Partial discharge detection technology based on the fibre Bragg grating

In this study, the application conditions and influential factors of fibre Bragg grating sensors used for partial discharge detection are analysed by discussing basic mechanics of fibre Bragg grating sensors. A partial discharge detection system based on a fibre Bragg grating sensor is designed and used for detection of free metal particle discharge and suspended metal electrode discharge in oil. The detection results are compared with that of a system based on a piezoelectric sensor in comparison tests. The comparison includes the detection sensitivity, anti-vibration ability, and ability against strong electromagnetic interference in substations. The test results show that the system based on the fibre Bragg grating sensor can effectively detect typical discharges; its sensitivity is similar to that of the system based on the piezoelectric sensor. The fibre Bragg grating system is more easily interfered by vibrations, but has greater anti-electromagnetic interference ability than the piezoelectric system. © Institution of Engineers Australia, 2014.