PDM Project: Measuring partial discharges in the network
PDM Project: Measuring partial discharges in the network
Project director: Eng. Dorin Popa (ICMET Craiova)
General data of the research project
- Project title: Development of partial discharge measurement methods at the operating site of power and instrument transformers
- Acronym: PDM
- Program: CEEX – Research of Excellence
- Project category: Mode III
- Period: 30.07.2006 – 30.06.2008
- Partners: No partners. Project carried out exclusively by our institute.
Authorities and coordination
- Contracting Authority: National Program Management Center.
- Main contractor: ICMET Craiova.
- Direct leadership: Eng. Dorin Popa.
- Contact phone: +0351 402 425.
Objectives and innovation of the PDM project
Power transformer monitoring
The main objective is to develop modern field measurement methods. Partial discharges are targeted directly at the transformer operating site. The project has developed an advanced measurement and localization system. The novelty consists in the coupling of an electrical synchronous measurement circuit. It evaluates partial discharges on all investigated phases simultaneously.
The electrical method is intelligently coupled with an acoustic measurement. This way, we achieve a maximum degree of safety in the validation process.
Eliminating electromagnetic interference
We have developed a dedicated software for discriminating useful electrical signals. It completely eliminates electromagnetic disturbances existing in crowded electrical substations. This software filters very precisely the signals generated by the Corona effect. It also filters out high-energy signals on an unwanted fixed frequency. Radio or television waves from the area are eliminated.
The acoustic measurement is not influenced at all by these external disturbances. The results were excellently optimized by another reference software. The discharge occurrence time is exactly related to the zero crossing. We collaborated with the Technical University of Berlin for comparative measurements.
Stages of realization and implementation
Stage I (2006)
Activity: Study of partial discharge measurement techniques under conditions of intense disturbances at international level.
Term: 30.11.2006
Stage II (2007)
Activity: Physical realization of the partial discharge measurement circuit.
Term: 30.06.2007
Stage III (2007)
Activity: Field experimentation of the new partial discharge measurement technique.
Term: 30.11.2007
Stage IV (2008)
Activity: Dissemination of scientific results and preparation for the exploitation of the final project results.
Term: 30.06.2008
Technical impact and economic success
Damage prevention and environmental protection
The project allows energy operators to constantly monitor the overall functional status. This prevents the untimely failure of very large transformers. Failures bring huge financial losses and major social discomfort.
At the extreme limit, they cause massive air and soil pollution. The system was quickly validated both in the laboratory and in real operation. The intellectual property right belongs entirely to the ICMET Craiova institute. The marketing of the diagnostic service is operated exclusively by our specialists.
Valorization of results and beneficiaries
In 2008, we efficiently diagnosed 22 high-power transformers. We brought in considerable direct income worth 189,200 lei. Beneficiaries' expenses were massively reduced by over 240,000 euros that year.
In 2009, numerous advanced diagnostic works were performed. Potential users are all manufacturers of power and measuring transformers. Among them, we proudly mention Electroputere Craiova, Elerom Roman and Retrasib Sibiu. The operators Transelectrica, Electrica SA, Termoelectrica and Hidroelectrica are also targeted.
