Partial Discharge Detection in Oil Power Transformers

MOSAD®-MST-PD monitoring system

 

The life of a transformer is limited by the life of its paper insulation which is significantly shorter than the life of other construction parts. Among parameters indicating the actual condition of the paper insulation, the presence of partial discharge is the most important. To detect the partial discharge occurrence, its level of activity and localization the MOSAD®-MST-PD diagnostic and monitoring system has been developed.

Insulation system of oil power transformers consists of combination of mineral oil and cellulose paper, accordingly materials very sensitive to the degradation of operational factors and aging of which may considerably influence the trouble-free operation of the transformer.

Applicable for commercial use, MOSAD®-MST-PD diagnostic and monitoring system has been produced following the practice and test analysis of MOSAD®-PD-UHF prototype which was one of the results of the FR-TI1/001 project realised in cooperation of TES s.r.o. (Czech Republic), EGU-HV Laboratory a.s. (Czech Republic) and Technical university of Brno (Czech Republic). The project was funded by Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.

Diagnostic and monitoring system MOSAD®-MST-PD won award Golden Ampere at the 24th International fair of electrotechnics, electronics, automation, communication, lighting and security technologies in 2015:
http://www.amper.cz/en/golden-amper/golden-amper-2015.html

Advantages and application

• System is designed for oil power transformers in high voltage power grids.
• Monitoring of partial discharge under the operation of the transformer.
• Sensors retracted into pre-installed electromagnetic transparent (Teflon) cylindrical boxes in the tank of transformer in appropriate order.
• Partial discharge detection based on their broad scale electromagnetic radiation in UHF band (300 MHz to 3 GHz).
• Elimination of external electromagnetic interference.
• Ability to detect very low level of partial discharge, from Q=100 pC.
• Localization of the discharge source.
• Modified sensor for retraction into the outlet valve of the transformer tank (in case the transformer tank is not furnished with electromagnetic transparent box).