Concerning partial discharge detection in cable lines using high-frequency sensors

Abstract

Partial discharges result in cable line faults that can occur in defective insulation systems made of rubber, polyethylene, XLPE, and flexible PVC. Insulation defects may occur due to disruptions in their production process, cable installation, and operational conditions. Therefore, the diagnostic and monitoring of partial discharge occurrence in cable insulation help prevent emergencies in damaged cable line sections. Partial discharge registration is a non-destructive diagnostic method that helps assess the cable line condition and localize the detected defects. There are various methods of operational monitoring and partial discharge cause analysis based on operative partial discharge sensors. The assessment of cable line condition depends on the efficiency of signal detection and processing by the sensors used. This article reviews the problems of detecting and localizing partial discharges in cable lines and junction boxes using HFCT and UHF sensors. Having analyzed the capabilities of these sensors, we believe that the combined usage of HFCT and UHF sensors is the best method of detecting and localizing partial discharge within the entire cable system (lines and junction boxes).