Detection, Classification and Location of Sources of Partial Discharges Using the Radiometric Method: Trends, Challenges and Open Issues

In this article, it is provided a comprehensive survey on the most relevant research in the area of detection, classification and location of partial discharge (PD) sources using the radiometric or ultra high frequency (UHF) method, focusing mainly on the works related to the use of antennas. To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first review paper that focuses on the application of antennas based on UHF method in the complete diagnosis of PD. Specifically, it is first presented the main contributions to the development and optimization of UHF sensors for application in the detection of PD sources. Second, articles that used the UHF method to identify different types of PD in high voltage equipment are described. Finally, the main contributions regarding the location of sources of defects using the radiometric method are presented. Summary of works in the area of UHF detection sensors, PD classification and PD location, with their respective contributions, are shown. Finally, research trends, challenging and open issues are discussed. The purpose of this article is to provide important information about the complete diagnosis of PD, which could be used to guide the development of more efficient techniques in this research area.