A measurements-based discharge location algorithm for plain disc winding power transformers

A measurements-based electrical method for locating partial discharges (PD) in transformers is described in the paper. This location method relies on the series resonance frequencies of the signals produced at the transformer terminals by a discharge on the winding. Based on the equivalent circuit of plain disc type winding which consists of series inductance (L), series capacitance (K) and shunt capacitance to earth (C) of the winding, an analytical location algorithm is derived which gives the relationship between the location of a discharge and its terminal response's series resonance frequencies. LKC parameters of the equivalent circuit can be estimated using the series resonance frequencies of a calibration signal measured at the bushing tap during PD calibration. The PD location algorithm was tested on 11 kV transformer winding using signals produced by a discharge simulator and real discharges, and the results confirm its validity with a location accuracy of better than 10% of the winding length. However, blind area where this location algorithm is not applicable does exist near the neutral of the winding and far away from the measuring terminal. Since this location algorithm uses the series resonance frequencies below 500 kHz, it can be implemented with conventional PD measuring circuitry and instruments to detect and locate discharges in power transformers.