Evaluation of partial discharge signals

Abstract

A method for evaluating partial discharge signals. Partial discharge signals are captured, at only one point or at a plurality of points, near insulation of the electrical outer conductors of a multi-phase alternating current. The multi-phase alternating current, flowing in respective outer conductors, has fixed phase shifts relative to each other. Partial discharge signals are superposed on each other. At least one characteristic variable of the partial discharge signals is defined. Each partial discharge signal is assigned a phase position. A characteristic variable value of each characteristic variable is determined. Each partial discharge signal is assigned a number tuple from each characteristic variable value of the partial discharge signal and from the phase position. Clusters of the partial discharge signals in a multidimensional space with points formed by the number tuples are determined. A partial discharge activity is determined for each outer conductor from the determined clusters.