Understanding Partial Discharges and Their Impact on High-Voltage Insulation Systems

Partial discharges (PDs) are a natural phenomenon that occurs in high-voltage insulation systems, and understanding them is essential in order to properly maintain and diagnose any electrical systems. In this post, we'll discuss what PDs are, how to identify them, and their potential impact on high-voltage insulation systems.

Causes of Partial Discharges in High-Voltage Insulation Systems

Partial Discharges can occur due to flaws or failure in the insulation system such as air gaps, voids, and moisture ingression. These can cause increased energy losses and electrical noise which leads to possible equipment failure. In order to address this issue, Condition Based Monitoring (CBM) is implemented to perform offline and online diagnostics with a high-speed data acquisition system to detect anomalies in the insulation. This helps detect any possible deterioration in the power generators while they are still operating at full load, instead of waiting for complete breakdown. As such, CBM is an important step towards preventive maintenance and can be used to avoid partial discharge insulation failure and related downtime.

Condition-Based Monitoring to Detect Partial Discharge Insulation Failure

Condition-based monitoring (CBM) to detect partial discharge (PD) insulation failure can help to identify when stator winding deterioration is occurring. By using condition-based monitoring, it is possible to determine the exact location of the PD activity, which helps to identify and manage problems before they become more serious. This is because the high-speed data acquisition system that CBM uses can be employed to detect PD activity in power generators, motors, switchgear, and dry-type transformers. Moreover, being able to determine the exact location of the problem helps to minimize damage costs, as well as helping to reduce the risk of forced outages and lost revenue. In conclusion, condition-based monitoring is an invaluable tool for detecting partial discharge insulation failure and should be used in all industrial operations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, partial discharges are unavoidable and can cause damage to high-voltage insulation systems if not detected and addressed quickly. It is essential to understand what PDs are and how to identify them in order to ensure that electrical systems remain safe and reliable for as long as possible. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can confidently tackle any issue related to partial discharges when it arises.