Projects Profile
Project Title
Feasibility study of novel partial discharge detection using Faraday effect of optic fibre
Partnership
Dr. George Chen, Electronics and Computer Sciences, University of Southampton
Prof. Lisheng Zhong, Xian Jiaotong University
Project Aim
The overall aim of this partnership project is to carry out a feasibility study of using the Faraday effect to detect partial discharge in power equipment. The approach makes on-line PD measurement for power plant potentially more convenient and sensitive. Such an approach today has no equivalent in the world.
Inspiration for the projects
To provide a means for on-line monitoring of partial discharge in order to diagnose the insulation status of power plants and distribution networks.
Commercial Potential and Further Development
To achieve this, there are two key tasks that need careful attention:
(i) selection of suitable fibre materials with a reasonable Verdet constant
(ii) exploration of a method that can increase the exposure length of optic fibre to the magnetic field produced by partial discharge current.
A series of tests are required to be carried out with a suitable setup.
The key outcome will be a a lab-based prototype sensor that demonstrates the possibility of using the Faraday effect to detect PD. Prof. Zhong has been researching in both dielectric and optic fibre for years and showed a great interest in the proposed novel method. The Partnership Grant provides an ideal support for us to realize the proposed aim; it allows us work together more effectively in our own strengths.
