EPRI Partial Discharge Monitors: Acoustic Emissions: Use case
The problem:
Power utilities often face challenges in detecting and mitigating Partial Discharge (PD) within substations and transformers. PD can lead to insulation failure, resulting in costly outages and equipment damage. To address this issue, utilities are researching and implementing advanced monitoring solutions to ensure early detection and intervention, thereby enhancing the reliability and safety of their electrical infrastructure.
RF monitoring approach:
EPRI’s PD RF Monitors were installed in various substations and transformers to monitor PD activity. The AE (Acoustic Emission) monitors were mounted on transformer tanks using magnet mounts, while the RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) monitors were connected to internal or external antennas to detect airborne PD. These monitors wirelessly transmitted data to a base station, which aggregated the information and sent it to EPRI’s secure servers for analysis.
Lessons learnt:
The research revealed that EPRI’s PD RF Monitors effectively filtered out background noise, providing clear and actionable data on PD activity. The built-in algorithms were successful in converting raw data into meaningful insights, allowing utility stakeholders to make informed decisions. Additionally, the ease of installation and long battery life of the monitors were highlighted as significant advantages, reducing both downtime and maintenance costs.
Status:
Currently, EPRI continues to expand the deployment of its PD RF Monitors across various utility sites. Ongoing projects are focused on refining the algorithms and enhancing the accuracy of PD detection. The latest status indicates that over 500 RF Monitors have been installed at more than 50 sites, with continuous data being collected and analyzed to further improve the reliability and safety of electrical systems.