EA Technology has launched a new multifunctional partial discharge investigation tool called the UltraTEV Plus+. It combines the functionality of the UltraTEV Detector, with many new features for investigation of partial discharge (PD) activity in MV and HV switchgear in greater detail.
Like the Detector, it measures PD activity in the form of ultrasonic and transient earth voltage signals, but provides operators with considerably more comprehensive information about emission levels.
Ultrasonic emissions are displayed as decibel readings as well as being converted into audible signals, which can be heard through the headphones. TEV signals appear on the menu-driven colour LCD screen as numerical values, a bar graph, and as a green-amber-red indication.
An optional plug-in microphone is available to investigate PD activity in hard-to-reach areas. In addition, an optional UltraDish parabolic waveform concentrator can be added to listen to activity in overhead assets and at a distance.
The UltraTEV Plus+ is most likely to be used by power engineers to investigate and assess the source of PD activity detected by the UltraTEV Detector. Its ability to display the number of PD pulses per cycle, severity and maximum levels for internal discharges, in addition to displaying ultrasonic emissions numerically for surface discharges, provides information that is vital for deciding on a course of action.
