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Partial Discharges are defined as "…localized…..". The discharge energy can corrode insulation systems [CLICK]
so that ultimately a "partial" breakdown can lead to a total breakdown of the whole system. The electromagnetic
emissions of PDs can be measured [CLICK]. Guidelines [CLICK] are published in several technical standards, such
as IEC or NEMA…. [CLICK] It is widely accepted that PD measurements are a very suitable tool for quality
assurance. Critical defects [CLICK] can be detected, and in some cases the type of defect [CLICK] can be
recognized. Finally, a risk assessment of the transformer [CLICK] is possible, allowing a maintenance strategy to be
drafted.
[CLICK]
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When travelling from the PD source to the reception sensor, there are different paths that an acoustic PD signal may take:
> Via the direct oil path from the source to the tank wall and sensor. This is the propagation way used to determine the origin of
the PD, with the direct travelling path and the traveling time information a localization can be performed. In oil only pressure
waves (longitudinal) are possible.
> By structure bore ways/paths, here the sound wave hits the tank wall and travels through the metal wall to the sensor. Due to
the high sound velocities in steel this wave often arrives at the sensor earlier than the wave that goes directly through the oil
to the sensor.
> By bouncing waves, that are reflected by the tank wall.
Relocating the sensor can help to improve the signal quality and remove the structure borne path waves.
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The propagation speed in oil is dependent on the temperature of the oil and the frequency of the sound signal.
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Allows easier and more efficient fault localization, particularly in environments with a lot of interference
Reveals precise starting time of PD
Triggering either via MPD 600 PD analysis system or PDL 650 channels themselves
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When using one acoustic sensor and an electrical trigger, the possible position of the PD is located on a sphere around the
sensor, with the distance as its radius. With multiple sensors there are spheres for every sensor, the common intersection point
(if it exists) of these spheres gives the location of the PD source.
When using only acoustic sensors, no absolute starting time is known, so only a trajectory surface between the two sensors can
be found, indicating the time difference between both sensors. With more sensors there are more trajectory surfaces and on the
intersection of these the PD origin can be found, if they have a point in common where they intersect.
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When 2 spheres around 2 sensors intersect, they form a line that gives you a clue which region the PD may be located in. This is
a good method for establishing a basic understanding of the position of the PD, so that the sensors can be relocated.
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To get a point for the localization, 3 spheres must intersect at one point.
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Averaging increases the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by ݊, where n is the amount of recorded signals/impulses.
So with a stable trigger it is possible to increase the quality of the signal and to reduce statistical noise.
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Evaluation of measurement results:
> check the results for every sensor on its own
> increase the number of sensors step by step (area, line, point, etc.)
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