Partial discharge detection in cables using VHF capacitive couplers

In order to detect and locate partial discharge (PD) activity within HV cables and in particular cable joints, the feasibility of using a very high frequency WHO capacitive coupler technique has been investigated. In addition, an alternative PD offline test method for cable joints or cable sections within long cable systems has been developed. By energising the joint or a short section of the cable screen only this method has the advantage of reducing the power supply requirement of the test source. The application of capacitive couplers for this PD offline test method has been investigated. In order to use this approach there must be an insulation gap between the coupler and the outer sheath of the test cable. The effect of this gap on measured sensitivity has been investigated experimentally and through the use of a simulation model. Obtained results are in good agreement. Cross-correlation techniques have been implemented to automatically estimate the signal time of flight from different-coupler outputs. Methods of calibrating the coupler applied to the alternative PD offline test method have also been investigated.