Research on Near-Field Propagation Characteristics of Partial Discharge Electromagnetic Wave Signal in Switchgear

In the authors’ previous research, a new method for partial discharge detection in the switchgear based on near-field detection was proposed. The content of this paper is the continuation of the authors’ previous research. In order to realize the reasonable layout of the near-field magnetic field probe for partial discharge detection in the switchgear, this paper simulates and analyzes the influence of the internal structure of the switchgear on the near-field propagation characteristics of the electromagnetic wave signal generated by partial discharge, and determines the installation position of the near-field probe in the switchgear. Firstly, the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic wave signals in the different media of the switchgear are analyzed, and the switchgear model is established. Then, based on the finite difference time domain method, the influence of different devices in the switchgear on the near-field propagation of the partial discharge electromagnetic wave signal is simulated. The simulation results show that the current transformer, insulator, busbar and cabinet all obviously attenuate the amplitude of the near-field electromagnetic wave signals generated by partial discharge, and the insulator causes obvious signal distortion. Finally, it is determined that the near-field probe can be installed on the inner wall or the right wall near the bottom plate of the switchgear.