Error analysis of location algorithm for partial discharge in substation

The detection and diagnosis of partial discharge (PD) has been accepted as one of the most valuable means for assessing the quality of high voltage (HV) power apparatuses and their operating status. However, the present partial discharge monitoring methods are mainly based on monitoring single equipment, which needs multi-process test equipment, high cost, and huge maintenance engineering. In this paper, a method using a four element antenna array to receive the ultra-high frequency (UHF) signal, which is used to define a 3-D coordinate system and locate the PD source in the field of substations, is proposed. Moreover, this paper discusses the principles of the location algorithm based on time difference, and analyzes the origin of its location error. Then the relationship between the location error and the placement of antenna array, as well as the relationship between the location error and the time difference of arrival signals are discussed theoretically. Finally, this paper provides an optimal placement to the radio frequency antenna array.