On-line PD analysis in power plants-a successful tool for early fault detection

Although partial discharge (PD) monitoring techniques are primarily applied for detecting internal discharges in polymer insulating materials, basically the same detection methods can also be used in a slightly modified form for online monitoring and for early fault detection in power plants. Faults in high-voltage equipment are often revealed by high-energy partial discharges or arcing. The resulting high-frequency pulses can be detected and analyzed by an online monitoring system. Such a system enables the sudden failure of vital equipment (generator, transformers) with severe consequential damage to be averted at an early stage. Thus improving the cost-effectiveness of the power plant