Partial Discharge Detection in an Oil-Filled Power Transformer Using Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors: A Review

Power transformer is one of the most important high voltage apparatus in any power system network. The life span of such apparatus commonly relies upon its insulation condition. The primary reason for an insulation breakdown is partial discharge. Partial discharges (PDs) are electrical discharges that happen in the insulation system of the transformers. Occurrence of PDs results in deterioration of the transformer insulation system. Hence, measuring and detecting the PD at an initial stage is necessary to avoid complete breakdown of the transformer. Currently, various PD detection and measurement methods, such as, electrical, chemical, acoustic, UHF and optical methods are being used for PD monitoring in power transformers. The conventional PD monitoring techniques like electrical or chemical have some limitations. The optical Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Sensor has been used as a PD sensor for PD monitoring in the power transformer to overcome these issues. This paper presents a review of FBG sensors’ application as a sensor for PD monitoring in an oil-filled power transformer. The challenges and future prospects in this area are also discussed.