Partial Discharge Testing of High Voltage Assets

This case study focuses on the partial discharge (PD) testing of high voltage (HV) assets, detailing the significance of establishing an effective testing schedule to ensure asset health. It discusses the P-F curve, which illustrates the relationship between potential and functional failure points, and how it can guide the determination of optimal testing frequency. The document categorizes PD into three types: internal, surface, and corona, each presenting unique challenges for detection and monitoring. It highlights the impact of environmental conditions on surface PD and the importance of timely interventions to prevent catastrophic failures. Two case studies are presented, one demonstrating the effectiveness of annual testing and the other showcasing the benefits of continuous monitoring. The findings suggest that while periodic testing is valuable, integrating permanent monitoring can significantly enhance defect detection and response times, ultimately reducing the risk of HV failures. The study emphasizes the need for a tailored approach to testing intervals based on asset risk and criticality.