Patent ID: 7030621
Filing Date: 2006-04-18
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A diagnostic system for detecting low current AC partial discharges in a plurality of wires, each wire having a conductor surrounded by an insulator, said diagnostic system comprising: a high voltage AC power source for generating a high voltage, low current AC waveform, wherein said AC waveform is characterized by a smooth and gradual increase and immediately followed by a sharp decrease in amplitude across a positive half period and a smooth and gradual decrease and immediately followed by a sharp increase in a negative half period; at least one switch in electrical communication with said high voltage AC power source and said plurality of wires and configured to allow selective addressing of an individual wire of said plurality of wires; a signal processor for processing signals produced by said high voltage, low current AC waveform as said waveform is transmitted through the individual wire of said plurality of wires; and a controller configured for actuating said at least one switch to selectively address said individual wire and for controlling said high voltage AC power source.