On-line measurement and processing of partial discharge activities using visual programming tools

In this paper, an experimental model for monitoring, processing and recording partial discharge (PD) activities is presented. The model consists of a real-time data acquisition system incorporated with a graphical user interface (GUI) tool operating under Windows. The data acquisition system has 8 analog channels with programmable gain amplifier. The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is a 12 bit successive approximation converter with a 10 /spl mu/s conversion time. The setup has an active signal conditioning circuit for amplification and isolation to eliminate noise signals from PD pulses. In addition to monitoring the characteristics of partial discharge pulses, the auxiliary channels may be utilized to sense other parameters such as temperature rise, humidity, pressure, etc. These parameters are essential for locating partial discharges in various insulation systems.