
c) Start up the software
d) Select Tangens Delta sheet
e) Turn on voltage on the HV supply, increase the voltage.
f) Press the Start TD Measurement
g) Wait a few seconds (approx 6 seconds)
h) Press Results to Graph / List
i) Repeat g-i after changing the voltage on the test system
j) If finished press SAVE RESULTS to save the acquired results
k) Press Exit to close the application

7. The Step by Step Measurement Procedure (Tan Delta and Partial

Discharge)
a) Make sure all cables has been connected correctly and properly as described in
chapter 4.2 & 4.3 in this manual
b) Connect the USB cable to the computer
c) Start up the software
d) Select Partial Discharge sheet
e) Connect the PD calibrator and select correct calibration pulse value.
f) Activate the Calibration Mode
g) Press Start PD Measurement
h) After acquisition is finished, press calibrate PD
i) Enter the calibration pulse value and move the cursor to the calibration pulse line
j) Press ok
k) Deactivate Calibration Mode
l) Disconnect the calibrator
m) Turn on voltage on the HV supply, increase the voltage.
n) Change to the Tangens Delta sheet
o) Press the Start TD Measurement
p) Wait a few seconds (approx 6 seconds)
q) Press Results to Graph / List
r) Change to Partial Discharge sheet
s) Press Start PD Measurement
t) Wait until PD acquisition is finished
u) Press Results to Graph / List
v) Repeat n-u after changing the voltage on the test system
w) If finished press SAVE RESULTS to save the acquired results
x) Press Exit to close the application

Page 20 of 21

DELTAMAXX User Manual

8. Specification of Tan Measuring System with Integrated

Reference Capacitor
Frequency range:
Maximum current:

10 to 100Hz (automatic)
Set by shunt resistance, standard is 10A, higher and lower values
optional
Reference capacitor: 1nF nominal @ 23C, numerical correction in settings menu
Loss factor range:
10-5 (resolution)
Uncertainty:
tan: 1-210-4, C: 0.5% @ 5V input @ 23C
Display:
Unit can be selected in user interface
Power supply:
Via USB (for PD Module external power required)
Harmonics:
Numerically rejected by software algorithm
Interface USB:
Unit requires Desktop or Notebook, Windows XP, 512 MB
Voltage range:
15kV (DELTAMAXX 15), 20kV (DELTAMAXX 20), 50kV (DELTAMAXX
50)
Remarks:
Precision maybe better when using compressed gas reference
capacitor (option)

9. Specification of Partial Discharge Measuring System with

Integrated Reference Capacitor/Coupling Capacitor
Voltage freq. range:
Coupling capacitor:
Coupling:
PD freq. range:
PD level range:
Max repetition rate:
Display:
Power Supply:
Interface USB:
Voltage range:

10 to 100Hz (automatic)
1nF nominal @ 23C
Integrated high frequency insulation transformer
According to IEC60270, 40-800kHz
Depends on reference capacitor and capacitance of test object,
approx. 10pC 200nC, other ranges on request
40kHz
Phase Resolved Partial Discharge Pattern
USB and external power supply
Unit requires Desktop or Notebook, Windows XP, 512 MB
15kV (DELTAMAXX 15), 20kV (DELTAMAXX 20), 50kV (DELTAMAXX
50)

Page 21 of 21