The Next Generation of Engineers
Dynamic Ratings partners with different universities to help develop the next generation of engineers. During the 2024-2025 school year, Dynamic Ratings sponsored a senior design project at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), focused on partial discharge (PD) detection.
Partial discharge refers to localized electrical discharge that occurs within the insulation system. The gas in the voids within insulation will flash over when it cannot withstand the electric stress resulting in a signal that can be detected using a high frequency antennae. Detecting PD early helps prevent insulation damage and maintain the overall health of the asset.
Partial Discharge Detection
As part of the project, four MSOE students were tasked with evaluating a UHF partial discharge detection system to identify its ability to detect simulated partial discharges in electrical equipment. To ensure accuracy in a real-world scenario, the team used a medium voltage switchgear for testing, which was provided by Technitrol, Inc. Technitrol, Inc focuses on supplying quality, reconditioned electrical power distribution equipment and parts to ensure the safety and reliability of the power grid. Testing was performed with the sensor located in various compartments of the switchgear. Several different types of partial discharges were also simulated for the project.
Following safety procedures and taking precautions to avoid switchgear damage, the students created a simulation of different types of partial discharge in the switchgear and recorded the results. The PD system was assessed on several performance metrics, including frequency range detection, partial discharge direction, location of installation, useability of device, and data interpretation. After evaluation, the students concluded that high magnitude discharges could be detected if the sensor was in the same compartment or an adjacent compartment while lower magnitude discharges could only be detected if the UHF sensor was located in the same compartment as the partial discharge. To overcome this limitation, the students recommended using multiple sensors to monitor the switchgear.
This project provided the students with a great opportunity to deepen their understanding of partial discharge detection and gain practical, real-world experience. Dynamic Ratings would like to thank all the members of the MSOE Engineering Team and Technitrol, Inc for their work and participation in this project.