Using correlation coefficients for locating partial discharge in power transformer

Most serious failure of power transformers is due to the insulation breakdown. Partial discharge (PD) that damages insulation by gradual erosion is major source of insulation failure. The effective ability of the wavelet packets analysis as a tool for disk-to-disk partial discharge faults detection and localization in transformer windings is shown in this paper. Techniques for locating a PD source are of the major importance in both the maintenance and repair of a transformer. One of the most well-known methods of PD localization in transformers is based on winding modeling and current of neutral point analysis. Since the impedance between PD location and neutral point of winding depends on the PD location in respect to neutral point, the frequency spectrum of neutral point current varies when the PD location changes. In the other word, the current components of neutral points vary according to the place where PD occurs. So in this paper, detailed model of transformer winding is modeled and the neutral point current is studied for locating PD. The used method is validated by the simulated model of transformer windings. This model produces a very acceptable current when compared to the experimental data. In this paper for locating partial discharge (PD) in transformer windings, a simulated model is developed for the transformer winding and the PD phenomenon mechanism. The impulse current test and wavelet packets transformation are used to locate PD. It is shown that the neutral current measurement of the transformer winding has useful information about PD location. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.