Partial discharge detection and location for HVDC cables

This poster is concerned with the initial review of literature in the area of partial discharge and location for HVDC cables, as part of an on-going PhD research project. HVDC cable systems have been utilised in the transmission of energy for some time, and look to be increasingly employed in the future. However, whilst the technology exists to allow such systems to be installed, the monitoring of such systems is still a novelty and continues to present many challenges. Similarly, partial discharge detection and analysis has become a key part of condition monitoring of high voltage electrical equipment insulation, with transformers, generators, cables and transmission lines all often tested for PD. However the characteristics of PD at DC voltages are less well understood. Additional challenge comes from the length of HVDC cables, as partial discharges are measured at cables ends which can be hundreds of kilometres apart. The project aims to understand the characteristics of partial discharge inception from HVDC cables, including consideration of different insulation types, and to investigate and consider technologies for the detection and location of partial discharges up to 300 km. This poster reviews the current literature in this area, and identifies gaps in current knowledge, that the project seeks to fill.