Application of interdigital capacitive sensors for detecting power cable insulation damage

Power cable insulation damage affect the power network security. Blackout can be avoided by sensitively detecting the insulation damage. Interdigital capacitive sensors are widely used to measure moisture, porosity and viscosity with the advantages of single-side access, adjustable signal strength and tomography capability. In this paper, a PCB type interdigital capacitive sensor was designed for detecting cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) power cable insulation damage. The structure parameters are optimized and Sensitive field distribution are improved. The results show different damage can be detected effectively. Therefore, the interdigital capacitive sensor has a potential application in cable insulation damage detection.