A large power generation facility in China needed a practical way to monitor the insulation condition of its 110 kV power cables while they remained in service. The project deployed high-frequency current sensors and an IoT data concentrator supplied by Zhuhai Huanwang Technology to support continuous, online partial discharge (PD) monitoring.
The installation provides a foundation for observing PD-related signals on critical cable circuits and making condition information available through a centralized monitoring architecture.
Project at a glance
- Facility type: Large power generation facility
- Asset monitored: 110 kV high-voltage power cables
- Monitoring approach: Online partial discharge monitoring
- Key equipment: High-frequency current sensors and an IoT data concentrator
- Supplier: Zhuhai Huanwang Technology
- Customer identity: Withheld for confidentiality
The monitoring challenge
High-voltage cable insulation can deteriorate over time due to electrical, thermal, environmental, and installation-related stresses. Partial discharge is a localized electrical activity that may occur within insulation or around defects. If it is present, tracking its signals can help operators understand cable condition and decide whether further investigation is needed.
For a power generation facility, cable monitoring must be compatible with operating assets and provide useful information without relying solely on periodic offline testing. The project therefore called for an online monitoring arrangement designed for the facility’s 110 kV cable installation.
The solution: HFCT sensors with an IoT data concentrator
Zhuhai Huanwang Technology supplied high-frequency current sensors and an IoT data concentrator for the project. The sensors are installed at the cable grounding connection, as shown in the project installation photo. They detect high-frequency current signals associated with partial discharge activity.
The IoT data concentrator gathers monitoring data from the sensing equipment and provides a centralized point for communication and data handling. Together, the sensors and concentrator form an online monitoring chain for the 110 kV cable assets.
In practical terms, the system is designed to:
- Capture high-frequency signals at the cable grounding point using HFCT sensors.
- Collect and transmit sensor data through the IoT data concentrator.
- Support centralized review of cable PD monitoring information.
- Help operations and maintenance teams follow asset condition and determine whether further assessment is warranted.
The installation shown uses an HCT-series intelligent high-frequency current sensor. Exact model configuration, communication protocol, alarm thresholds, and system integration details should be confirmed against the project’s approved technical documentation before publication.
Installation and deployment
The project involved installing the high-frequency current sensing equipment at the cable grounding point and connecting it to the data concentrator. This arrangement enables online signal acquisition while the cable remains part of the facility’s operating electrical system.
The final configuration of any cable monitoring system depends on site conditions, grounding arrangement, sensor placement, communication requirements, and the owner’s monitoring strategy. Installation and commissioning should be performed by qualified personnel in accordance with applicable electrical safety procedures and approved design documents.
Project value
The deployment gives the facility a dedicated means of collecting PD-related signals from its 110 kV cable installation. By centralizing data from the field sensors, the system can support ongoing condition observation and help maintenance teams prioritize follow-up checks when monitoring information warrants further attention.
Online monitoring is a condition-assessment aid, not a guarantee that all insulation defects will be detected or that cable failures can be prevented. Data interpretation should consider operating conditions, background noise, sensor installation, trend history, and confirmation through appropriate diagnostic methods.
Frequently asked questions
What is online partial discharge monitoring for high-voltage cables?
Online partial discharge monitoring is the collection of electrical signals associated with localized discharge activity while a cable remains in service. It provides condition information that can be reviewed over time and used to guide further inspection or diagnostic testing.
How does an HFCT sensor monitor cable partial discharge?
A high-frequency current transformer (HFCT) sensor detects high-frequency current pulses that can travel through the cable grounding path. The sensor output is then collected by a monitoring device for analysis or communication to a centralized system. Sensor location and installation quality affect the signals received.
What role does an IoT data concentrator play?
An IoT data concentrator gathers data from field monitoring devices and provides a centralized interface for data communication and handling. The exact supported protocols, analytics, and integrations depend on the system configuration.
Can online PD monitoring replace offline cable testing?
Not by itself. Online monitoring can complement maintenance and diagnostic programs, but it should not be treated as a universal replacement for offline testing, inspections, or other condition-assessment methods. The appropriate combination depends on asset criticality, operating conditions, and applicable standards.
Which facility was involved in this project?
The customer is a large power generation facility in China. Its name and location are withheld for confidentiality.
About Zhuhai Huawang Technology
Zhuhai Huawang Technology provides sensing and data acquisition equipment for electrical asset monitoring. In this project, the company supplied high-frequency current sensors and an IoT data concentrator for online partial discharge monitoring of 110 kV power cables.
Looking for an online monitoring solution for high-voltage cables? Contact Zhuhai Huawang Technology to discuss cable configuration, sensor installation points, data communication requirements, and project-specific integration needs.