IETE Technical Review

ISSN: 0256-4602 (Print) 0974-5971 (Online) Journal homepage: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/titr20

Partial Discharge Localization in a Power

Transformer: Methods, Trends, and Future
Research

Mithun Mondal & G.B. Kumbhar

To cite this article: Mithun Mondal & G.B. Kumbhar (2016): Partial Discharge Localization in
a Power Transformer: Methods, Trends, and Future Research, IETE Technical Review, DOI:
10.1080/02564602.2016.1209436

To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02564602.2016.1209436

Published online: 02 Aug 2016.

Submit your article to this journal

Article views: 22

View related articles

View Crossmark data

Full Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at

http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?journalCode=titr20

Download by: [George Mason University] Date: 19 August 2016, At: 01:28
IETE TECHNICAL REVIEW, 2016
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02564602.2016.1209436

Partial Discharge Localization in a Power Transformer: Methods, Trends, and

Future Research
Mithun Mondal and G.B. Kumbhar
Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India

ABSTRACT KEYWORDS
This paper presents a comprehensive review of various techniques of partial discharge (PD) Acoustic methods; Electrical
localization. The technologies reviewed are acoustic, ultra-high frequency (UHF), optical, and methods; Partial discharge;
electrical according to their chronological order of development. The paper outlines the distinctive Power transformer; UHF
acoustic and UHF sensors, along with the algorithm for the localization of PD source. Various digital methods; Winding modelling
signal processing and statistical techniques applied are likewise discussed. A substantial effort has
been given to electrical methods since they represent the most active and current field of PD
research. In this paper, the techniques of PD localization used so far are compared, and their
advantages and limitations are pointed out. The challenges and trends in future research in PD
localizations are also discussed. The review given in this paper will be useful to develop the future
technologies for PD localization thereby avoiding insulation damage. Thus, this paper is intended to
serve as a guide for the research on the localization of PD inside the transformer winding.

1. INTRODUCTION PD detection by DGA cannot be considered a good

approach for localization. Later, discharge signals in the
The power transformer is one of the most expensive
form of EM or acoustic waves originated at the PD sites
assets in a power transmission network. It costs nearly
are utilized to localize the PD source.
60% of the total substation capital cost. Breakdown or
fault on it may lead to high costs for repair or replace-
The techniques of PD localization can be broadly
ment. Moreover, an unplanned outage of a power trans-
grouped into two categories:
former is highly uneconomical. Nevertheless,
appropriate maintenance and health monitoring can
(1) Conventional techniques and
increase the life of a transformer by a substantial
(2) Unconventional techniques
amount. One of the key indicators of insulation condi-
tion is partial discharge (PD). Sustained PD activity can
The conventional techniques are the one that conforms
cause irreversible damage to insulation material, and
to the IEC 60270 standard of PD measurement. The
thus estimating the magnitude and precise location of
standard comprises the associated PD terminologies,
the PD sources is the prime concern for health monitor-
quantities to be measured, information about the test
ing and diagnostic studies of the transformer. However,
and the measuring circuits, the analog and digital mea-
finding the location is a very challenging task due to the
suring techniques, methods for PD calibration, etc. The
highly complex and non-uniform structure of power
electrical methods of PD localization fall under the con-
transformer windings, and stochastic nature of PD.
ventional techniques. The conventional techniques have
certain limitations, for e.g., it cannot be used on-site due
PD emanates signals of various natures such as electro-
to EM and transmission interference, etc., and as such
magnetic (EM), acoustic, optical, chemical, etc. To moni-
the manufacturers opted for unconventional techniques,
tor and localize the PD activity, sensors based on
which make use of the various sensors based on acoustic,
acoustic, ultra-high frequency (UHF), electric, and
UHF, and hybrid systems.
hybrid technologies are employed. The chemical reac-
tion-based research on the PD detection deals with
This paper introduces qualitative assessment of the tech-
examining the oil sample in the form of dissolved gas
niques of PD localization in a power transformer and
analysis (DGA). It indicates the presence of PD, but
proposes consolidating narration of comparatively
could not determine its geometric position. Also, DGA is
numerous number of papers dedicated to the topic. The
normally conducted on a periodic basis. Hence, chemical
© 2016 IETE
2 M. MONDAL AND G.B. KUMBHAR: PARTIAL DISCHARGE LOCALIZATION IN A POWER TRANSFORMER
aim is to develop a knowledge database of the various PD
localization techniques adopted so far in power trans-
formers so that researchers can acquire a quick knowl-
edge of these techniques and differentiate among them.
An exhaustive bibliographic information is appended
which would serve as the guide to assist researchers and
utility engineers working in the field of transformers
insulation diagnostic, especially in the area of PD locali-
zation in power transformers.
The rest part of the paper is organized into the following
Sections. Section 2 presents the different acoustic meth-
ods and sensors used with their operating principle. Sim-
ilarly, Sections 3 and 4 deal with the UHF and electrical
methods, respectively. Section 5 discusses the optical
methods, and Section 6 presents the hybrid technologies.
Section 7 discusses the advantage and limitations of dif-
ferent techniques and suggests the prospects in the PD
localization. Finally, the paper concludes in Section 8.
2. ACOUSTIC METHODS
PD, pulse-shaped discharges generate mechanical stresses,
which produces acoustic waves. These waves propagate in
the transformer through the surrounding oil and can be
observed by acoustic sensors located outside the trans-
former tank. The time difference of arrival (TDOA) of the
signals to the multiple sensors gives the PD location. The
typical acoustic system includes acoustic sensors, filters
and pre-amplifiers, signal conditioning and acquisition
units, and expert system software for detection of dis-
charge location. The location of the PD source can be
determined by applying the Pythagoras theorem between
the position of the PD source and the sensors in the Carte-
sian coordinate. Figure 1 shows the position of sensors
and the PD source, and can the location can be determined
by applying Equation (1), where (x,y,z) and (xi,yi,zi) are the
position of the PD source and the sensors, respectively.
di D ðx ¡ xi Þ2 C ðy ¡ yi Þ2 C ðz ¡ zi Þ2 (1)
The on-site PD localization method based on enhance-
ment of acoustic signals emanating from discharge source
using arithmetic manipulation to calculate the time differ-
ence of observed signals between two sensors is given in
[1]. The time is converted to distance using the velocity of
sound in oil, which depends on the temperature of the oil
and frequency content of the discharge signal. The speed
of PD location depends upon the emission repetition rate
and the amount of energy present in the discharge. A mul-
tichannel acoustic emission (AE) instrument measures the
acoustic waves coming from the PD source to the multiple
sensors located at different points on the tank, and the PD
Figure 1: Position of the PD source and the sensors in the Carte-
sian coordinates
source is located in three dimensions by triangulation algo-
rithm [2]. If the PD location is not possible in three dimen-
sions due to the insufficient channel, then channel activity
determines the source location, by recognizing the most
active and first hit channel. But piezoelectric AE sensors
located along the external wall of the transformer tank are
vitiated due to different velocities of the sound to propa-
gate in oil, solid insulation, and steel tank wall, resulting
the PD to follow multiple paths and travel time between
the origin of the source and location of the sensors. The
problem can be mitigated by placing high-frequency fibre
optic AE sensors inside the transformer tank rather than
mounting it outside the tank. The PD location can be
determined by triangulation method under the condition
that the directional sensitivity of the sensor is flat up to
§40 from sensor axis and frequency range is up to
150 kHz [3]. Fibre optic sensors do not affect the insula-
tion integrity and are immune to EM interference. A pat-
tern recognition technique for PD localization in the oil-
filled transformer is proposed by dividing the transformer
into 20 £ 20 £ 20 mm3 sub-modules and the spatial dis-
tance of each module to acoustic sensors gives the location
of PD source [4]. The technique avoids complicated math-
ematical deduction, convergence or divergence of initial
values during iterations, and out of bound cases when PD
is located at the outer boundary of the transformer. But
when the discharge is located in the winding, the propaga-
tion velocity and direction of the signal no longer remain
constant and thus creates problems in source localization.
A method based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) is
proposed, which proved to be effective and give the close
 M. MONDAL AND G.B. KUMBHAR: PARTIAL DISCHARGE LOCALIZATION IN A POWER TRANSFORMER
location to PD source compared to least-square approach
[5]. The PD location using AE sensors requires a large
number of sensors, and iterative algorithms. A technique
using four AE sensors and non-iterative algorithm for PD
location is given in [6]. A technique of online PD localiza-
tion using wireless acoustic sensor network providing easy
installation, low cost, and galvanic isolation is discussed in
[7]. In another work, two simultaneous PD sources in the
three-phase transformer are located using modified parti-
cle swarm optimization [8], and its performance is com-
pared with a genetic algorithm. PSO offers high
computational efficiency and quick convergence compared
to the genetic algorithm. A technique of PD localization in
transformer oil using an array of circular sensors is dis-
cussed in [9]. It is found that circular sensors have better
accuracy compared to linear and phased sensors which
determine the PD position in one direction only and are
restricted by the Rayleigh limit, respectively.
The acoustic sensors are used directly without any modi-
fication and can be applied in both online and off-line
environment. As acoustic signals suffer from multiple
reflections and diffraction, the sensitivity of PD localiza-
tion is severely affected. Also, the high computational
effort is required to localize the PD source in three-
dimensional coordinates.
3. UHF METHODS
The PD inside the oil-filled transformer emits EM waves
in the frequency range of 300 MHz up to 3 GHz, and
can be detected by UHF sensors located either in the oil
valves or attached externally to the transformer tank.
The gas-insulated substations (GIS) application have the
facility to place the UHF sensors inside the transformer
tank, but transformer does not have this facility.
The PD location is determined by measuring the TDOA
of EM signals to the sensors. But, the main problem lies
in measuring the accurate time of arrival of the PD sig-
nal. The problem of improving the resolution of time
arrival is discussed in [10]. It is proposed to increase the
frequency band with an upper-frequency range up to
3.5 GHz in the radio-frequency (RF) range (15 GHz)
to pick the fast rise time of the signal. Diamond-shaped
antenna arrays increase the time resolution by increasing
the cross-correlation coefficient between sensor mea-
sured signals. Two array antenna eliminates the EM scat-
tering by the iron core, and hyperboloid genetic
algorithm searches the PD source. A comparison of three
different techniques for estimating the TDOA of EM sig-
nals to sensors is discussed in [11]. The first technique
determines the first peak i.e. earliest instant at which the
3
amplitude of the received signal reaches the peak value.
The second technique determines the cross-correlation
between different signals detected by the sensors. Finally,
the third technique estimates the cumulative energy of
the signal. The results were compared with and without
the presence of noise in the received EM signal and
found that first peak method gives better accuracy, fol-
lowed by cross-correlation and cumulative energy
technique.
The UHF sensors utilize as complementary to high fre-
quency current transformer (HFCT) sensors and are also
used to trigger the external acoustic sensors. Since the
UHF sensors are extremely susceptible to the noise sig-
nal, sometimes they can generate a false trigger to the
acoustic sensors.
4. ELECTRICAL METHODS
The application of the electrical method in PD detection
and localization depends on the observed PD pulse
which directly depends on several other factors, such as
wave-shape of the original PD pulse, distortion while
travelling from the origin to the terminals, frequency
response and bandwidth of the detector and oscilloscope,
etc. The PD pulse can be digitally simulated using an
resistance-inductance-capacitance (RLC) oscillatory cir-
cuit which complies similar with conventional interna-
tional electrotechnical commission (IEC) detectors and
can be simulated as given in (2)

0 0tt0
P ¡ ðt ¡ t0 Þ (2)
Ae t cosð2pf0 ðt ¡ t0 ÞÞ t0 < tT
where, A is the amplitude of the PD pulse, t0 is the time
of occurrence, t is the damping factor, f0 is the resonant
frequency, and T is the sampling time-period of the
pulse. A typical PD pulse in the time domain and its fre-
quency spectra is shown in Figure 2.
The PD location by electrical methods is based on analy-
sis of the winding responses measured at the terminal.
The advent of electrical methods for PD localization are
grouped into the following four categories (1) capacitive
transmitted pulse, (2) pulse comparison, (3) travelling
wave, and (4) inception stress. These methods are based
on different principles, such as measured impulse capaci-
tance component ratio, comparison of PD response
polarities, TDOA of EM waves, etc. The methods are
decided based on the frequency range, for e.g., in the
low-frequency range (00.01 MHz), the PD propagation
is EM in nature following the galvanic path, intermediate
frequency range (0.010.1 MHz) is characterized by
4 M. MONDAL AND G.B. KUMBHAR: PARTIAL DISCHARGE LOCALIZATION IN A POWER TRANSFORMER
1 0.025
0.5
Voltage (V)
0
-0.5
-1
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
-4
Time (seconds) x 10
(a)
Figure 2: PD signal in the time and frequency domain (a) Time domain PD signal and (b) frequency spectra of the PD pulse
resonance of the winding, and in the high-frequency
range (0.1 to 10 MHz), the PD propagation is through
capacitive elements of the winding.
The above-mentioned methods have some limitations,
for e.g., travelling wave measured the time delay of
arrival of PD signals at the terminal, but it is difficult to
decide the start time of arrival of PD signal at terminal,
capacitive location method fails when the neutral termi-
nal is solidly ground, which is normal condition at on-
site. PD localization using wave-shape recognition and
comparison with calibrated waveforms by cross-correla-
tion is proposed in [12]. The efficient localization
requires a range of calibrated waveforms and thus
increases the measurement complexity. PD localization
by measurement and computation of capacitive voltage
distribution at the inception of PD using a lumped
capacitance model is used in [13]. The capacitive lumped
model for studying PD pulse distribution is valid for a
certain range of frequency. Digital filtering technique is
used to extract the appropriate frequency range of capac-
itive pulse distribution due to PD [14]. Application of
digital filtering produces better accuracy in PD localiza-
tion with the capacitive network model.
A procedure based on time signal processing and recog-
nition to locate the internal defect in the transformer
insulation during commissioning test is proposed in
[15]. The method requires a transformer winding model
simulating fast PD signal of nano-seconds (ns) range,
but it is difficult to produce an equivalent winding model
for transient behaviour in the ns range. PD only affects
the position of zeros of the transfer function, while the
poles remain stationary since it is system dependent. By
comparing the frequency of the zeros obtained by wind-
ing model and experimental result, the PD location can
be determined [16]. In another work [17,18], the zeros
frequencies are used as template vectors to locate the PD.
The method of zeros location template vector using
multi-conductor transmission line (MTL) model and PD
0.02
Voltage (V)
0.015
0.01
0.005
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2
6
Frequency (Hz) x 10
(b)
calibrator to produce discharge signal is given in [19]
and for LC network and real discharges (corona model
and floating object in oil) is given in [20]. The series res-
onance frequency of the winding is utilized to construct
a network model which consists of self-inductance,
series, and shunt capacitances (commonly known as the
LKC model). The PD location is determined by “order
matching” of the series resonance frequency between the
model and the experiment [21]. The PD input signal can
be located from the output winding response measured
at the bushing and neutral, and the sectional winding
transfer functions (SWTFs) derived from the winding
model [22]. In practical situation during online measure-
ment, the PD signals are corrupted by noise. Under such
circumstances, the TDOA of multiple PD signals are
recorded, and the matched filters are designed to pro-
duce the maximum output at the time of arrival of PD
pulse, which gives the PD location [23]. The internal PD
sources are located by analysis of frequency spectra and
time-resolved response of the winding [24]. The average
power spectral density (PSD) of the secondary voltage of
a high-frequency winding model is used as a template,
and the distance classifier is used to predict the PD loca-
tion [25]. A method based on timedomain correlation
is proposed in [26] which successfully locates the PD
source when the pulse width of the test signal and refer-
ence signal is equal, otherwise it fails. The limitation is
overcome in [27] by converting the time domain PD
response to the frequency domain, ortho-normalizing
the signals and then applying the correlation technique.
Other statistical techniques using coherent phase detec-
tion [28] and regression or least slope [29] are also pro-
posed to locate the PD. In another work [30], the author
uses correlation coefficients to locate the PD source by
analysing the terminal current signal using wavelet pack-
ets. A method based on wavelet laplace (WL) and the
Hellinger distance using a network model to locate the
PD source is discussed in [31]. The study of different
pattern recognition techniques such as KarhunenLoeve
transform [32] and other transforms based on
 M. MONDAL AND G.B. KUMBHAR: PARTIAL DISCHARGE LOCALIZATION IN A POWER TRANSFORMER
sinecosine and wavelets [33] are also used for PD loca-
tion. Recently, a technique based on the unsupervised
neuro-fuzzy system is proposed for locating three differ-
ent discharge sources  corona, surface, and void [34].
The two essential tasks of PD localization by electrical
methods comprise of modelling of PD in the insulation
by an equivalent circuit and winding modelling, which
are summarized in the following subsections.
4.1 PD modelling
To understand the physics of PD, the modelling by an
equivalent circuit is necessary, which evaluates the
charge transfer from the origin to the measuring termi-
nal. The most renowned PD model of a gas-filled void is
the classical abc-model, which in fact models the insula-
tion itself. The classical-abc model for a gas-filled void is
shown in Figure 3(a) which is represented by three
capacitances, namely, the capacitance representing the
cavity (Cc) in the insulation, the capacitance in series
with the cavity (Cb), and the capacitance of the rest of
the insulation (Ca) [37].
While classical abc-model of the void is popular for a
long decade, certain limitation of the model, such as it
falsely assumed there is a change in capacitance during
PD, etc., led to its criticism by Pedersen et al., and after
that, he proposed a model based on the induced charge
concept [38]. The model is based on the dipole moment
and overcomes the limitation of the classical abc-model
by including the resistances in parallel to the capacitan-
ces, and also including the discharge resistance (Rdiss).
The dipole moment or induced charge concept-based
abc-model is shown in Figure 3(b).
Figure 3: Partial discharge models (a) Classical-abc model of the void [35] and (b) abc-model based on induced charge [36]
5
4.2 Winding modelling
Transformer winding modelling is an essential task that
employs the winding transfer function and statistical
techniques for PD localization. Several winding models
have been used for the PD study. The models based on
the capacitive network, detailed parameter model, MTL
model, and the hybrid models are the most well-known
models which have been used till date. These models dif-
fer based on their operating frequency region and the
winding types. For e.g., in disc winding, it is difficult to
determine the frequency region over which the model is
capacitive in nature. Hence, the capacitive network
model is not suitable for the disc winding. Similarly,
interleaved winding have cancellation of poles and zeros
of the transfer function which create difficulty in the
determination of the frequency position of zeros used by
the detailed model.
The various winding modelling techniques adopted for
PD localization are discussed in brief.
(1) Capacitive network model [13,14]: This model is
valid for a limited frequency range which is deter-
mined using digital filters as explained earlier. It is
not only difficult but also impossible to find the
frequency range for continuous disc winding.
(2) Detailed ladder network model [39]: The detailed
model consists of resistance, inductance, capaci-
tance, and conductance per section of the winding
(shown in Figure 4(a)). It is valid for a frequency
range of several KHz to a maximum of 1 MHz.
The model is inadequate for the study of PD
propagation.
(3) Multi-conductor transmission line (MTL) model
[40,41]: MTL models each turn of the winding
6 M. MONDAL AND G.B. KUMBHAR: PARTIAL DISCHARGE LOCALIZATION IN A POWER TRANSFORMER
Figure 4: Transformer winding model for the study of PD localization. (a) Detailed ladder network model [39] and (b) multi-conductor
transmission line model (MTL) [42]
rather than section (shown in Figure 4(b)). The
model is valid for the higher frequency range up
to several MHz, but computation of the MTL is
too complex and time-consuming. Moreover, the
position of the zeros in the transfer function for a
particular section is not observable, especially near
the line end. Hence, due to these limitations, its
application in industry is restrained.
(4) Hybrid model [42]: The detailed model and the
MTL model combine to form the hybrid model
and are valid for a frequency range of tens of KHz
to hundreds of MHz. There is a definite frequency
range in the complete frequency scale in which
capacitive ratio method can be employed for PD
location.
5. OPTICAL METHODS
Optical methods for PD localization make use of either
the optoacoustic method, the acoustic phenomena of PD
to influence the optical signals transmitted through fiber
optic sensors placed inside the equipment, or direct
detection of optical signals generated by PD. A review of
the principle and application of optical fibre sensors to
the different field are given in [43,44]. A single and dou-
ble PD is located by capturing the light signal emitted by
discharge using optical sensors, and different pattern rec-
ognition techniques were applied to classify the features
and the energy level distribution received by multiple
sensors for a fixed duration of time gives the PD location
[45]. The localization depends on upon the intensity of
the discharge and position of the source and the sensors.
The optical methods of PD localization are immune to
EM interference, have high sensitivity and wide fre-
quency spectrum. But, the technique is not automated
and required human interference in localizing the PD
source. Moreover, the opaque nature of the oil compli-
cates its application in accurately locating the PD source.
6. HYBRID METHODS
It is sometimes difficult to differentiate acoustic signals
generated by discharge from electrical or mechanical
noise. Thus, it is beneficial to use acoustic sensors in
combination with EM sensors [46]. A mixed-acoustic i.e.
triggering of the acoustic sensors with EM signals, which
works with pseudo-times and used robust Global Posi-
tioning System (GPS) as a direct solver instead of itera-
tive algorithms for PD localization is proposed in [47].
The accurate location of PD is determined by precise
measurement of the arrival time of acoustic signals using
sophisticated techniques based on a change in the energy
content or frequency content of the signal. While the
non-linear iterative algorithm requires a good initial
value, GPS-based solver is free from initial value depen-
dency. It can be used for the under-determined or over-
determined system, and is more stable of measurable
errors and wrong assumption of acoustic propagation
velocity.
The rectangular ultrasonic array is expensive due to a
large number of elements and occupies a large area hin-
dering its application. The cost and space are reduced by
the use of the conformal L-shaped relocatable ultrasonic
array and UHF sensors [48] and cross-shaped ultrasonic
array and UHF EM sensors [49]. The technique is fur-
ther advanced using rotated sub-space (RSS) algorithm
which reduces the space by the use of an array of few ele-
ments compared to some discrete elements [50]. This
sensor arrays shows better performance, can be easily
installed, and have the noise suppression ability, could
be used to locate PD in transformer oil, but suffers in the
presence of the complex insulation system (core and
winding) from attenuation, reflection, and refraction.
The comparison of the different algorithm of calculating
the direction of arrival (DOA) of the signal, namely,
FOC-MUSIC algorithm, TCT algorithm, and synthesis
algorithms for PD source estimation is given in [51] and
found the estimation algorithm to have better directing
 M. MONDAL AND G.B. KUMBHAR: PARTIAL DISCHARGE LOCALIZATION IN A POWER TRANSFORMER
precision compared to others. An electro-acoustic
method using an inductive loop sensor to locate PD
source in oil-paper insulation is proposed in [52]. Phase-
resolved PD patterns are complemented with a high-fre-
quency pulse analysis to identify the discharge source
and acoustic technique based on energy ratio method is
implemented to locate the PD.
7. DISCUSSIONS AND PROSPECTS
Fast and accurate PD localization in a complicated insu-
lation system of the transformer is difficult due to two
reasons: the PDs can occur at multiple locations within
the insulation, and it can only be detected and measured
at the terminal. The three types of methods or signals
that are used for PD location are (1) acoustic signals in
the ultrasonic range (20 KHz1MHz) (2) EM signals in
the UHF range (0.33 GHz), and (3) the electric signals.
Due to the complex structure of the transformer insula-
tion, the discharge signals are attenuated and reflected
along different paths of the insulation before they are
Table 1: Advantage and limitations of methods of PD localizations.
Method Advantage
Acoustic (1) Sensors can be directly attached without any
[19,4648,5052] modification
(2) Test can be done both online or offline
(3) Immune to electromagnetic noise
(4) Location can be obtained in three-dimensional
coordinates
UHF (1) UHF antennas can be used as complementary
[1011,4651] to HFCT and have wider application compared to
acoustic sensors
(2) UHF signals triggers the acoustic sensors. The
probes located inside the tank detect PD events
and then trigger the acoustic sensors located
outside
(3) Experiments can be done on-line
Electrical (1) Better alternative to acoustic methods as the
[1242] electrical methods determine the PD location in
electrical turn measured from terminal, whereas,
acoustic methods determines PD location in
physical volume
(2) When the PDs are located deep inside then due
to high damping of sound level electrical
method is the only alternative
Optical (1) The sensors are galvanically isolated
[4345] (2) There is no electromagnetic interference
(3) It is immune to external noise
(4) Sensors are compact, convenient to use, and
provides personal safety
7
detected at the measuring terminals. Although the PD
signals are attenuated while travelling from the origin to
the measuring terminal, a lot of information can be
acquired about the PD location from the measured
response at the winding terminals (bushing and neutral)
both in the time and frequency domain.
The acoustic methods of PD localization are successful
only when the defect is located close to the wall of the
tank of the transformer, the magnitude of apparent
charge lies in the range of 300 pC, and the acoustic waves
emitted by the PD source go directly into the oil. The use
of UHF sensors in addition to the acoustic sensors gives
better PD location. But, when the PDs are located deep
inside the winding, then due to high damping of the
sound level electrical method is the only alternative.
The electrical methods of the PD localization use the dig-
ital signal processing (DSP) and statistical techniques to
analyse these winding responses. Although, the electrical
methods of PD location are limited to factory environ-
ment (offline) and could not be used in the field under
Limitations
(1) Environmental heterogeneity as a result presence of oil, paper, core,
pressboard, copper, etc. leads to low sensitivity due to high damping
(2) Signals suffer from multiple reflection and diffractions leads to lower
sensitivity
(3) Multiple sensors increase the complexity in data handling, processing and
evaluation
(4) A number of expensive acoustic sensors increase the cost
(1) High sensitivity to electrical noise generated by TV, Radio, Wi-Fi, and GSM
signals
(2) PD pulses detected are weak even for well-designed and high sensitivity
UHF antennas
(3) The positions of the sensors affect the wave shape of the PD pulse. Sensors
at close proximity do not affect the wave shape but this is not so for far apart
sensors due to scattering, distortion, and attenuation in the transmission
media
(4) Installation of UHF sensors presents a challenge, since transformers do not
have natural apertures in the metal cladding and need to insert the
antennas through drain valves for electromagnetic shielding
(1) The PD signal can occur at multiple locations and the measurement can be
done only at the terminals (bushing and neutral)
(2) The reference signals or templates are obtained by calibration in the
internal sections of the winding, which are generally not accessible.
Moreover, it requires a lot of time, effort and data handling complexities
(3) The model of the transformer winding is constructed from the design
details which at many times not easily available
(4) The constructed model from the winding design details may fail in
producing the actual winding response
(5) The PD signals are affected by the presence of noise and other
disturbances similar in nature to PD create a problem in precise localization
(6) The electrical methods based on IEC 60270 standards cannot be used for
on-site PD localization due to electromagnetic and transmission interference
(1) Operation required manual or eye contact for detection of PD source
(2) Application is usually restricted to liquid insulation material
8 M. MONDAL AND G.B. KUMBHAR: PARTIAL DISCHARGE LOCALIZATION IN A POWER TRANSFORMER
operating conditions due to EM interference and other
disturbances, at present the electrical methods are best
suited for PD location. The PD localization by winding
modelling is gaining popularity, which mostly depends
on the design details of the transformer. Since, most of
the times, the design details are not easily available,
hence, in such circumstances, the winding modelling
from the frequency response or terminal measurement is
the only alternative. But, it is difficult to produce an
accurate model of the winding due to the complex nature
of the insulation. Also, the PD signals are random in
nature with a different shape, amplitude, height, etc.
All the PD localization techniques discussed are still
under investigation, and none of the individual techni-
ques could predict the accurate location. Hence, it is
advisable to adopt hybrid methods to locate the PD
source.
The advantage and limitation of different methods of PD
localization are discussed in Table 1.
8. CONCLUSION
An effort is made to present a comprehensive review of
different techniques of PD localization in transformer
using acoustic, UHF, electrical, and hybrid technolo-
gies according to their chronological order of the evo-
lution. The working principle and the advancement in
the acoustic and UHF sensors are discussed. The dif-
ferent DSP and statistical techniques used by the differ-
ent techniques are discussed. A substantial effort has
been given to the pulse localization technique using
the different winding modelling approach since they
represent the most active and current field of the PD
research. The challenges and trends in future research
in PD localizations are also discussed. The techniques
are compared, and their advantage and limitations are
pointed out. Thus, this paper is intended to serve as a
guide for the research on the localization of PD inside
the transformer winding to avoid the insulation
damage.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors would like to thank Prof. S.V. Kulkarni for his
advice and valuable suggestions in preparing the manuscript.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
REFERENCES
1. E. Howells and E. Norton, “Location of partial discharge
sites in on-line transformers,” IEEE Trans. Power Appar.
Syst., Vol. PAS-100, no. 1, pp. 158162, Jan. 1981.
2. P. M. Eleftherion, “Partial discharge XXI: Acoustic emis-
sion-based PD source location in transformers,” IEEE
Electr. Insul. Mag., Vol. 11, no. 6, pp. 2226, Dec. 1995.
3. Z. Zhiqiang and M. MacAlpine, “The directionality of an
optical fiber high-frequency acoustic sensor for partial
discharge detection and location,” J. Lightwave Technol.,
Vol. 18, no. 6, pp. 795806, Jun. 2000.
4. Y. Lu, X. Tan, and X. Hu, “PD detection and localisation
by acoustic measurements in an oil-filled transformer,”
IEE Proc Sci Meas Technol., Vol. 147, no. 2, pp. 8185,
Mar. 2000.
5. L. Tang, R. Luo, M. Deng, and J. Su, “Study of partial dis-
charge localization using ultrasonics in power transformer
based on particle swarm optimization,” IEEE Trans.
Dielectr. Electr. Insul., Vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 492495, Apr.
2008.
6. P. Kundu, N. Kishore, and A. Sinha, “A non-iterative par-
tial discharge source location method for transformers
employing acoustic emission techniques,” Appl. Acoust.,
Vol. 70, no. 1112, pp. 13781383, Dec. 2009.
7. X. He, G. Xie, and Y. Jiang, “Online partial discharge
detection and location system using wireless sensor net-
work,” Energy Procedia, Vol. 12, pp. 420428, Jan. 2011.
8. M. Yazdanpanah, M. Parastegari, and R. A. Hooshmand,
“Simultaneous location of two partial discharge sources in
power transformers based on acoustic emission using the
modified binary partial swarm optimization algorithm,” IET
Sci., Meas. Technol., Vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 119127, Mar. 2013.
9. Q. Xie, S. Cheng, F. L€ u, and Y. Li, “Location of partial dis-
charge in transformer oil using circular array of ultrasonic
sensors,” IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., Vol. 20, no. 5,
pp. 16831690, Oct. 2013.
10. Z. Tang, C. Li, X. Cheng, W. Wang, J. Li, and J. Li, “Partial
discharge location in power transformers using wideband
RF detection,” IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., Vol. 13,
no. 6, pp. 11931199, Dec. 2006.
11. H. H. Sinaga, B. T. Phung, and T. R. Blackburn, “Partial
discharge localization in transformers using UHF detec-
tion method,” IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., Vol. 19,
no. 6, pp. 18911900, Dec. 2012.
12. J. Austin and P. Marshall, “Partial discharge location in
transformers and reactors by waveshape recognition,”
IEEE Trans. Power Appar. Syst., Vol. PAS-97, no. 6,
pp. 20412044, Dec. 1978.
13. B. Kallberg, “Location of partial discharges in power
transformers by computation and measurement of
capacitively transmitted voltage pulses,” IEEE Trans.
Power Appar. Syst., Vol. PAS-99, no. 2, pp. 589596,
Apr. 1980.
14. R. E. James, B. T. Phung, and Q. Su, “Application of digital
filtering techniques to the determination of partial dis-
charge location in transformers,” IEEE Trans. Electr.
Insul., Vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 657668, Aug. 1989.
15. J. Fuhr, M. Haessig, P. Boss, D. Tschudi, and R. A. King,
“Detection and location of internal defects in the insula-
tion of power transformers,” IEEE Trans. Electr. Insul.,
Vol. 28, no. 6, pp. 10571065, Dec. 1993.
 M. MONDAL AND G.B. KUMBHAR: PARTIAL DISCHARGE LOCALIZATION IN A POWER TRANSFORMER
16. Z. Wang, P. Crossley, and K. Cornick, “Partial discharge
location in power transformers using the spectra of the
terminal current signals,” Eleventh Int. Symp. High Voltage
Eng., Vol. 5, pp. 5861, Aug. 1999.
17. Z. Wang, P. Crossley, K. Cornick, and D. Zhu, “An algo-
rithm for partial discharge location in distribution power
transformers,” IEEE Power Eng. Soc. Winter Meeting Conf.
Proc., Vol. 3, pp. 22172222, 2000.
18. D. Zhu, P. Crossley, Z. Wang, and K. Cornick, “Partial dis-
charge location in power transformers,” IEE Proc. Sci.
Meas. Technol., Vol. 147, no. 5, pp. 249255, Sep. 2000.
19. S. Hettiwatte, Z. Wang, P. Crossley, P. Jarman, G.
Edwards, and A. Darwin, “An electrical PD location
method applied to a continuous disc type transformer
winding,” Proc. 7th In.t Conf. Prop. Appl. Dielectric Mater.,
Vol. 1, pp. 471474, Jun. 2003.
20. S. Hettiwatte, Z. Wang, and P. Crossley, “Investigation of
propagation of partial discharges in power transformers
and techniques for locating the discharge,” IEE Proc. Sci.
Meas. Technol., Vol. 152, pp. 2530, Jan. 2005.
21. Z. Wang, S. Hettiwatte, and P. Crossley, “A measure-
ments-based discharge location algorithm for plain disc
winding power transformers,” IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr.
Insul., Vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 416422, Jun. 2005.
22. A. Akbari, P. Werle, H. Borsi, and E. Gockenbach, “Trans-
fer function based partial discharge localization in power
transformers: A feasibility study,” IEEE Electr. Insul. Mag.,
Vol. 18, no. 5, pp. 2232, Sep. 2002.
23. J. Veen and P. C. J. M. Van der Wielen, “The application
of matched filters to PD detection and localization,” IEEE
Electr. Insul. Mag., Vol. 19, no. 5, pp. 2026, Oct. 2003.
24. J. Fuhr, “Procedure for identification and localization of
dangerous PD sources in power transformers,” IEEE
Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., Vol. 12, no. 5, pp.
10051014, Oct. 2005.
25. M. A. Eldery, T. K. Abdel-Galil, E. F. El-Saandany, and M.
M. A. Salama, “Identification of partial discharge locations
in transformer winding using PSD estimation,” IEEE
Trans. Power Deliv., Vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 10221023, Apr.
2006.
26. S. Jayalalitha and V. Jayashankar, “A correlation method
for detection of partial discharges in transformers,” IEEE
Trans. Power Deliv., Vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 531532, Jan. 2006.
27. V. Jeyabalan and S. Usa, “Frequency domain correlation
technique for PD location in transformer winding,” IEEE
Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., Vol. 16, no. 4, pp.
11601167, Aug. 2009.
28. V. Jeyabalan, “Coherent phase detection technique for
location of partial discharge in transformer windings,”
IEEE Trans. Power Deliv., Vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 28852886,
Oct. 2011.
29. V. Jeyabalan and U. Usa, “Statistical techniques for partial-
discharge location in transformer windings,” IEEE Trans.
Power Deliv., Vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 20642065, Jul. 2011.
30. M. Nafar, T. Niknam, and A. Gheisari, “Using correlation
coefficients for locating partial discharge in power trans-
former,” Int. J. Electr.Power Energ. Syst., Vol. 33, no. 3,
pp. 493499, Dec. 2011.
31. D. Guillen, G. Idarraga-Ospina, and E. Mombello, “Partial
discharge location in power transformer windings using
the wavelet Laplace function,” Elec. Power Syst. Res., Vol.
111, pp. 7177, Mar. 2014.
9
32. D. Wenzel, H. Borsi, and E. Gockenbach, “A new method
of partial discharge localization on transformers via the
Karhunen-Loeve transform,” Proc 4th Int. Conf. Prop. Appl.
Dielectric Mater (ICPADM), Vol. 2, pp. 622625, Jul. 1994.
33. M. Homaei, A. Mazhab Jafari, and A. Akbari, “Investigat-
ing suitable features for partial discharge localization in
power transformer,” Int. Conf. Condition Monit. Diagn.,
Vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 923926, Apr. 2008.
34. M. Homaei, S. Moosavian, and H. Illias, “Partial discharge
localization in power transformers using neuro-fuzzy
technique,” IEEE Trans. Power Deliv., Vol. 29, no. 5,
pp. 20662076, Oct. 2014.
35. A. Gemant and W. Philippoff, “Die Funkenstrecke mit
Vorkondensator,” Zeitschrift f€ ur Technische Physik,
Vol. 13, no. 9, pp. 425430, 1932.
36. Z. Achillides, G. Georghiou, E. Kyriakides, “Partial dis-
charges and associated transients: The induced charge
concept versus capacitive modeling,” IEEE Trans. Dielectr.
Electr. Insul., Vol. 15, no. 6, pp. 15071516, Dec. 2008.
37. A. Cavallini, G. C. Montanari, and M. Tozzi, “PD apparent
charge estimation and calibration: A critical review,” IEEE
Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., Vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 198205,
Feb. 2010.
38. E. Lemke, “A critical review of partial-discharge models,”
IEEE Electr. Insul. Mag., Vol. 28, no. 6, pp. 1116, Dec. 2012.
39. A. Mazhab Jafari, A. Akbaril, and M. Kharezi, “Partial dis-
charge localization in transformers using detailed model-
ing of winding and calibration pulses,” Int Conf. Solid
Dielectr.( ICSD), pp. 536539, Jul. 2007.
40. A. M. Jafari and A. Akbari, “Partial discharge localization
in transformer windings using multi-conductor transmis-
sion line model,” Elec. Power Syst. Res., Vol. 78, no. 6, pp.
10281037, Jun. 2008.
41. A. Mazhab Jafari, A. Akbari, H. R. Mirzaei, M. Kharezi,
and M. Allahbakhshi, “Investigating practical experiments
of partial discharge localization in transformers using
winding modeling,” IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul.,
Vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 11741182, Aug. 2008.
42. M. S. Naderi, M. Vakilian, T. R. Blackburn, B. T. Phung,
M. S. Naderi, and A. Nasiri, “A hybrid transformer model
for determination of partial discharge location in trans-
former winding,” IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul.,
Vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 436443, Apr. 2007.
43. G. D. Pitt, P. Extance, R. C. Neat, D. N. Batchelder, R. E.
Jones, J. A. Barnett, and R. H. Pratt, “Optical-fibre sensors,”
IETE Tech. Rev., Vol. 3, no. 8, pp. 379417, Jun. 1986.
44. M. H. Bin Afzal, S. Kabir, and O. Sidek, “An in-depth review:
Structural health monitoring using fiber optic sensor,” IETE
Tech. Rev., Vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 105113, Sep. 2012.
45. S. Biswas, C. Koley, B. Chatterjee, and S. Chakravorti, “A
methodology for identification and localization of partial
discharge sources using optical sensors,” IEEE Trans.
Dielectr. Electr. Insul., Vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 1828, Feb. 2012.
46. M. de A. Olivieri, W. Mannheimer, and A. Ripper-Neto,
“On the use of acoustic signals for detection and location
of partial discharges in power transformers,” IEEE Int.
Symp. Elect. Insul., pp. 259262, Apr. 2000.
47. S. M. Markalous, S. Tenbohlen, and K. Feser, “Detection
and location of partial discharges in power transformers
using acoustic and electromagnetic signals,” IEEE
Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., Vol. 15, no. 6, pp.
15761583, Dec. 2008.
10 M. MONDAL AND G.B. KUMBHAR: PARTIAL DISCHARGE LOCALIZATION IN A POWER TRANSFORMER
48. X. Xiaohu, L. Yongfen, T. Xiao, C. Peng, and L. Yanming,
“Relocatable ultrasonic array and UHF combined sensor
applied to PD location in oil,” IEEE Sens. J., Vol. 14, no. 2,
pp. 357361, Feb. 2014.
49. J. Haiying, L. Yongfen, J. Shengqiang, L. Jisheng, and L. Yanm-
ing, “Simulation of cross-shaped ultrasonic array applied for
partial discharge location in oil,” 1st Int Conf Electr. Power
Equip Switching Technol., pp. 682686, Oct. 2011.
50. L. Yongfen, D. Fei, P. Wei, and G. Jiaping, “Study of
improved RSS algorithm for ultrasonic array applied to
PD location in transformer,” IEEE Sens. J., Vol. 15, no. 9,
pp. 49864991, Sep. 2015.
Authors
Mithun Mondal obtained his B-Tech
degree in electrical engineering from Dr.
MGR University, Chennai, India, in 2009
and MTech degree from National Insti-
tute of Technology, Hamirpur, India in
2013. He is presently a PhD scholar in
the Department of Electrical Engineering,
IIT Roorkee, India. His research interests
are condition monitoring of transformer,
partial discharge monitoring, and diagnostic of High Voltage
apparatus.
E-mail: min01dee@iitr.ac.in
51. L. Yongfen, X. Xiaohu, D. Fei, T. Xiao, and L. Yanming,
“Comparison of DOA algorithms applied to ultrasonic
arrays for PD location in oil,” IEEE Sens. J., Vol. 15, no. 4,
pp. 23162323, Apr. 2015.
52. J. Rubio-Serrano, M. V. Rojas-Moreno, J. Posada, J. M.
MartiI ˛AnezTarifa, G. Robles, and J. A. Garcia-Souto,
“Electro-acoustic detection, identification and location of
partial discharge sources in oil-paper insulation systems,”
IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., Vol. 19, no. 5, pp.
15691578, Oct. 2012.
G.B. Kumbhar received the BE degree in
electrical engineering from Government
College of Engineering, Karad, Mahara-
shtra, India, in 1999, MTech degree from
the Indian Institute of Technology-
Madras, Chennai, India, in 2002, and the
PhD degree from the Indian Institute of
Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India, in
2007. He was a postdoctoral research
scholar at the Center for Energy System Research, Tennessee
Technological University, Cookeville, TN. Previously he
worked with Eaton Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Eaton Corp.) Pune,
Tata Consultancy Services, Mumbai, and Crompton Greaves
Ltd., Mumbai. Presently, he is an assistant professor in the
Electrical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Tech-
nology, Roorkee, India. His research interests include high
voltage engineering, electromagnetic design and analysis of
power apparatus, computational electromagnetics, and cou-
pled-field modelling and simulations.
E-mail: gkumbfee@iitr.ac.in