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The correct identification of partial discharges (PDs) is instrumental for the maintenance plan in gas-insulated systems (GIS). However, onsite PD measurements are difficult, especially in HVDC systems, where partial discharges can be confused with interference. This paper proposes a method to discern PDs from interferences based on the GIS characteristic impedance. The characteristic impedance is measured using very-high frequency electric and magnetic sensors, and it is calculated using four approaches based on the PD charge magnitude, peak value, peak-to-peak value, and frequency spectrum. The method is first tested with a PD calibrator in a matched and open-circuited GIS testbench. Then, the identification of PDs and interference is tested in a full-scale GIS, where the measurements are subjected to pulse overlapping and noise. Five types of interferences and PDs are injected into the GIS in two positions and measured in multiple mounting holes. The results show that all four approaches can precisely calculate the characteristic impedance in a matched testbench. In the full-scale GIS, these approaches show more deviation, with the peak approach being the most accurate. A practical application of the method is demonstrated using a calibrator in the full-scale GIS. The proposed method contributes to a more reliable PD monitoring system for HVDC/AC GIS and allows better maintenance planning, reducing unnecessary costs, notably for offshore substations., High Voltage Technology Group

This paper introduces a directional coupler for partial discharge (PD) measurements in gas-insulated substations (GIS). The sensor comprises a combination of magnetic and electric couplers, effectively segregating forward and backward pulses to enhance PD charge estimation and defect location. The sensor's design was supported with finite element method simulations and measurements conducted in a transverse electromagnetic test bench. Comparative analyses were performed against independent magnetic and electric couplers. The charge estimation and the directional coupler's directivity were evaluated in both the test bench and a full-scale GIS with different PD defects. Initially, the combined magnetic and the electric couplers exhibited undesired interactions, prompting corrective measures. Subsequent adjustments included changes to the electric coupler material and modifications to the magnetic coupler construction. The resulting high-voltage directional coupler performed better than the separated couplers in a GIS with discontinuities. This partial discharge sensor emerges as a candidate for future SF6-free alternative GIS., High Voltage Technology Group

Partial discharge (PD) measurements in gasinsulated substations (GIS) are tested according to the standard IEC 60270. This “conventional” PD test method applies to electrically small devices. The equipment size increases the resonance, and attenuation, contributing to the total uncertainty. Additionally, when an ultra-high frequency (UHF) sensor is used as a coupling capacitor, the calibrator and PD pulse duration difference increase the measurement uncertainty. In this paper, the IEC method, using an external capacitor coupler and a UHF sensor, is simulated and tested in a full-scale GIS. The results show the uncertainty dependency with the IEC 60270 filter bandwidth. With proper measures, the UHF sensor correlates with the external coupling capacitor, resulting in a reasonable charge estimation for a 25-meter-long GIS. Knowing the calibration limits is critical to estimate the PD charge uncertainty., Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public., High Voltage Technology Group

On-site partial discharge (PD) measurements have turned out to be a very efficient technique for determining the insulation condition in high-voltage electrical grids (AIS, cable systems, GIS, HVDC converters, etc.); however, there is not any standardised procedure for determining the performances of PD measuring systems. In on-line and on-site PD measurements, high-frequency current transformers (HFCTs) are commonly used as sensors as they allow for monitoring over long distances in high-voltage installations. To ensure the required performances, a metrological qualification of the PD analysers by applying an evaluation procedure is necessary. A novel evaluation procedure was established to specify the quantities to be measured (electrical charge and PD repetition rate) and to describe the evaluation tests considering the measured influence parameters: noise, charge amplitude, pulse width and time interval between consecutive pulses. This procedure was applied to different types of PD analysers used for off-line measurements, sporadic on-line measurements and continuous PD monitoring. The procedure was validated in a round-robin test involving two metrological institutes (RISE from Sweden and FFII from Spain) and three universities (TUDelft from the Netherlands, TAU from Finland and UPM from Spain). With this round-robin test, the effectiveness of the proposed qualification procedure for discriminating between efficient and inappropriate PD analysers was demonstrated. Furthermore, it was shown that the PD charge quantity can be properly determined for on-line measurements and continuous monitoring by integrating the pulse signals acquired with HFCT sensors. In this case, these sensors must have a flat frequency spectrum in the range between several tens of kHz and at least two tens of MHz, where the frequency pulse content is more significant. The proposed qualification procedure can be useful for improving the future versions of the technical specification TS I, High Voltage Technology Group

The insulation condition of HVDC grids consisting of cable systems, GIS, and converters should be monitored by partial discharge (PD) analysers using artificial intelligence (AI) tools for efficient insulation diagnosis. Although there are many experiences of PD monitoring solutions developed for the supervision of the insulation condition of HVAC grids using PD analysers, there are no standardised requirements for their qualification available yet. The international technical specification TS IEC 62478 provides general rules for PD measurements using electromagnetic methods but does not define performance requirements for qualification tests. HVDC and HVAC PD analysers must be tested by unambiguous test procedures. This paper compiles experiences of using PD analysers with HFCT sensors in HVAC grids (cable systems, GIS, and AIS) to define a qualification procedure for HVAC systems. This procedure is applicable to HVDC grids (cable systems, GIS, AIS, and converters) because the particularities related to the insulation behaviour under HVDC voltage are also considered. Representative PD sources are discussed in HVAC and HVDC positive and negative polarity. The PD pulse trend of representative insulation defects in HVDC cable systems is quite different from that of HVAC grids. Special attention should be paid to the acquisition of PD signals in HVDC grids since few pulses appear in solid insulations, mainly during voltage changes (polarity reversals or surges), but rarely in continuous operation with constant direct voltage. A synthetic PD simulator has been developed to reproduce trains of PD pulses or noise signals, similar to those that can appear in the power network. A set of three functionality tests has been developed for qualification of the diagnostic capabilities of PD analysers working up to 30 MHz addressed to HVDC or HVAC grids: (1) PD recognition test, (2) PD clustering test, and (3) PD location test. This qualification procedure has been validated by, High Voltage Technology Group

One of the main difficulties in measuring partial discharges (PD) in gas-insulated substations (GIS) is the overlapping of pulses at the sensor's location, which distorts the pulse resolution and the charge estimation. This research presents a new method called “synergy,” which identifies and suppresses reflections using magnetic and electric antennas in the very-high frequency range. By scaling the antennas’ outputs and adding them, it is possible to segregate forward and backward pulses. Additionally, by multiplying the electric and magnetic signals, the power flow of the pulses is obtained, which identifies the propagation direction and the location of discontinuities in the transmission path. The synergy method is evaluated in three scenarios: a fully matched test bench using a calibrated pulse, a full-scale GIS using a calibrated pulse, and a full-scale GIS using a PD defect. The results showed that the pulse reflections can be eliminated from the incident pulse, improving the charge calculation when the pulses overlap. The output of this research represents an improvement for PD monitoring in GIS, exhibiting a tool for better defect localization, pulse wave shape construction, charge estimation, and possible interference rejection., High Voltage Technology Group

There are no accepted procedures that quantify the apparent charge of partial discharge (PD) in gas-insulated substations (GIS). This paper proposes a calibration method for PD charge estimation using unconventional electromagnetic sensors: a magnetic loop antenna (inductive coupler) and an electric antenna (capacitive coupler.) The calibration procedure is intended for the voltage double integral method, which is reviewed for magnetic antennas and extended for electric antennas. By injecting low-frequency sinusoidal signals, the calibration constants are determined for two different test setups: the first one being a testbench where the characteristic impedance is matched and the second one a full-scale 420 kV GIS. The calibration method is validated in three ways: with a calibrated pulse in the testbench, a calibrated pulse in a full-scale GIS, and PD defects in the full-scale GIS. The calibration procedure revealed a frequency limit range dependent on the GIS length and the sensor's signal-to-noise ratio. The three validation methods showed low charge estimation errors for the magnetic and electric antennas, demonstrating that the PD calibration method applies to any electric/magnetic detector with a low-frequency derivative response. This research paves the way for better GIS insulation monitoring and PD sensor harmonization., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, ESP LAB

Ships can avoid to be detected by magnetic mines by reducing their magnetic signature with degaussing coils. Degaussing currents are provided by switched mode power supplies which impose a current ripple on top of the degaussing current. The ripple might be visible in the magnetic signature which would increase the detectability of the ship. A way to reduce the ripple in the magnetic field is to use a switching modulation scheme in the degaussing power supplies. In this paper, a magnetic model of a ship with degaussing coils is described. It is used to find the magnitude of the ripple in the magnetic signature. Also the effect of reducing the current ripple by frequency modulation is investigated. Several modulation schemes are modelled. It is found that the ripple in the magnetic signature is often, but not always, negligible due to attenuation by the ship’s hull. For low frequency switching applications, like high temperature superconductor degaussing systems, the ripple is visible in the magnetic signature. It is found that switching frequency modulation is a very effective technique to reduce the ripple of degaussing currents. Of the tested schemes, random lead lag and random switching frequency are the most effective., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, Transport Engineering and Logistics

Recent research has found that Magnetic loop antennas can detect partial discharges (PD) in gas-insulated substations (GIS); however, unbalanced shielded loop (UBSL) antennas are affected by electric field coupling. This research proposes a balanced shielded loop (BSL) adapted for GIS PD sensing with different designs. The frequency response and PD charge estimation for BSL and UBSL antennas are analyzed and compared in a matched test bench using a very-fast pulse calibrator. The results confirmed a better common-mode noise rejection and thus a better charge estimation by using the balanced magnetic antenna. An alternative BSL design improved the antenna's gain by a factor of two, and by using a balun transformer, the gain was increased by a factor of 4. The results showed the criticality in the shielded gap placement and the influence of the antenna's parasitic elements on the balun's frequency response. This paper shows an improvement in the noise rejection using magnetic antennas, which leads to the possibility of better PD sensing in GIS., Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public., High Voltage Technology Group

Detection of the magnetic signature of ships can be avoided by using a degaussing system; a set of on-board copper coils that compensates for the magnetic signature. High temperature superconductors (HTS) are currently investigated as a replacement for copper degaussing coils. By using HTS, we have to deal with higher currents and therefore with higher power supply losses. Also, large current leads are needed which introduces extra losses. This paper investigates different possible solutions to minimize these losses. Four H-bridge-based MOSFET topologies are presented that were designed to reduce the power supply and current lead losses. The first topology uses an H-bridge configuration so that the degaussing current can freewheel through the low-resistance MOSFETs. The second topology places the H-bridge inside the cryostat so that the current leads can be made smaller. The third topology includes a smoothing capacitor in the cryostat so that the current leads and input current are even smaller. The fourth topology uses a transformer so that the current leads can be eliminated. Measurements were done to determine the MOSFETs and capacitor performance in liquid nitrogen. The simulated losses of the four topologies are compared to determine the most energy-efficient option for supplying current to the HTS coils. It was found that by submerging multiple parallel MOSFETs in liquid nitrogen, the on-state resistance is decreased and the current supply can be made more efficient. Also, by placing a smoothing capacitor inside the cryostat, the current lead losses can be minimized significantly. The benefits of using a transformer do not outweigh the transformer losses., High Voltage Technology Group, DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, BUS/TNO STAFF

Ships can avoid to be detected by magnetic mines by reducing their magnetic signature with degaussing coils. Degaussing currents are provided by switched mode power supplies which impose a current ripple on top of the degaussing current. The ripple might be visible in the magnetic signature which would increase the detectability of the ship. A way to reduce the ripple in the magnetic field is to use a switching modulation scheme in the degaussing power supplies. In this paper, a magnetic model of a ship with degaussing coils is described. It is used to find the magnitude of the ripple in the magnetic signature. Also the effect of reducing the current ripple by frequency modulation is investigated. Several modulation schemes are modelled. It is found that the ripple in the magnetic signature is often, but not always, negligible due to attenuation by the ship’s hull. For low frequency switching applications, like high temperature superconductor degaussing systems, the ripple is visible in the magnetic signature. It is found that switching frequency modulation is a very effective technique to reduce the ripple of degaussing currents. Of the tested schemes, random lead lag and random switching frequency are the most effective., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, Transport Engineering and Logistics

Partial discharges (PD) measurements provide an estimation of the severity of the insulation degradation; additionally, it is used as a unit of standardization. Up to now, only the IEC 62478 briefly mentions partial discharge measurements using electromagnetic sensors in gas-insulated substations (GIS). The IEC60270 standard provides a method for PD charge measurement when the test object approximates to a lumped element; PD in SF 6 are in the range of nanosecond, and given the GIS length, it behaves as a transmission line. This work compares different sensors (commercially available and developed by the authors) used for measuring PD charge magnitude in GIS. The sensors’ sensitivity, time resolution, and charge estimation accuracy are tested in a full-scale 420 kV GIS. A nanosecond rise time pulse was connected to the GIS through a transition cone to provide a good PD representation. The pulse was measured by electric and magnetic sensors installed in mounting holes located in different sections of the GIS, and a directional coupler was used as a reference to the injected pulse. This work demonstrates that the charge magnitude can be extracted using different sensors, harmonizing the reading from different measuring systems. The results show the possibility of a standardized method for on-line PD measurements and routine and after-installation tests., Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public., High Voltage Technology Group

There are no accepted procedures that quantify the apparent charge of partial discharge (PD) in gas-insulated substations (GIS). This paper proposes a calibration method for PD charge estimation using unconventional electromagnetic sensors: a magnetic loop antenna (inductive coupler) and an electric antenna (capacitive coupler.) The calibration procedure is intended for the voltage double integral method, which is reviewed for magnetic antennas and extended for electric antennas. By injecting low-frequency sinusoidal signals, the calibration constants are determined for two different test setups: the first one being a testbench where the characteristic impedance is matched and the second one a full-scale 420 kV GIS. The calibration method is validated in three ways: with a calibrated pulse in the testbench, a calibrated pulse in a full-scale GIS, and PD defects in the full-scale GIS. The calibration procedure revealed a frequency limit range dependent on the GIS length and the sensor's signal-to-noise ratio. The three validation methods showed low charge estimation errors for the magnetic and electric antennas, demonstrating that the PD calibration method applies to any electric/magnetic detector with a low-frequency derivative response. This research paves the way for better GIS insulation monitoring and PD sensor harmonization., High Voltage Technology Group, ESP LAB

The Pulsed Electroacoustic Method is one of the most common methods for space charge measurements in solid dielectrics. This method involves applying a voltage pulse across the dielectric under test, which modifies the electrostatic force balance across the dielectric, creating an acoustic signal that can be measured externally. This work analyzes the influence of the pulsed voltage circuit connection location at the PEA test towards the generated distortion due to the electromagnetic interaction between the pulsed voltage and the acoustic sensor by means of experimental tests. From the tests, it can be observed that the connection locations of the pulsed voltage circuit directly connected to the test cell have a significant influence on the distortion magnitude. In practice, this means that the generated distortion can be significantly diminished by modifying the physical location of the connection to the PEA test cell of the pulsed voltage injection electrodes. The results of this paper could serve as a guideline for the construction of PEA measurement setups to minimize the signal distortion caused by the pulsed voltage, which can also reflect in simpler post-processing., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

Gas insulated substations (GIS) have increased in the electric power system in recent years and is expected to continue increasing in the following years. The GIS has remarkable advantages over air insulated substation in offshore windfarms where the installation space is limited. The outlying location of the GIS demands a robust monitoring system. It is well known from literature that partial discharge (PD) measurements are an accepted method for insulation diagnosis and in many cases a required part of the acceptance protocol for many high voltage (HV) assets. In a recent investigation, a new concept of PD measurements in GIS using a Very High Frequency (VHF) Sensor (so-called Magnetic Antenna) has been demonstrated. Unlike Ultra High Frequency (UHF) technology, the presented PD sensor has a sensitivity better than 5 pC and yield an estimation of the charge magnitude, thus providing information about the severity of the insulation degradation. In this paper, a test bench for the characterization of the magnetic antenna is proposed. The magnetic antenna and a traditional UHF antenna are tested in the frequency domain up to 1 GHz, and in the time domain using different wave-shapes. Additionally, using the test bench, it is demonstrated the homogeneity of the PD current propagating in the GIS in the transverse electromagnetic (TEM) mode. The charge is estimated using the double integral voltage method, showing low errors. The results from the research gives a preface for further investigation in the design of the magnetic antenna., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

The discharge over dielectric interfaces popularly known as surface discharge is a very common defect type that is associated with its respective discharge pattern under AC voltages. However, the same designs behave differently under DC voltages leading up to erratic PD behavior. To understand the process of surface discharge an equivalent circuit model is developed, and its influencing material parameters such as the volumetric and surface electrical conductivities and the relative permittivity are measured experimentally. This paper describes the methodology and setup of the measurement based on international standards. The final goal is to provide the constituent model parameters that can describe the surface discharge model under DC stress., Accepted author manuscript, DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

The authors wish to make the following erratum to this paper [1]: the summation symbol in the Equations (11) and (12) should be a product symbol. The corrected Equations (11) and (12) appear below: The authors apologize for any inconvenience caused and state that the scientific conclusions are unaffected. The original article has been updated., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, ESP LAB

A recent investigation explored a new measuring concept used in partial discharges (PD) measurements in gas insulated substations (GIS), consisting of a magnetic loop antenna. The sensor's frequency response was characterized up to some tens of MHz. This paper proposes an improved version of the sensor with an extended bandwidth (BW) one order of magnitude higher: a resonance, attributed to a common mode current in the mounting hole, is identified and eliminated employing ferrite beads in the feeder cables. Moreover, this publication proposes an electric circuit model that fully covers the transverse electromagnetic mode (TEM) frequency range in GIS. The electric model is compared against experimental measurements using a 1 GHz bandwidth testbench, giving accurate results. Two contributions are achieved in this research: an improved magnetic loop antenna with extended bandwidth and an accurate electric circuit model. This publication paves the way for further research on time resolution and signal postprocessing techniques for magnetic loop antennas in GIS., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

Space charges are one of the main challenges facing the constantly increasing use of extruded high voltage direct current (HVDC) cables. The Pulsed Electro-Acoustic (PEA) method is one of the most common procedures for space charge measurements of insulation. One issue with the PEA method is distortion due to the crosstalk between the applied voltage pulse and the acoustic sensor. This work analyzed two factors involved in the reduction in this distortion: the influence of the exposed semiconductor distance between the injection electrodes and PEA test cell, and the influence of adding a reactance at the grounding circuit of the PEA test cell. The interaction of these two factors with the distortion was analyzed through a series of experimental testing. Moreover, the performance regarding distortion after applying a developed coaxial injection was compared with the standard non-coaxial injection configuration. It was observed that these two factors had a direct impact on distortion and can be utilized for the reduction in distortion arising from the crosstalk of the applied pulsed voltage. The results can be utilized for the consideration of practical aspects during the construction of a PEA test setup for the measurement of full-size HVDC cables., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, ESP LAB

This paper presents the investigation on surface discharge behavior of various dielectric samples under DC. It sequentially develops the knowledge base for the study and analysis of the partial discharge (PD) defect with the goal of PD defect identification under DC. In order to facilitate this, the material properties of the dielectric are measured. Finite Element (FEM) simulation is used to obtain the preliminary estimates of the electric field and dielectric properties that concern partial discharge behavior. The DC-PD tests performed on the surface dielectric samples demonstrate a highly plausible behavior based on simulation results and other literature. It also displays a great degree of similarity towards the AC surface discharge behavior. The paper concludes by presenting novel partial discharge fingerprints for the surface PD defect that will aid in defect identification under HVDC., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

The discharge over dielectric interfaces popularly known as surface discharge is a very common defect type that is associated with its respective discharge pattern under AC voltages. However, the same designs behave differently under DC voltages leading up to erratic PD behavior. To understand the process of surface discharge an equivalent circuit model is developed, and its influencing material parameters such as the volumetric and surface electrical conductivities and the relative permittivity are measured experimentally. This paper describes the methodology and setup of the measurement based on international standards. The final goal is to provide the constituent model parameters that can describe the surface discharge model under DC stress., Accepted author manuscript, DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

The Pulsed Electroacoustic Method is one of the most common methods for space charge measurements in solid dielectrics. This method involves applying a voltage pulse across the dielectric under test, which modifies the electrostatic force balance across the dielectric, creating an acoustic signal that can be measured externally. This work analyzes the influence of the pulsed voltage circuit connection location at the PEA test towards the generated distortion due to the electromagnetic interaction between the pulsed voltage and the acoustic sensor by means of experimental tests. From the tests, it can be observed that the connection locations of the pulsed voltage circuit directly connected to the test cell have a significant influence on the distortion magnitude. In practice, this means that the generated distortion can be significantly diminished by modifying the physical location of the connection to the PEA test cell of the pulsed voltage injection electrodes. The results of this paper could serve as a guideline for the construction of PEA measurement setups to minimize the signal distortion caused by the pulsed voltage, which can also reflect in simpler post-processing., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

Gas insulated substations (GIS) have increased in the electric power system in recent years and is expected to continue increasing in the following years. The GIS has remarkable advantages over air insulated substation in offshore windfarms where the installation space is limited. The outlying location of the GIS demands a robust monitoring system. It is well known from literature that partial discharge (PD) measurements are an accepted method for insulation diagnosis and in many cases a required part of the acceptance protocol for many high voltage (HV) assets. In a recent investigation, a new concept of PD measurements in GIS using a Very High Frequency (VHF) Sensor (so-called Magnetic Antenna) has been demonstrated. Unlike Ultra High Frequency (UHF) technology, the presented PD sensor has a sensitivity better than 5 pC and yield an estimation of the charge magnitude, thus providing information about the severity of the insulation degradation. In this paper, a test bench for the characterization of the magnetic antenna is proposed. The magnetic antenna and a traditional UHF antenna are tested in the frequency domain up to 1 GHz, and in the time domain using different wave-shapes. Additionally, using the test bench, it is demonstrated the homogeneity of the PD current propagating in the GIS in the transverse electromagnetic (TEM) mode. The charge is estimated using the double integral voltage method, showing low errors. The results from the research gives a preface for further investigation in the design of the magnetic antenna., High Voltage Technology Group, DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

Space charges are one of the main challenges facing the constantly increasing use of extruded high voltage direct current (HVDC) cables. The Pulsed Electro-Acoustic (PEA) method is one of the most common procedures for space charge measurements of insulation. One issue with the PEA method is distortion due to the crosstalk between the applied voltage pulse and the acoustic sensor. This work analyzed two factors involved in the reduction in this distortion: the influence of the exposed semiconductor distance between the injection electrodes and PEA test cell, and the influence of adding a reactance at the grounding circuit of the PEA test cell. The interaction of these two factors with the distortion was analyzed through a series of experimental testing. Moreover, the performance regarding distortion after applying a developed coaxial injection was compared with the standard non-coaxial injection configuration. It was observed that these two factors had a direct impact on distortion and can be utilized for the reduction in distortion arising from the crosstalk of the applied pulsed voltage. The results can be utilized for the consideration of practical aspects during the construction of a PEA test setup for the measurement of full-size HVDC cables., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, ESP LAB

A recent investigation explored a new measuring concept used in partial discharges (PD) measurements in gas insulated substations (GIS), consisting of a magnetic loop antenna. The sensor's frequency response was characterized up to some tens of MHz. This paper proposes an improved version of the sensor with an extended bandwidth (BW) one order of magnitude higher: a resonance, attributed to a common mode current in the mounting hole, is identified and eliminated employing ferrite beads in the feeder cables. Moreover, this publication proposes an electric circuit model that fully covers the transverse electromagnetic mode (TEM) frequency range in GIS. The electric model is compared against experimental measurements using a 1 GHz bandwidth testbench, giving accurate results. Two contributions are achieved in this research: an improved magnetic loop antenna with extended bandwidth and an accurate electric circuit model. This publication paves the way for further research on time resolution and signal postprocessing techniques for magnetic loop antennas in GIS., High Voltage Technology Group, DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

The authors wish to make the following erratum to this paper [1]: the summation symbol in the Equations (11) and (12) should be a product symbol. The corrected Equations (11) and (12) appear below: The authors apologize for any inconvenience caused and state that the scientific conclusions are unaffected. The original article has been updated., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, ESP LAB

This paper presents the investigation on surface discharge behavior of various dielectric samples under DC. It sequentially develops the knowledge base for the study and analysis of the partial discharge (PD) defect with the goal of PD defect identification under DC. In order to facilitate this, the material properties of the dielectric are measured. Finite Element (FEM) simulation is used to obtain the preliminary estimates of the electric field and dielectric properties that concern partial discharge behavior. The DC-PD tests performed on the surface dielectric samples demonstrate a highly plausible behavior based on simulation results and other literature. It also displays a great degree of similarity towards the AC surface discharge behavior. The paper concludes by presenting novel partial discharge fingerprints for the surface PD defect that will aid in defect identification under HVDC., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

Due to their permeability, merchant and naval vessels distort Earth’s magnetic field which leaves a magnetic signature. These anomalies in the magnetic field may be detected by mines leaving the vessel exposed. To avoid detection by magnetic sensors, the vessels magnetic signature can be reduced in several ways. One of them is degaussing: a technique where a set of on-board coils produces a magnetic field to cancel the magnetic signature. Modelling studies have shown that the performance of a degaussing system can be improved by replacing the copper with high temperature superconductor (HTS) coils in terms of volume, weight and energy efficiency. This study aims to compare the degaussing functionality of copper and HTS windings. A table-top demonstration model is presented which is equipped with both copper and HTS degaussing coils. The demonstrator is prepared by removing the permanent magnetisation. The two degaussing topologies are compared in terms of functionality, efficiency, controllability and mutual inductances., Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, Transport Engineering and Logistics

This paper presents several approaches to the analysis of partial discharge (PD) data. Three common defects namely corona, surface and floating electrode are studied with the goal of defect identification under DC stress conditions. One of the major concerns with DC-PD testing, is its non-repetitive/erratic pulse pattern. This paper, however, only deals with the repetitive stages of discharge that will allow the study of their resultant patterns and trends. Several unique features such as the formative trend in the probability plot of time between discharges for the three common defect types shows promise in the quest for defect identification under DC. Further, the paper also describes in which way a three-pulse PSA diagram cannot serve as a standalone figure and hence requires a change in perspective by either adding or reducing a dimension. The last part of the paper presents a test methodology to identify the discharge source based on various discharge features., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

This paper presents a wavelet analysis technique together with support vector machines (SVM) to discriminate partial discharges (PD) from external disturbances (electromagnetic noise) in a GIS PD measuring system based on magnetic antennas. The technique uses the Cross Wavelet Transform (XWT) to process the PD signals and the external disturbances coming from the magnetic antennas installed in the GIS compartments. The measurements were performed in a high voltage (HV) GIS containing a source of PD and common-mode external disturbances, where the external disturbances were created by an electric dipole radiator placed in the middle of the GIS. The PD were created by connecting a needle to the main conductor in one of the GIS compartments. The cross wavelet transform and its local relative phase were used for feature extraction from the PD and the external noise. The features extracted formed linearly separable clusters of PD and external disturbances. These clusters were automatically classified by a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. The SVM presented an error rate of 0.33%, correctly classifying 99.66% of the signals. The technique is intended to reduce the PD false positive indications of the common-mode signals created by an electric dipole. The measuring system fundamentals, the XWT foundations, the features extraction, the data analysis, the classification algorithm, and the experimental results are presented., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

Nowadays, with the widespread use of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cables in power systems, the measurements of space charges in full-size cables are becoming more relevant. One of the most common methods used for space charge measurements is the Pulsed Electro-Acoustic (PEA) method. This paper analyzes two factors that influence the electromagnetic interference on the piezoelectric signal. These factors are the connection of the injected pulsed voltage at the PEA test cell and the grounding of the PEA test cell. The influence was analyzed by means of experimental tests to compare different configurations and the electromagnetic distortion created in each one of them. It was observed that the physical location of the pulsed voltage at the electrode has a very important impact on the magnitude of the electromagnetic distortion. Moreover, it is shown that the physical connection of the grounding and the existence of a parasitic capacitance at the PEA test cell are also an important source of distortion., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

This paper tackles the problem of the classification of partial discharge (PD) and noise signals by applying unsupervised and semi-supervised learning methods. The first step in the proposed methodology is to prepare a set of classification features from the statistical moments of the distribution of the Wavelet detail coefficients extracted from a dataset of signals acquired from a test cell under 40 kVDC. In a second step, an unsupervised learning framework that implements the k–means algorithm is applied to reduce the dimensionality of this initial feature set. The Silhouette index is used to evaluate the number of natural clusters in the dataset while the Dunn index is used to determine which subset of features produces the best clustering quality. Since the unsupervised learning does not provide any method for result validation, then the third step in the methodology of this paper consists of applying a semi-supervised learning framework that implements Transductive Support-Vector Machines. The labeling of the test set that is required in this framework for the result validation is carried out by visual checking of the signal waveforms assisted by GUI tools such as the software PDflex. The results using this methodology showed a high classification accuracy and proved that both learning frameworks can be combined to optimize the selection of classification features., ESP LAB, DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

This paper describes a simplified model and a generic model of high-frequency current transformer (HFCT) sensors. By analyzing the models, a universal charge estimation method based on the double time integral of the measured voltage is inferred. The method is demonstrated to be valid irrespective of HFCT sensor, assuming that its transfer function can be modelled as a combination of real zeros and poles. This paper describes the mathematical foundation of the method and its particularities when applied to measure nanosecond current pulses. In practice, the applicability of the method is subjected to the characteristics and frequency response of the sensor and the current pulse duration. Therefore, a proposal to use the double time integral or the simple time integral of the measured voltage is described depending upon the sensor response. The procedures used to obtain the respective calibration constants based on the frequency response of the HFCT sensors are explained. Two examples, one using a HFCT sensor with a broadband flat frequency response and another using a HFCT sensor with a non-flat frequency response, are presented., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, ESP LAB

The problem of impaired data sets refers to data sets containing a vast majority of unwanted signals than signals of interest. With increased interest in partial discharge (PD) testing with arbitrary waveforms and transients, these kind of data sets are becoming more and more common. Traditional clustering techniques cannot be applied due to big differences in spatial densities of the existing clusters in the data set. This paper contributes a simple yet efficient technique to recognize PD signals from noise and other disturbances. The signal recognition features are based on two specific areas extracted from the cumulative energy signal (CE) of each recorded waveform. These areas weigh up the extent to which the recorded signals have a pulse-like shape. A third feature, defined as a shape factor, extracts additional metrics from the CE signal that serves the purpose of accounting for the factors affecting the computation of the proposed recognition features and threshold for data size reduction. These three CE-based features are used to create a graph from which a real PD can be spotted in large impaired data sets. The performance of this technique is tested using PD measurements from superimposed impulse tests on a 150 kV cable system., ESP LAB, DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

In practice, High-voltage (HV) cables are occasionally exposed to impulse and superimposed transient conditions, which may initiate partial discharges (PD) temporarily. Whether such PDs persist under AC voltage after the transient conditions have vanished, is at focus in the research described in this paper. Since for cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cables the accessories are weak links in the HV cable insulation system, we investigated the PD behavior of an artificial joint defect in a HV cable model under impulse and superimposed voltages. By applying a dedicated PD measuring system it was found that, the impulse and superimposed voltages can initiate PD in the artificial defect, which under local electrical field conditions can persist for some time. The different parameters of the applied voltages have different effects on the PD behavior., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, EEMCS - General

Corona is one of the most common forms of partial discharge (PD) occurring in high voltage (HV) energy systems. The corona mechanism in air is not exclusive to the field of energy applications but has also been widely studied by physicists to theorize mechanisms of charge transfer during the different phases of gas discharge. The phases of the discharge and its corresponding behavior with alternating voltage (AC) are well established and represented through various discharge trends, patterns and stages. This not only makes the identification of the PD defect possible but also helps evaluate the risk. This paper investigates corona configurations under DC stress in an attempt to create a similar outline of the defect as exists under AC. The defect is studied in terms of the pulse sequence information. The measurement system requirements are kept within a realistic realm to preserve applicability to industrial measurements. Finally, it makes selective recommendations for the effective identification of the discharge condition under DC stress., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

Due to their permeability, merchant and naval vessels distort Earth’s magnetic field which leaves a magnetic signature. These anomalies in the magnetic field may be detected by mines leaving the vessel exposed. To avoid detection by magnetic sensors, the vessels magnetic signature can be reduced in several ways. One of them is degaussing: a technique where a set of on-board coils produces a magnetic field to cancel the magnetic signature. Modelling studies have shown that the performance of a degaussing system can be improved by replacing the copper with high temperature superconductor (HTS) coils in terms of volume, weight and energy efficiency. This study aims to compare the degaussing functionality of copper and HTS windings. A table-top demonstration model is presented which is equipped with both copper and HTS degaussing coils. The demonstrator is prepared by removing the permanent magnetisation. The two degaussing topologies are compared in terms of functionality, efficiency, controllability and mutual inductances., Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, Transport Engineering and Logistics

This paper describes a simplified model and a generic model of high-frequency current transformer (HFCT) sensors. By analyzing the models, a universal charge estimation method based on the double time integral of the measured voltage is inferred. The method is demonstrated to be valid irrespective of HFCT sensor, assuming that its transfer function can be modelled as a combination of real zeros and poles. This paper describes the mathematical foundation of the method and its particularities when applied to measure nanosecond current pulses. In practice, the applicability of the method is subjected to the characteristics and frequency response of the sensor and the current pulse duration. Therefore, a proposal to use the double time integral or the simple time integral of the measured voltage is described depending upon the sensor response. The procedures used to obtain the respective calibration constants based on the frequency response of the HFCT sensors are explained. Two examples, one using a HFCT sensor with a broadband flat frequency response and another using a HFCT sensor with a non-flat frequency response, are presented., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, ESP LAB

This paper presents a wavelet analysis technique together with support vector machines (SVM) to discriminate partial discharges (PD) from external disturbances (electromagnetic noise) in a GIS PD measuring system based on magnetic antennas. The technique uses the Cross Wavelet Transform (XWT) to process the PD signals and the external disturbances coming from the magnetic antennas installed in the GIS compartments. The measurements were performed in a high voltage (HV) GIS containing a source of PD and common-mode external disturbances, where the external disturbances were created by an electric dipole radiator placed in the middle of the GIS. The PD were created by connecting a needle to the main conductor in one of the GIS compartments. The cross wavelet transform and its local relative phase were used for feature extraction from the PD and the external noise. The features extracted formed linearly separable clusters of PD and external disturbances. These clusters were automatically classified by a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. The SVM presented an error rate of 0.33%, correctly classifying 99.66% of the signals. The technique is intended to reduce the PD false positive indications of the common-mode signals created by an electric dipole. The measuring system fundamentals, the XWT foundations, the features extraction, the data analysis, the classification algorithm, and the experimental results are presented., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

This paper presents several approaches to the analysis of partial discharge (PD) data. Three common defects namely corona, surface and floating electrode are studied with the goal of defect identification under DC stress conditions. One of the major concerns with DC-PD testing, is its non-repetitive/erratic pulse pattern. This paper, however, only deals with the repetitive stages of discharge that will allow the study of their resultant patterns and trends. Several unique features such as the formative trend in the probability plot of time between discharges for the three common defect types shows promise in the quest for defect identification under DC. Further, the paper also describes in which way a three-pulse PSA diagram cannot serve as a standalone figure and hence requires a change in perspective by either adding or reducing a dimension. The last part of the paper presents a test methodology to identify the discharge source based on various discharge features., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

The problem of impaired data sets refers to data sets containing a vast majority of unwanted signals than signals of interest. With increased interest in partial discharge (PD) testing with arbitrary waveforms and transients, these kind of data sets are becoming more and more common. Traditional clustering techniques cannot be applied due to big differences in spatial densities of the existing clusters in the data set. This paper contributes a simple yet efficient technique to recognize PD signals from noise and other disturbances. The signal recognition features are based on two specific areas extracted from the cumulative energy signal (CE) of each recorded waveform. These areas weigh up the extent to which the recorded signals have a pulse-like shape. A third feature, defined as a shape factor, extracts additional metrics from the CE signal that serves the purpose of accounting for the factors affecting the computation of the proposed recognition features and threshold for data size reduction. These three CE-based features are used to create a graph from which a real PD can be spotted in large impaired data sets. The performance of this technique is tested using PD measurements from superimposed impulse tests on a 150 kV cable system., ESP LAB, DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

Corona is one of the most common forms of partial discharge (PD) occurring in high voltage (HV) energy systems. The corona mechanism in air is not exclusive to the field of energy applications but has also been widely studied by physicists to theorize mechanisms of charge transfer during the different phases of gas discharge. The phases of the discharge and its corresponding behavior with alternating voltage (AC) are well established and represented through various discharge trends, patterns and stages. This not only makes the identification of the PD defect possible but also helps evaluate the risk. This paper investigates corona configurations under DC stress in an attempt to create a similar outline of the defect as exists under AC. The defect is studied in terms of the pulse sequence information. The measurement system requirements are kept within a realistic realm to preserve applicability to industrial measurements. Finally, it makes selective recommendations for the effective identification of the discharge condition under DC stress., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

This paper tackles the problem of the classification of partial discharge (PD) and noise signals by applying unsupervised and semi-supervised learning methods. The first step in the proposed methodology is to prepare a set of classification features from the statistical moments of the distribution of the Wavelet detail coefficients extracted from a dataset of signals acquired from a test cell under 40 kVDC. In a second step, an unsupervised learning framework that implements the k–means algorithm is applied to reduce the dimensionality of this initial feature set. The Silhouette index is used to evaluate the number of natural clusters in the dataset while the Dunn index is used to determine which subset of features produces the best clustering quality. Since the unsupervised learning does not provide any method for result validation, then the third step in the methodology of this paper consists of applying a semi-supervised learning framework that implements Transductive Support-Vector Machines. The labeling of the test set that is required in this framework for the result validation is carried out by visual checking of the signal waveforms assisted by GUI tools such as the software PDflex. The results using this methodology showed a high classification accuracy and proved that both learning frameworks can be combined to optimize the selection of classification features., ESP LAB, DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

Nowadays, with the widespread use of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cables in power systems, the measurements of space charges in full-size cables are becoming more relevant. One of the most common methods used for space charge measurements is the Pulsed Electro-Acoustic (PEA) method. This paper analyzes two factors that influence the electromagnetic interference on the piezoelectric signal. These factors are the connection of the injected pulsed voltage at the PEA test cell and the grounding of the PEA test cell. The influence was analyzed by means of experimental tests to compare different configurations and the electromagnetic distortion created in each one of them. It was observed that the physical location of the pulsed voltage at the electrode has a very important impact on the magnitude of the electromagnetic distortion. Moreover, it is shown that the physical connection of the grounding and the existence of a parasitic capacitance at the PEA test cell are also an important source of distortion., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

In practice, High-voltage (HV) cables are occasionally exposed to impulse and superimposed transient conditions, which may initiate partial discharges (PD) temporarily. Whether such PDs persist under AC voltage after the transient conditions have vanished, is at focus in the research described in this paper. Since for cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cables the accessories are weak links in the HV cable insulation system, we investigated the PD behavior of an artificial joint defect in a HV cable model under impulse and superimposed voltages. By applying a dedicated PD measuring system it was found that, the impulse and superimposed voltages can initiate PD in the artificial defect, which under local electrical field conditions can persist for some time. The different parameters of the applied voltages have different effects on the PD behavior., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, EEMS - General

In order to avoid detection by sea mines, the magnetic signature of merchant and naval vessels can be reduced by running a current through a set of on-board copper coils. This process is called degaussing. Studies have shown that the volume, weight and energy losses of a degaussing system can be reduced by replacing the copper coils with high temperature superconductive (HTS) coils. Moreover, since the technology and production of HTS has matured and the material is highly available, the use of HTS for degaussing coils is a serious option. As a preliminary study towards an HTS degaussing test setup, this paper presents the design of a table-top demonstration with copper degaussing coils. The goal of the demonstration is to measure the magnetic signature and the magnetic signature reduction of a cylindrical object. The design choices of the test setup and the measuring system are discussed. The magnetic signature of the table-top model is calculated as well as the optimal placement of the degaussing coils and the optimal degaussing currents. These results are compared with measurements of the magnetic flux density around the demonstrator., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, Transport Engineering and Logistics

This article contains the development of the Health Index (HI) and the Risk Assessment (RA) models for Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) operating under tropical conditions. A case study of 631 bays of GIS in tropics with service time from 1 up to 30 years is used during the development of the models. The basis for the HI model is the condition assessment of subsystems in GIS. This assessment translates the measured parameters from GIS subsystems into condition status based on a set of norms and rules. The condition status is presented in a score, where the non-linear scaling is chosen as it allows the poor parameters to really stand out. On the other hand, the RA model calculates the risk of a GIS major failure. The Total Failure Probability (TPF) unifies six risk indicators of GIS failures under tropical conditions. The risk may fall into one of the four categories, namely: Low, Medium, High, and Very High., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, EEMCS - General

This paper presents a new wavelet analysis approach in partial discharges cable joint measurements in noisy environments. The proposed technique uses the Cross Wavelet Transform (XWT) to separate PD signals from noise and external disturbances in partial discharges measurements in cable joints using two opposite polarity sensors. The partial discharge measurements were performed during impulse and superimposed voltages, leading to a huge amount of noise and pulse shaped external disturbances. The XWT foundations, the experimental setup and the XWT methodology proposed are presented together with the results of the recognition of PD originated in the cable joint. In the experiments, 51,898 signals were acquired, in which 733 were PD signals from the joint and 51,165 corresponded to noise or external disturbances. The XWT performance was studied, finding that 97% of the PD signals were correctly separated by the technique proposed. The results demonstrate the effectivity of the XWT in separating PD signals from noise and external disturbances in this particular measuring system configuration., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, ESP LAB

Partial discharge is a prevalent phenomenon under high voltage (HV) where the discharge partially bridges the gap between two electrodes. At increasing voltage levels, physical dimensions and distances between the electrical parts become critical. Designing electrical components for such high voltages and planning of high voltage laboratories/tests need to deliberate this aspect as it could lead to possible complications such as partial discharges (PD) from the floating metal components. Floating electrodes under AC voltages are associated with a distinctive PRPD pattern. However, there is a lack of literature on the physical interpretation of this pattern. Likewise, under DC voltages, no consistent explanation towards the defect behavior has been reported. Therefore, this paper presents an in-depth study of the floating electrode defect configuration under AC and DC voltages. Subsequently, it provides the physical interpretation of the discharge patterns obtained through the stepwise description of the discharge stages under both conditions. By formulating criteria for repetitive discharges and presenting novel PD fingerprints for DC floating electrode configuration, the outcomes published in this paper contribute towards prospective PD defect identification tools under HVDC., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

Humid insulating gas (SF6) has been observed in a case study of 631 CB-bays of Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) operating under tropical conditions. The routine gas quality check in the case study reported that 20% of the non-Circuit Breaker enclosures have humidity above the value recommended by the IEEE and IEC standards. Therefore, an investigation into the flashover characteristics of a spacer in humid SF6 has been initiated in the High Voltage Laboratory of TU Delft, The Netherlands. The setup is a small model resembling the insulation system of a GIS with controlled parameters of humidity content and gas pressure. The electrical stresses in the test are AC, LI+, LI−, and SI with homogeneous, quasi-homogeneous-, and inhomogeneous field configurations. In general, the humidity does not influence the withstand strength of the spacer as long there is no condensation. When condensation occurred, the flashover voltage dropped by 28% during the test under AC at 2.6 bars, and by 38% during the test under LI+ at 2.5 bars; both with quasi-homogeneous field configuration. In the test with homogeneous field setup, the flashover voltage was dropped by 67% under LI+ at 3.4 bars. In our setup, it has also been observed that the flashover-drop due to condensation is higher than due to a 2-mm aluminum particle attached to the sample close to the high electric field region simulating the inhomogeneous field configuration., DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage, EEMCS - General