Article,
Radiometric partial discharge detection
Proceedings of 2008 International Conference On Condition Monitoring and Diagnosis, (2007)
Abstract
Radio frequency (RF) detection of partial discharges (PD) is a long-istablished
principle, being described in the international standard for partial
discharge measurement. The growing market for mobile communication
devices in recent years has led to big reductions in the cost of
electronic hardware operating in the VHF and UHF bands, making advanced
measurements of PD in these bands increasingly affordable. Some 20
years ago, ultra-high frequency methods for PD detection were pioneered
in gas-insulated substations (GIS) and have since become widely accepted.
Locating PD in GIS is essentially a one-dimensional problem. More
recent research into PD location in power transformers, also using
the UHF method, has had to address the more challenging problem of
PD location in three-dimensions. Both the GIS and transformer applications
monitor enclosed volumes, where the PD is within a metalclad system
that traps the signal and provides good screening of external RF
interference. At the same time, other researchers have developed
RF detection and location systems for open environments, such as
complete air-insulated substations. When deployed in a fixed installation
or a surveying vehicle equipped with GPS, this system is capable
of monitoring insulation defects as they develop, and provides a
location capability using sophisticated signal processing. This paper
begins with an overview of some aspects of radiometric monitoring
techniques and goes on to outline some research challenges which
it is hoped will attract the attention of the many researchers who
are continuing to advance the areas of radiometric PD detection,
measurement and location technology.
