Partial Discharge Camera

Partial Discharge is the predominant cause of long-term degradation and eventual failures of electrical installations. As a result, measuring partial discharge using a Partial Discharge Camera is necessary.

Partial discharge is one of the first indicators of an upcoming failure in electrical powers system components. In fact, detecting partial discharges at an early stage enables proactive maintenance; and reduces the risk of catastrophic failures and expensive interruptions in the supply of power.

Why Partial Discharge Test Is Useful?

Partial discharge measurement and analysis using a Partial Discharge Camera is a reliable method for detecting failures in electrical equipment isolation systems before any arcing or significant damage occurs.

Introduction

The continuous availability of medium and high voltage equipment used in generation, transmission and distribution is important to ensure reliable power supply to operators and industrial facilities. This equipment includes generators and motors, measurement reducers, transformers, breaking devices (circuit breakers, disconnectors), cables and power lines.

Degradation of insulation can lead to dangerous situations, serious damage, not to mention significant economic costs. This is why it is essential that the condition of the insulation be checked throughout the life cycle of a switchgear.

Partial discharge (PD) is considered to be one of the main factors in the degradation and failure of insulation systems in electrical components.

The aim of this technical overview is to familiarize you with the basics of PD detection, including their consequences, how they are measured and what are the important criteria for selecting a Partial Discharge Camera. If you currently measure and analyze partial discharge in your high voltage equipment, you already know how important it is to ensure their availability.

Regardless of your level of Partial discharge testing experience, having the right Partial Discharge Camera is essential for accurate detection in all types of testing environments. This article presents several reasons why hundreds of electrical equipment manufacturers, operator and industrial test engineers, and service providers around the world have chosen the NL Acoustic Camera PL001 to meet their needs of Partial discharge testing.

What is partial discharge?

According to IEC 60270, a partial discharge is “a localized electrical discharge which partially short-circuits the insulating gap between conductors and which may or may not be adjacent to a conductor”. Partial discharge generally results from concentrations of electrical stresses located within the insulation or on its surface.

PD occurs in gaseous, liquid and solid insulating media used in equipment subjected to strong electric fields. They can be initiated by cracks or inclusions inside a solid dielectric, at interfaces in solid and liquid dielectrics, in bubbles inside liquid dielectrics, or along the limit of different insulation materials.

Partial discharge can cause progressive and irreversible damage to liquid and solid insulation systems. Over time, PD activity becomes more and more intense and dangerous. The deterioration process can propagate and develop until the insulation can no longer withstand the electrical stress, which leads to arcing.

Objective of partial discharge measurement

PD detection using a Partial Discharge Camera is a reliable, non-intrusive method that can be used at any time to diagnose the condition of the insulation of electrical equipment.

Compared to other dielectric diagnostic methods, partial discharge measurement using a Partial Discharge Camera provides very precise information to help you effectively detect weak points in the insulation system.

Since PD activity is often present long before an insulation fault occurs, equipment managers can assess it over time and make informed strategic decisions about repairing or replacing equipment on time, before a failure occurs. PD detection is therefore essential to ensure reliable long-term operation of electrical equipment.

Why NL Partial Discharge Camera PL001 Improves PD Detection

• It is the only acoustic partial discharge camera with extensive analysis and severity assessment with recommended actions
• Includes real-time analytics for PRPD pattern
• Includes cloud or offline software offering extensive analysis
• Scans a larger area fast, saving time and money
• Uses beamforming technique with 124 microphones
• Light-weighted, one-hand held and rainproof
• Detects simultaneous partial discharge in Multi-Mode
• Automatic frequency selection for optimal frequency range
• Locates all types of partial discharge
• Automatic data export
• Does not require direct line of sight
• Requires minimal training
• Detection distance is up to 130 meters

At last, Felixtrument is the only authorized Canadian representative of NL Acoustic Camera. So, if you are interested in buying NL Partial Discharge Camera for your organization, you may shop online here.

In fact, Felixtrument supplies a complete range of innovative acoustics, audio and vibration equipment which come in different types and sizes. Therefore, if you are in need of any Sound and Vibration equipment; you may browse through our various products which you may find in the mentioned link; to find the one which best suits your needs.