This paper presents a novel measuring system for partial discharge (PD) measurements in Gas Insulated Systems (GIS) using high frequency current transformers (HFCT). The system is based on the measurement of the induced PD currents in the GIS enclosure. In opposition to the existing antenna technologies that measure the radiated energy in the very high frequency/ultra-high frequency (VHF/UHF) range, the proposed system measures the PD conducted currents in the high frequency (HF) range and below. The foundation of the measurements together with a detailed explanation of the sensor installed conveniently at the bolts of the GIS spacer are presented. An experimental study on the current distribution in the GIS enclosure is described to evaluate the impact of the sensor on the measurements. Laboratory experiments have been performed that show the suitability of this method to properly measure particle discharges caused by corona, surface and free moving particle discharges in SF₆. Discharges in the range of 1 to 4 pC have been properly measured. An analysis to evaluate the performance of the method is shown, in comparison to VHF/UHF antenna measurements. The potential benefits of this novel technique rely on the small attenuation of PD signals in the GIS components in the HF range and sample rate reductions. Finally, a discussion on the potential applicability of present cluster and charge calculation techniques to the proposed PD GIS measurement using HFCT is presented.

This paper describes a simplified model and a generic model of high-frequency current transformer (HFCT) sensors. By analyzing the models, a universal charge estimation method based on the double time integral of the measured voltage is inferred. The method is demonstrated to be valid irrespective of HFCT sensor, assuming that its transfer function can be modelled as a combination of real zeros and poles. This paper describes the mathematical foundation of the method and its particularities when applied to measure nanosecond current pulses. In practice, the applicability of the method is subjected to the characteristics and frequency response of the sensor and the current pulse duration. Therefore, a proposal to use the double time integral or the simple time integral of the measured voltage is described depending upon the sensor response. The procedures used to obtain the respective calibration constants based on the frequency response of the HFCT sensors are explained. Two examples, one using a HFCT sensor with a broadband flat frequency response and another using a HFCT sensor with a non-flat frequency response, are presented.

This paper presents a new concept for partial discharge measurements in gas insulated systems (GIS). The proposed technique uses a novel GIS magnetic antenna that measures the magnetic field produced by partial discharges (PD) propagating in GIS. The foundations of the measurement technique and the magnetic antenna design are presented together with laboratory measurements. The magnetic antenna performance and the sensitivity of the acquisition system are studied. The bandwidth of the measurement system is in the high frequency and very high frequency (HF–VHF) range. Laboratory experiments demonstrate the suitability of the novel magnetic antenna-based measuring system for PD in GIS for corona, surface discharges, and free moving particles in SF₆.

Partial discharge (PD) detection is a standardized technique to qualify the insulation condition in power equipment. The main purpose of the paper is to evaluate the performance of an extra high-sensitivity adapted giant magneto-resistive (xMR) sensor for non-contacting PD detection. Firstly, compensation and signal conditioning circuits of the sensor are designed. Frequency response and time-domain response to fast calibrator pulses of the sensor with the implemented circuit are measured. Besides, PD experiments based on corona and surface models are carried out and compared with measurements using a high-frequency current transformer (HFCT). The results show that the xMR system can measure the magnetic fields produced by the PDs at distances up to 50 cm. The correlation between the HFCT and xMR signals is proportional under different voltages, showing that PDs can be effectively detected and evaluated by this method. PDs in a cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable with an artificial discharging defect are successfully measured, demonstrating the sensitivity and performance of the xMR system.

Space charges are one of the main challenges facing the constantly increasing use of extruded high voltage direct current (HVDC) cables. The Pulsed Electro-Acoustic (PEA) method is one of the most common procedures for space charge measurements of insulation. One issue with the PEA method is distortion due to the crosstalk between the applied voltage pulse and the acoustic sensor. This work analyzed two factors involved in the reduction in this distortion: the influence of the exposed semiconductor distance between the injection electrodes and PEA test cell, and the influence of adding a reactance at the grounding circuit of the PEA test cell. The interaction of these two factors with the distortion was analyzed through a series of experimental testing. Moreover, the performance regarding distortion after applying a developed coaxial injection was compared with the standard non-coaxial injection configuration. It was observed that these two factors had a direct impact on distortion and can be utilized for the reduction in distortion arising from the crosstalk of the applied pulsed voltage. The results can be utilized for the consideration of practical aspects during the construction of a PEA test setup for the measurement of full-size HVDC cables.

The authors wish to make the following erratum to this paper