PD source recognition by Weibull processing of pulse height distributions

The problem of identification of partial discharge (PD) phenomena occurring in an insulation system in this paper. PD distributions coming from differ ent sources, such as internal voids, as well as surface and corona discharg es, are compared. In particular, the investigation focuses on the Weibull p robability function applied to pulse charge-height distribution. It is show n that the different discharge sources can be identified on the basis of th e value of the shape parameter of the weibull distribution and that distrib ution holds even when two PD sources are combined, i.e. are active simultan eously. In this case, the application of the 5-parameter Weibull function p ermits separation of PD phenomena, adn recognition by means of the shape pa rameter value associated to each phenomenon. Finally, the proposed procedur e is applied to practical objects, i.e. insulation systems of rotating mach ines, with real insulation defects, showing promising on-field application prospective.