The contents of this manual for FRAX 2.5.2272 are the property of Megger Sweden AB. No part of this work may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, except as permitted in written license agreement with Megger
Sweden AB. Megger Sweden AB has made every reasonable attempt to ensure the completeness and accuracy of this
document. However, the information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice, and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Megger Sweden AB. Any attached hardware schematics and technical
descriptions, or software listings that disclose source code, are for informational purposes only. Reproduction in whole or
in part to create working hardware or software for other than Megger Sweden AB products is strictly prohibited, except as
permitted by written license agreement with Megger Sweden AB.
TRADEMARK NOTICES
FRAX is a trademark of Megger Sweden AB. All other brand and product names mentioned in this document are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Congratulations to your choice of FRAX Sweep Frequency Response Analyzer by Megger. We
at Megger have done our best and will continue do our best to satisfy our customers. Please
visit our home page at www.paxdiagnostics.com and do not hesitate to contact us directly.
Most dielectric and mechanical failures in large power transformers are preceded by
mechanical changes in the winding structure. These displacements in the winding structure
may be the result of transportation damage, short circuit forces, or natural aging effects on
the insulating structures used to support the windings. Detection of these displacements
before dielectric failure reduces maintenance costs, and improves system reliability.
FRAX Sweep Frequency Response Analyzer (SFRA) is designed to detect winding
displacements in power transformers or faults in the magnetic core. The system provides
attenuation signature curves that can easily be compared for deviations which indicate:
Core movements
Winding deformations and displacements
Faulty core grounds
Partial winding collapse
Hoop buckling
Broken or loosened clamping structures
Shorted turns and open windings
Unique features of FRAX:
High accuracy
Small size and low weight
Powerful analysis tools that are intuitive and easy to use
Wireless, Bluetooth, communication between laptop an instruments allows flexibility in the
field (FRAX-101 only)
Galvanic isolated USB interface for personnel and equipment safety
More safety and technical details are given in the following sections:
Safety First
FRAX Technical Specifications
Instrument panels: Front, Rear
Sweep Frequency Response
Test System Verification
Calibration
Disposal
1.1Safety First
FRAX is a Sweep Frequency Response Analyzer designed for measuring of power transformers
in the field and at manufacturing sites.
Always follow local safety regulations.
Make certain that all personnel working with FRAX instrument have been trained in its use
and that all applicable safety precautions are taken.
Always connect the instrument to protective earth/ground using the separate earth/ground
cable. The earth/ground cable should be the first connection made and the last removed.
Do not use any accessories that are not intended for use together with the FRAX.
Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
2
General
FRA Method:
Sweep frequency (SFRA)
Frequency Range:
1 Hz - 10 MHz, user selectable
Extended Frequency Range:
0.1 Hz - 25 MHz, user selectable
Number of Points:
User selectable, maximum 32,000
Points Spacing:
Logarithmic, linear or combination of both
Dynamic Range/Internal Noise:
Dynamic Range/Internal Noise: >130dB (FRAX-99
>115dB). Extended range >110dB
Accuracy:
±0.5 dB (FRAX-99 ±1 dB) down to -100dB
IF Bandwidth/Integration Time:
User selectable
Software:
FRAX for Windows 2000/XP/Vista
PC Communication:
Bluetooth (FRAX-101) and galvanic isolated USB
Calibration Interval:
Maximum 3 years
Standards:
Fulfill requirements in CIGRE Brochure 342,
Mechanical Condition Assessment of Transformer
Windings using FRA and Chinese standard DL/T
911-2004, FRA on Winding Deformation of Power
Transformers
Analog Output
Channels:
1
Compliance Voltage:
0.2 - 20 V peak-to-peak
Measurement Voltage at 50 Ohm
0.1 - 10 V peak-to-peak
Output Impedance:
50 Ohms
Protection:
Short-circuit protected
Analog Inputs
Channels:
2
Sampling:
Simultaneously, 100MS/s
Input Impedance:
50 Ohms
Physical
Instrument Weight
1.4 kg/3.1 lsb, 1.9 kg (FRAX-101 with Battery)
6 kg (13 lb) (FRAX-150)
Dimensions
250 x 169 x 52 mm (9.84 x 6.65 x 2.05 in.)
305 mm x 194 mm x 360 mm (12 in. x 7.6 in. x
14.2 in.) (FRAX-150)
Input Voltage
90-135VAC and 170-264VAC, 47-63 Hz
Environmental
Operating Ambient Temperature:
-20° to 50°C (-4 to 122°F), Bluetooth 0° to 50°C
-5° to 50°C (23 to 122°F) for FRAX-150
Operating Relative Humidity:
< 90% non-condensing
Storage Ambient Temperature:
-20° to 70°C
Storage Relative Humidity:
< 90% non-condensing
CE Standards:
IEC61010 (LVD) EN61326 (EMC)
PC requirements
FRAX User's Manual
1.2FRAX Technical Specifications
Operating System
Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Vista
Processor
Pentium 500 MHz or higher
Memory/Hard Drive
256MByte / 30MByte free or more
Interface
Bluetooth (FRAX-101 only) and USB
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Left-hand side, top down:
On/Off:
On/Off-switch, to turn the instrument On/Off, Switch labeled
I (On) and 0 (Off).
DC Input:
DC-input, to connect the AC/DC adapter.
USB:
USB-connector type B, to connect a USB cable to PC
Antenna (only FRAX-101):
Bluetooth module, enables Bluetooth communication
Right-hand side, top
down:
Generator (Yellow):
Generator output connected to Reference at Red Clip
Reference (Red):
Reference input connected to Generator at Red Clip
Measure (Black):
Measure input Connected to Black Clip
1.3Instrument Panels
1.3.1FRAX-101/FRAX-99
FRAX
3
1.3.1.1
Front Panel
4
Protective Earth/Ground
symbol and Protective
Earth/Ground connector
Always connect the instrument to station earth/ground using
the separate earth/ground cable. The separate earth/ground
wire should be the first connection made and the last
removed.
Probe
Connector for active probes. Optional and available on order.
Caution, risk of danger
symbol
Refers to follow instructions stated in User's Manual to ensure
safety. See Safety First.
Left-hand side, top down:
Informative text
Serial number
Right-hand side, top
down:
DC input
DC-input, to connect the double insulated AC/DC adapter.
DC symbol. Polarity Symbol.
CE-mark
Megger guarantee that this product complies with relevant
CE directives and corresponding standards.
Calibration date
FRAX User's Manual
1.3.1.2
Rear Panel
1.3.2FRAX-150
Left-hand side, top down:
USB:
USB-connectors
Network:
For connecting the FRAX-150 to LAN
Serial port:
For serial communication.
Right-hand side, top
down:
Protective Earth/Ground
connector
Always connect the instrument to station earth/ground using
the separate earth/ground cable. The separate earth/ground
wire should be the first connection made and the last
removed.
Power connector
Generator (Yellow):
Generator output connected to Reference at Red Clip
Reference (Red):
Reference input connected to Generator at Red Clip
Measure (Black):
Measure input Connected to Black Clip
Tab
Backspace (or with shift) Delete
Shift key
FRAX
5
Below the screen is a standard qwerty keyboard containing some special keys.
On the right of the screen are some function buttons. They are
6
Power down. Shuts down the FRAX-150 computer.
Home (not used)
Help
Information (not used)
Page Up
Page Down
FRAX User's Manual
On the right you will find the navigation panel.
In the middle of the navigation panel you will find the controls for the pointer and buttons
for left (top) and right click (bottom). The navigation panel also contains:
Test button. Press this to start a new test or measurement. This button has the
same functionality as the "Start" button on the FRAX-150 screen.
Arrow buttons and center Enter button
Power Class
Max Output
Power
Expected Range
Class 1
100 mW
100m / 330 feet
Class 2
2.5 mW
10 m / 33 feet
Class 3
1 mW
1m /3.3 feet
There is a momentary pushbutton switch on the back of the unit that is required for firmware
updates only.
1.4Bluetooth Communication (only FRAX-101)
Bluetooth is a standard for wireless serial communication. Simply speaking, Bluetooth
replaces a serial cable between your laptop and the FRAX instrument.
The output power of Bluetooth modules are divided into three classes:
The Bluetooth module used in FRAX-101 is class 1. Also, the Bluetooth USB Adapter that
comes as a standard accessory with FRAX is class 1. Using this adapter communicating with
FRAX, you will get class 1 communication.
FRAX
7
Many laptops of today has in-built Bluetooth capability, most common is class 2. Since the
Bluetooth module used in FRAX-101 has excellent receiving properties, a built-in Bluetooth
device may be suitable in many situations. However in field/substation environments
Bluetooth class 1 is recommended.
To configure a built-in Bluetooth device, please follow the manufacturers instruction. To
configure the Bluetooth USB Adapter that comes with the FRAX, install the included
Bluetooth software
Note,
it is reported that in some cases an activated built-in Bluetooth and using an external
USB Bluetooth Adapter can create some conflicts in Windows. If this happens, uninstall both
adapters and reinstall only the one you plan to use.
First time you communicate with FRAX via Bluetooth, you need to establish your Bluetooth
communication before attempting to connect the FRAX Software to the FRAX instrument.
The following steps show how to add a connection between the FRAX instrument and the
computer using the Anycom USB-250 Bluetooth USB Adapter. Please note that the procedure
is managed by your operating system directly. Thus, the procedure necessary on your
computer may differ from the following steps, and it should be regarded as an example.
Start the My Bluetooth Places application and click on "Add Bluetooth Device"
befo re
you insert the adapter into the USB-port.
8
FRAX User's Manual
Add the device called "PAX Diagnostics".
A pass code is needed. Enter the code "0000" (four zeroes) as the pass code.
Select the PAX Diagnostics device.
Make sure that it is registered as a serial connection.
FRAX
9
You can now connect to your FRAX unit from the FRAX software.
Observe that the procedure described above only needs to be done once. Next time you start
the computer simply insert the USB adapter using same USB port or use built-in Bluetooth.
Important! If you install the external USB dongle in a different USB port on your computer,
you may get a different serial COM port assigned to that USB port. Either connect to your
other USB port or change the COM port in the FRAX communication setting. Then start FRAX
software and press connect.
1.5Built-in Battery Pack and Charger
As an option, FRAX-101 is delivered with a built-in battery pack and charger. The battery is of
Li-Ion type, 4.8Ah, 11.1V. The charger is powered from the standard AC/DC adapter that is
delivered with the instrument.
FRAX-101 automatically enters low power consumption mode when waiting for a
measurement and because a typical sweep takes approximately 1 minute, the battery lasts for
at least 3 hours of measuring or more than 12 hours idle.
Charging is performed automatically when the AC/DC adapter is connected. The FRAX-101
does not have to be turned on. To ensure long battery life, batteries will not be charged if the
battery charge is higher than 90% or if the temperature is above 40C. A complete charge
takes approximately 8 hours.
The blue LED gives indication of charging status:
10
LED not lit:
FRAX turned off, or FRAX is switched on, battery empty.
LED
blinking:
Charging
LED lit:
IFRAX connected to AC/DC adapter, Battery is fully charged (or charging
disabled of other reason see above)
LED lit:
FRAX runs on batteries (AC/DC adapter not connected)
FRAX User's Manual
1.6Sweep Frequency Response
The FRAX "Generator" (Gen.) generates a sinusoidal voltage at a selected frequency and
measures the input voltages, amplitude and phase, on two input channels "Reference" (Ref.)
and "Measure" (Meas.). The instrument stores "Amplitude" and "Phase" data for both
"Reference" channel and "Measure" channel as well as the ratio "Measure" divided by
"Reference". The values can be plotted and exported as Magnitude, Phase, Impedance,
Impedance-Phase, Admittance and more. The Custom models function make it possible to
calculate almost any parameter based on the measured/stored data.
FRAX uses the sine correlation technique. This means that the input voltages are multiplied by
a sine and a cosine, and then averaged over an integer multiple of the interval of time. The
sine, cosine and the voltage applied have exactly the same frequency. The sine correlation
technique is well known and is suitable for Sweep Frequency Response Analysis (SFRA)
measurements. Since the signals on the two input channels are treated the same way, the
phase resolution between these two channels is very high. The rejection of DC offset and
harmonics - referred to as the applied voltage - are in theory infinite. By increasing the
integration cycles, the rejection gradually improves.
The IF Bandwidth is commonly used as a parameter defining the bandwidth around the
applied signal analyzed. An IF bandwidth of 10% of active frequency is equivalent to 12
cycles of integration.
1.7Calibration
The instrument is calibrated before leaving the factory. The recommended calibration interval
is one (1) year. The instrument can be calibrated by Megger or any calibration institute that
follows the calibration instruction given in Appendix A, Calibration Instructions.
1.8Disposal
FRAX and its accessories are all manufactured after August 12, 2005. Megger is responsible for
the disposal of old FRAX units. The FRAX unit can be sent back to Megger for disposal at any
time at no additional charge.
FRAX
11
2
Quick Start Tutorial
This tutorial provides an introduction on how to use FRAX and FRAX software. They are
intentionally kept brief so that you can start using the instrument and software as quickly as
possible. The objective is not to teach you every single detail but to familiarize you with the
basic principles.
The quick start tutorial is divided into the following sections:
Safety First
Preparatory Procedures
Start Up FRAX and Establish Communication
Create a New File
Test Lead Connection
Start Measurement
View Data
Export data
2.1Saftey First
FRAX is a Sweep Frequency Response Analyzer designed for measuring power transformers in
the field and at manufacturing sites.
Always follow local safety regulations.
Make certain that all personnel who work with FRAX instrument have been trained in its
use and that all applicable safety precautions are taken.
Always connect the instrument to protective earth/ground using the separate earth/ground
cable. The earth/ground cable should be the first connection made and the last removed.
12
FRAX User's Manual
Do not use any accessories that are not intended to use with the FRAX.
Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
2.2Preparatory Procedures
Always follow local safety regulations!
The transformer must be disconnected from the net, which means that any connection to
the transformer bushings including neutral(s) must be disconnected.
The transformer tank must be properly grounded.
If the transformer is equipped with a Load Tap Changer (LTC), the position of the LTC will
influence the FRA measurement. The recommendation is to put the LTC in the position to
include all tap windings in circuit ("Extreme Raise" position), and note that this LTC
position is used. If making measurements at several tap positions, make sure to note each
tap position.
If the transformer is equipped with a De-Energized Tap Changer (DETC), the position of the
DETC will influence the FRA measurement. The recommendation is to leave it at the
nominal tap position unless otherwise specified. Make sure to note the DETC position in the
Nameplate section of the software.
1. Connect the FRAX instrument to station earth/ground near the power transformer to be
measured using the separate earth/ground wire (at bottom of transformer if instrument is
operated beside the transformer, at another good connection to transformer at top of
transformer if instrument is used on top of transformer). The separate earth/ground wire
should be the first connection made and the last removed.
2. Connect the test lead BNC connectors to the FRAX instrument, Generator (yellow),
Reference (red) and Measure (black).
3. Connect the AC/DC Adapter to the FRAX and a power source that meets local safety
regulations
4. If not using Bluetooth communication, connect the USB cable to the FRAX and your
computer.
5. Turn on the FRAX.
6. Start FRAX-software on your PC and establish communication, see Establish Communication
.
and
the AC/DC Adapter specifications or use optional in-built battery supply.
2.3Start Up FRAX and Establish Communication
If using Bluetooth communication:
Establish Bluetooth communication, see also detailed description Bluetooth Wireless
Communication. Usually you will be assigned a serial port number, e.g. 8 that should be
used when FRAX establish connection. Note that FRAX Software remembers the last used
port.
If using USB communication:
connect the USB cable to the computer and to the FRAX.
the computer should display a message that it found new hardware
Start up the FRAX Software and establish communication
Start up FRAX Software
"Connect" by select Connect in under menu File, by clicking the Connect-button on the
right hand side of window or use the F7-key. If connections are set-up properly the window
name will change from "FRAX (Disconnected)" to FRAX (Connected). If the connection
Quick Start Tutorial
Quick Test
Makes a single sweep test with the Sweep label of your choice
Multiple Sweeps
Makes it possible to select a pre-defined test template or design
"Sweep groups"
Use Measurement as
Template
Makes it possible to use an earlier measurement as template for a new
measurement
doesn't work, you will get an error message suggesting what to do, normally selecting the
suggested port number with a green symbol next to it.
13
2.4Create a New Test
A test starts by creating a sequence of sweeps and decide where to save data by use of "New
Test".
Use the command "New Test" from the File menu or use of Ctrl+N or use of the button
"New Test".
The "Measurement type" window will appear. In "Measurement type" window, select the tab
of your choice:
If you select the "Multiple Sweeps" tab you will be given a choice of different pre-defined
templates for different transformer designs. Select Sweeps that you want to make and press
OK. Note that you can always add new sets of sweeps with different names.
If you selected "Quick Test" or "Multiple Sweeps" in the "Measurement type" dialog, an
almost empty nameplate will appear. The "Test date:" is automatically added from your PC
system date. Please fill in the Nameplate data (no field is required) and press "OK". The
selected measurement sweeps are visible in the in the Test Browser.
14
FRAX User's Manual
If the "Measurement type" "Use Measurement as Template" is used the Nameplate contains
the Template Nameplate as default, except the "Test Date" that is automatically added from
your PC system.
After enter Nameplate information and press "OK". A "Save As.." dialog where you can select
the file structure and a name of your choice . The default directory will be
first start and then the directory you used last time. The file name will be formatted as
selected in default filename settings. Click Save to save the file.
Note that you can always add information to the "Nameplate" at any time. This feature
makes it possible to add notes during the measurement.
Fore more details see New Test in chapter FRAX Software, File menu.
2.5Test Lead Connection
The new innovative FRAX clamp helps the user to connect and achieve repeatable test results
in the simplest way possible. It handles both round and flat connectors and is easy to attach
to any bushing. The firm grip allows heavy cables and accessories to be mounted near the
bushing without any risk of the clamp falling off. The new clamp offers all necessary
connectors (BNC, ground braid, cable strain relief) in one clamp. See Appendix E: FRAX cables
and clamps.
My Docum ents
on
Quick Start Tutorial
15
Make sure to follow local safety regulations! Local safety regulations most certainly prescribe
all bushing connections to be earthed/grounded when working on the transformer e.g.
connecting the FRAX test leads. The ground braid shall go from the top clamp the shortest
way to the bottom of the bushing. Good ground connection is essential.
Important! The test connection polarity is important since reversed polarity will produce
different results. The user has to establish a polarity convention. In this software it is assumed,
and recommended, that H1-H0 imply the red/yellow connectors (source and reference) is
connected to H1 and the black (measure) is connected to H0.
Connect FRAX test leads:
Make sure to remove paint and or rust from the nuts or bolts used on the flange for proper
measurement ground connections.
Connect the red and yellow (source and reference) to the clamp at the top of a bushing and
corresponding ground braid to the base of bushing. Make sure that the braid do not touch
any conducting part at top of bushing.
Connect the black (measure) lead to the clamp at the top of the other bushing and the
corresponding ground braid to the base of bushing. Make sure that the braid do not touch
any conducting part at top of bushing.
Following local safety regulations, remove possible ground connections from top of the
bushings.
Using an easy repeatable cable setup is crucial to ensure reliable FRA results.
16
FRAX User's Manual
2.6Test System Verification
Test leads should be checked for continuity and integrity before use. The best means for
checking lead integrity and correct operation of the equipment is to perform the FRA selfcheck using a standard test object. This check is especially valuable for checking FRA test
equipment, since there is generally no intuitive way of knowing if the test equipment is
giving correct results when making field measurements.
Quick Start Tutorial
17
Here you can see the result of test measurements. Showing short circuit measurement (black)
1), open circuit measurement using FRAX-101 (green)2) and FTB-101 measurement (red).
1) A simple test to check the integrity of test leads is a short circuit test. Simply connect the
"Source"/"Reference" and "Measure" clip together and connect the respective measurement
earth/ground together. The result should be an almost straight line around 0 dB (black).
2) An open circuit measurement should in theory provide a 0-response, i.e. a minus infinity
dB-response. However, all measurement systems have internal noise and the test leads will
also add some response from open clips ends. Separate the "Source"/"Reference" clip from
the "Measure" clip. The clips itself will give some influence at highest frequencies, if you
disconnect the "Measure" coaxial cable from the FRAX unit you will see the noise in the
measurement system (green)
18
FRAX User's Manual
2.6.1FTB-101
FTB-101 is a field test box that is intended to be used to verify the leads and the equipment as
recommended by CIGRE and several others. Use the FTB-101 and make a test sweep. If the
hook-up and the equipment is is good working order the sweep should look as the picture.
You can compare the results with the file
and is available from the installation folder, usually
FTB-101.frax
that is shipped with the FRAX software
C:\Program
Files\M eg g er\FRAX \ M easurem ent ex am ples
Quick Start Tutorial
Use the FTB-101 and make a test sweep1). If the hook-up and the equipment is in good
working order the sweep should look as the picture. You can compare the results with the
file
FTB-101.frax
that is shipped with the FRAX software.
19
1) Connect the "Source"/"Reference" clip to the left-hand side connector and the braid from
the clip to the bottom connector. Connect "Measure" clip to the right-hand side connector
and the braid from the clip to the bottom connector. Also connect the bottom connector to
ground/earth (otherwise the system will face some interference at 50/60Hz).
2.7Start Measurement
Execute measurement by selecting a measurement in the Legend at the left side. In the
picture below the blue color shows that H2-H1 (Open) is selected. Start the measurement by
pressing the Start button, F9-key or selecting Start under the File menu.
FT B 10 1
Field Test Box for FRAX
REFERENCE
20
FRAX User's Manual
2.8View Data
You can view data in the FRAX Software, for more details try it out and see FRAX Software
2.9Export Data
If you want to use the data in other software you can use the data files directly or export the
data of your choice, see Export... under FRAX Software, File menu.
Welcome to Megger Installer for FRAX.
To install FRAX Software press Next witch will bring you to License Agreement
Installing FRAX Software
21
3.3License Agreement
Read the license and check the "I accept the terms in the License Agreement" checkbox. This
will enable the Next button. To continue the installation press Next. This will bring you to
Installation Location.
3.4Already Installed
If the FRAX software is previously installed you are asked if you want to uninstall the older
version or not. It is recommended that you uninstall the previously installed version before
installing a new version. If you choose to keep the old version you have to specify a different
directory for the new version.
22
FRAX User's Manual
3.5Installation Location
Select the location to which the FRAX Software will be installed. Make sure you have enough
space available on your hard drive. To continue the installation press Next. This will take you
to the Shortcuts Screen.
3.6Shortcuts Screen
This is where you select the shortcuts to be installed. You are now ready to install the
software. To install the application press Install. This will bring you to Installation Progress.
Installing FRAX Software
23
3.7Installation Progress
The application executables and registry items are being installed. When the files has been
installed you will automatically be transferred to Installation Complete.
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