Feature Extraction and Comprehension of Partial Discharge Characteristics in Transformer Oil from Rated AC Frequency to Very Low Frequency

• Main Authors: Zhongliu Zhou, Yuanxiang Zhou, Xin Huang, Yunxiao Zhang, Mingyuan Wang, Shaowei Guo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-07-01
• Series: Energies
• Subjects: partial discharge; low frequency voltage; PRPD; characteristic parameter; insulation defect diagnosis
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/11/7/1702

The reactive current can be reduced effectively by decreasing the frequency of the voltage in partial discharge (PD) test, especially for equipment with large capacitance. Thus, the cost and volume of the test power supply can be economized. To figure out the difference of PD characteristics in transformer oil between rated alternating-current (AC) frequency (50 Hz) and low frequency, tests are conducted from rated AC frequency to very low frequency (0.1 Hz) based on impulse current method. The results show that with the decrease of frequency, the inception voltage increases. The maximum and mean magnitude of discharge and pulse repetition rate first increase slightly, then decrease obviously. The main features of the variation of phase resolved PD (PRPD) patterns, discharge statistical patterns (phase distribution of maximum and mean discharge magnitude, pulse repetition rate qmax–φ, qmean–φ, n–φ; and number distribution of discharge magnitude n–q), and their characteristic parameters (skewness Sk+, Sk−; kurtosis Ku+, Ku−; asymmetry Asy; and correlation coefficient Cc) are depicted in detail, which should be paid attention to when using low frequency voltage. The inner mechanism for these variations is discussed from the aspects of the influence on electric field distribution and discharge process of frequency. Additionally, the variation trend of PD characteristics with the decrease of frequency can provide more information about insulation defect, which can be the supplement for discharge mode recognition.