Trapezoidal toothed log-periodic UHF antenna for partial discharge detection

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Electromagnetics
• High-Voltage Engineering

Background:

• Partial discharge (PD) detection is crucial for the reliability of high-voltage power equipment.
• Existing detection methods may face challenges with sensitivity and real-time monitoring.
• Ultra-high frequency (UHF) antennas are employed for PD signal detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate a novel trapezoidal toothed log-periodic ultra-high frequency antenna for enhanced PD detection.
• To achieve a wide impedance bandwidth and high gain for improved signal reception.
• To demonstrate the antenna's capability in generating clear PRPD patterns for diagnostic purposes.

Main Methods:

• A trapezoidal toothed log-periodic antenna structure was designed and optimized parametrically.
• Antenna performance was characterized by impedance bandwidth (VSWR < 5) and gain measurements.
• Experimental validation was conducted in a controlled SF6 gas environment to assess PD signal detection and PRPD pattern generation.

Main Results:

• The antenna achieved an impedance bandwidth of 0.5-3 GHz and a maximum gain of 6.34 dBi at 1.75 GHz.
• Experimental results showed the detection of weak PD signals with a high signal-to-noise ratio (up to 20 dB).
• Clear PRPD patterns were generated, consistent with theoretical expectations and commercial systems.

Conclusions:

• The proposed trapezoidal toothed log-periodic antenna is effective for PD detection in high-voltage equipment.
• The antenna's performance characteristics and ability to generate clear PRPD patterns support its use in real-time monitoring.
• This technology holds significant potential for improving fault diagnosis and ensuring the reliability of power systems.