Continuous monitoring of partial discharge activities in power cables and their stimulation due to the temperature rise

Abstract

With the development of the power distribution systems demands, the grid reliability becomes a strategic issue. Continuous monitoring of power transmission networks is a key component in addressing this issue. Partial discharge (PD) characterisation instruments provide a reliable solution and an important indicator of the state of cable insulation. An increase in the PD level usually indicates the development of a fault that affects the integrity of the cable and can lead to various problems related to the quality and quantity of the transmitted energy. In this context, the use of Internet of Things (IoT) systems for power networks monitoring can provide a significant improvement to the localisation and detection of faults. In this paper, the authors show the advantages of continuous monitoring of power grid cables using a new IoT based framework using an advanced signal processing technique, namely the phase diagram. Also, the authors show that variations in temperature can impact the initiation and progression of PD, affecting the reliability and lifespan of electrical insulation systems. Understanding this temperature dependence is crucial for accurate PD detection and effective maintenance of power cables. Our results show that higher temperatures can accelerate the PD activity, while lower temperatures may suppress it.