Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R17799/01
Title:	Identification of Radio Frequency Emissions From Substation Insulation Defects
Principal Investigator:	Moore, Professor P
Other Investigators:	Glover, Professor IA
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	National Grid Radiocommunications Agency
Department:	Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Organisation:	University of Bath
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 September 2001	Ends:	29 February 2004	Value (£):	114,389
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Power Sys Man, Prot & Control Power Systems Plant
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Energy No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
This project aims to further the knowledge of power system originating radio frequency (rf) emissions in order to be able to identify different insulation defects. Minor insulation defects, causing partial discharges, are not uncommon in high voltage electrical substations. The defects can usually be detected by a site radio survey since the radiated signals from these sources can be readily sensed within the environs of the substation compound. However, the survey requires a skilled operator and is conducted at an interval of, typically, 6 months. Defects identified using this method are unlikely to cause significant damage to plant in the short term, but nevertheless, need to be identified in order that a more detailed investigation can be undertaken. Building on previous work involving the identification of radio frequency radiation from arcing events, the investigators intend to apply this knowledge to identifying specific defects in substation insulation by the application of digital signal processing techniques to digitally recorded defect signatures. A transmission utility such as National Grid can experience, annually, up to 30 defects of this type. The research team will accompany NGC engineers to sites of known insulation defects in order to digitally record radio frequency emissions and develop a database of recordings. This work has significant implications for substation plant insulation monitoring and for management of the radio frequency spectrum.
Key Findings
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Organisation Website:	http://www.bath.ac.uk