Threshold decision-based online monitoring system for detection and location partial discharges in power transformers

Optical fiber sensors can be used as ultrasonic sensors for detecting and locating partial discharges (PDs) in power transformers. In this paper an online partial discharge monitoring system is developed, which used fiber Fabry-Perot (FP) sensors to detect the ultrasound wave emitted from partial discharge. The threshold decision method is adopted in the system to judge whether the ultrasound wave has already arrived to the sensor instead of using Analog to Digital (A/D) converters to sample and analyse the data for getting the partial discharge information. Furthermore, the partial discharge location method and design are mentioned. Experimental result shows the feasibility of the system.