A strategy to identify breakdown location in MITICA test facility: results of high voltage test campaign

The Acceleration Grid Power Supply of the MITICA test facility in Padova (Italy) is currently under commissioning. power conversion system, DC generator, and High Voltage equipment have been individually commissioned, whereas integration tests are ongoing. It a challenging process due to unconventional application, variety different electrical technologies involved complexity interfaces. During integrated supplies achievement 700 kV stable operation has demonstrated for first time Neutral Beam Injector, but an unexpected event occurred, most likely breakdown HV part, which resulted fault generator. A subsequent using auxiliary supply was performed check voltage withstanding capability plant, another occurred at around 1MV. This paper describes activity identify location breakdowns affecting tests. campaign devised with increased diagnostic capabilities specific strategy conceived trigger intentional locations collect measurement patterns cases. results will be presented current understanding issue described, view on future further improvements diagnostics.