Simulation of TEV and RFI Detection Sensitivity Along an MV Switchgear Busbar Compartment

The application of non-intrusive sensors for partial discharge (PD) detection to reveal potential insulation defects has become one of the main pillars in condition monitoring of medium voltage (MV) switchgears. In this work a PD simulation study is conducted by the application of transient earth voltage (TEV) and radio frequency (RF) probes which are separately attached along an air-insulated MV busbar compartment. During PD activity the signal data is recorded and energy maps are created based on interpolation methods in order to reveal potential best sensor position placement areas for each detection method along the compartment. The simulation study reveals that the best placement position for RF sensors seems to be on the front and rear wall sides whereas in case of TEV detection the attachment on the side walls may provide better results.