How can Partial Discharges (PDs) be detected?

Detecting Partial Discharges (PDs) is primarily accomplished through dissolved gas analysis (DGA). This technique involves analyzing the gases that have been dissolved in the insulating oil of electrical equipment, particularly transformers. When partial discharges occur, they can cause chemical reactions that produce specific gases, which then dissolve in the oil. By monitoring and interpreting the levels of these gases, it becomes possible to identify the presence of PDs, which indicates an insulation breakdown or other deterioration within the equipment.

Dissolved gas analysis is favored because it can provide an early warning of potential failures, allowing for timely maintenance and interventions. It is a non-invasive method that can be very sensitive to changes in the condition of electrical insulation.

Alternative methods, although useful in their own contexts, are less effective for directly detecting partial discharges. Infrared analysis, visual inspections, and temperature fluctuations are more suited to assessing the thermal and physical condition of electrical equipment rather than identifying the presence of partial discharges. They do not directly correlate with the electrical phenomena that PDs represent.