Sensitivity of acoustic PD detection in GIS. Laboratory experiments and on-site experience

The paper reports on acoustic partial discharge detection in the ultrasonic range for the onsite testing of GIS installations. Laboratory experiments demonstrate sensitivities comparable to sensitive electrical PD measuring methods. More than 1,500 gas compartments of GIS installations were checked during commissioning tests. A test procedure was developed. The onsite experience motivated the development of an automatic signal classification system.