Partial Discharge: From Theory and Measurement Techniques to Practical Diagnosis
Partial discharge can be an early indication that the electrical insulation of an asset is under stress. The phenomenon can occur in electric motors, cables, electrical installations, and medium- or high-voltage components, among others.
For maintenance and asset management professionals, however, the challenge is not limited to detecting partial discharge. A measurement only becomes useful when you understand exactly what is being measured, which measurement method is suitable for the application, and how to interpret the result correctly.
For electric motors driven by variable frequency drives, this challenge becomes even greater. Fast voltage rise times and switching behaviour can affect the electrical stress on the insulation system. The motor design and operating environment, including oil cooling and winding impregnation, can also influence partial discharge behaviour.
During this hands-on afternoon seminar, you will first receive an independent technical introduction from researchers at Ghent University. Afterwards, you will work in smaller groups during interactive practical sessions featuring different measurement technologies. This will give you insight not only into what partial discharge is, but also into how measurements are performed, evaluated and translated into relevant information for maintenance and asset management.
Programme
12:30 – Welcome with sandwiches
Welcome
13:30 – Welcome speech
by Wim Vancauwenberghe, BEMAS, and Bernard Benker, Control & Protection
13:35 - Technical Introduction to Partial Discharge
Peter Sergeant and/or Mehmet Güleç, Ghent University
The presentation covers:
- Theory of partial discharge
- What is partial discharge and how does it occur?
- Which electrical and insulation-related mechanisms are involved?
- When does partial discharge pose a risk to asset reliability?
- Partial discharge measurement techniques
- Principles behind different measurement methods
- Why the appropriate measurement technique depends on the asset and application
- Key considerations when carrying out a measurement
- Risk of partial discharge in electric motors driven by variable frequency drives
- Impact of fast voltage rise times and switching behaviour
- Electrical stress on turn-to-turn insulation
- Implications for the reliability and lifetime of motor windings
- Influence of oil and impregnation on partial discharge in electric motors
- Influence of the environment and insulation system on the occurrence of partial discharge
- Effect of oil cooling and impregnation materials on insulation behaviour
- Interpretation of measurement results and influencing parameters
- Why a measured value alone is not sufficient
- Which test and operating parameters should also be taken into account
- How measurement results can contribute to a well-founded assessment of asset condition
14:30 – Interactive Demos: Measuring Partial Discharge in Practice
Following the technical presentation, participants will be divided into three smaller groups. Each group will rotate through all three demo sessions. Approximately 30 to 40 minutes will be allocated to each session. You will see different measurement principles and applications in practice and have the opportunity to ask questions directly about the possibilities and limitations of the techniques used.
Demo 1: How Do You Detect Partial Discharge in Equipment While It Is in Operation? - Speaker – EA Technology
How can you detect partial discharge without taking an installation out of service? In this demo, you will be introduced to techniques for online PD screening of assets including medium-voltage switchgear and cables. You will see how different detection principles, such as TEV, ultrasonic detection and HFCT, can be used to identify possible PD activity. The session will also explain how to progress from an initial indication towards better localisation and assessment of the source.
Demo 2: How Do You Perform an Offline Partial Discharge Diagnosis on Medium-Voltage Cables and Locate the Source? - Speaker – b2 electronics
In cable diagnostics, you want to know not only whether partial discharge is present, but also where it is occurring and what this reveals about the condition of the cable, joint or termination. During this demo, you will see how a medium-voltage cable is tested offline using a suitable test voltage, how PD signals are measured, and how the location of a potential discharge source along the cable can be determined. The combination of Partial Discharge and Tan Delta measurements and their role in condition assessment will also be discussed.
Demo 3: How Do You Detect and Analyse Partial Discharge in Motors and Other Electrical Assets? - Speaker – Megger
Measuring partial discharge involves more than simply determining whether a signal is present. During this demo, you will discover how PD measurements can be applied to motors and other electrical assets and how different sensors and measurement principles are used. You will see how measurement data and PD patterns are analysed and what information they can provide about the condition of the insulation system. Attention will also be given to the difference between rapid screening and a more in-depth diagnostic measurement.
16:30 – Presentation and Workshop Tour
with a Focus on Electrical Repair at Maintenance Partners
By Bas Schelfaut, Maintenance Partners
17:30 – Closing and Networking Drink
Scheduled end: 18:00
What Will You Learn During This Afternoon?
You will learn how partial discharge occurs, how different measurement methods are applied, and which factors influence both measurement and interpretation. By combining independent technical insights with practical demonstrations, you will gain a stronger framework for assessing which approach is most relevant to your electrical assets and maintenance strategy.
Join this hands-on seminar and deepen your understanding of how to detect and interpret partial discharge. The number of places is limited.
About the speakers
Prof. Dr. Ir. Peter Sergeant is a professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at Ghent University, within the Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering. His expertise includes electrical drive technology, electrical machines, and the modelling, development and testing of electrical drive systems.
Dr. Mehmet Güleç is a postdoctoral researcher within the same department and is affiliated with the Energy & Systems Laboratory and MIRO. His research focuses, among other areas, on the modelling and optimisation of electrical machines and the reliability of electric motors.
Both researchers work directly on the challenges associated with partial discharge in motor windings. In recent joint research, they have investigated topics including the accuracy of PD measurements in inverter-fed motors, the influence of switching frequency and fast voltage pulses, and the impact of temperature, cooling oil and impregnation materials on the occurrence of partial discharge.
Practical Information
- Bring safety shoes and safety glasses.
- Register early, as participation is limited to 40 people.
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