Impulse Voltage Generators
Lightning and switching impulse from 10 kV to 2,400 kV
Insulation coordination is a calculation until somebody applies the wave. An impulse voltage generator produces the 1.2/50 µs lightning and 250/2500 µs switching impulses that transformer, cable, insulator and GIS type tests are defined by, and produces them repeatably enough that a failed shot means the object failed rather than the circuit.
Charging voltage runs from 10 kV to 2,400 kV, extended to 7,200 kV total output. Stage energy is 2.5, 5 or 10 kJ up to 480 kJ total, stage voltage 10 to 200 kV and stage capacitance 100 nF to 4 µF. The multi-stage Marx generator is supplied with a selectable top electrode structure, DC charging unit, weakly damped capacitive impulse divider, automated multiple chopping gap, Glaninger circuit, shunt and steep-front device, all under one automatic control and measurement system. Acquisition is 12 or 16-bit at 2.5 GSa/s, and the LIAS analysis platform extracts the wave parameters and generates the report.
Why it matters
The automated multiple chopping gap makes chopped-wave testing a setting rather than a mechanical intervention between shots.
Acquisition at 2.5 GSa/s with 12 or 16-bit resolution resolves the front of a 1.2 µs wave, which is where front time and overshoot are actually decided.
Automatic parameter extraction and PDF or DOC report generation removes the manual evaluation step that IEC 61083 compliance normally costs.
One generator covers transformers, cable, instrument transformers, insulators, switchgear, GIS and surge arresters, so a laboratory buys the capability once.
Stage energy to 480 kJ total is what makes a large power transformer genuinely testable rather than merely energizable.
Ratings
Charging voltage: 10 kV to 2,400 kV (extended to 7,200 kV total output)
Energy: 2.5 / 5 / 10 kJ per stage, up to 480 kJ total
Stage voltage: 10–200 kV
Stage capacitance: 100 nF to 4 µF
Waveforms: 1.2/50 µs lightning, 250/2500 µs switching, 5/50 µs, and custom
Data acquisition: 12/16-bit at 2.5 GSa/s
Software: LIAS impulse analysis platform — automatic parameter extraction and PDF/DOC report generation
Extended range
Extended charging range: 5–30 kJ per stage, to 5,400 kV charging
Extended stage voltage options: 100 / 150 / 200 kV
System components: Multi-stage Marx generator with selectable top electrode structure, DC charging unit, weakly damped capacitive impulse voltage divider, automated multiple chopping gap, Glaninger circuit, shunt and steep-front device, automatic control and measurement system
Standards
IEEE Std 4
IEC 60060-1
IEC 60060-2
IEC 61083
IEC 60076-3
IEC 60071 insulation coordination
Applications
Power transformers and reactors
Power cable and cable accessories
Instrument transformers
HV insulators — polymer, glass and porcelain
Switchgear and GIS
Surge arresters
Insulation material research
Questions engineers ask
Which impulse waveshapes are available?The standard 1.2/50 µs lightning impulse and 250/2500 µs switching impulse are covered, along with 5/50 µs and custom waveshapes set by the front and tail resistors. A Glaninger circuit and a steep-front device extend the range, and the automated multiple chopping gap produces chopped waves without opening the circuit between shots.
How is the impulse evaluated against the standard?The digital recorder samples at 2.5 GSa/s with 12 or 16-bit resolution, and the LIAS platform extracts peak value, front time, time to half value and overshoot automatically before generating a PDF or DOC report. The measuring chain follows IEC 60060-2 and IEC 61083 for impulse recorders and software evaluation.
Technical documentation
Download HVEX Atmospheric and Switching Impulse Voltage Generator datasheet (English, PDF)
