Prevent Electrical Failures with Advanced Partial Discharge Solutions.
Partial Discharge (PD) is a critical indicator of insulation degradation, occurring when voltage stress exceeds the insulation breakdown threshold. Left undetected, PD can lead to severe equipment failure and costly downtime. At Sigma Power Services, we leverage cutting-edge technology and industry expertise to provide comprehensive PD detection, monitoring, and mitigation solutions, safeguarding your electrical assets and enhancing system reliability.
Understanding Partial Discharge: Key Causes and Types
Identifying Partial Discharge Types for Effective Mitigation
PD manifests in various forms, depending on the type of asset, voltage levels, insulation materials, and environmental conditions. Identifying the type of PD is essential for implementing the right mitigation strategies.
Corona Discharge: Occurs in air due to ionisation around conductors
Floating Electrode Discharge: Results from ungrounded metallic components
Void Discharge: Happens in cavities within solid insulation or gas bubbles in liquid insulation
Surface Discharge: Involves tracking along insulation surfaces towards conductors or ground
Contamination Discharge: Caused by conductive particles within the insulation medium
Advanced PD Detection Techniques
Sigma Power employs state-of-the-art, non-intrusive techniques to detect and locate PD activity across electrical assets, ensuring precise diagnostics and actionable insights.
Acoustic Emissions (AE)
Airborne Detection: Ultrasonic microphones (centered at 40 kHz) capture PD signals
Contact Probe: Detects PD within oil or SF6 gas through a broad frequency range (20 kHz–300 kHz)
Electromagnetic Methods
RFI/UHF (Radio Frequency/Ultra-High Frequency): Detects PD activity at 100 MHz–1 GHz
TEV (Transient Earth Voltage): Monitors PD between 1 MHz–100 MHz
HFCT (High-Frequency Current Transformer): Measures PD currents from 500 kHz–50 MHz
Comprehensive PD Services Offered by Sigma Power
We provide both online and offline PD measurement and monitoring solutions for a wide range of critical electrical assets:
Rotating Machines: Early detection of insulation wear prevents catastrophic motor and generator failures
Power Cables: Identifies weak points along cable insulation to avoid faults
Switchboards: Detects insulation degradation, improving system resilience
Transformers: Mitigates potential transformer breakdown by identifying internal PD
AIS/GIS Substations: Ensures switchgear integrity and long-term performance
Corona Surveys: Pinpoints corona discharge areas, preventing further degradation
Permanent Online PD Monitoring: Continuous asset monitoring for real-time diagnostics and preventive maintenance
Why Choose Sigma Power for PD Testing?
Sigma Power Services combines decades of experience with cutting-edge diagnostic tools to offer unmatched PD detection and mitigation. Our solutions help clients extend asset lifespan, reduce unplanned outages, and improve overall system performance.
Protect your high-voltage equipment and enhance operational efficiency with Sigma Power’s expert Partial Discharge services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about how our PD solutions can safeguard your electrical infrastructure.
Partial Discharge FAQ’s
Partial Discharge can lead to progressive insulation damage, which, if undetected, may result in equipment failure. This degradation can shorten the operational lifespan of electrical assets and increase maintenance or replacement costs.
Yes, Partial Discharge can occur in various assets, including rotating machines, power cables, switchboards, transformers, and substations. The type and occurrence of PD depend on factors like the insulation material, voltage stress, and environmental conditions.
Detecting PD early can prevent insulation failure, minimize unplanned downtime, and reduce the risk of catastrophic equipment failures. Proactive monitoring helps maintain system reliability and safety while extending asset life.
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