PIFA antenna for partial discharge detection in power transformers

The article presents the process of designing and manufacturing a prototype antenna based on the PIFA (Planar Inverted F Antenna) technology for the detection of UHF signals from partial discharges occurring in the power transformer insulation system. The main objective of the simulation studies was to obtain a frequency band covering the range of radio frequencies emitted by partial discharges in oil-paper insulation (surface discharges) and to adjust the dimensions of the antenna for its installation in the inspection window of the power transformer. The proposed structure consists of a radiating element in the shape of a rectangular meandering line and an additional parasitic element in the form of a specially selected resistor connecting the reflector with the radiator. The design of the prototype antenna was tested during laboratory tests in a high-voltage laboratory using a model of a transformer tank in which partial discharges were generated. The results of the measurements showed that the developed antenna has a higher sensitivity of partial discharge detection than other popular antennas used in transformer diagnostics, i.e. the disk antenna and the Hilbert fractal antenna. Due to high sensitivity, compact and simple structure and low production costs, the proposed PIFA antenna may be an interesting alternative to the currently used commercial antennas (mainly disk antennas) in on-line monitoring systems for partial discharges of power transformers.