Electrical Discharge Detected on Substation Switching Equipment with SonaVu

In this case shared by Luis Vasquez the SonaVu Acoustic Imaging Camera was used to inspect energized equipment at an outdoor electrical substation.

The SonaVu Acoustic Imaging Camera is a very easy to use device. With auto gain enabled the device can essentially be picked up out-of-the-box, powered on, and pointed at pressurized lines for leak detection or energized equipment for the detection of arcing, tracking, corona, or partial discharge activity.

For this inspection the acoustic image is captured show ultrasonic activity on substation switching equipment, with the strongest ultrasonic sources appearing around the upper connection points, switch hardware, and nearby insulator assemblies.

It’s common for these areas to accumulate electrical stress. Contamination, lose hardware, damaged insulation, and poor contact condition are all contributing factors.

It's important to note that once discharge activity has started on an electrical asset it will not get better on its own and if it is not addressed by scheduled maintenance activities the electrical defect will schedule the maintenance activities for you.

Using the SonaVu, The inspector was able to visualize the ultrasonic source from a safe distance and document the location of the suspected discharge.

In substation environments, defects like corona, surface discharge, arcing, and tracking often begin before visual damage is present. Acoustic Imaging Cameras like the SonaVu or other methods of ultrasonic inspection from SDT Ultrasound Solutions gives technicians a fast way to quickly scan substation environments and determine if there is the need for corrective action.