A new technique for separation of partial discharge sources and electromagnetic noise in radiofrequency measurements using energy ratios of different antennas

One of the main tools for monitoring the condition of high voltage equipment is the measurement of partial discharges (PD). The electromagnetic (EM) radiation originated from this degradation phenomenon can be captured by various types of ultra-high frequency (UHF) antennas carefully designed and optimised for specific frequency bands. However, the presence of environmental noise may limit the use of this technique. Different types of monopole antennas normally used in UHF PD measurement have been evaluated in order to validate the performance of a novel separation technique of EM sources. Accordingly, a new separation technique based on the energy ratio of the captured signals was developed, considering noise interferences. The results revealed that the new technique allows an adequate separation, even when three sources act simultaneously.