A portable instrument for the location and identification of defects generating PD

A portable instrument based on an antenna probe and suitable for partial discharge detection, have been characterized through both laboratory and on-site experiments carried out on coils and stator windings of ac rotating machines. The antenna probe allows the capture of electromagnetic waves in a bandwidth of 0.1-100 MHz. Pulse signals and ac supply voltage reference are obtained by means of high-pass and low-pass filters, respectively, so avoiding the need of a direct connection with the objects under test. By this way, real-time phase resolved partial discharge patterns can be derived. Results of a comparison of the diagnostic information provided by PD patterns due to conducted and irradiated PD signals, are reported in the paper. It is shown that the diagnostic information remains the same when the sensor is moved along the tested object thus allowing the defect location and its identification.