Radiometric Location of Partial Discharge Sources for the Future Smart Grid

Measurements are reported that suggest partial discharge sources might be detected and located using amplitude-only free-space radiometric measurements. The measurements are made in two locations with similar measurement protocols by three collaborating research groups. One measurement set is more encouraging than the other but a likely explanation for the disparate nature of the results is offered. It is suggested that amplitude only measurements might form the basis of a low-cost wireless sensor network for monitoring partial discharge in electricity substation.