UHF antenna configuration optimization for partial discharge source localization in air-insulated substation

Ultra-high-frequency (UHF) method has been applied to detect and localize partial discharge (PD) in air-insulated substation (AIS). The localization accuracy is closely dependent on the configuration of antenna array. This paper presents a PD localization error simulation method. Assuming that the estimated time difference of arrival (TDOA) error is normally distributed, the mean value and standard derivation of localization error for numerous positions in AIS are calculated with a Monte Carlo method. Then the localization error of square, Y shape, triangle and diamond arrays are compared, and the factors influence the localization error are analyzed. Since the optimal orientation is easily to be recognized and with minor distance error, the diamond array is more suitable for PD localization in AIS. Experiments are conducted for square and diamond arrays to calculate the localization error, and confirm the effectiveness of proposed simulation method.