EPRI Partial Discharge Monitors: RFI Monitor
What:
The EPRI monitors for Partial Discharge (PD) are specialized devices designed to detect and measure PD activity in electrical equipment. There are two types of monitors: one that measures Acoustic Emission (AE) and another that measures Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). These low-cost, self-contained units wirelessly report measurement data and status via a radio frequency (RF) link to a base station, where the data is captured with a data logger.
How:
The AE monitor detects PD by capturing the sound waves generated by electrical discharges within the equipment. It uses sensitive acoustic sensors to pick up these emissions, which are then processed and transmitted wirelessly to the base station. The RFI monitor, on the other hand, detects the electromagnetic waves produced by PD. It uses antennas to capture these radio frequencies, which are similarly processed and sent to the base station for logging and analysis.
Why:
These monitors are used to ensure the reliability and safety of electrical equipment by providing early detection of PD, which can indicate insulation breakdown or other faults. By identifying PD activity early, maintenance can be scheduled before a failure occurs, reducing downtime and preventing costly damage. The wireless and self-contained nature of these monitors makes them easy to deploy and maintain, offering a cost-effective solution for continuous monitoring.