Measurement and analysis of partial discharge in switchgear

Partial discharge technology has been applied to medium voltage rotating machines for many years. This technology can now be applied to support on-line diagnostics of medium voltage switchgear assemblies. Partial discharge sensors have been developed, with calibration both in the factory-test floor environment, as well as in the field under normal operating conditions. The application of partial discharge measurement technology to MV switchgear will be presented, with actual examples of pending failures, which were identified by on-line partial discharge measurements. This application of partial discharge technology can greatly aid in the day-to-day reliability and life-extension of the medium voltage electrical power substation assemblies