High Voltage Test Facility commissioning and utilization

Manitoba Hydro's High Voltage Test Facility was justified as a means of reducing avoidable costs and improving the safety of 245 kV and 500 kV equipment. The test hall has dimensions of 41 m × 38 m with 21 m from the floor to the hook of the bridge crane. The test hall is equipped with oil spill containment, three types of fire detection sensors, and a compressed air foam system for fire suppression. The major test systems of the facility were installed during the period of November 2011 through January 2013. Initial utilization experience is reported. Existing accelerated aging facilities for generator stator coils and bars have been maintained.