Partial discharge detection using oscillating voltage at different frequencies

The measurement of partial discharge (PD) activity is used for monitoring the insulation condition. In particular, it is of importance to obtain an indication of the time to breakdown for high voltage distribution power cables, both for cable factories and for the utilities. In this paper the authors investigate the use of the Oscillating Waves method (OWTS) and of the Very Low Frequency (VLF) method to stress the insulation of service aged components and to detect partial discharge activity.