An electrical PD location method applied to a continuous disc type transformer winding

A 6.6 kV continuous disc type winding of a distribution transformer is used to investigate the propagation of partial discharges (PD) with the aim of location. The winding was modelled, as multiconductor transmission lines with each turn represented by a transmission line. This approach results in the model being valid up to a few MHz in frequency. The validity of the model was confirmed by impedance measurements on the winding. The transfer functions calculated between probable PD source locations to winding terminals showed that the troughs (or zeros) change in frequency with the location of PD source and hence can be used for the location of PD. Transfer functions obtained experimentally using a discharge calibrator as the PD source, showed very good agreement with the calculations.