Selecting Mother Wavelet for Wavelet Analysis of On-Load Tap Changer Acoustic Emission

Wavelet transformation is one of the most popular tools for acoustic signal analysis. It provides good resolution both in time and frequency domains as well as wide choice of mother wavelets - this makes wavelet transformation a choice when flexible approach is required. However, selecting parameters of analysis can be difficult, especially regarding mother wavelet as different mother wavelets have various properties regarding number of vanishing moments and symmetry. This paper presents studies to determine the possibility of on-load tap changer wear detection by applying wavelet transformation. In research, different mother wavelets were selected and their usefulness was examined. Signals to be analyzed were obtained during on-load tap changer operation in different mechanical conditions - simulating devices wear in service. All measurements were performed on model very similar to real industrial on-load tap changer. Tests were conducted in controlled laboratory environment, reducing most of the possible disruptions.