Using a Scintillation Detector to Detect Partial Discharges

Abstract

This article presents the possibility of using a scintillation detector to detect partial discharges (PD) and presents the results of multi-variant studies of high-energy ionizing generated by PD in air. Based on the achieved results, it was stated that despite a high sensitivity of the applied detector, the accompanying electromagnetic radiation from the visible light, UV, and high-energy ionizing radiation can be recorded by both spectroscopes and a system commonly used to detect radiation. It is also important that the scintillation detector identifies a specific location where dangerous electrical discharges and where the E-M radiation energy that accompanies PD are generated. This provides a quick and non-invasive way to detect damage in insulation at an early stage when it is not visible from the outside. In places where different radiation detectors are often used due to safety regulations, such as power plants or nuclear laboratories, it is also possible to use a scintillation detector to identify that the recorded radiation comes from damaged insulation and is not the result of a failure.

Energy Distribution of Optical Radiation Emitted by Electrical Discharges in Insulating Liquids

“…Parallel to these activities, research was also carried out in the field of basic studies aimed at learning new possibilities of using the physicochemical properties of electrical discharge forms [5][6][7][8][9][10]. Examples of not fully understood areas are X-ray radiation and optical radiation emitted by electrical discharges [11][12][13][14].…”

Assessment of Partial Discharges in the Air by Application of Corona Camera

“…The use of specific diagnostic methods for PD detection depends on whether there are discharges occurring inside the insulation or discharges occurring in the air or on the surface of the insulation systems [4][5][6][7][8]. For detection and measurement purposes involving internal PDs, electrical methods are appropriate, consisting mainly of measuring their apparent charge Q p [9,10].…”

Optical Radiation from an Electric Arc at Different Frequencies

“…Under aeronautic conditions, however, the most accurate methods are be those based on EM radiation detection. Special attention should be paid to the detection of high-energy radiation [21] and the very popular UHF method [22,23], which extend the range of EM wavelength detection to longer and shorter wavelengths.…”