There are two ways of monitoring partial discharge events.

Partial discharge (PD) in electrical grids is a localised electrical discharge that only partially bridges the insulation between conductors, without causing a complete breakdown.

It typically occurs in high-voltage systems, such as power grids, transformers, cables, or switchgear, where the insulation is subjected to strong electric fields.

Javier Ortego, director of BlueBox Technology at Ampacimon, explains how PD can be detected:  

Partial discharge monitoring can be applied to assets running at voltage of 1 kV or more can be applied at any stage of an asset’s life, even during commissioning.

However, it is particularly relevant to older assets that are at a higher risk of failure, especially those elements that are system-critical and which need to be rigorously monitored.

Key methods of monitoring

There are two ways of monitoring partial discharge events, off-line when the line is not energised, or online when the line is in use.

Off-line monitoring can take place during commissioning or if the line is de-energised when there is no load and therefore no noise.

Because the line is in use, online measurements can be more challenging as signal noise is generated that can interfere with the accuracy of any measurements.

For example, high-intensity noise can obscure the pulses derived from small partial discharge problems and make them difficult to detect.

In addition, it can make it harder to pinpoint the location of a particle discharge even if it is detected, the location is a key parameter to address any faults found.

There are also several possible monitoring strategies including punctual measurements that are performed at a specific time and usually last less than an hour, temporary measurements that can last perhaps hours or days and permanent measurements that monitor assets at all times and may be installed for months or years.

Finally, having obtained relevant data from the partial discharge monitoring, the interpretation of the signals is complicated and requires experienced personnel to derive actionable results.

This is the second part of Ortego's op-ed. Click here to read the last part. 

The first part is published here. 

Partial discharge (PD) is caused by the breakdown of electrical insulation

Dogged by decades of under-investment, grid operators are turning to smarter grid-enhancing technologies to predict potential failures before they happen, improve system reliability, and save on costs. Advanced AI analytics and partial discharge monitoring are emerging as key elements of the toolbox for ageing grid assets. Javier Ortego, director of BlueBox Technology at Ampacimon, writes: 

Like many of the world’s regions, the electricity grids of the Middle East and North Africa are broadly characterised by a lack of investment that has been responsible for a declining asset base over many years.

This has left the ageing infrastructure poorly equipped and struggling to deal with new challenges such as the growing electrification of industry and a shift to a more distributed generation architecture.

There is an evident need to respond to this situation with large-scale investment in new grid infrastructure - replacing conductors and transformers and building new lines to reinforce the grid for example.

However, according to a recent IEA report, Building the Future Transmission Grid: Strategies to Navigate Supply Chain Challenges, global grid expansion is struggling to keep pace with surging demand as supply chain bottlenecks have seen procurement lead times and costs for essential parts like transformers and cables nearly double since 2021.

The IEA notes that while permitting remains the primary cause of delays in transmission projects, supply chain issues have emerged as a critical issue. An IEA survey on the issue found that procurement now takes two to three years for cables and up to four years for large power transformers.

Meanwhile, real terms cable costs have nearly doubled since 2019 while transformer prices have increased by around 75%.

Despite these challenges though, there are alternative strategies available.

The use of smarter grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) offers a route to reinforce the asset base without the need for wholesale replacement.

GETs can thus reduce the need for capital investment while still improving system reliability and making the existing infrastructure far better equipped to cope with evolving demands.

The PD problem

One of the tools available to improve grid reliability without the need for gross capital expenditure is the detection of partial discharge events, coupled with a strategy of early intervention.

Partial discharge (PD) is caused by the breakdown of electrical insulation that results in a partial short circuit between conductors.

Partial discharge can take place in any insulating medium with solid, liquid or gaseous types all potentially affected, although such events are often initiated in a gas void, such as gaps in solid epoxy insulation or bubbles in transformer oil.

While the partial discharge does not completely bridge the electrical gap it can nonetheless result in significant damage.

When a partial discharge occurs over a long period, for example, it can cause a further breakdown in the insulating properties of the medium and eventually a complete failure.

Inevitably, such failures result in a full short circuit and a sudden trip on any circuit affected.

Where this occurs, such events are always costly for supply companies and consumers.

Furthermore, replacing the failed elements can clearly be very expensive and it may take a long time to even secure replacement parts and effect a repair of the affected assets.

Monitoring the incidence of partial discharge thus not only allows potential failures to be addressed well ahead of time to avoid faults before they happen, but by deploying smart technologies partial discharge monitoring coupled with sophisticated analysis can also result in a predictive maintenance regime being implemented.

This is the first part of Ortego's op-ed. Click here to read the second part. 

Project Coeus is designed to support OEMs through the energy transition. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)

The Perkins pre-bauma press event in London provided a taste of what the power solutions company will be showcasing at bauma, which takes place from 7-13 April in Munich

At the event, delegates heard about Perkins’ initiatives to provide smarter, more sustainable solutions to support its customers with their diverse needs through the energy transition, and how its latest developments align with its focus on ‘strengthening the core, pioneering the future’.

In line with this, at bauma, Perkins will showcase the latest off-highway power system technologies, from fuel flexible optimised engines to products and services to support the transition to electrification, such as its hybrid-electric telehandler, where a 75 kW diesel-powered telehandler was converted into a hybrid machine, utilising a Perkins 48V battery system to enable electric-only operation.

Taking centre stage will be the 2606 diesel engine, scheduled to go into production in 2026, a new 13-litre engine platform designed to achieve best-in-class power density, torque and fuel efficiency for a wide range of heavy-duty off-highway machine and applications, from screeners , grinders and material handlers to compressors, pumps, construction machinery, mining equipment and tractors. It provides 340-515 kW rated power and up to 3200 Nm peak torque.

The engine supports quality, reliability and easier maintenance through numerous design enhancements, including the integration of components and a reduction in the number of leak joints by more than 45%. Together, the upgrades result in low fluids consumption and extended oil and fuel filter service intervals as long as 1,000 hours, reducing operating costs and downtime. The engine is HVO/renewable diesel and biodiesel compatible, and is compliant with EU Stage 5, US EPA Tier 4 and all other global emissions standards.

Also on display will be the 904J engine. Available in 2.8 and 3.6 litre variants, the 904 series offers a power range from 50 to 106 kw with agricultural, industrial and electric power variants. As of October 2023 more than 100,000 engines had been built and shipped. The 904J-E36TA, which comes into production in March 2025, the 106kw variant of the 3.6 litre engine, offers increased power versus the current 3.6 litre. With a torque of 566Nm and rated speed of 2200 rpm, it is certified to EU Stage 5 and US EPA Tier 4 Final.

Project Coeus update

Visitors to bauma can expect to find out the latest about Project Coeus, a partnership between Perkins Engines, Loughborough University and UK-based engineering specialist Equipmake, designed to support OEMs through the energy transition. An advanced hybridised alternative-fuel power-system to decarbonise the off-highway industry, it involves the development of a multi-fuel ‘drop-in’ hybrid powertrain. The project seeks to overcome a number of key performance challenges faced by the industry and OEMs as they look to adopt alternative fuels, providing the same performance as they would get with diesel and the ability to flexibly use different fuels, such as ethanol, methanol, biomethane and hydrogen. At the heart of it is a spark-ignited engine platform with an integrated hybrid system alongside the combustion engine to mitigate performance differences in the various alternative fuels.

“These advanced drop in power units are going to be key for helping our customers adopt future technologies required for their energy transition, delivering them a robust plug and play power, maintaining the same user experience, minimising the amount of design integration and minimising the amount of violations,” said Paul Moore, head of Powertrain System Integration at Perkins at the press event.

Augmenting the customer experience

Augmenting the customer experience is an important focus for Perkins. At the press event, delegates heard about Perkins Connectivity and Condition Monitoring. Seamlessly linking the user to their Perkins powered applications, Perkins Connectivity provides access to critical real-time data, enabling the user to make informed decisions with insights tailored to support proactive maintenance and maximise efficiency. It also enables access to Perkins comprehensive service network.

“You might find that the service network knows there’s an issue before anyone on site does. Minor issues can therefore be picked up when they are easier, quicker and cheaper to fix, before they become major issues,” said Jessica Langley, senior marketing consultant at Perkins.

“It’s about strengthening relationships with OEMS and its customers, and empowering them to be manage their costs, reduce their downtime and work more efficiently. Perkins Connectivity really redefines reliability, efficiency and sustainability. It’s more than just technology, it’s a support to our customers, whether they be end users or OEMs, every step of the way.”

Throughout the briefing, Perkins representatives emphasised the company's focus on collaboration with customers to understand and address future challenges and address the demand for smarter solutions that provide full life-cycle support. With the current uncertainties over future emissions regulations and the direction of alternative fuels, Perkins is a trusted partner offering flexible solutions and an agile response to the evolving conditions of the energy transition.

"Our customers and their customers now have a global footprint," said Andy Curtis, customer solutions director at Perkins."How do they develop machines with very different technologies and very different challenges around the world? There is no one size fits all. What we are here to do is really listen to our customers and provide that agile support."

bauma is the world's leading trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles and construction equipment. Perkins will be exhibiting at Stand A4.336

Deep Sea Electronics celebrates its 50 years in operation

This year, we proudly celebrate a monumental milestone—50 years of UK manufacturing excellence at Deep Sea Electronics (DSE).

Over the past five decades, we’ve grown into a trusted leader in designing and creating industry-leading control systems, serving customers around the globe with unmatched reliability and innovation.

From humble beginnings to becoming a powerhouse in control systems manufacturing, our journey has been defined by a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. At DSE, we believe in constantly pushing boundaries, ensuring that every product we deliver meets the highest standards of performance and durability.

A legacy built on innovation

Since our founding, DSE has remained at the forefront of technological advancements, delivering cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of industries worldwide. Our control systems are trusted by leading businesses across critical sectors, powering everything from vital infrastructure to complex machinery with precision and efficiency.

Our reputation for excellence has been cemented by our dedication to innovation. As pioneers in the field, we’ve consistently developed systems that are not only reliable but also sustainable, ensuring our solutions support a greener future.

Rooted in UK manufacturing

As a proud UK manufacturer, we’ve upheld the nation’s tradition of precision engineering and craftsmanship. For 50 years, we’ve invested in local talent, built strong supplier relationships, and ensured that every product carrying the DSE name reflects the quality and expertise that British manufacturing is known for.

Our commitment to compliance and best practices is unwavering. Holding certifications in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, we ensure that every aspect of our operations—be it quality, environmental impact, or health and safety—exceeds expectations.

Looking to the future

While today we celebrate our remarkable history, we are equally excited about the future. As industries embrace digital transformation and sustainability, DSE is committed to leading the way with innovative solutions that redefine control systems and drive progress.

Thank you for 50 years of support

This milestone would not have been possible without the incredible support of our customers, partners, and dedicated team. Your trust and collaboration have been the foundation of our success, and we look forward to building on this legacy together.

Here’s to 50 years of manufacturing excellence—and to the many more milestones to come!

Thank you for being part of our journey.

This article was sponsored by Deep Sea Electronics.