Partial Discharge Measurement Coupling Methods
Coupling Capacitors Figure 1
A coupling capacitor (CC) is a very common
coupling method when performing a PD
measurement as described in the IEC 60270
standard. When a partial discharge event
occurs, the coupling capacitor provides the
devices under test (DUT) with a displacement
current, which is measurable at the coupling
devices (CPL). Such an approach provides
additional information about the test voltage,
which is needed for a phase-related partial Typical PD measurement setup according to IEC 60270
discharge (PRPD) measurement.
OMICRON offers standard coupling capacitors from 12 kV up to 100 kV. When using a coupling capacitor without
an integrated measuring impedance, the low side of the coupling capacitor has to be connected to the input of the
CPL measuring impedance (basic test setup with measurement on ground potential).
Connect the PD output of the CPL measuring impedance to the PD input of the MPD data acquisition unit, and
do the same for the testing voltage. The CPL impedance box and MPD acquisition unit can be placed on various
positions, such as on HV potential or within the test object path due to the fiber optic approach. Therefore,
different setups have their benefits.
Figure 2 High-Frequency Current Transformers
PD causes electromagnetic signals. Inductive sensors
pick up the magnetic part of the electric signal by the
same principle as a “real” transformer. High-Frequency
Current Transformers, or HFCTs, are often used if a
ground/earth connection is available. Therefore the
HFCT is placed around these connections and transfers
the high-frequency impulse to a secondary winding. The
main benefit of using HFCTs is the possibility to measure
PD pulses not at high-voltage potential but at grounding
Example of using an HFCT in a Example of HFCT grounding
cross bonding box
connections without opening them.
cable at a power transformer
If more than one grounding wire is used, it should be considered to extend the length of one of these wires to feed
both grounding wires through the HFCT. Otherwise, the HFCT will measure only parts of the high-frequency signals.
The percentage of the signals measured is defined by the high-frequency impedance of the wires.
Bushing Taps − for PD measurements on power transformers
There are several advantages when tapped bushings are available:
NO external coupling capacitor is required
Less background noise in the measuring system
The coupling device is directly connected to the measuring tap
On-line measurements are possible in case of permanent installed measuring units
Nevertheless, the installation of the measuring set up must be done when the transformer is disconnected.
Figure 3 Figure 4
PD measurement Connection
set up at 3-phase example to bushing
bushing taps taps of power
transformer
Figure 5
There are several connectors available
depending on the bushing tap
structure. It is recommended to
consider proper adapter solutions,
because of the damages that can
occur as a result of accidental
disconnections.
Bushing adapter Example of using bushing tap adapters
Ultra-High Frequency PD measurements UHF measuring method can be used for commissioning
The frequency range of a UHF measurement is 300 MHz tests as well as on-site and for online diagnostics.
to 3GHz and the range typically used is from 200 MHz
A brief description of the two methods (IEC and UHF)
to 1.5 GHz, depending on device under test. For the past
is provided in Figure 7. Until now there is no standard
25 years, this method has been used in Gas-Insulated
procedure to calibrate UHF measurements.
Switchgear (GIS) and is now also applied to other
electrical assets, such as power transformers. Figure 7
The PD discharge process can be very fast and is
IEC measurement UHF measurement
consequently measurable in the UHF range. Especially
Dispersion Compensation current Electromagnetic field
in the high frequency range, interferences are often not
broadband and can often be avoided through adapting Coupling Discrete capacitor Antenna
the center frequency. This unconventional Frequency kHz - some MHz 100-2000 MHz
Calibration Small setups, low Magnitude and damping
Figure 6 frequencies depends on position of
defects
IEC compliant PD UHF PD
measurement measurement
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