Patent Description:
In order to observe signs of insulation deterioration of a power cable, it is common to measure the charge amount of partial discharge generated when a high voltage is applied to the insulation of the power cable. An intermediate connection box of the power cable has a ground wire connected to the insulation of the cable. A current transformer (CT) can measure a current flowing through the ground wire during partial discharge. Then, the current in partial discharge, which is measured by the current transformer, is converted into a digital value by analog-to-digital (AD) conversion, and the partial discharge current is evaluated in accordance with the phase of an AC waveform flowing through the cable.

For example, Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a technique of observing signs of insulation deterioration of a cable by measuring the charge amount of partial discharge generated when a high voltage is applied to an insulation of the cable. Furthermore, PTL <NUM> discloses an insulated device diagnosing system which can detect partial discharge accurately even for a different structure and circuitry of a device and for different place where partial discharge occurs. PTL <NUM> discloses an apparatus for detection, localization and interpretation of partial discharge, wherein a digital processing unit is provided for acquiring signals after selective conditioning as a function of a detected phase angle, wherein the digital processing unit has a correlation measuring module for measuring correlation of the acquired signals, a module for performing a time-frequency distribution of at least one of the acquired signals, a form factor estimating module for estimating a form factor derived from the time-frequency distribution, and a diagnosis module responsive to results generated by the correlation measuring and form factor estimating modules for generating a diagnosis indicative of a detection of a partial discharge and of its localization along the electrical equipment. Eventually, nPTL <NUM> discloses a procedure for performing continuous monitoring on HV extruded cable systems by using a method that can detect and locate partial discharges at all accessories simultaneously.

Since the discharge pulse of partial discharge, which is measured by the current transformer, is an analog signal, it is necessary that an AD converter digitizes the analog signal. Since the partial discharge is observed with an analog waveform of high-frequency pulses generated at minute intervals, it is required to measure the discharge pulse of partial discharge in a wide frequency band. Further, the AD converter needs to operate to satisfy the sampling theorem.

However, ultra-high-speed sampling is required for the AD converter to digitize and measure an analog signal in a wide frequency band under a condition of satisfying the sampling theorem. An AD converter capable of ultra-high-speed sampling is very expensive, and digital data obtained by AD conversion is also output at an ultra-high speed. In this case, signal processing of digital data also requires an ultra-high speed. In addition, as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that performs signal processing, a high-speed and expensive FPGA is used for support signal processing performed at an ultra-high speed. Therefore, hardware for measuring partial discharge pulses becomes expensive.

Thus, the inventor has examined the adoption of an AD converter that does not operate at an ultra-high speed under a condition of not satisfying the sampling theorem, as an AD converter that detects partial discharge pulses generated in a wide band. When an analog signal is AD-converted under the condition of not satisfying the sampling theorem, partial discharge pulses are observed with reflected noise in all Nyquist frequency bands of the first, second, third,. , and n-th Nyquist. If it is only necessary to check whether or not there is the partial discharge pulse, there is no problem even though the reflected noise is observed.

However, in the AD conversion performed under the condition of not satisfying the sampling theorem, the signal-to-noise ratio (SN ratio) is significantly decreased in frequency bands at the first, second, third,. , and n-th Nyquist boundaries. In a case where the frequency band of the partial discharge pulse is at the Nyquist boundary, the SN ratio is decreased, and thus it is not possible to observe the partial discharge pulse.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable detection of a partial discharge pulse under a condition of not satisfying the sampling theorem even in a wide band.

The above-mentioned problem is solved by providing a partial discharge detection apparatus according to claim <NUM> and a partial discharge detection method according to claim <NUM> for detecting partial discharge in a power cable and recognizing an insulation deterioration state of the power cable. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in the depended claims.

According to the present invention, even though the frequency band of a partial discharge pulse overlaps a Nyquist boundary of an analog signal of a partial discharge current sampled at a certain sampling frequency, the partial discharge pulse is detected at a location different from a Nyquist boundary of an analog signal sampled at another sampling frequency.

Objects, configurations, and advantageous effects other than those described above will be clarified by the descriptions of the following embodiments.

Hereinafter, embodiments for embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functions or configurations are designated by the same reference signs, and repetitive description will be omitted.

Firstly, a configuration example of a partial discharge detection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a partial discharge detection system <NUM> configured using a partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

An intermediate connection box <NUM> is provided to connect power cables <NUM> to each other, and is grounded by a ground wire. A current transformer (for example, high-frequency CT) <NUM> that measures partial discharge is attached to the ground wire. Further, a Rogowski coil <NUM> for measuring an AC waveform is attached to the power cable <NUM>.

The partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> is connected to the current transformer <NUM> and the Rogowski coil <NUM>, respectively. Then, the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> is capable of detecting the partial discharge in the power cable <NUM> and recognizing the insulation deterioration state of the power cable <NUM> by using a partial discharge detection method according to the present embodiment. The partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> is configured to transmit and receive data to and from a higher measuring device <NUM> via an external network <NUM>.

As described above, the partial discharge detection system <NUM> is configured in a manner that the Rogowski coil <NUM>, the current transformer <NUM>, and the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> are provided for the power cable <NUM> and the intermediate connection box <NUM>, and the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> and the higher measuring device <NUM> transmit and receive data to and from each other.

Analog signals (analog values) output from the current transformer <NUM> and the Rogowski coil <NUM> are input to the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM>. Note that, a signal output from the current transformer <NUM> is a current signal flowing through the ground wire during partial discharge.

The partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> includes a low-frequency analog input circuit <NUM>, a low-speed AD converter <NUM>, a high-frequency analog input circuit <NUM>, a high-speed AD converter <NUM>, a partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM>, and a communication unit <NUM>.

An analog signal having an AC waveform of a commercial frequency, which is output from the Rogowski coil <NUM> is input to the low-frequency analog input circuit <NUM>. The partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> acquires voltage phase information from such a signal.

The low-speed AD converter <NUM> corresponds to a first converter that converts an analog signal having an AC waveform flowing through the power cable <NUM> into a digital signal, and digitizes the analog signal having an AC waveform, which is input to the low-frequency analog input circuit <NUM>. The digital signal having an AC waveform, which is digitized by the low-speed AD converter <NUM>, is input to the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM>.

An analog signal of a partial discharge current output from the current transformer <NUM> is input to the high-frequency analog input circuit <NUM>.

The high-speed AD converter <NUM> corresponds to a second converter that converts an analog signal of a partial discharge current into a digital signal. Such an analog signal is in a plurality of Nyquist frequency domains defined for two different types of sampling frequencies. Therefore, the high-speed AD converter <NUM> digitizes the analog signal of the partial discharge current input from the high-frequency analog input circuit <NUM>. The partial discharge digital signal obtained by digitization of the high-speed AD converter <NUM> is input to the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM>.

A sampling frequency switcher <NUM> switches a sampling mode of the high-speed AD converter <NUM> based on a switching signal input from the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM>. The sampling mode includes, for example, a <NUM> mode and a <NUM> mode. Then, the sampling frequency switcher <NUM> outputs a sampling clock of either <NUM> or <NUM> to the high-speed AD converter <NUM> in accordance with a sampling mode signal.

The high-speed AD converter <NUM> switches a sampling frequency for each one cycle of the AC waveform in accordance with the sampling clock input from the sampling frequency switcher <NUM>, and samples and digitizes the analog signal of the partial discharge current at <NUM> or <NUM>. As described above, the high-speed AD converter <NUM> uses a first sampling frequency (<NUM>) and a second sampling frequency (<NUM>), as two different types of sampling frequencies. Here, as illustrated in <FIG> described later, the value of the least common multiple (<NUM>) of a value being <NUM>/<NUM> of the first sampling frequency (<NUM>) and a value being <NUM>/<NUM> of the second sampling frequency (<NUM>) is set to a value larger than a frequency band of partial discharge (for example, <NUM> to <NUM>).

The partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> detects an occurrence of partial discharge based on the maximum value or the sum of a current value obtained from the digital signal of the partial discharge current, which is obtained by the conversion of the high-speed AD converter <NUM>, for each phase of the AC waveform obtained from the digital signal of the AC waveform flowing through the power cable <NUM>, which is obtained by the conversion of the low-speed AD converter <NUM>. Therefore, the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> obtains the phase of the AC waveform from the digital signal of the AC waveform, which is digitized by the low-speed AD converter <NUM>. Then, the digital signal of the partial discharge current, which is digitized by the high-speed AD converter <NUM>, is processed using the obtained phase information of the AC waveform.

The communication unit <NUM> outputs data (partial discharge detection result) recorded in a partial discharge information table <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> to the higher measuring device <NUM> which is connected to the external network <NUM> and monitors the partial discharge. The data output to the higher measuring device <NUM> refers to all pieces of data recorded in the partial discharge information table <NUM>, and may refer to only some pieces of data.

Further, a plurality of partial discharge detection apparatuses <NUM> are provided for all multiple power cables <NUM> connected by the intermediate connection box <NUM>. The higher measuring device <NUM> collectively monitors detection results of the plurality of partial discharge detection apparatuses <NUM> via the external network <NUM>, and determines the sign of the insulation deterioration of the power cable <NUM>.

In the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM>, the high-speed AD converter <NUM> performs analog-to-digital conversion by using a baseband sampling method and an under-sampling method together. Here, in the baseband sampling method, a first Nyquist frequency band (<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>•Fs (sampling frequency)) is set as an analog input band allowed to be digitized. The under-sampling method supports an analog input in a frequency band higher than the sampling frequency, and is a sampling method which is limited to a specific Nyquist frequency band that means a second, third,. , and n-th Nyquist frequency bands (n-<NUM>)/<NUM> to n/<NUM>•Fs other than the first Nyquist frequency band. Then, the high-frequency analog input circuit <NUM> can input a wide-band analog signal to the high-speed AD converter <NUM> by using the baseband sampling method and the under-sampling method together.

Next, a method of processing partial discharge data according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is an enlarged view illustrating an example of a section division of a specific phase interval of an AC waveform of a measured current, which is used to process partial discharge data, and one section. In the chart illustrated in <FIG>, a horizontal axis indicates a phase, and a vertical axis indicates a voltage.

In one section defined by a specific phase interval of an AC waveform <NUM>, the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> obtains the charge amount of the partial discharge in this section, from the digitized signal. As the charge amount, the sum of partial discharge pulse signals <NUM> or the maximum value <NUM> of the partial discharge pulse signal <NUM> is obtained. Similarly, the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> obtains the sum or the maximum value <NUM> of the partial discharge pulse signal <NUM>, as the charge amount in each section in all sections of the specific phase interval.

The specific phase interval is obtained by dividing one cycle of <NUM>° of an AC waveform of <NUM> or <NUM> by a predetermined number. For example, one section can be set to have a phase interval of <NUM>° by dividing one cycle of <NUM>° by <NUM> sections. Note that, in <FIG>, for convenience of illustration, one cycle of the AC waveform is divided into <NUM> sections, but the number of sections is not limited to <NUM> sections in <FIG>.

Further, a digital signal of the AC waveform, which is obtained by digitization of the low-speed AD converter <NUM> from the analog signal of the AC waveform is used as the AC waveform <NUM>. Then, the phase of the AC waveform is obtained from the digital signal of the AC waveform, and the obtained phase of the AC waveform is used to divide the AC waveform into specific phase intervals as illustrated in <FIG>.

As described above, the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> obtains the sum or the maximum value of the partial discharge pulse signal <NUM>, as the charge amount of the partial discharge in all the sections of the specific phase intervals. Then, data of the obtained charge amount of the partial discharge is thinned out by signal processing of the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM>.

Therefore, in the signal processing in the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM>, only the maximum charge amount is extracted and recorded among the charge amounts (sums or maximum values of the amplitude of the partial discharge pulse signal <NUM>) of the partial discharge in all the sections of the specific phase intervals in a predetermined cycle of the AC waveform. Thus, pieces of digital data corresponding to a predetermined number of cycles in all the sections of the phase interval are thinned out to one piece of data indicating the maximum charge amount. The predetermined cycle of the AC waveform is selected from, for example, a range of <NUM> cycles to <NUM> cycles.

For example, in a case where the above-described one cycle of <NUM>° is divided into <NUM> sections to obtain the charge amount and the predetermined cycle of the AC waveform is set to <NUM> cycles, pieces (<NUM> × <NUM> = <NUM>) of data of the charge amount of the partial discharge are recorded. Therefore, the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> thins out other pieces of data so that only one piece of data indicating the maximum value of the charge amount of the partial discharge remains.

As described above, even though the pieces of digital data corresponding to the predetermined number of cycles in all sections of the phase interval are thinned to one maximum charge amount, the maximum charge amount after thinning changes depending on whether or not the partial discharge occurs. Thus, whether or not the partial discharge occurs is reflected in the maximum charge amount. Thus, it is possible to detect whether or not the partial discharge occurs, by the maximum charge amount.

As described above, the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> thins out the pieces of data and transmits the remaining data (extracted data of the maximum charge amount) to the higher measuring device <NUM> from the communication unit <NUM> via the external network <NUM>.

The higher measuring device <NUM> monitors the transition of the data (data of the maximum charge amount) received from the external network <NUM>. The higher measuring device <NUM> monitors the transition of the maximum charge amount, and thus it is possible to monitor the signs of the insulation deterioration of the power cable <NUM>. In addition, it is possible to predict the lifespan of the existing power cable <NUM> by examining the deterioration state of the power cable <NUM>.

Then, in the higher measuring device <NUM>, if the currently-received data of the maximum charge amount of the partial discharge and the previously-received data of the maximum charge amount of the partial discharge are continuously compared with each other, it is possible to recognize the progress of deterioration of all multiple power cables <NUM> at any time.

The flowchart in <FIG> illustrates the method of processing the partial discharge data described above.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of the method of processing the partial discharge data.

Firstly, the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> obtains the maximum value or the sum of a current for each section of the AC waveform of a specific phase interval in all sections, and uses the obtained maximum value or sum as the charge amount in each section (S1).

Then, the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> extracts the maximum value of the charge amount in the section for each predetermined number of cycles of the AC waveform (S2). Thus, pieces (number of sections in one cycle x number of cycles) of data are thinned out to one piece of data.

Then, the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> transmits the data of the extracted maximum value of the charge amount to the higher measuring device <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM> (S3).

In this manner, the data thinned out by the extraction is transmitted to the higher measuring device <NUM>, and thus it is possible to reduce the amount of data transmitted to the higher measuring device <NUM>.

The partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> is always installed on the power cable <NUM> and monitors the state of the power cable <NUM>. Then, the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> thins out the data to reduce the amount of data to be transmitted to the higher measuring device <NUM>, and thus it is possible to reduce the cost or power consumption of the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM>. This makes it possible to realize the constant installation of the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM>.

Note that, the low-frequency analog input circuit <NUM>, the high-frequency analog input circuit <NUM>, the low-speed AD converter <NUM>, the high-speed AD converter <NUM>, and the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> can be configured by either hardware or computer software.

In a case where each processing unit is configured by hardware, the processing unit is configured by an integrated circuit or the like provided in the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM>.

In a case where each processing unit is configured by computer software, the processing unit is configured so that a processor such as a microcomputer can interpret and execute a program for realizing each function of the analog input circuit, the AD converter, and the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit.

In addition, some processing units can be configured by hardware, and the remaining unit can be configured by computer software.

More preferably, the low-frequency analog input circuit <NUM>, the high-frequency analog input circuit <NUM>, the low-speed AD converter <NUM>, the high-speed AD converter <NUM>, and the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> are configured by hardware.

In a case where the processing units are configured by computer software, a memory for storing calculation results and the like is required, and power for starting the software and operating the memory is also required.

On the other hand, in a case of being configured by hardware, the power for starting software and operating the memory is not required. Thus, it is possible to reduce the power required to operate the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> in comparison to a case of being configured by computer software. This makes it possible to install more partial discharge detection apparatuses <NUM> for all the multiple power cables <NUM>.

Then, with the characteristics of a reflected-noise filter of the high-frequency analog input circuit <NUM>, it is possible to cause an analog signal in a plurality of Nyquist frequency domains as illustrated in <FIG> described later to pass. Then, in the high-speed AD converter <NUM>, the analog signal in the plurality of Nyquist frequency domains is converted into a digital signal. Thus, a wide band (for example, <NUM> to <NUM>) analog signal in a plurality of Nyquist frequency domains is converted into a digital signal, so that it is possible to detect the partial discharge occurring over a wide band.

Further, since the analog signal in the plurality of Nyquist frequency domains is converted, it is possible to reduce the sampling frequency in comparison to the baseband sampling method in which an analog signal in the first Nyquist frequency domain is converted. Thus, it is not necessary to use expensive components for the high-speed AD converter <NUM> and the digital signal processing unit <NUM>, and it is possible to form the high-speed AD converter <NUM> and the digital signal processing unit <NUM> with relatively inexpensive components. Therefore, it is possible to realize a configuration for detecting the partial discharge by combining relatively inexpensive components.

In addition, the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> divides one cycle of the AC waveform by a predetermined phase interval, and obtains the charge amount (maximum value or sum of the current value of the partial discharge) of the partial discharge for all sections of the predetermined phase interval. Thus, a signal of the charge amount (maximum value or sum of the current) of the partial discharge is obtained from all digital signals of the current of the partial discharge, which are obtained by conversion of the high-speed AD converter <NUM>, so that the amount of the signal is reduced.

Further, the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> extracts the maximum value of the charge amount of the partial discharge for each predetermined number of cycles of the AC waveform in all the sections. Thus, signals of the charge amount, of which the number is (number of sections × predetermined number of cycles), are thinned out to one signal of the maximum charge amount, and thus the amount of the signal is reduced.

As described above, the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> performs processing of reducing the amount of the signal of the partial discharge current, which is obtained by digital conversion of the high-speed AD converter <NUM>. Thus, even though the signal in a wide frequency domain of a plurality of Nyquist frequency domains is handled, the amount of the signal after processing is reduced. Since the amount of the signal is reduced, it is possible to realize, for example, simplification of the configuration (memory, and the like) for storing the signal, overflow prevention when data is transmitted from the communication unit <NUM> to the external network <NUM>, reduction of the power consumption of the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM>, and the like.

In addition, the signal of the partial discharge is reduced in a manner that the phase of the AC waveform is obtained from the digital signal of the AC waveform, which is obtained by digital conversion of the low-speed AD converter <NUM>, and the obtained phase of the AC waveform is divided into sections of a predetermined phase interval. By using the phase of the AC waveform, it is possible to easily reduce the amount of the signal from the signal in a wide frequency range.

Further, since it is possible to prevent the overflow when the communication unit <NUM> transmits data to the external network <NUM>, the higher measuring device <NUM> can surely recognize the occurrence of the partial discharge in real time.

Since it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM>, it is possible to install more partial discharge detection apparatuses <NUM> for all the multiple power cables <NUM>. Further, in contrast to the conventional detection method focusing on that the partial discharge detection apparatus is mainly moved to a location at which the measurement is desired, multiple partial discharge detection apparatuses <NUM> are installed stationary. Thus, the higher measuring device <NUM> can always monitor the occurrence of the partial discharge.

Then, in the first embodiment, all digital signals of the partial discharge current, which are obtained by digital conversion of the high-speed AD converter <NUM> are reduced to one signal of the maximum charge amount for each predetermined number of cycles of the AC waveform. Thus, the amount of the signal is significantly reduced. Accordingly, the effect of simplifying the configuration (memory, and the like) for storing the signal and reducing the power consumption of the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> is increased, and it is possible to achieve the simplification of the configuration of the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> or the reduction of the component cost.

Further, the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> includes the communication unit <NUM>, and the communication unit <NUM> is connected to the higher measuring device <NUM> via the external network <NUM> and is configured to transmit data from the communication unit <NUM>. Thus, in comparison to a case where the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> and the higher measuring device <NUM> are connected to each other by wire, the degree of freedom in the installation of the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> is increased, and it is possible to install more partial discharge detection apparatuses <NUM> for all the multiple power cables <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> of the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM>.

The partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> includes a phase-zero detection unit <NUM>, a cycle counter <NUM>, a high-speed AD data input number counter <NUM>, a phase counter <NUM>, the partial discharge information table <NUM>, and a magnitude determination unit <NUM>.

The phase-zero detection unit <NUM> detects the phase of <NUM> (phase of <NUM>°) of the AC waveform from AC waveform sample data from the low-speed AD converter <NUM>. After the detection, a reset is output to the phase counter <NUM>, and the sampling frequency switcher <NUM> switches the sampling mode signal.

The period counter <NUM> counts the cycle of the AC waveform using the signal from the phase-zero detection unit <NUM>, and outputs the counted number of cycles to the partial discharge information table <NUM>. Further, the cycle counter <NUM> outputs a transmission instruction to transmit all pieces of data in the partial discharge information table <NUM> to the communication unit <NUM> at a predetermined timing, and then issues an instruction to clear all the pieces of data in the partial discharge information table <NUM>. The timing at which the transmission instruction is output from the cycle counter <NUM> is, for example, every <NUM> cycles of the AC waveform.

The high-speed AD data input number counter <NUM> counts the number of times of sampling (number of times of data acquisition) of partial discharge data.

The phase counter <NUM> resets the phase count of the AC waveform by the reset from the phase-zero detection unit <NUM> output at a timing at which the phase of <NUM> of the AC waveform is detected. Then, the phase of the AC waveform is counted using the signal input from the high-speed AD data input number counter <NUM>.

In the partial discharge information table <NUM>, data of a digital signal obtained by conversion at the first sampling frequency (<NUM>) and data of a digital signal obtained by conversion at the second sampling frequency (<NUM>) are recorded for each predetermined phase interval obtained by dividing one cycle of the AC waveform. A detailed configuration example of the partial discharge information table <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> described later.

The magnitude determination unit <NUM> performs the magnitude determination by comparing data recorded in the partial discharge information table <NUM> with the data of the digital signal obtained by conversion of the high-speed AD converter <NUM> at the same phase interval. Then, the magnitude determination unit <NUM> updates the data recorded in the partial discharge information table <NUM> with the data of the digital signal obtained by the conversion of the high-speed AD converter <NUM>, which is determined to be larger than the data recorded in the partial discharge information table <NUM>.

For example, the magnitude determination unit <NUM> determines the magnitudes of pieces of data by comparing sample data of the partial discharge from the high-speed AD converter <NUM> with read data in the partial discharge information table <NUM>. Then, in a case where the sample data of the partial discharge is larger than the read data, the magnitude determination unit <NUM> outputs write data (described as "maximum-value update write data" in <FIG>) for writing the sample data of the partial discharge in the partial discharge information table <NUM>. The maximum value of the partial discharge information table <NUM> is updated by the write data output from the magnitude determination unit <NUM>.

Note that, the units <NUM> to <NUM> of the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> can be configured by either hardware or computer software.

In a case where the units <NUM> to <NUM> are configured by hardware, the units are configured by an integrated circuit or the like.

Further, in a case where the units <NUM> to <NUM> are configured by computer software, the units are configured so that a processor such as a microcomputer interprets and executes a program for realizing each function of the units <NUM> to <NUM>.

In addition, some of the units <NUM> to <NUM> can be configured by hardware, and the remaining unit can be configured by computer software.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a sampling switching timing of the high-speed AD converter <NUM>.

The waveform diagram (<NUM>) of <FIG> represents an example of an AC waveform having a commercial frequency. The commercial frequency is, for example, <NUM> or <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the description will be made on the assumption that the commercial frequency is <NUM>.

The sampling switching timing (<NUM>) in <FIG> represents a timing at which the high-speed AD converter <NUM> switches the sampling frequency. The sampling frequency of the high-speed AD converter <NUM> is switched to either <NUM> or <NUM> for each one cycle of the AC waveform of the commercial frequency. As described above, the high-speed AD converter <NUM> performs alternate switching between processing of converting an analog signal into a digital signal at the first sampling frequency (<NUM>) and processing of converting an analog signal into a digital signal at the second sampling frequency (<NUM>), for each predetermined cycles of the AC waveform.

The sampling data (<NUM>) in <FIG> represents sampling data of a partial discharge pulse of <NUM> or <NUM>, which is output from the high-speed AD converter <NUM> for each one cycle of the AC waveform. The magnitude determination is performed to determine whether the sampling data of <NUM> and <NUM> is larger than the maximum value stored in the partial discharge information table <NUM>. Then, the data in the partial discharge information table <NUM> is updated with the larger value.

All the pieces of data recorded in the partial discharge information table <NUM> are transferred to the communication unit <NUM> and then output to the external network <NUM> as the partial discharge detection result. Then, the higher measuring device <NUM> receives all the pieces of data of the partial discharge information table <NUM> via the external network <NUM>, and collectively monitors the partial discharge.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating the frequency bands in <NUM> and <NUM> sampling in the high-speed AD converter <NUM>. The first to n-th Nyquist boundaries have a bandwidth interval of <NUM>/<NUM> of the sampling frequency. That is, the Nyquist boundary appears, for example, every <NUM> in the case of <NUM> sampling and every <NUM> in the case of <NUM> sampling.

As illustrated at the upper part of <FIG>, the frequency band of the partial discharge pulse is considered to be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. Therefore, two types of sampling frequencies are set so that Nyquist boundaries do not overlap as wide as possible. Here, the sampling frequency is set under a condition that the value of the least common multiple of two types of sampling frequencies <NUM>/<NUM> (Nyquist boundary frequency) is larger than the frequency band of the partial discharge pulse.

For example, in a case where the partial discharge pulse is <NUM>, it is possible to detect the partial discharge pulse under the <NUM> sampling condition even though it is not possible to detect the partial discharge pulse under the <NUM> sampling condition. On the contrary, in a case where the partial discharge pulse is <NUM>, it is possible to detect the partial discharge pulse under the <NUM> sampling condition even though it is not possible to detect the partial discharge pulse under the <NUM> sampling condition.

From the above description, even with the high-speed AD converter <NUM> that does not satisfy the sampling theorem, it is possible to reliably observe the partial discharge pulse.

Next, counting the phase of the AC waveform and detecting partial discharge in the method of processing the partial discharge data will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of the phase count of the AC waveform and the detection processing of the partial discharge.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating a form in which the magnitude determination unit <NUM> detects the partial discharge in one cycle of the AC waveform.

Firstly, as illustrated at the top of <FIG> (that is, at the start), the phase-zero detection unit <NUM> detects the phase of <NUM>° of the AC waveform based on AC waveform sample data input from the low-speed AD converter <NUM> for acquiring a <NUM> AC waveform.

At this time, as illustrated in <FIG>, the AC waveform <NUM> is the leftmost zero crossing point.

Then, when the phase-zero detection unit <NUM> detects the phase <NUM>°, the phase-zero detection unit <NUM> outputs a reset pulse (initialization pulse) to the phase counter <NUM> to initialize the phase counter <NUM> (S11). At this time, as illustrated at the upper left of <FIG>, the value of the phase counter <NUM> is "<NUM>".

Then, the magnitude determination unit <NUM> acquires the maximum detection value corresponding to the phase of the phase counter <NUM>, from the partial discharge information table <NUM> that refers to the phase counter <NUM> (S12). Here, the phase of the phase counter <NUM> is transmitted to the partial discharge information table <NUM> as a reference address. Then, the maximum detection value (read data) corresponding to the reference address is acquired from the partial discharge information table <NUM> and transmitted to the magnitude determination unit <NUM>.

As illustrated at the lower right of <FIG>, the partial discharge information table <NUM> is configured by the phases of sections (<NUM> sections) of each <NUM>° phase and the maximum detection value (maximum value of the charge amount of the partial discharge for <NUM> cycles) of the section of the phase for <NUM> cycles of the AC waveform. Then, the magnitude determination unit <NUM> uses the value of the phase (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,. , <NUM>) of the phase counter <NUM> as a reference address to acquire the maximum detection value (read data) of the section of the phase for <NUM> cycles of the AC waveform, from the partial discharge information table <NUM>.

Then, the magnitude determination unit <NUM> acquires the input value (charge amount) of the partial discharge from the sample data of the partial discharge acquired by the high-speed AD converter <NUM> (S13). The input value (charge amount) of the partial discharge is represented as the partial discharge pulse signal <NUM> which is sampled at a sampling interval (<NUM> ns) of <NUM> of the high-speed AD converter <NUM> or a sampling interval (<NUM> ns) of <NUM> of the high-speed AD converter <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Then, the magnitude determination unit <NUM> compares the maximum detection value of the partial discharge acquired from the partial discharge information table <NUM> with the input value (charge amount) of the partial discharge acquired from the high-speed AD converter <NUM> (S14). In a case of the maximum value (maximum detection value in the partial discharge information table <NUM>) < input value (Yes in S14), the magnitude determination unit <NUM> updates the maximum value (maximum detection value) of the partial discharge information table <NUM> with the input value (S15). Then, the process proceed to Step S16.

In a case of the maximum value (maximum detection value in the partial discharge information table <NUM>) ≥ input value (No in S14), the partial discharge information table <NUM> is not updated. Then, after No in S14 or the process of Step S15, the magnitude determination unit <NUM> determines whether the sampling frequency value is <NUM> or <NUM> (S16).

In a case where the magnitude determination unit <NUM> determines that the sampling frequency value is <NUM>, the high-speed AD data input number counter <NUM> checks whether the input value is acquired <NUM> number of times from the high-speed AD converter <NUM> (whether the phase <NUM>° has passed), based on the elapsed time (S17).

Here, the number of input values = (elapsed time/sampling interval <NUM> ns), and the input value for <NUM> number of times is about <NUM>. Therefore, every time <NUM> elapses, a signal may be output from the high-speed AD data input number counter <NUM>.

Then, in a case where the high-speed AD data input number counter <NUM> acquires the input value <NUM> number of times (Yes in S17), the process proceeds to Step S19. On the other hand, if the high-speed AD data input number counter <NUM> has not acquired the input value <NUM> times (No in S17), the process returns to Step S12 and continues processing.

On the other hand, in a case where the magnitude determination unit <NUM> determines that the sampling frequency value is <NUM> in Step S16, the high-speed AD data input number counter <NUM> checks whether the input value is acquired <NUM> number of times from the high-speed AD converter <NUM> (whether the phase <NUM>° has passed), based on the elapsed time (S18).

Then, in a case where the high-speed AD data input number counter <NUM> acquires the input value <NUM> number of times (Yes in S18), the process proceeds to Step S19. On the other hand, in a case where the high-speed AD data input number counter <NUM> does not acquire the input value <NUM> number of times (No in S18), the process returns to Step S12 and continues the processing.

As described above, the steps of Steps S12 to S18 are repeated until the high-speed AD data input number counter <NUM> acquires the input value <NUM> number of times if the sampling frequency value is <NUM>, and acquires the input value <NUM> number of times if the sampling frequency value is <NUM>. Thus, the maximum value <NUM> of the input values (charge amount) of the partial discharge pulse signal <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is compared with the maximum detected value in the partial discharge information table <NUM>. Then, if the maximum value <NUM> of the input value is larger, the maximum detection value of the partial discharge information table <NUM> is updated to the maximum value <NUM> of the input value.

After Yes in Step S17 or Yes in Step S18, the phase counter <NUM> is advanced by + <NUM>° (S19), and the process proceeds to Step S12. At this time, a signal of a <NUM>° elapsed increment is output from the high-speed AD data input number counter <NUM> to the phase counter <NUM>.

At this time, in <FIG>, the phase counter <NUM> shifts to the next phase section. For example, the phase shifts from the phase <NUM> section to the phase <NUM> section.

Then, for the next phase section, the input value of the partial discharge is acquired and the input value is compared with the maximum detection value in the partial discharge information table <NUM>. In this manner, by counting the phase of the AC waveform and detecting the partial discharge, the input value (charge amount) of the partial discharge is detected for each section of the predetermined phase interval of the AC waveform, and the maximum value of the charge amount of the partial discharge for each section is extracted.

Further, in the next cycle of the AC waveform <NUM>, the phase-zero detection unit <NUM> transmits an instruction to switch the sampling mode to the sampling frequency switcher <NUM>. Then, the sampling mode of the high-speed AD converter <NUM> is switched to a sampling mode different from the sampling mode set in the previous cycle of the AC waveform <NUM>. For example, if the <NUM> mode is set in the previous cycle, the <NUM> sampling mode is set in the next cycle. On the contrary, if the <NUM> sampling mode is set in the previous cycle, the <NUM> sampling mode of is set in the next cycle. Then, the processing illustrated in <FIG> is performed by the switched sampling mode.

Next, clearing the partial discharge information table <NUM> and transmitting the partial discharge information to the communication unit <NUM> in the method of processing the partial discharge data will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of clearing the partial discharge information table <NUM> and processing of transmitting the partial discharge information to the communication unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a timing at which the partial discharge information table <NUM> is cleared, and a timing at which partial discharge information is transmitted.

Firstly, the cycle counter <NUM> of the AC waveform is initialized (S21). At this time, the cycle counter <NUM> is initialized to the value "<NUM>" as illustrated in <FIG>.

Then, the partial discharge information table <NUM> is cleared (S22). At this time, a table clear signal is transmitted from the cycle counter <NUM> to the partial discharge information table <NUM>. Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, the partial discharge information table <NUM> to which the table clear signal is input is cleared.

Then, the phase-zero detection unit <NUM> checks whether or not the phase <NUM>° of the AC waveform is detected (S23). The Step S23 represents the same processing as the detection of the phase <NUM>° described at the top (starting point) of the flowchart of <FIG>. In a case where the phase-zero detection unit <NUM> detects the phase <NUM>° (Yes in S23), the process proceeds to Step S24. In a case where the phase <NUM>° is not detected (No in S23), the process returns to Step S23.

Then, in a case of Yes in Step S23, the cycle counter <NUM> checks whether the AC waveform is in the 10th cycle (S24). In a case where the AC waveform is in the 10th cycle (Yes in S24), the process proceeds to Step S25. In a case where the AC waveform is not in the 10th cycle (No in S24), the process proceeds to Step S26.

In a case where the cycle counter <NUM> determines that the AC waveform is in the 10th cycle (Yes in S24), all the pieces of data in the partial discharge information table <NUM> are transmitted from the partial discharge information table <NUM> to the communication unit <NUM> (S25). Then, the phase-zero detection unit <NUM> initializes the cycle counter <NUM>.

At this time, in <FIG>, the value of the cycle counter <NUM> is "<NUM>", which corresponds to the 10th cycle. Then, the cycle counter <NUM> is initialized, and thus the value of the cycle counter <NUM> returns to "<NUM>", which corresponds to the first cycle.

Further, before the cycle counter <NUM> is initialized and the partial discharge information table <NUM> is cleared, all the pieces of data in the partial discharge information table <NUM>, which are transmitted to the communication unit <NUM> are transmitted from the communication unit <NUM> to the higher measuring device <NUM>. Then, when the cycle counter <NUM> is initialized, the partial discharge information table <NUM> is also cleared.

In a case where the cycle counter <NUM> determines that the AC waveform is not in the 10th cycle (No in S24), the AC cycle increment signal from the phase-zero detection unit <NUM> is input to the cycle counter <NUM>, and the cycle counter <NUM> increments (S26). At this time, as illustrated in <FIG>, the value of the cycle counter <NUM> increases by <NUM> from <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, and shifts to the next cycle of the AC waveform.

As described above, the steps of Steps S23 to S26 are repeated until the AC waveform has passed <NUM> cycles. Thus, the cycle of the AC waveform is measured starting from the phase <NUM>° of the AC waveform, and all the pieces of data are transmitted from the partial discharge information table <NUM> to the communication unit <NUM> every <NUM> cycles of the AC waveform. Then, after the cycle counter <NUM> is initialized and the partial discharge information table <NUM> is cleared, the process proceeds to processing in the next <NUM> cycles.

Next, monitoring of data transition in the higher measuring device <NUM> will be described.

The higher measuring device <NUM> performs comparison of the data in the partial discharge information table <NUM>, which is received from the communication unit <NUM> of the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> with reference to the partial discharge information table <NUM>, which has been previously received. Then, the data in the current partial discharge information table <NUM> received from the communication unit <NUM> is compared with the data in the partial discharge information table <NUM>, which is used as the reference and has been previously received. In a case where it is determined that the increase of the maximum detection value of the partial discharge is large, the higher measuring device transmits an alarm that there is a sign of the insulation deterioration in the power cable <NUM>.

Note that, the reception time of the partial discharge information table <NUM> previously received from the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM>, which is referred to by the higher measuring device <NUM>, can be preferable to be freely selected, for example, <NUM> day ago, <NUM> month ago, <NUM> year ago, and the like depending on the setting of a user.

Further, as a criterion for determining that the increase of the maximum detection value of the partial discharge is large, a predetermined criterion may be selected, for example, the maximum detection value is doubled or more.

Next, a method for determining the presence or absence of insulation deterioration of the power cable will be described.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in which the higher measuring device <NUM> determines whether or not the insulation of the power cable is deteriorated.

Firstly, the higher measuring device <NUM> receives the partial discharge information table <NUM>, as illustrated at the top of <FIG> (that is, at the start). That is, all the pieces of data in the partial discharge information table <NUM> transmitted from the communication unit <NUM> are received by the higher measuring device <NUM>.

Then, the higher measuring device <NUM> refers to the partial discharge information table <NUM> received previously (S31). Then, the higher measuring device <NUM> compares the data of the previously-received table with the data of the currently-received table for each phase of the AC waveform (S32).

Then, the higher measuring device <NUM> determines whether the increase of the maximum value of the data detected as the partial discharge is larger than that in the previous case (S33). In a case where the higher measuring device <NUM> determines that the increase of the maximum value of the data detected as the partial discharge is larger than that in the previous case (Yes in S33), the higher measuring device outputs an alarm indicating that "there is a sign of the insulation deterioration" (S34), and then ends the processing.

On the other hand, in a case where the higher measuring device <NUM> determines that the increase of the maximum value of the data detected as the partial discharge is not larger than that in the previous case (No in S33), the higher measuring device does not issue the alarm as "no sign of insulation deterioration" (S35), and then ends the processing.

In this manner, in a case where the higher measuring device <NUM> determines that there is a sign of the insulation deterioration, the higher measuring device can output the alarm to inform the sign of the insulation deterioration.

In the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment described above, in order to prevent the frequency component of the partial discharge pulse from being at the boundaries of the first, second, third, and n-th Nyquist frequency bands, two types (<NUM> and <NUM>) of the sampling frequencies are provided for the high-speed AD converter <NUM>. Further, the switching of the sampling frequency is performed at the timing of each cycle of the commercial frequency.

Therefore, for a wideband partial discharge pulse, the high-speed AD converter <NUM> observes the partial discharge pulse under the condition of not satisfying the sampling theorem, and switches the frequency between the two types of sampling frequencies at the timing of the commercial frequency. Then, the high-speed AD converter <NUM> digitizes the analog signal input from the high-frequency analog input circuit <NUM>. The magnitude determination unit <NUM> determines the magnitude of the data by comparing the sample data of the partial discharge, which is input from the high-frequency analog input circuit <NUM>, with the read data in the partial discharge information table <NUM>, and updates the partial discharge information table <NUM> with the larger data. Therefore, the partial discharge information table <NUM> allows the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> to detect the presence or absence of a partial discharge pulse under the condition of not satisfying the sampling theorem. As described above, in the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment, even though the frequency band of a partial discharge pulse overlaps a Nyquist boundary of an analog signal of a partial discharge current sampled at a certain sampling frequency, it is possible to detect the partial discharge pulse at a location different from a Nyquist boundary of an analog signal sampled at another sampling frequency.

In addition, the higher measuring device <NUM> compares the previously-received partial discharge information table <NUM> with the currently-received partial discharge information table <NUM> for each phase of the AC waveform, and determines whether the increase of the maximum value of the data detected as the partial discharge is larger than that in the previous case. If the increase of the maximum value of the data is large, the alarm indicating that "there is a sign of the insulation deterioration" can be issued.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the sampling frequency of the high-speed AD converter <NUM> is set to <NUM> or <NUM>, but sampling may be performed at a different sampling frequency other than <NUM> and <NUM>. Even in this case, it is desirable that the value of the least common multiple of the values of <NUM>/<NUM> of the two sampling frequencies be larger than the frequency band of the partial discharge.

Next, a configuration example of a partial discharge detection apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a partial discharge detection system 1A configured using a partial discharge detection apparatus 1000A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the partial discharge detection apparatus 1000A forming the partial discharge detection system 1A according to the second embodiment, two high-frequency analog input circuits <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to the current transformer <NUM>. The same analog signal (analog value) is input from the current transformer <NUM> to the high-frequency analog input circuits <NUM> and <NUM>.

The analog signal from the high-frequency analog input circuit <NUM> is input to a first high-speed AD converter <NUM>. The first high-speed AD converter <NUM> digitizes the analog signal input from the high-frequency analog input circuit <NUM> at a sampling frequency of <NUM> based on the <NUM> sampling clock input from a <NUM> oscillator <NUM>. Then, the digital signal of the AC waveform, which is obtained by digitization at the sampling frequency of <NUM> is input to a partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit 1300A. The digital signal input to the digital signal processing unit 1300A by the first high-speed AD converter <NUM> is also referred to as "first sample data of partial discharge".

Further, the analog signal from the high-frequency analog input circuit <NUM> is input to a second high-speed AD converter <NUM>. The second high-speed AD converter <NUM> digitizes the analog signal input from the high-frequency analog input circuit <NUM> at a sampling frequency of <NUM> based on the <NUM> sampling clock input from a <NUM> oscillator <NUM>. Then, the digital signal of the AC waveform, which is obtained by digitization at the sampling frequency of <NUM> is input to the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit 1300A. The digital signal input to the digital signal processing unit 1300A by the second high-speed AD converter <NUM> is also referred to as "second sample data of partial discharge".

The partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit 1300A performs digital signal processing for detecting the partial discharge, based on a digital signal of the AC waveform having a commercial frequency, which is input from the low-speed AD converter <NUM>, and a digital signal of a partial discharge current input from each of the first high-speed AD converter <NUM> and the second high-speed AD converter <NUM>. Therefore, in the partial discharge detection apparatus 1000A according to the present embodiment, the sampling frequency switcher <NUM> provided in the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment is not required.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit 1300A of the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM>.

The partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit 1300A has the same configuration as the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> according to the first embodiment, but data input to a magnitude determination unit 1306A is different. Specifically, the first sample data of partial discharge is input from the first high-speed AD converter <NUM> to the magnitude determination unit 1306A, and the second sample data of the partial discharge is input from the second high-speed AD converter <NUM> to the magnitude determination unit 1306A.

Then, the magnitude determination unit 1306A performs the magnitude determination of which one of a value obtained by superposing the first sample data and the second sample data of the partial discharge and the maximum value read from the partial discharge information table <NUM> is larger. In a case where the value obtained by superposing the first sample data and the second sample data of the partial discharge is larger than the maximum value read from the partial discharge information table <NUM>, the magnitude determination unit 1306A updates the data of the partial discharge information table <NUM>.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the sampling data of the first high-speed AD converter <NUM> and the second high-speed AD converter <NUM>.

The waveform diagram (<NUM>) of <FIG> represents an example of an AC waveform having a commercial frequency. The commercial frequency is, for example, <NUM> or <NUM>.

The sampling data (<NUM>) in <FIG> represents the sampling data of the partial discharge pulse sampled at the sampling frequency of <NUM> by the first high-speed AD converter <NUM>. At this time, the first high-speed AD converter <NUM> performs processing of converting an analog signal into a digital signal at the first sampling frequency (<NUM>).

The sampling data (<NUM>) in <FIG> represents the sampling data of the partial discharge pulse sampled at a sampling frequency of <NUM> by the second high-speed AD converter <NUM>. At this time, the second high-speed AD converter <NUM> performs processing of converting an analog signal into a digital signal at the second sampling frequency (<NUM>).

The sampling data (<NUM>) in <FIG> represents the sampling data of <NUM> and the sampling data of <NUM> which are superposed. The processing of converting an analog signal into a digital signal by the first high-speed AD converter <NUM> and the second high-speed AD converter <NUM> is performed at the same phase interval obtained by dividing one cycle of the AC waveform.

As described above, by superposing the sampling data of <NUM> and the sampling data of <NUM>, the magnitude determination unit 1306A can obtain the maximum value of the sampling data for each phase of the AC waveform of the commercial frequency.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating a form in which the magnitude determination unit 1306A detects the partial discharge in one cycle of the AC waveform.

As described above, the values (input values) of the sampling data of <NUM> and the sampling data of <NUM> are compared with the maximum detection value of the AC waveform for <NUM> cycles, which is acquired from the partial discharge information table <NUM>, for each of the phases (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,. , <NUM>) of the phase counter <NUM>. Then, in a case of the maximum value (maximum detection value in the partial discharge information table <NUM>) < input value, the magnitude determination unit 1306A updates the maximum value (maximum detection value) of the partial discharge information table <NUM> with the input value.

The maximum value updated in each phase in one cycle of the AC waveform is read from the partial discharge information table <NUM> and transmitted to the higher measuring device <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM>. Then, the higher measuring device <NUM> compares the data in the partial discharge information table <NUM>, which is received from the communication unit <NUM> of the partial discharge detection apparatus <NUM> with the data obtained by referring to the partial discharge information table <NUM>, which has been previously received. In a case where the higher measuring device <NUM> determines that the increase of the maximum value of the data detected as the partial discharge is larger than that in the previous case, the higher measuring device can output an alarm indicating that "there is a sign of the insulation deterioration".

The partial discharge detection apparatus 1000A according to the second embodiment described above includes the first high-speed AD converter <NUM> and the second high-speed AD converter <NUM>, and thus it is possible to digitize an analog signal at two different types of sampling frequencies at the same phase interval of the AC waveform. Then, the magnitude determination unit 1306A determines the magnitude of the data by comparing the two types of sample data with the read data in the partial discharge information table <NUM>. Thus, the partial-discharge-detection digital signal processing unit <NUM> can reliably check the presence or absence of the partial discharge pulse.

In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the specific phase interval of the AC waveform <NUM> is set to a section which is obtained by division into <NUM> and has a phase of <NUM>°, and further the predetermined cycle of the AC waveform <NUM> for extracting the maximum value of the charge amount is set to <NUM> cycles is described. However, the number of divisions of the specific phase interval of the AC waveform and the number of cycles of the AC waveform for extracting the maximum value of the charge amount are not limited to this example, and may have other values.

Then, a configuration may be made with a computer program or the like that can be controlled so that the setting can be freely changed by using the number of divisions of the phase interval and the number of cycles of the AC waveform as parameters.

Further, the number of cycles of the AC waveform for extracting the maximum value of the charge amount may be set to, for example, one cycle in a case of only the first Nyquist region and (n × <NUM>) cycles in a case of checking the first to n-th Nyquist regions, in accordance with the range of the Nyquist frequency domain for detecting the partial discharge.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the processing of obtaining the charge amount of the partial discharge from the partial discharge pulse signal <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is performed in all sections (for example, all sections obtained by division into <NUM>) of the specific phase interval of the AC waveform <NUM>.

On the other hand, the partial discharge digital signal processing units <NUM> and 1300A can also perform the processing of obtaining the charge amount of the partial discharge for some sections of the specific phase interval of the AC waveform. By obtaining the charge amount of the partial discharge for some sections, it is possible to reduce the amount of data in advance rather than obtaining the charge amount of the partial discharge for all the sections.

However, in a case where the partial discharge digital signal processing units <NUM> and 1300A obtain the charge amount of the partial discharge for some sections, when the partial discharge occurs in a section where the processing of obtaining the charge amount of the partial discharge is not performed, it is not possible to detect the occurred partial discharge. Accordingly, a section for performing the processing of obtaining the charge amount of the partial discharge is selected in accordance with the actual frequency of the partial discharge.

The frequency of the partial discharge is high near the zero cross of the AC waveform of <NUM> or <NUM> (the zero point where the sign of the current amount changes, the point where the phase is <NUM>°, <NUM>°, and <NUM>°), and the partial discharge is distributed before and after the zero cross. Thus, for example, sections of a predetermined number (for example, <NUM> pieces or <NUM> pieces) having a higher frequency of the partial discharge before and after the zero cross may be selected among <NUM> sections obtained by division into <NUM> as described above, and the charge amount of the partial discharge may be obtained for the selected section.

As described above, even in a case where the partial discharge digital signal processing units <NUM>, 1300A obtain the charge amount of the partial discharge for some sections of the specific phase interval of the AC waveform, the phase of the AC waveform is obtained from the digital signal of the AC waveform, and the AC waveform is divided into the specific phase intervals by using the obtained phase of the AC waveform.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments and modification examples, the charge amount of the partial discharge is obtained for all or some of the sections of the specific phase interval of the AC waveform, and the maximum value of the charge amount is extracted every predetermined number of cycles. In this manner, the amount of the signal is reduced.

The method of processing of reducing the amount of the partial discharge digital signal is not limited to the methods of the above-described embodiments and modification examples, and other methods can also be adopted. Even in a case where when other methods are adopted, the phase of the AC waveform is obtained from the digital signal of the AC waveform, and the processing of reducing the amount of the partial discharge digital signal is performed using the obtained phase of the AC waveform. Thus, it is possible to cause the partial discharge digital signal to correspond to the phase of the AC waveform. Thus, it is possible to reduce the amount of the partial discharge digital signal while the partial discharge that is likely to occur near the zero cross being a specific phase is more reliably detected.

Note that it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

For example, the above-described embodiments describe the configurations of the apparatus and the system in detail and concretely in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not necessarily limited to those including all the described configurations. In addition, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of the embodiment described here with the configuration of another embodiment, and further, it is possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Regarding some components in the embodiments, other components can also be added, deleted, and replaced.

Control lines and information lines considered necessary for the descriptions are illustrated, and not all the control lines and the information lines in the product are necessarily shown. In practice, it may be considered that almost all components are connected to each other.

Claim 1:
A partial discharge detection apparatus (<NUM>) for detecting partial discharge in a power cable (<NUM>) and recognizing an insulation deterioration state of the power cable (<NUM>), the apparatus (<NUM>), comprising:
a first converter (<NUM>) configured to convert an analog signal having an AC waveform flowing through the power cable (<NUM>) into a digital signal;
a second converter (<NUM>) configured to convert an analog signal of a partial discharge current into a digital signal, the analog signal being in a plurality of Nyquist frequency domains defined for each of two different types of sampling frequencies; and
a signal processing unit (<NUM>) configured to detect the partial discharge based on the maximum value or a sum of a current value, which is obtained from the digital signal of the partial discharge current converted by the second converter (<NUM>), for each phase of the AC waveform obtained from the digital signal having the AC waveform flowing through the power cable (<NUM>), the digital signal being obtained by the conversion of the first converter (<NUM>),
characterized in that:
the second converter (<NUM>) is configured to use a first sampling frequency and a second sampling frequency as the two different types of sampling frequencies, wherein the first sampling frequency and the second sampling frequency are set to values where the least common multiple of the value of <NUM>/<NUM> of the first sampling frequency and the value of <NUM>/<NUM> of the second sampling frequency is larger than a frequency band of the partial discharge.