Tunneling Magnetoresistive Sensors for High-Frequency Corona Discharge Location

Locating corona discharges is essential for the safe operation and the reliability of smart grid. This paper proposed a novel method for corona discharge location based on tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) sensors. A dual-axial TMR sensor device was designed to measure the vector magnetic field. The sensor's responses to the corona discharge magnetic field have been compared with the results of standard probes and proved to be practicable. The location algorithm based on the vector magnetic field measurement results of sensor array indicated a relative error of approximately 10%, which was reasonable for the practical application. This method fully utilizes the merits of the sensors and provides a promising solution for corona discharge location.