The dielectric strenght of a transformer represents the maximum voltage permissible to apply across the transformer insulation i.e. between the transformer winding to another part of the transformer, normally the chassis or another winding and without break-down of the insulation ocurring (e.g. arcing).
The breakdown voltage of a transformer represents a voltage that exceeds its dielectric strenght and that causes breakdown e.g. arcing across the insulation.
ASTM D149 - 09 Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at Commercial Power Frequencies
3KV/mm or 3X10^6 V/M
When you say BDV you might mean the dielectric strength of transformer oil. A new transformer oil should have at lest a dielectric strength of 39 KV. from a British standard.Transformer oils used are normally tested using ASTM D877-82 with the KV strength tester using 1" electrodes spaced 0.1" apart and the test voltage increased at 3,000 volts/min until it breaks down. The average Kv obtained after 8 trials is considered the Oil dielectric strength.Using this test method,dielectric strength at 30 kv and above is considered good. Dielectric strength between 23 to 29Kvis considered usable, but requires filtering. Below 23 kv, the transformer oil should be replaced.Another method ASTM D18747-82 uses the small radius electrodes but spaced only .o4 inches. The test voltage is 500volts/min and increased until breakdown. The dielectric strength is still the average Kv obtained in 8 trials. The dielectric strength of 28-29Kv is considered good. Below 28 kv, the transformer oil is usable but requires filtering. The latter method is considered a better test method
As well as providing a cooling medium, transformer oil is also used to insulate a transformer. As its dielectric strength (how well it insulates) is much higher than air, it means that components within a transformer that are at different potentials can be placed much closer together if they are immersed in oil. So, operating an oil-filled transformer without oil will likely cause insulation breakdown within the transformer.
Most likely this is referring to the initial inrush that occurs when a transformer is energized. The core of a transformer is designed for a specific magnetic field strength; When a transformer is switched into a circuit, it usually will not be switched at exactly a voltage peak. When the voltage is at its' peak, the induced magnetic field will be at zero. If the switching occurs at a voltage zero, the magnetic field strength will attempt to climb to double the designed value; since the transformer core is not generally oversized to this degree, it will saturate. This causes large inflows of current to the transformer, and shows up as even harmonics (mainly second harmonics) in the current waveform. This settles out within a few seconds (generally) to a small energizing current, usually less than 1% of the transformer's rated current.
The dielectric breakdown strength is 3,000 volts per millimeter.
The dielectric breakdown strength is the maximum electric field that a dielectric material can withstand before it breaks down and allows electrical current to flow through it. It is a measure of the insulation properties of the material.
Generally, increased moisture levels will lower breakdown strength, especially if the dielectric readily absorbs water. Increasing temperature generally decreases breakdown strength of solid dielectrics. The dielectric strength of some materials may increase with temperature within limited temperature ranges. However, dielectric strength eventually begins to decrease at higher temperatures.
dielectric strength is tested by transformer dielectric strength oil testing machine. at first, oil which is to be tested is pour near the two electrode. both the electrode should be dipped in oil . then adjust the distance between the electrode .now start the machine.when a sound came from machine then note down the dielectric strength of the oil.
Generally, dielectric breakdown strength decreases with increasing humidity. In air, exact relationships between dielectric strength and humidity are hard to derive, due to the numerous other variables compounding the relationships (e.g. electrode size and shape, air temperature and pressure). Sources: http://www.scienceforums.net/topic/37206-dielectric-strength-of-air/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dielectric_strength
by spark gaps immersed in the oil sample
ASTM D149 - 09 Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at Commercial Power Frequencies
Dielectric breakdown of air occurs when the electric field strength exceeds the dielectric strength of air. Factors that contribute to this include high voltage levels, sharp edges or points, humidity levels, and the distance between conductors.
3KV/mm or 3X10^6 V/M
When you say BDV you might mean the dielectric strength of transformer oil. A new transformer oil should have at lest a dielectric strength of 39 KV. from a British standard.Transformer oils used are normally tested using ASTM D877-82 with the KV strength tester using 1" electrodes spaced 0.1" apart and the test voltage increased at 3,000 volts/min until it breaks down. The average Kv obtained after 8 trials is considered the Oil dielectric strength.Using this test method,dielectric strength at 30 kv and above is considered good. Dielectric strength between 23 to 29Kvis considered usable, but requires filtering. Below 23 kv, the transformer oil should be replaced.Another method ASTM D18747-82 uses the small radius electrodes but spaced only .o4 inches. The test voltage is 500volts/min and increased until breakdown. The dielectric strength is still the average Kv obtained in 8 trials. The dielectric strength of 28-29Kv is considered good. Below 28 kv, the transformer oil is usable but requires filtering. The latter method is considered a better test method
The dielectric,usually the insulator between the plates of a capacitor, can be overstressed by the application of too high voltages applied to the capacitor plates. The dielectric breaks down and a current flows between the plates until,either they are discharged, or an equilibrium is reached,below the working voltage of the capacitor. If the dielectric is damaged in this process he capacitor must be replaced. Some dielectric material self heal and can recover from an over voltage.
As well as providing a cooling medium, transformer oil is also used to insulate a transformer. As its dielectric strength (how well it insulates) is much higher than air, it means that components within a transformer that are at different potentials can be placed much closer together if they are immersed in oil. So, operating an oil-filled transformer without oil will likely cause insulation breakdown within the transformer.