Pocket AE-Power™

Screening Tool for PD/Particle Problems in GIS and for PD/Gassing Problems in Power Transformers

The Pocket AE Acoustic Emission (AE) system is a computerized hand-held instrument for AE testing and leak detection applications. Due to its portable nature and full AE features and functions capabilities, this system can be used in any remote, short term AE application and evaluation, making it an ideal NDT test tool. It performs traditional AE feature extraction based AE signal processing, as well as advanced waveform based acquisition and processing. Text and graphic results are displayed on the Quarter-VGA (240 wide x 320 high pixels) sized color LCD screen. AE data files are saved in traditional PAC, DTA files and are transferrable to a desktop or notebook computer via compact flash cards and/or the USB bus, for full data analysis using PAC’s AEwin™ or Noesis™ software.

The Pocket AE uses an architecture much like that used in hand-held PDA (Portable Data Assistant), and utilizes Microsoft Windows-CE operating system. Win-CE is a more compact version of Microsoft Windows with most of the same features and graphical user interface for instant familiarity. The unit is a high performance, wide bandwidth, single-channel AE system, with 16 bit A/D conversion and other key features as found in PAC’s DiSP systems. There is even a 16 bit parametric input channel to correlate AE with other external process variables.

Features

• Applies to GIS, switchgear and power transformers

• Incorporates full AE test system capabilities including: synchronized data feature extraction, filtering and waveform acquisition; powerful graphic and numerical representation of features, waveforms and FFT/ Spectrum

• Offers hand-held portability and light weight (1.1 kg with internal battery) construction that is ideally suited for on-site inspection

• Operates using complete and easy-to-use turnkey software and default expert setup for partial discharge detection

• Employs newly developed proprietary technology for straightforward visual presentation of partial discharge patterns

• Eliminates the need for electrical synchronization, since the system automatically identifies electrical frequency discharge with the acoustic emission signals

• Includes two acoustic emission channels and one auxiliary input channel for temperature or load

• The two-channel configuration covers a larger area than one channel and is able to conduct linear location of the partial discharge

• Operates via rechargeable internal battery power or DC/AC power adapter

• Includes multiple language support

• Provides signal recording and data storage with internal flash memory and easy data transfer to laptop or desktop PC through USB or compact flash card

Technology Description

The Pocket AE-Power is not only the first acoustic emission partial discharge system built upon PDA technology, but it also is the first system to implement the proprietary technology to a commercial unit for partial discharge identification in GIS and partial discharge or other gassing sources in Power Transformers. It provides a targeted solution that allows users to automatically identify partial discharge.

Applications

The Pocket AE-Power system is specifically designed for partial discharge detection on both GIS, substation equipment and Power Transformers. Internal defects, such as free metallic or non- metallic particles, protruding parts on conductors, floating or loose shield (etc.) on GIS and Power Transformers could lead to internal partial discharge activities and subsequent flashover events. The Pocket AE-Power can detect the existence of the partial discharge or loose particles, assess the insulation condition, and store the acoustic emission data generated from partial discharge activities. Detecting partial discharge in its early stages allows for planned outages and maintenance work to be carried out before severe problems arise.