Partial Discharge Detection in Power Transformers
Summary
Partial discharge (PD) denotes a localised electrical breakdown within the solid, liquid or gaseous insulation of a high-voltage transformer that does not completely bridge the electrodes. Over time, PD activity degrades insulating materials, accelerates ageing, and can precipitate catastrophic failure. Early detection of PD enables condition-based maintenance, reduces unplanned outages and extends transformer lifespan. Techniques for PD detection encompass electrical methods (pulse-current and IEC-compliant voltage sensing), electromagnetic approaches (ultra-high-frequency or UHF monitoring), acoustic emission (AE) analysis, optical sensing and dissolved-gas analysis. Each modality offers distinct advantages: electrical methods provide direct discharge amplitude measurements; UHF approaches afford high immunity to external noise; AE techniques enable spatial localisation of emission sources; optical systems deliver immunity to electromagnetic interference; and gas analysis identifies fault gases generated by PD. Advances in signal processing, machine learning classification and portable data acquisition have converged to support real-time online monitoring, fault-type discrimination and predictive diagnostics. Globally, enhanced PD detection underpins the reliability of electricity networks, facilitates the integration of renewable generation and safeguards critical infrastructure.
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Partial Discharge Detection in Power Transformers publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in partial discharge detection in power transformers across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Partial discharge (PD): A localised electrical breakdown in insulating material that does not bridge the electrodes completely, indicating incipient insulation defects.
Phase-resolved partial discharge (PRPD): A diagnostic representation plotting discharge magnitude against the voltage phase, used to characterise defect types.
Ultra-high frequency (UHF): Electromagnetic waves in the 300 MHz to 3 GHz band, exploited for PD detection due to low external noise interference.
Acoustic emission (AE): Ultrasonic waves generated by rapid stress release during PD events, detectable by piezoelectric or fibre-optic sensors.
Optical detection: The capture of light emissions, including ultraviolet and visible radiation, produced by PD channels, offering immunity to electromagnetic disturbances.
References
- Detection technology of partial discharge in transformer based on optical signal. Energy Reports (2023).
- Development of Acoustic Emission Sensor Optimized for Partial Discharge Monitoring in Power Transformers. Sensors (2019).
- Application of UHF Sensors in Power System Equipment for Partial Discharge Detection: A Review. Sensors (2019).
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