High Voltage AC & DC Test Sets

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1. Background information on The University of Manchester The University of Manchester is Britain's largest single-site university, with a proud history of achievement and an ambitious agenda for the future. The University provides world-class research facilities and undertakes research of international standing. It offers students a wide choice of degree programmes and options, and excellent facilities and student support services. The University employs over 12,000 staff and offers over 400 different degree courses. It comprises three faculties with 23 academic schools and hundreds of specialist research groups. The University's cultural attractions include The Manchester Museum, The Whitworth Art Gallery, Jodrell Bank Observatory and the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama. The University also operates a thriving conference and meeting operation including a hotel and conference centre. Further details on the University can be found at: http://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/facts-figures/ 2. Background information on Project The University has maintained high voltage research facilities since 1954 when the first laboratory was opened in what is now the Sackville Street Building. The high voltage facilities are now located within Ferranti Building and are primarily used to support the work of academics within the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The laboratories support wider work in electrical power systems in which the school researchers produce more papers in the leading IEEE journals relevant to power systems than any other UK University. There are a number of high voltage laboratories, the main one being a 500 m2 laboratory with a 2 MV impulse generator, 800 kV AC test set and 600 kV DC test set. A smaller 300 kV AC test set also exists. The laboratory has a control room from where all experimentation is controlled. There is vehicular access through a large roller shutter door and a 3 tonne crane that allows the unloading and movement of heavy items. Wet spray facilities exist within the laboratory for the testing of outdoor insulation. A 10 kA low-voltage high-current source is also available. The laboratory is primarily used in applications relevant to the 275 kV or 400 kV power systems although it also has considerable value in lower voltage high power testing. The prime role of the laboratory is research with an additional commitment to support teaching activities at both UG and PGT levels. Our researchers work extensively with colleagues within other parts of our School and in other Schools in the Faculty. We therefore leverage the expertise within, in particular, the School of Materials and the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering (MACE). Extensive use is made of fabrication and characterisation facilities and many projects include investigators from these Schools. In the future our expectation is to work with colleagues within Graphene Engineeri...