Online PD detection on high voltage underground power cables by acoustic emission

Acoustic waves produced by partial discharges inside in dielectric materials can be detected using acoustic emission (AE) sensors. This detection can be analyzed in the time domain. AE sensors are immune to electromagnetic interference and provide a nonintrusive and nondestructive detection and a galvanic decoupling with respect to the electric network. This work presents the experimental results of AE sensors characterization and the online detection capability in the environment near cable accessories. The AE technique of partial discharge detection can be applied as a test method for preventive or predictive maintenance (condition-based maintenance) to equipment or facilities of medium and high voltage. Represents an alternative method to electrical detection systems, conventional or not, who continue to rely on the detection of current pulses. This paper presents characterization tests of the sensors AE through comparative tests of partial discharge on accessories for underground power cables.