The application research of acoustic imaging technology in partial discharge detection at substations

Partial discharge is a major cause of failures in power station equipment. When partial discharge occurs during the operation of power equipment, it is usually accompanied by abnormal acoustic emissions. However, the operating environment of large power equipment is often filled with a significant amount of noise, making it challenging to accurately locate the abnormal sounds generated by partial discharge. In this study, acoustic imaging detection technology is employed to analyze the performance of various acoustic imaging algorithms. A 64-channel multi-arm spiral microphone array is designed with high dynamic range and resolution to intuitively depict partial discharge phenomena. The study combines acoustic imaging technology with visible light imaging technology, overlaying acoustic imaging and visible light video images transparently. Simultaneously, an analysis of the high-noise acoustic environment in the substation is conducted, filtering out noise present in the substation environment. Experimental testing of the acoustic imaging equipment is performed on-site at the substation, and the results indicate that the instrument can achieve real-time and accurate localization of abnormal acoustic emissions in the high-noise environment of the substation. Additionally, it can effectively identify abnormal acoustic emissions in different frequency bands, providing a powerful tool for early detection and prevention of power equipment failures.