Locate partial discharges in transformers

Refocalisation of the time reversed pressure waves back to the partial discharge (PD) source. Only one sensor (S1) is used and the PD source is located between two windings. The red circle and black cross show the PD location and the estimated one, respectively. The dashed lines show the boundary of the windings. (a) xoy cut-plane, (b) yoz cut-plane, and (c) xoz cut-plane. 

A new method based on the time reversal technique to locate partial discharge (PD) sources in power transformers using either acoustic and/or electromagnetic sensors was developed at the EPFL. Numerical simulations and laboratory measurements on simple test setups have shown the potential superior performance of the time reversal method over classical available techniques. In this project, we aim to test both variants of the method (acoustic and electromagnetic) on more realistic transformer models with real discharges. This work should allow us to identify the most appropriate method (electromagnetic, acoustic or possibly hybrid). The choice will depend on the performance obtained during the tests but also on the sensitivity of the method to the data of the transformer available (level of precision of the model required, the impact of the different materials, etc.), as well as its specifications (bandwidth of the sensor, acquisition system, placement of the sensor, etc.).

  • Field: Electrical Engineering / Energy
  • Laboratory: STI-SCI-FR
  • Project leader:  Farhad Rachidi
  • Budget: 29’211.00 CHF