Project description
An innovative hybrid partial discharge detector for preventing HV equipment failures
High- and medium-voltage equipment used in power distribution systems and other industrial, scientific and military applications relies on insulation for safety and proper functioning. When insulating materials fail to prevent current flow and no longer provide electrical insulation, the resulting partial discharge can impact the materials and the lifetime of the equipment. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PartialDischarge project is developing a novel partial discharge detection technology. Exploiting electromagnetic radiation emissions as well as ultrasonic waves, the project will combine the benefits of both methods to design and achieve a miniaturised preventive partial discharge detector.
Objective
Partial discharge (PD) may lead to the degradation of insulating materials and affect the lifetime of high voltage (HV) equipment. Thus, the detection of PD is an efficient and practical method to evaluate dielectric defects at an initial stage. Given the importance of PD detection, this proposal will address the development of a new generation of MEMS-based low cost, electrodynamic (or inductive) microsensor to be used to accurately detect the presence of a PD in costly electrical conductors and MV/HV equipment. The innovative idea in this proposed method lies in exploiting both electromagnetic radiation emissions, in the form of radiofrequency waves, as well as the acoustic emissions, in the form of ultrasonic waves, which mark discharge phenomena in high electric voltage cables, as an example. Besides the high sensitivity guaranteed by the use of MEMS technology, this novel method will allow us to benefit from the advantages of both electrical and acoustic methods, and overcome their weaknesses.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectrical engineeringpower engineering
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesacousticsultrasound
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinator
1348 Louvain La Neuve
Belgium