The detection and classification of partial discharges in power transformer using the acoustic method

Partial discharges are the main causes of degradation of the insulation system in power transformers. Their permanent monitoring is therefore of fundamental importance, in the way that it ensures a better assessment of the level of electrical insulation. Several types of partial discharges are present in power transformers depending on the components of the electric field to which the insulation is subjected. Many on-line methods are used to the continuous measurement of partial discharges, including the acoustic method which doing both measurement of electrical parameters and localization of the sources of partial discharges. This article deals with both recognition and classification of partial discharges by analysis of acoustic signals. The goal is to reproduce various types of partial discharges present in the transformers (surface, internal, and corona discharges) by several structures of electrodes in a prototype transformer filled with insulating oil. The generation of partial discharges is done using an experimental setup consisting of a controlled 220V/50kV HV transformer connected to a prototype of transformer containing an electrode system. The experimental procedure are carried out according to the protocol of the IEC 61270 standard. The measurement of the acoustic signals on the tank is carried out using a conventional broadband sensor from the company ACOUSTIC EMISSION (GI150). Both signal analysis obtained in the frequency domain using the time-frequency response and high-resolution frequency analysis (MUSIC) makes it possible to clearly distinguish the type of discharge produced.