Estimating the location of partial discharges in cables

There are several techniques that can be used to estimate the location of partial discharges in cables, however, certain technical obstacles need to be overcome before acceptance of this type of testing becomes widespread. A review of the theory of signal propagation in power cables is presented along with its relation to partial discharge site location. Fundamental limitations affect the detectability and location accuracy of partial discharges in power cables. The sources of these errors are discussed along with methods that minimize their effects. The advantages and disadvantages of alternative methods for locating partial discharge sites are presented along with a calibration method that improves the accuracy of these methods