Partial Discharge

Detection, Location & Continuous

Monitoring of Transformers

Dipl.-Ing. Falk Werner

Doble Engineering Co.
© Doble Engineering Co. 2016
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2
 Outline

1. Why Measure Partial Discharge in Transformers?

2. What is Partial Discharge?

3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

4. Permanent Monitoring

5. Case Studies and Examples

3
 1. Why Measure Partial Discharge?

• PD is an indicator for weaknesses in an insulation system

• PD deteriorates an insulation system over time
• Four questions
• Is there PD? (Detection)
• What kind of PD?
• Where is PD? (Location)
• How bad is that PD?
• Is it getting worse? (Continuous Monitoring)

4
 1. Why Measure Partial Discharge?

• Identification of failures, prevention of unplanned outages

 2. What is Partial Discharge

What is Partial Discharge?

Definition according to IEC 60270[2]:

partial discharge (PD)

localized electrical discharge that only partially bridges the insulation between conductors and which can or can not
occur adjacent to a conductor
NOTE 1 Partial discharges are in general a consequence of local electrical stress concentrations in the insulation or
on the surface of the insulation. Generally, such discharges appear as pulses having a duration of much less than
1 μs. More continuous forms can, however, occur, such as the so-called pulse-less discharges in gaseous dielectrics.
This kind of discharge will normally not be detected by the measurement methods described in this standard.
NOTE 2 "Corona" is a form of partial discharge that occurs in gaseous media around conductors which are
remote from solid or liquid insulation. "Corona" should not be used as a general term for all forms of PD.
NOTE 3 Partial discharges are often accompanied by emission of sound, light, heat, and chemical reactions.

6
 2. What is Partial Discharge

What is Partial Discharge?

Localized breakdown of the

insulation system

7
 2. What is Partial Discharge

Partial Discharge
• Generation of free charge carriers
• Partial breakdown of the
insulation system
• E.g. Inhomogeneous field
• Discharge criteria are met only
in certain parts of the dielectric

[1] Andreas Küchler – Hochspannungstechnik, 2. Edition, Axel Springer, 2005

8
 2. What is Partial Discharge

• Defects in the dielectric causing PD:

(liquid insulation systems)
• Small radii of curvatures Sharp Edge

(leads, spikes, conductive particles)

• Gas generation Voids
(gas bubbles, gas layers) Particle (Gas Bubbles) Gas Layers

• Tangential overstraining of insulating

material surfaces
(pressboard barrier systems) Arrangements for Capacitor-Dielectrica

Surface Discharges in Oil with coat edge

[1]

Barrier Arrangement Tangential stressed

with filament brigde boundary surface

9
 2. What is Partial Discharge

• Defects in the dielectric causing PD:

(solid insulation systems)
• Voids, cavities
• Cracks
• Delaminations Voids without (1) or
Cracks, Gaps and
with (2) electrode contact
uncompleted Layers
and delamination (3)

Delamination at staple Cable with Termination

[1]
boundary surfaces (1) Voids through treeing
(2) Voids at boundary surface

10
 2. What is Partial Discharge

• Partial Discharges in Gases:

• Corona discharge
• Sharp edges
• Conductors with too small
diameter Sharp Edge Thin Wire Particle
• Sharp edged particles
• Surface discharges
• Generally faced problem
• Countermeasures
Arrangements for Surface Discharges
• Capacitive potential grading at bushings Streamer Discharges
Glow discharges
[Küchler, 1996]
• Geometric field grading at terminations [1]
• Prolongation of leakage distance and hydrophobic surfaces on insulators

11
 2. What is Partial Discharge

Simple example:
Townsend Discharge

• Moving charge carriers (current) in

Source: Andreas Küchler – Hochspannungstechnik,

dielectric

2. Edition, Axel Springer, 2005

12
 2. What is Partial Discharge

Glow Discharge
• Independent (PD creates further PD) Ignition electrons for further
avalanches caused by photo
ionization
• Photoionization
• Space charge effects apply
• Streamer, Leader Discharge
(-) Cathode
[1]

13
 2. What is Partial Discharge

Streamer Mechanism
• Multiple avalanches

[1]

(-) Cathode (+) Anode

14
 2. What is Partial Discharge

Different Discharge Phenomena

15
 2. What is Partial Discharge

Glow → streamer → leader → breakdown

Source: Matthias Kallenberger

16
2. What is Partial Discharge

Source: Bert Hickman

17
 2. What is Partial Discharge

Partial Discharge in Insulation Systems

• Appear in gases, liquids and solid insulation systems
• Discharges that do not lead to a breakdown of the insulation instantly
• Leads to erosion of the insulation system
• Decreases life time of insulation system

[1]

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 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

1. PD Measurement Theory
2. Factory Acceptance Testing
3. On-Site Testing
1. Bushing Tap Measurement/Monitoring
2. UHF PD Measurement/Monitoring
3. HFCT PD Measurement
4. Acoustic PD Location

19
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.1 PD Measurement Theory

20
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.1 PD Measurement Theory

PD Detection Principles
Optical Effects
Optical
HV
(Light) Acoustic

Pressure Wave
Mechanical Opto-acoustic
(Sound)

Discharge Effects
Dielectric Losses
Electrical IEC 60270
High Frequency
Waves
HF/VHF/UHF

Chemical Effects Chemical

Heat

All detection principles are based on the energy conversion during the discharge event
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 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.1 PD Measurement Theory

PD Detection Principles
• ABC Model: Void in insulation

void with PD equivalent circuit

22
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.1 PD Measurement Theory

PD Detection Principles
• ABC Model: Void in insulation

without PD
inception volt.
extinction volt.

with PD

Grey: parts of the phase of the external

applied voltage in which partial
discharge can appear

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 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.1 PD Measurement Theory

PD Detection Principles
• ABC Model: Void in insulation

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 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.1 PD Measurement Theory

PD Detection Principles
Video: IEC 60270 compliant PD measurement

25
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.1 PD Measurement Theory

PD Detection Principles
Video: IEC 60270 compliant PD measurement (PRPD Pattern)

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 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.1 PD Measurement Theory

Identification of different types of PD by analysis of phase resolved PD (PRPD) pattern

Corona Discharges Void discharge in oil- Surface discharge in

paper insulation oil

Source: [3]
D. J. Kraaij, G.S. Schemel, F.M. Wegscheider: Die Prüfung von Leistungs-
Transformatoren, Buchverlag Elektrotechnik 1983

Floating potential Poor contact

27
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.1 PD Measurement Theory

Identification of different types of PD by analysis of phase resolved PD (PRPD) pattern

Corona Discharge
a) Corona in gas at a tip
against a plate. Evenly
distributed pulses of
constant magnitude. Needle HV Needle GND
Pulse frequency
increases with voltage
(with increasing voltage additional pulses in the other half of the period appear)
[1]

b) Corona in oil at a tip

against a plate. Smaller
evenly distributed pulses
of constant magnitude.
Pulse frequency
increases with voltage Needle HV
Needle GND
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 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.1 PD Measurement Theory

Identification of different types of PD by analysis of phase resolved PD (PRPD) pattern

Void or Surface Discharge

c) Void or surface discharge
with one sided contact
to an electrode (Surface
discharges can be
recognized by intensive
and erratic Streamer Electrode HV Electrode GND
discharges)
(Magnitudes in both halves of the period differ by a minimum factor of 3)

[1]
d) Void or surface discharge
without contact to an (Magnitudes in both halves of the
electrode period differ by a maximum
(Discharge between factor of 3)
insulated conductors)

29
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.1 PD Measurement Theory

Identification of different types of PD by analysis of phase resolved PD (PRPD) pattern

← Void Discharge Corona →

30
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.2 Factory Acceptance Testing

IEC/IEEE compliant PD Testing
Wide band measurement acc. to IEC60270 / IEEE C57.113-2010
30kHz ≤ f1 ≤ 100kHz
f2 ≤ 500kHz
100kHz ≤ Δf ≤ 400 kHz

Measurement impedance in series

Bushing tap capacitance as coupling
with coupling capacitance
capacitance
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 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.2 Factory Acceptance Testing

IEC, 60076-3:2000 - Power transformers – Part 3: Insulation levels, dielectric tests and external
clearances in air, Geneva: IEC, 2000 [4].

32
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.2 Factory Acceptance Testing

IEC, 60076-3:2000 - Power transformers – Part 3: Insulation levels, dielectric tests and external
clearances in air, Geneva: IEC, 2000 [4].

33
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.2 Factory Acceptance Testing

IEC, 60076-3:2000 Acceptance Criteria
(Short-duration induced AC withstand voltage test (ACSD) for transformers with uniformly insulated high-voltage windings)
• No collapse of test voltage;
• The continuous level of ‘apparent charge; at U2 during the second 5 min does not exceed 300pC on all
measuring terminals;
• The partial discharge behaviour does not show a continuing rising tendency;
• The continuous level of apparent charges does not exceed 100pC at 1.1

34
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.3 On Site Testing: Bushing Tap Measurements

35
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.3 On Site Testing: Bushing Tap Measurements

• Measurement in accordance with IEC standard 60270

• Apparent charge Qiec [pC] used as quantifiable metric
(acceptance levels)
• Phase Resolved PD Pattern used for analysis
• Requires access to live parts of the system (outage
required for installation)
• Potentially heavily affected by noise
36
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.3 On Site Testing: Bushing Tap Measurements

Problem: Noise Levels

within IEC 60270 frequency outside IEC 60270 frequency

Application/Measurement
range (100 - 500 kHz) range (< 10 MHz)

test laboratory < 2 pC -

30 – 150 pC [5], < 50 pC

onsite offline
< 50 pC [6] [6]
noise levels up to 10 nC; 100 pC
onsite online
700 pC [7] [8]

37
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.3 On Site Testing: Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Measurements

• Utilizing UHF antennas as sensors (drain valve or top hatch)

Tank
Valve
Connector

38
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.3 On Site Testing: Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Measurements

• Advantages of UHF Measurements at Transformers
Drain valve
Output Pre-amplifier

UHF PD probe DN80

High-pass filter

Input

Transformer

+ very insensitive to external noises

+ very sensitive to internal PD
(measurement inside faraday‘s cage)
+ on-line setup and measurement • Phase Resolved PD Pattern used for
+ periodic assessment or permanent analysis
monitoring • No apparent charge information Qiec [pC]
• Measurement can be normalized and
- straight valve required for valve antenna trended
(ball or gate valve, no butterfly) • No access to live parts required, no
outage required for installation 39
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.3 On Site Testing: High Frequency Current Transformer (HFCT) Measurements

Theory of operation and schematic of a High Frequency Current Transformer

Frequency range depends on application:

• 100-500kHz (IEC lab testing,
e.g. capacitor testing)
• 100kHz-20MHz
(integrated in bushing monitor)
• 2MHz-20MHz
(general purpose PD assessment,
e.g. transformer)
• UHF >100MHz (cable termination testing)
• No access to live parts, no outage required
for installation

40
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.3 On Site Testing: High Frequency Current Transformer (HFCT) Measurements

41
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.3 On Site Testing: High Frequency Current Transformer (HFCT) Measurements

HFCT can be integrated into bushing monitoring.

PD pulses are de-coupled from test object via bushing
tap capacitance and an HFCT is attached to the signal
path via the bushing monitor.

42
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.3 On Site Testing: High Frequency Current Transformer (HFCT) Measurements

• Phase Resolved PD Pattern used for analysis

• No apparent charge information Qiec [pC]
• Measurement can be normalized and trended
• No access to live parts required, no outage
required for installation

43
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.4 On Site Testing: Acoustic Measurements

Cannot be calibrated
Physical mechanism
Usually time domain measurement
Commonly used bandwidth 10 – 300 kHz

Sensors can be applied in service

Insensitive to electrical noises

Location and frequency dependend signal

Data (attenuation due to materials and frequency)
acquisition
Partial Discharge
Sonic waves
Geometric localization of PD possible
Piezo-
Sensor

44
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.4 On Site Testing: Acoustic Measurements

Spectrum of core noises of a transformer Acoustic PD spectrum

[9]
Good signal to noise ratio in laboratory as well as on site

45
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.4 On Site Testing: Acoustic Measurements

Acoustic phase resolved patterns and

statistical information help with identification
of problems.

46
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

3.4 On Site Testing: Acoustic Measurements

Problem desription:

S3 (x s3 , ys3 , z s3 )
Schematic display of a
transformer with i acoustic
sensors
S D3
(x s4 , y s44, z s4 )
D4 D2 S2 x  x   y  y   z  z   v  T 
s1
2
s1
2
s1
2
s S1
2

Si
(x si , y si , z si ) Di PD
(x s2 , y s2 , z s2 )
x  xs 2 2   y  ys 2 2  z  zs 2 2  vs  TS 2 2
(x, y, D1
x  xs3 2   y  ys3 2  z  zs3 2  vs  TS 3 2
z) S (x , y , z )
1 s1 s1 s1

Iterative Solution
Mixed-acoustic signal runtimes (PD-Sensor) (e.g. electrical/UHF-acoustic)
Algebraic Solution
electricT S1
S1 TS 2 S2 S3 (GPS Algorithm) [9]
U(t) TS 3

47
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

Summary

PD Measurement

Electrical Measurement acc. UHF / HFCT PD Acoustic PD Detection and

IEC 60270 / IEEE C57.113 Detection Location

periodic periodic
On indication
permanent permanent

• Coupling capacitor and • HFCT on neutral or tank GND • Detection of acoustic

measurement impedance • Detection of PD PD emissions using
• Quantification of PD (Qiec) • Trending ultrasonic transducers
• Trending • Classification of PD • Detection and Location
• Classification of PD

48
 3. PD Measurement Approaches on Transformers

Summary

Method Detection Quantification Classification Trending Phase Geometric

(IEC/IEEE) Association Location

IEC/IEEE     

Non IEC    
bushing tap
HFCT    

UHF    

Acoustic    
with limitations

DGA  
with limitations with limitations

49
 4. Permanent Monitoring

Numerous parameters tied together for

comprehensive analysis.

• Correlation of data makes analysis

easier / possible
• Real time health monitoring

50
4. Permanent Monitoring

51
 5. Case Studies and Examples

1. Failed FAT and Subsequent Acoustic PD Location

2. HFCT Assessment
3. HFCT and Acoustic PD Assessment
4. UHF / HFCT / Acoustic assessment

52
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.1 Failed FAT and Subsequent Acoustic PD Location

Transformer failed FAT with ~7nC of PD on one phase

→ Geometric location required for repairs

53
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.1 Failed FAT and Subsequent Acoustic PD Location

Transformer failed FAT with >7nC of PD on one phase

→ Geometric location required for repairs

54
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.1 Failed FAT and Subsequent Acoustic PD Location

S3 (x s3 , ys3 , z s3 )

S D3
(x s4 , y s44, z s4 ) D2
D4 S2
Si (x s2 , y s2 , z s2 )
(x si , y si , z si ) Di PD
(x, y, D1
z) S (x , y , z )
1 s1 s1 s1

electricT S1
S1 TS 2 S2 S3
U(t TS 3
)

t
x  x   y  y   z  z   v  T 
s1
2
s1
2
s1
2
s S1
2

x  xs 2    y  ys 2   z  zs 2   vs  TS 2 2
2 2 2

x  xs3 2   y  ys3 2  z  zs3 2  vs  TS 3 2

55
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.1 Failed FAT and Subsequent Acoustic PD Location

56
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.2 UHF / HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

Location: Eastern Saudi Arabia
Test Object:
56MVA 230kV / 13.8kV Transformer
YNyn0(d)
Sealed transformer
Test Methods:
• UHF drain valve antenna
• HFCT on both neutrals
• Acoustic measurement on cable terminations and main tank
Reference Voltage: In phase with H1 and L1

57
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.2 UHF / HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

UHF Measurement:
Acquired pattern indicates PD on phase 3 (reference is phase 1, PD pattern 240 deg ahead)

58
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.2 UHF / HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

HFCT Measurement on N and n

HV neutral LV neutral

Conclusion: PD on H3 (pattern 240 deg ahead of H1)

59
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.2 UHF / HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

Cable Terminations UHF HFCT Measurement

H1 No PD on H1

H2 PD on H2 termination

H3 PD on H3 / H3 termination

60
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.2 UHF / HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

Cable Terminations UHF HFCT Measurement
Acoustic Measurements
• No acoustic signals of sufficient quality to
calculate geometric location
• Location narrowed down based on statistical
characteristics of measured signals

61
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.2 UHF / HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

Cable Terminations UHF HFCT Measurement

Measurement Observation Conclusion

UHF antenna PD on Phase H/L 3 or H/L 2 Clear PD patterns, most likely associated with H3
Inside main tank (higher) and H2 (lower), the cable lead outs and/or
HFCT on neutrals PD on H3 high potential part of the winding.
Acoustic PD in the area around H3 H2
HV terminations HFCT PD characteristics on all 3 HFCT PD (<20MHz) most likely from transformer
phases, H2 strongest and not termination. No acoustic signals that
HV terminations No acoustic Signals on HV cable indicate PD in the cable termination boxes;
acoustic connection boxes however, UHF measurements indicate PD on H2
(stronger) and H3 (weaker) termination.

62
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.3 HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

Test Object:
Three phase load tap changing transformer
Test Methods:
• HFCT on neutral and tank
• Acoustic measurement on main tank
Reference Voltage: unknown
DGA data indicates presence of PD

63
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.3 HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

HFCT Data (X0)
• Two separate PD sources are observed
120° and 240° ahead of reference

64
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.3 HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

Acoustic Measurement
• Systematic approach to AE (acoustic emission) measurement
1. Segmentation of transformer into 4 walls (N, W, S, E)
2. Analysis of signals on each wall
3. Choice of sensor locations for location measurement

65
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.3 HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

Acoustic Measurement
• North wall
-> distinct patterns

66
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.3 HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

Acoustic Measurement
• West wall
-> 2 different patterns visible

67
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.3 HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

Acoustic Measurement
• South wall
-> Pattern different than north wall

68
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.3 HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

Acoustic Measurement
• East wall

69
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.3 HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

Acoustic Measurement
• Two different PD sources detected on opposite sides of the transformer
• Next: Choice of sensor locations

70
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.3 HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

Acoustic Measurement
• Choice of sensor locations
• Measurement of acoustic arrival times
for specific arrangements
• Note oil temperature
• Record sensor locations

71
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.3 HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

Acoustic Measurement
• Choice of sensor locations
1. Measurement of acoustic arrival times
for specific arrangements
2. Calculation of acoustic emission origin location

72
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.3 HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

Acoustic Measurement
Location results based on sensor locations, oil temp and arrival times

73
 5. Case Studies and Examples

5.3 HFCT / Acoustic PD Assessment

Acoustic Measurement
Location results based on sensor
locations, oil temp and arrival times

74
 References

[1] Andreas Küchler – Hochspannungstechnik, 2. Edition, Axel Springer, 2005

[2] IEC International Standard 60270. High Voltage Test Techniques – Partial Discharge Measurements, International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Geneva, Switzerland, 3rd Edition, 2000
[3] D. J. Kraaij, G.S. Schemel, F.M. Wegscheider: Die Prüfung von Leistungs-Transformatoren, Buchverlag Elektrotechnik 1983
[4] IEC, 60076-3:2000 - Power transformers – Part 3: Insulation levels, dielectric tests and external clearances in air, Geneva:
IEC, 2000.
[5] R. Huber: Integriertes Überwachungskonzept für Großtransformatoren unter mehrstufigem Einsatz von offline und online
Methoden, Micafil-Symposium, Stuttgart, 2004
[6] R. Bräunlich, M. Hässig, J. Fuhr, T. Aschwanden: Assessment of Insulation Condition of Large Power Transformers by On-Site
Electrical Diagnostic Methods, Conference Record of the 2000 IEEE International Symposium on Electrical Insulation,
Anaheim, CA USA, April 2-5, 2000
[7] K. Feser, E. Grossmann, M. Lauersdorf, T. Grun: Improvement of Sensitivity in online PD-measurements on transformers by
digital filtering, Eleventh International Symposium on High Voltage Engineering, 1999
[8] S.Coenen, S. Tenbohlen, S.M. Markalous, S. Strehl “Sensitivity of UHF PD Measurements in Power Transformers”, IEEE
Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, Vol. 15, No. 6, pp. 1553-1558
[9] S. M. Markalous, S. Tenbohlen, K. Feser: “Detection and Location of Partial Discharges in Power Transformers using acoustic
and electromagnetic signals”, IEEE Trans. on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, Vol. 15, No. 6, pp. 1576-1583
75