Existing studies using an external UHF antenna to detect partial discharge (PD) signals leaking from transformer are mainly focused on experiments with reduced-size cabinets in a controlled lab environment. In this contribution, broadband radio frequency (RF) sensors in the very-high frequency (VHF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF) range are distributed outside an 800 kV HVDC converter transformer in its fabrication inspection for PD detection. Measurement results show that leaked PD signals can be successfully detected and discriminated from persistent background interference at the test site. In addition, the ability of the developed broadband RF pulse detection and analyzing system has been demonstrated and its effectiveness for non-intrusive continuous PD monitoring has been verified in fabrication inspection scene.

Partial Discharge (PD) location,VHF,UHF,Broadband RF Sensors,Non-Intrusive PD online monitering,Fabrication Inspection,800 kV HVDC Converter Transformer,Partial discharge detection,External UHF