Acoustic emission techniques for partial discharge detection within cable insulation

This paper summarises the latest developments of the proposed acoustic emission technique. Acoustic emission signals have been processed using the three-dimensional /spl phi/-q-n distribution and the influence of electric stress, void size, void shape and test time studied. The attenuation of the AE signal through different cable materials and interfaces has been investigated. Test results have been obtained from a 132 kV prefabricated commercial cable joint that contains a known defect.