Application of a peak detection algorithm for the shape analysis of partial discharge amplitude distributions

The partial discharge (PD) height distributions are processed by using digital signal processing techniques. When several PD phenomena are simultaneously active, they can combine their own pattern and produce plurimodal distribution. In order to locate the peaks in the mixture (where they start, end and attain their maxima), an automatic peak-detection algorithm is developed. The results of using this algorithm for the detection of multi-PD phenomena are discussed in the case of PD measurements performed on practical insulation systems. The proposed algorithm seems to be a very useful tool as a preprocessor for further automated statistical elaboration