Electricity networks across the Middle East – Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman – are being expanded and modernised to support urban growth, industry, desalination and tourism infrastructure. New GIS substations, interconnections and renewable integration are changing the asset base, while existing equipment must keep operating reliably in one of the most demanding climates in the world.
The Middle East environment: what it does to insulation
Extreme heat
Ambient temperatures regularly exceed 45°C in summer, and equipment inside enclosures runs hotter still. Thermal stress accelerates insulation ageing and increases PD probability at a given voltage stress.
Sand and dust
Sand and dust ingress deposits on insulation surfaces and inside enclosures, reducing flashover strength and contributing to surface discharge. Sealed GIS designs mitigate this, but monitoring is still required to verify that sealing and insulation integrity are maintained.
Large temperature swings
Day-night temperature differences cause mechanical movement and can stress gas compartments, SF6 pressure and insulation interfaces – conditions where PD and gas leaks first appear.
Standards landscape: IEC-based specifications
Utilities in the region specify equipment to IEC standards, and PD-related requirements sit within that framework:
- IEC 60270 – the reference for measuring apparent charge of partial discharges in laboratories, the basis for acceptance testing of new equipment.
- IEC 62271 series – high-voltage switchgear standards that reference PD test requirements for GIS and metal-enclosed switchgear.
- IEC 61850 – the substation communication standard that monitoring systems integrate with, so PD data can flow into the substation automation system.
For online monitoring, utilities typically specify the sensing technology (UHF, TEV, HFCT, ultrasonic) by asset type, sensitivity limits, and integration with the substation SCADA or monitoring platform.
Sensor selection for Middle East conditions
GIS substations – UHF sensors
For GIS, UHF sensors are the mainstream choice: they detect PD inside the gas compartment with high sensitivity and good noise immunity. Sensors can be fitted via dielectric windows on new equipment or retrofitted on existing bays. Combined with SF6 monitoring, UHF gives a full picture of the two main failure modes of desert GIS – insulation defects and gas loss.
Air-insulated switchgear and panels – TEV and ultrasonic
For AIS and metal-clad panels, TEV sensors measure surface discharge activity, and ultrasonic sensors detect discharges and tracking that produce airborne ultrasound. Both are non-invasive and suitable for retrofit on operating panels.
Power transformers and cables – HFCT
Clamp-on HFCT sensors monitor PD in transformer bushings and cable systems, which are exposed to the same heat and dust conditions.
Deployment considerations in the region
- Retrofit on live assets – sensors such as UHF dielectric-window couplers and TEV pads can be installed without taking GIS or panels out of service, important where redundancy is limited.
- Remote monitoring – with substations spread across the region, gateways and platforms that push PD trends to a central asset management team reduce the need for site visits.
- Data integration – monitoring outputs that integrate with IEC 61850 and SCADA environments fit existing utility workflows.
About HUWOR
Zhuhai Huawang Technology Co., Ltd. (HUWOR) supplies PD sensors, online monitoring systems, handheld detectors and IoT gateways for utilities and EPC contractors, with export and service coverage in the Middle East. The company supports OEM/ODM and project-based supply. Contact the HUWOR sales team for specifications and references.