Design of partial discharge analyser for true compatibility and resolution extension

Conventionally partial discharge (PD) is measured with a straight detection technique using a PD detector and an analyser. In view of the stochastic nature of PD phenomena, data collected during a PD test are represented as distributions. These distributions are analysed to extract information that reveals the nature of the PD phenomena and the state of insulation. However, for meaningful analysis and interpretation it is essential to have data that can be relied on; an aspect that has been frequently discussed in the literature. It is found that PD instruments differ in their ability to measure PD pulses because of the interrelated effect of PD phenomena with the characteristics of measuring instruments. A measurement technique to ensure uniformity in PD measurement is presented and the experimental verification discussed.