Partial Discharge in Generators and Turbines

In today’s increasingly complex power generation environments, the reliability of high-voltage rotating equipment is critical to maintaining uptime and operational safety. Turbine generators, isophase bus ducts, and generator step-up (GSU) transformers are central to this infrastructure, working in unison to transmit immense electrical loads under demanding conditions. However, as these components age or operate under stress, the insulation systems within them can begin to degrade. One of the earliest signs of this degradation is partial discharge (PD), a small but destructive electrical charge that occurs within insulation voids or along surfaces.

Addressing partial discharge in only one component is insufficient. Since these assets are electrically and mechanically interconnected, a developing issue in one area can create cascading effects across the system. Partial discharge signals can even travel across components, creating confusion about the true source of the problem. As a result, monitoring in isolation can lead to false conclusions, missed failures, or unnecessary maintenance.

Dynamic Ratings takes a comprehensive approach to partial discharge monitoring. Our condition based monitoring solutions are designed to provide a system-wide view, integrating sensor data from all major components of the generator system. This unified strategy allows operators to detect faults earlier, localize them with greater accuracy, and take proactive action to avoid unplanned outages. The result is a safer, more reliable, and more cost-effective power generation system.

By: Tyler Willis, Dynamic Ratings

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