Whitepaper: Online Partial Discharge Monitoring and Discharge Localization on Transformers by UHF Method

Pinpointing the Invisible: Advanced PD Detection That Shows You Exactly Where Problems Hide

Transformers are critical infrastructure assets, yet traditional partial discharge monitoring tells you there's a problem without revealing where it's located—forcing costly inspections and extended outages to find the source. This technical whitepaper reveals how Ultra High Frequency (UHF) monitoring technology not only detects partial discharges with superior noise immunity but pinpoints their exact location within the transformer tank.

What you will discover:

Learn why UHF technology, proven in GIS substations for over 20 years, is becoming the new standard for transformer condition assessment. The whitepaper explains how rapid discharge events emit electromagnetic signals that UHF sensors capture—providing both detection capability and the foundation for sophisticated localization algorithms.

Explore the groundbreaking research on converting UHF signal measurements to equivalent IEC 60270 picocoulomb values. Through extensive testing at Strathclyde University using calibrated test cells and transformer models, discover the nonlinear relationships between UHF output and apparent charge—and understand what's required for accurate magnitude estimation in real-world applications.

The whitepaper presents a compelling case study where UHF localization successfully identified a discharge source in a 132kV industrial transformer showing elevated DGA readings. Using time-of-flight analysis from three retrofit sensors, engineers calculated the precise discharge location—later confirmed when the transformer was opened for inspection.

You'll understand the sensor placement strategies that enable accurate triangulation, why 4-6 sensors are optimal for complex transformer geometries, and how signal propagation through metallic and non-metallic paths affects localization accuracy.

Discover both permanent installation options for new transformers and practical retrofit solutions using hatch covers or drain valves that enable deployment on existing assets. Learn about the sensitivity verification methods needed to estimate discharge severity and assess transformer health according to CIGRE life management guidelines.

Download now to master the UHF technology that's transforming partial discharge monitoring from simple detection to precise diagnostic intelligence.