2008 International Conference on Condition Monitoring and Diagnosis, Beijing, China, April 21-24, 2008

Online Partial Discharge Detection and

Location Techniques for Condition Monitoring
of Power Transformers: A Review
A. Santosh Kumar1*, Dr. R.P. Gupta1, Dr. K. Udayakumar,2 A.Venkatasami1
1

CG Global R&D Centre, Crompton Greaves Ltd, Kanjur Marg, Mumbai 400 042
2
Anna University, Chennai 600 025
*E-mail : santosh.annadurai@cgl.co.in

allow indications on the long term behavior of the PD activity

and therefore on the insulation condition. For information on
the actual PD occurrence acoustic and electric PD
measurements are preferable. The focus of acoustic or
ultrasonic measurements is bases on a PD location, whereas
the electric measurements are orientated to a precise
determination of the apparent charge, although investigations
have shown, that sometimes a PD location is possible but
complicated. A combination of both techniques with the aim
to make an exact determination of the PD origins and the
apparent charge are available.
Preliminary investigations have shown that online
wideband electrical decoupled PD signals can in general be
efficiently evaluated by various pattern recognition methods in
Index Terms--online, offline, onsite Partial discharge detection, order to determine the PD origin and its apparent charge. The
functional principle of these methods is based on the
location techniques, acoustic emission technique, UHF technique.
evaluation of the characteristic distortion of a PD signal
caused by its transmission from the origin through the winding
to the decoupling point. Advanced post processing techniques
I. INTRODUCTION
are used to classify the signal in terms of type of deformation
ajority of transformers used in power supply systems are
and origin using PD pattern. Furthermore a new method for
in service for several decades without any knowledge
the evaluation of electric measured partial discharges has been
how long they will operate satisfactorily, because of the
developed. This method uses the transfer functions of a
uncertainty of their insulation condition. Therefore a partial
transformer for a PD location and enables additional
discharge measurement and localization is useful for an
possibilities.
insulation diagnosis with the aim to optimize both
maintenance and life risk management.
II. INTRODUCTION OF PARTIALDISCHARGES IN
PD measurement techniques on oil filled power
TRANSFORMERS
transformers can be subdivided in offline and online tests,
Most common sources of partial discharge in transformers
which are based on electrical measurements or conventional
method (IEC 60270) and chemical, acoustical and electrical are voids produced when thinner pressboard sheets are glued
measurements respectively. Offline Narrowband electrical PD together to form thick barriers, Voids produced in glue and in
measurements needs an enormous effort concerning the connections with enameled conductor covering, further more
required equipment is unavoidable. Besides the measurement due to insufficient impregnation in bushings, bubbles
apparatus an external generator generally with a higher evolution from discharges and evaporation of droplets, fixed
voltage frequency than the normally used one is necessary, if metallic particles left from the production process, moisture
test voltages at higher than the nominal voltage are required. due to ageing, bad connection of electric shield contributing to
Due to the fact that this measurement is performed offline large discharges since capacitance of the defect is large, Static
both the electrical and thermal condition of the insulation electrification and surface tracking along barrier surfaces and
differs from the site conditions, thus the results have to be along supports.
Partial discharges in a system can be classified as internal
scrutinized.
Chemical methods are based on the analysis of dissolved discharges, surface discharges, corona discharges and
gas generated inside the transformer due to PD activity. The Discharges due to trees (internal discharges). Partial discharge
integral characteristic of these regularly performed analyses analysis mainly involves the steps detection, measurement,
Abstract--Partial discharge (PD) is an important indicator of
insulation condition in a power transformer. The PD
phenomenon is exhibited in various observable forms such as
electrical, mechanical, optical and electromagnetic energy. Many
modern systems use a combination of these techniques, because
electrical detection is a proven technology, combining it with
modern techniques gives the conformity and the advantage of
modern digital signal processing. This paper discusses the
evolution of various techniques in partial discharge measurement
as a condition monitoring tool available for online measurement
of field transformers. This paper also discusses the recent
techniques used for partial discharge analysis with its advantages
and suitability over conventional method for proper condition
monitoring of large power transformers.

978-1-4244-1622-6/08/$25.00 2007 IEEE

location and evaluation.

III. PARTIAL DISCHARGE AS A CONDITION

MONITORING AND DIAGNOSTIC TOOL
Partial discharge detection and location methods in
transformers are broadly classified as conventional methods
(electrical) and nonconventional methods (electrical,
electromagnetic, acoustic, optical and chemical). Further these
methods are classified as offline and online methods.
Functional steps in condition monitoring of any power
apparatus involves acquisition of raw sensor data,
interpretation of the data, differentiation between sensor
failure and plant failure, initiation of remedial action, scalable
architecture.
Conventional method of PD measurement:
Typical circuit for electrical PD measurements [21] is as
given in fig 1.

Fig. 1. Electrical PD measurement circuit

Partial discharges measured by this method are generally

quantified and analyzed in terms of charge transfer, Apparent
charge transfer in sample, discharge energy, dielectric losses
due to discharges, total charge transfer in a sample/time,
energy dissipations/time in +ve and -ve pulses and power
dissipated.
NonConventional detection of PD:
Optical detection: Optical detection is not widely used in
current systems and is difficult to implement in transformer
due to the opaque nature of transformer oil. Advances in
optical fiber technology and interferencefree feature have
attracted many researchers to examine the optical technique
carefully in order to find out its potential in specific apparatus.
DGA (Dissolved Gas Analysis): DGA identifies gas levels in
the oil produced by the breakdown of the oil into different
gases, which dissolve back into oil. The test is administered
by taking an oil sample from the tank and determining the
levels of different dissolved gases, which include acetylene,
methane, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and ethylene.
This test indicated the presence of PD / Heating as well as
provides additional diagnostic information because different
levels of each of the gases can be correlated to a specific type
of fault using extensively developed tables. Although this test
is widely used, there is some debate as to whether or not the

levels of dissolved gas really correlated to a specific type of

fault. There is also a school of thought which argues that the
rate of increase of these gases is more important than the
absolute measure of their concentration.
Electrical Detection: Electrical detection focuses on
capturing the electrical pulse created by the current streamer
in the void. Electrical methods are grouped into two categories
namely direct probing which requires capacitive couplers to
be connected the phase terminals of the transformer and other
is RF emission sensing which is conducted by using Antennas
in the area of transformer.
Both the methods require a time domainreporting device,
such as digital storage oscilloscope, to capture the PD signal.
The PD is then identified using several processing methods.
These processing methods make online electrical PD detection
very attractive because it makes real time monitoring of the
HV system possible.
Acoustic Emission technique: in detecting partial
discharges is based on the detection of the mechanical signal
emitted from the discharge. The discharge appears as a small
explosion, which excites a mechanical wave that propagates
throughout the insulation. The wave can be detected by a
suitable sensor, the output of which can be analyzed using a
conventional data acquisition system. The shape of the
detected signal depends on the source, the detection apparatus
and the sensor [22].
A. Electrical method for partial discharge detection
The electrical detection methods [2] with different circuits
are broadly classified into three groups:
Straight Detection: Current impulses in the leads of the
sample are transformed into voltage impulses, which are
amplified and observed.
Balanced Detection: As above but special measures are
taken in order to reject disturbances caused by discharges in
the high voltage source, the leads, bushings, terminal etc.
Loss Detection: The power which is dissipated by the
current impulses is measured.
The detection sensors are of the range of narrow band 310KHz, wide band 150400 KHz and ultra high band up to
1GHz. The measured electrical signals are represented as
discharge magnitude (height of the calibrating pulse in pC as
compared to size of discharges), impulse crest voltmeter
(maximum amplitude of the pulse output in XY recorder) and
impulse counter (discharge magnitude Vs number of
discharges). These data are analyzed in the following methods
[18][20]:
1. PRPDA (Phase resolved PD analysis) reveals sources of
low discharge rates easily compatible with any system online. (Does not give stochastic patters of Pd therefore may
resort to TRPDA).
2. FRPDA (frequency resolved PD analysis) with voltage
difference plot reveals space charge effect due to discharges.
3. TRPDA (Time resolved PD analysis) will offer
possibilities to all patterns mentioned above.

Analysis parameters:
All these methods are analyze the data and gives and
indication of the probable source and type of partial discharge
in the specimen such as phaseresolvedamplitudedistribution of
discharges gives variation in the amplitude and repetition rate
in +ve and ve half cycles. Also it is seen that pulse repetition
rate in oil is lesser than other solid parts and further it is lesser
for sharp points than large voids and floating objects.


Fig. 2. PRPD and TRPD analysis of PD signals.

Discharge levels are high (up to 1000 pC) for large bubbles
and surface discharges and low (up to 100 pC) for small voids,
can be compared for locating the PD source. sharp edges.
Bursts and instability in the signals are attributed to presence
of moisture (Improper drying or ageing), enclosed type
discharges, gap (or) void type, sharp protrusion and surface
type discharges.

points (Bushing and neutral ends). Digital filtering techniques

to isolate the capacitive component of the transferred pulse are
used to locate the PD source.
The traveling wave method [16] of PD location as shown in
fig.4 works on the principle that an insulation fault in the
transformer winding results in a PD current impulse injected
into the winding at the position of the fault. This electrical
signal then propagates along the winding before it reaches the
two main terminals, i.e. the line and neutral ends. The
electrical method for PD detection/location involves the use of
appropriate sensors at the two winding ends to pick up ht
electrical signals. At the neutral end, a clipon HF current
transformer can be used. At the line end, another HF current
transformer clamped around the HV bushing tap or a
capacitive coupler can be used. By comparing the signals
picked up at the two winding ends, it is then possible to locate
the PD source.
The PD signals vary considerably with the nature of the
fault. Typically, they cover a wide frequency range from DC
up to hundreds of MHz [12]. The different frequency
components will propagate through the winding in different
modes before reaching the terminals [14]. Thus the resultant
signals as measured at the terminals would be severely
distorted from its original waveshape. However, by choosing
the appropriate frequency range via filtering, the two filtered
terminal signals can be compared for locating the PD source.


Fig. 4. Electrical method for PD detection and location

The transformer winding behavior varies with the

frequency which in turn is influenced by the winding design.
By measuring the electrical signals from the two winding
terminal and using the appropriate method, the location of the
PD source can be determined. The traveling wave method
relies on the relative time delay and is applicable in the low
frequency range. The capacitive ratio method is based on the
signal magnitude ratio and is applicable in the high frequency
components before applying the location method. This can be
carried out with digital filtering.

B. Electrical/Magnetic method for partial discharge Location

Matched filtering approach [5] determines the PD site
location based on analysis of responses at multiple measuring

C. UHF Method
This method


Fig. 3. Pulse magnitude analysis PMA

These signals are further categorized based on the

Frequency of discharges in a half cycle and the phase mean of
the pattern captured.

is

most

applicable

for

onsite

PD

measurements in GIS applications.

60kHz transducers are commonly used on pressure vessels150

kHz are commonly used and on ASTs 30 kHz resonant
frequency
transducers are commonly used. These are
acoustically

TABLE I
CHARACTERISTIC REQUIREMENTS OF AN UHF SYSTEM

Fig.5a. External UHF sensor 5b. Internal UHF sensor

These sensors can be placed at several places of

transformer. These sensors are designed using broadband
technique. The sensitivity of both external and internal sensors
(Fig. 5a and 5b respectively) is measured using coupler
calibrator testing unit. The signals are offered to an optimal
multiplexer which can be used to select between several
connected couplers. A spectrum analyzer is used for data
acquisition. The display shows both spectra and pointonwave
(POW).
UHF PD signal data is analyzed in two ways:
Frequency spectra is analyzed in terms of average of
spectra, subtraction of two spectra, ratio between two spectra,
hold max no of spectra, statistical values of spectra.

Probe sensitivity
Spectrum Analyzer
Amplitude Range
Frequency Span
Resolution Bandwidth
Sweep time

10 kHz to 200 MHz

100 Hz to 1500 MHz
135 dBm to 30 dBm
100 Hz to 1500 MHz with zero span
10 Hz to 3 MHz
20ms to 1500s

D. Acoustic Emission technique

The acoustic method using piezoelectric sensors fig. 7b is
widely used in practice because it can be easily carried out online and it is less susceptible to electrical interference.
However, the location accuracy is often poor due to the
complex nature of the acoustic signals. These signals travel
from the PD source to the sensor via many paths with different
propagation velocities as shown in fig.7a. Further
complications can arise due to the effects of signal
attenuations, reflections, refractions, mechanical noise or
reverberations, and the presence of solid barriers inside the
transformer (core, windings, and structural supports).

Fig.7a. AE signal schematic

Fig.6.Typical analysis method of UHF data

7b. AE Instrument 

POW is analyzed by selecting a frequency well above the

noise level for a narrow band VHF/UHF PD measurement.
Further spectrum analyzer is used for analysis in few MHz
range-centre frequency is set to selected frequency and
measured span is set to zero. Phase resolved pattern is
obtained related to 50Hz by selecting appropriate sweep
frequency.
High frequency components of the partial discharges are
attenuated more rapidly than the low frequency components.
This behavior is used to locate PD source.
Sensors mounted on the surface detect this pulse of energy.
These sensors, which are typically a resonant frequency, may
be in the range of 20-500 kHz. On fiber composite materials

Fig. 8. Typical analysis method of AE signals

coupled to the surface, using a couplant material, to

improve transmission of AE to the sensor.
To investigate the location of partial discharge in power
transformers, the acoustic sensors are mounted at high and
low positions on each side of winding as linear pairs. The time
difference between the acoustic signals obtained by each

sensor is used to calculate the propagation path length and

hence a 3D location of an acoustic emission source in a power
transformer.

[18]

IV. SUMMARY
In all the methods moisture / degradation in the oil can not
be detected. Ideally the combination of all three PD detection
methods is most powerful diagnostic tool. Rough detection of
the problems is possible using an electromagnetic sensor,
identification of insulation condition with electric methods
and location of the PD source by an acoustic device.
Electrical method is the only effective tool in detecting PD
activity below 1000 pC and acoustic emission technique for
above 10000pC and above. DGA analysis can be used as an
alarm tool.
Latest trends in location of PD sources
1. Location of internal faults using digital XRay technology.
2. Online location of PD sources using wavelet transform to
the impulse response of electrical equipments.
3. Online PD source location using artificial intelligence in
pattern recognition.

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