Knowledge Base

Partial discharge measurement chain in comprehensive diagnostic system

How to create comprehensive Partial Discharge Diagnostic System

Creating a comprehensive partial discharge diagnostic system is essential for monitoring and assessing the condition of electrical insulation in high-voltage equipment. This article explores how to develop such system, highlighting key concepts, components, and methodologies. Introduction The degradation of insulation state in high-voltage systems can be caused by various factors, including partial discharges (PD). Partial discharges are […]

Vessel partial discharge monitoring

Vessel Partial Discharge Monitoring for Enhanced Maritime Safety

The PD Doctor is an advanced Partial Discharge (PD) online monitoring system designed to maintain the integrity of electrical networks aboard marine vessels. Installed on the main distribution board bus bar, the PD Doctor continuously monitors partial discharge activity on each of the three phases of the vessel’s electrical system. This system helps identify potential […]

Bathtub curve of product life cycle

Difference between offline and online partial discharge monitoring

In the field of electrical equipment diagnostics, the ultimate goal is not only to detect existing issues but to accurately predict the future reliability and performance of the equipment. This is especially critical when monitoring partial discharges, which can indicate potential insulation failures in high-voltage systems. While both offline and online partial discharge monitoring methods […]

Case 1 - Line degradation and replacement

Results and Operational Experience of Partial Discharge Monitoring

Dozens of PD Doctor installations across Europe have proven their high added user value and reliability for customers. They have detected degradation of existing lines, helped eliminate high interference on overhead lines, established the link between rainy weather and increasing partial discharge (PD) activity, for example, or helped save significant amounts of money by postponing […]

PD Doctor Analyzer

PD Doctor: Improving Reliability and reducing Costs of Smart Grids

As society’s dependence on electricity increases, the issue of the quality of power supply and the elimination of unexpected outages comes to the fore. This is made possible primarily by diagnostics and its tools. The rapid development of diagnostics goes hand in hand with the increasing complexity of diagnostic systems and new technical possibilities in […]

PLC Communication diagnostics basics

PLC Communication Diagnostics Basics

Power Line Carrier (PLC) communication uses the low-voltage distribution network. It is completely irrelevant what standard or proprietary protocol is used. Meter reading systems use the same frequency band and distribution system, which always has similar characteristics and behavior. What influences the effectivity of PLC communication? Among the influences that affect data transmission from e-meters […]

PRPD diagram of PD monitoring at transformer station in Poland

Partial Discharge Monitoring at Transformer Station in Poland

We were tasked to provide continous online partial discharge monitoring system, to enhance the safety and reliability of a vital energy distribution point in Poland. Site inspection led us to deploy the PD Doctor system within a 15 kV transformer station, and subsequent to a successful installation, a period of stable discharge activity was observed. […]

Partial discharges in railway traction systems

How Partial Discharges affect railway traction system

☕ 📰 Partial discharges (PD) represent a critical concern in railway traction systems due to their potential to degrade insulation, leading to equipment failure and safety hazards. Understanding the determination and influence of PD in these systems is crucial for ensuring reliable and safe operation.☕ 📰 How to determine partial discharges? 💻 Firstly, the determination […]

PD Doctor Application

What is a partial discharge?

Partial discharge (PD) is a type of electrical breakdown that occurs when only part of the insulation between two conductors is damaged. This results in localized increase in electrical current, which can cause damage to the surrounding insulation. Partial discharge can occur in any type of electrical equipment but is most commonly found in high-voltage […]

New Measurement Standards: Higher Harmonics in the Grid

The situation on the low voltage grid has significantly changed over the past few years. This comes as a result of the arrival of new appliances – lights, electronics with switched-mode power supplies – and due to the changes at supply/generator sites. Power Supplies – a lot of Small Players In the past, big generators […]