L2 TCA Course – e-lesson #3: Understanding Partial Discharge (PD)

Hosted by: Jon Giesecke / Intermediate level
This lesson provided an in-depth exploration of partial discharge and its impact on transformer health. Giesecke began by highlighting the destructive nature of partial discharge and the importance of early detection. He then traced the evolution of partial discharge detection methods, culminating in the advanced TP 500 device that combines acoustic and electrical measurements. Giesecke delved into the science behind partial discharge, explaining its various byproducts and the need for comprehensive baseline data. Case studies were presented, showcasing the TP 500's ability to pinpoint the source of partial discharge issues. The discussion also covered the future of partial discharge detection and the economic benefits of proactive maintenance. Attendees were encouraged to leverage the TP 500's capabilities to safeguard their transformer assets.
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In this e-lesson you will learn; the detectable clues to finding and locating PD. You will also learn about the electrical pulse of PD and how it correlates with the ultrasonic sound generated by the electromagnetic interference (EMI). You will be introduced to the gold standard of test equipment for PD testing and Arc detection and location. Lighting / Surge arrestor testing (on-line at full voltage) will be taught using the PD test set.
Keywords: Partial Discharge; Arcing; High Frequency Current Transducer (HFCT); Acoustic Sensor
About the author

Jon Giesecke
Mr. Giesecke is one of the world’s leading experts in combining technologies used in the in-service inspection of high voltage oil-filled power transformers and substation diagnostics. He has been training personnel worldwide in these methods for over 20 years with great success.
Prior to forming JLG Associates LLC in 2006, Giesecke was employed by EPRI Solutions as a senior project manager in the Substation Predictive Maintenance business area.
As a Senior Project Manager, some of his responsibilities included: the development and implementation of the Substation Predictive Maintenance Program (SPdM) at numerous electric utilities in the U.S. and abroad; Developing and Instructing an EPRI Solutions’ SPdM course; instructed portions of the EPRI Transformer Performance Monitoring and Diagnostics course and the EPRI Substation/Switchyard Predictive Maintenance course; Providing training, services and consulting to evaluate maintenance responsibility and advanced programs applied to switchyard/substation components.
Along with vast knowledge in transformer and substation diagnostics, Mr. Giesecke is an ITC level III thermographer has instructed at the FLIR ITC training center. He also served on the board of directors of the International Society of Professional Thermographers, Inc. (ISPoT), and chaired the ethics committee. He has over 20 years of experience in transformer/substation predictive maintenance and over 25 years in substation electrical maintenance. He was also responsible for PdM template development for fossil and nuclear applications. He has been instrumental in the data acquisition and analysis of data at many nuclear facilities, aiding the nuclear power industry in creating a timely response to INPO’s SOER 99-01 and 2002-03.