Time Reversal for Partial Discharge Localization on Power Lines with Different Termination Impedances

This paper describes a new method for the on-line location of partial discharges (PDs) in power transmission and distribution networks based on Electromagnetic Time Reversal (EMTR) theory and on the Transmission Line Matrix (TLM) method in order to describe the time reversed propagation. In particular, the paper shows the effectiveness of the method in localizing the PD source when the impedances at the terminations of the line are unknown and describes the procedure to be followed in this case. The analysis is performed in simulation, and a model of the PD signal propagation that is able to reproduce the distortion phenomenon that affect the PD signal propagation on power lines and thus the accuracy of the on-line PD location methods is also described.