An Acoustic Localization Sensor Based on MEMS Microphone Array for Partial Discharge

Abstract

Partial discharge (PD) localization is important for monitoring and maintaining high-voltage equipment, which can help to prevent accidents. In this work, an acoustic localization sensor based on microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone array is proposed, which can detect and locate the partial discharge through a beam-forming algorithm. The MEMS microphone array consists of eight commercial MEMS microphones (SPV08A0LR5H-1, Knowles Electronics, IL, USA) with an aperture size of about 0.1 m × 0.1 m, allowing for a small hardware size and low cost. In order to optimize the acoustic performance of the array, a random array topology is designed. The simulation analysis indicates that the designed random topology is superior to several commonly used topologies. In terms of the localization algorithm, a deconvolution method called Fourier-based fast iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm (FFT-FISTA) is applied. Simulation and experiment results demonstrate that FFT-FISTA used in the proposed acoustic localization sensor has significant advantages over the conventional beam-forming algorithm on spatial resolution and sidelobe suppression. Experimental results also show that the average localization error of the proposed scheme is about 0.04 m, which can meet the demands of practical application.

Application status and development trend of intelligent sensor technology in the electric power industry

“…Ref. [94] proposes a partial discharge localization method based on MEMS acoustic sensors, which uses beamforming algorithms to detect and locate partial discharges. The MEMS microphone array consists of eight commercial MEMS microphones with an aperture size of approximately 0.1 m × 0.1 m, enabling small hardware size and low cost.…”

Localization of Dual Partial Discharge in Transformer Windings Using Fabry–Pérot Optical Fiber Sensor Array

“…Secondly, transformers operate in environments with numerous interference signals, resulting in low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) for the signals measured by the sensors and large localization errors. Especially for partial discharge signals occurring within transformer windings, even in ideal environments, PZT can experience difficulty capturing this type of discharge signal [1,[14][15][16][17]. With the increasing application of optical technology in partial discharge detection, fiber-optic ultrasonic sensors have emerged as a novel method for detecting partial discharges.…”