Prototype measurement system for localization of partial discharges sources – microphone array

This paper presents a prototype measurement system, that will be used for localization of acoustic emission sources originating from partial discharges (PD). It is based on sensor arrays technology and direction of arrival estimation algorithms. Acoustic signals will be received with a universal linear array (ULA) of sensors, wherein the sensory elements are microphones operating in the audible frequency range. For the estimation of the direction of arrival of these signals conventional beamforming algorithm is used which has also been described theoretically. Ultimately, the system will be used to determine the direction of arrival of the acoustic signal generated by the insulation defect, which is corona discharge.