Partial discharges monitoring system in transformers and cables

The partial discharge analysis is one of the techniques used to diagnose the insulation degradation process of various electrical components. However, characterizing these partial-discharge sources in electrical components under operation becomes difficult due to the large amount of noise and interference. This article presents the development of a real-time monitoring system with partial discharge sensors installed in each phase of a transformer and in a power cable bay. The monitoring system also contains some other type of sensors, making it suitable to monitor some other substation elements. Regarding the correlation between the transformer ageing, the degradation of its solid insulation and the quality of the insulating oil. A database system and diagnosing software that will both manipulate the acquired information and suggest some maintenance policies are also part of the developed system.