Partial discharge signal interpretation for generator diagnostics

Several common sources of discharges activity occurring on generators have been replicated in the laboratory under well-controlled conditions. Each source was evaluated individually and recorded with a phase resolved acquisition system and with a spectrum analyzer. The dominant features of each respective phase resolved partial discharge (PRPD) pattern are presented. The frequency content of the discharge signal at the detection coupler was also investigated. The association of each well-defined type of discharge source, with its specific PRPD pattern, constitutes the basis of our database used for the discharge source recognition during generator diagnostics. The comparison of laboratory results with actual field measurements gathered over the last decade is summarized.